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ASUClaymate417
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 Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:34 pm Post subject: First Tattoo Questions |
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I've always thought it would be cool to have a tattoo... unfortunately I'm one of those people who has that pesky needle-phobia, so I've never really given the idea of getting inked any REAL consideration. Recently one of my friends has started looking at getting an industrial piercing done, so we went to a tattoo place near our college campus. While she was looking at the piercing stuff, I started looking through the tattoos.
I'm a theatre major... i LOVE theatre. Well, I came across some designs that had the comedy/tragedy masks. None of them really appealed to me though. I got home that night and, out of curiosity, I googled for more designs and found one that's just... its perfect. If I were to EVER get a tattoo... this would be the one.
http://www.tattoojohnny.com/tattoo-design-view.asp?sku=JJF-00725&k=theatre&page=1
So, I've started trying to do some research on tattoos... because the more I look at this design, the more I want it. But then again, there's that pesky lil needle-phobia popping up now and again.
I know everyone has different pain tolerances. That's what EVERYONE has told me that I've talked to. Everytime I ask someone to compare what their tattoo felt like, I get a different answer everytime. One person said it tickles more than actually hurts, unless they get close to a bone. One person said it felt like taking an eraser and continuously rubbing it on your skin. One person said it felt like someone drawing on you with an ink pen, but they were just bearing down harder. I've heard one person say it felt like they were getting burned by a cigarette. Its just a different response for everyone I guess, and I know what's got me so nervous about it is that I don't know how I'm going to respond to it.
I'm wanting to get it on my back/shoulder. Is that a good place to get a first tattoo... especially for someone who's a bit nervous about the "discomfort level" of the tattooing process? I'm thinking about getting it maybe... 1.5-2 inches in length... and I was wondering if anyone could give me a rough estimate on about how long it would take to get a tattoo about that size with that much detail done. Also, is this design too much detail for a first one, and again, with someone who's a bit nervous about the discomfort level?
I was also wondering if there are any tips on how to help to ease the "first tattoo anxiety".... short of drugs/alcohol/etc. I typically have to take xanax pills before I can get a shot or any needle work done at a Dr.s office... but I don't think tattoo artists want people coming in with xanax in their system. But is there anything else I can do to help calm my nerves from the anxiety?
If anyone would just like to chat with me about their first experiences or anything about tattoos... feel free to leave something here, or send me an IM on AIM. I'm usually online after 6:30pm EST quite a bit. But thanks for taking the time to read this and respond, and thanks for everyone's advice in advance.[/url]
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punksurfer024
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject: |
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| based on the size it most likely wouldnt take more then an hour. as for the position pain is up to the person....but at least there you wouldnt have to see the tattoo getting inked. |
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LDN
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:03 pm Post subject: |
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I absolutely HATE injection needles, can't handle them, but i'm fine with tattoooing.
This is because you never actually see the needles, they are just a silver blur and also they are tiny, so compared to a long visible needle that goes deep into you and slowly it shouldn't be a problem!
Go into a shop and ask if you can watch a tattoo gun in action and see what you think! |
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Butterfly9319
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:12 pm Post subject: |
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okay first..are you really a claymate!?! I've never seen a real one  . Okay sorry just had to get that out there  .
Okay for your question : I am not a fan of needles, I donate blood (well I did, and will be able to again in a few months) I have to turn away when they put the needle in, and I tend to get woosy when getting lab work. That being said, I got my first tattoo on my right shoulder. I was worried about the pain, but decided I wanted a tattoo so badly, I could put up with a little pain. I went in and watched the artist do a tattoo at first, so I could famiarize myself with the process. I thnk it helped that my tattoo is about 3 inches by 5 inches on my back, near my shoulder blade. I could not see the artist at any point, so I did not know when she was going to hit me with the needles. I reccomend bringing a friend to help you out, mine yapped my ear off so I didn't have to think of the pain. Mine only took about an hour and a half, and we stopped at one point, my artist needed a smoke. It felt more to me, and thats just me like a scratch from a cat than from a needle. Also, I know you didn't ask, but I would talk to the artist you choose about doing a custom mask idea for you. Anyone can have that tattoo, but tweaked right by a great artist would give you a tattoo all your own. Hope this helps. |
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LDN
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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Your artist stopped to have a smoke?! 
Couldn't he have waited? |
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spideytat
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:43 pm Post subject: |
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| LDN wrote: | Your artist stopped to have a smoke?!
Couldn't he have waited? |
happen alot no big |
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hanalotus
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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I had a huge needle phobia too but here are some things to help you out:
1) Unlike getting blood taken or shots where the needle goes deep into the skin, needles (they're always groups of needles not just one single needle) go only 1/16th of an inch into the skin...I think that's about 1 mm. So think of a deep scratch where it welts up...that's probably about how deep the needles will go.
2) Don't focus on how much it will hurt--it's not going to feel great but you'll be surprised how much your body can handle and after a few minutes, your body releases endorphins to help numb your body up.
3) When you go in to get it done, make sure you've eaten something--it will balance out your blood sugar and keep you from passing out from nervousness (people don't pass out from the pain)
4) I'd stay away from taking medicines before getting it done. It's really not as painful as getting blood drawn (I still have issues with that) You want your body to be 100% so you heal faster.
5) Don't THINK about it too much. If you love the design and are happy having on you forever then take a friend with you and get it done already! There is no right or wrong place for a first time tattoo and how painful it is shouldn't dictate where you get it. |
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Butterfly9319
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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| LDN wrote: | Your artist stopped to have a smoke?!
Couldn't he have waited? |
well SHE asked if I needed a break, I sad I could use one if she wanted one, she said she could use a smoke I said okay, didn't really bother me, I don't smoke, but she went out, smoked, came back washed up, re gloved and away we went. |
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LDN
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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| I know after washing your hands and re-gloving and stuff that it wouldn't make a difference. But i dunno, I personally don't like the concept lol |
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abbyful
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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| I just got my first tattoo about a month ago. You'll be fine. I have needle phobia too, but the tattoo wasn't bad, like was mentioned above, it doesn't look like needles at all. (And believe me, if I can handle it, I'm sure you can. I'm a huge wimp. I was worried I would chicken out walking into the shop. I was worried I would chicken out while I was sitting in the waiting area. I was worried I would chicken out once I was in the chair. But it wasn't so bad. To me, it felt like being scratched by a nail.) |
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jim1961
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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I hate needles also But, getting a tattoo doesn't bother me at all.
Other people possibily have that same tattoo, since it can be bought
online. If that doesn't bother you, I say: Just Git Ur Done
If you want a more custom piece, have a tattoo artist draw something up
just for you...
Best of luck  |
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dragonfly80
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| Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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| I got my first tattoo 2 years ago on my right shoulder and I did fine. It helps that you cant see what the tattooist is doing. To me the outline hurts the most on the back especially up near the tops of shoulders. That feels like someone drawing really hard. The shading isn't too bad just slight burning. I got a much bigger tattoo done yesterday on my other shoulder that took 2 hours to do and the tattooist took a smoke break in it as well. As long as they wash up and re-glove I don't have a problem with it I needed a break anyway. |
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Sphenoid
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| Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 5:10 am Post subject: |
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To me the tattoo felt like someone was holding a burning match close to my skin, kind of like an annoying burning rather than an actual pain.
Like I've said before, if you just make up your mind to do it, get your game face on and get in the chair it'll be over before you know it.
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ASUClaymate417
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| Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:03 am Post subject: Thanks everyone! |
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Everyone's advice has been SO helpful! I'm still in the "learning" stage and trying to get all the info that I can, but I'll be sure to keep everyone updated. If anyone has any more information or advice, be sure to post it or send me an IM sometime!
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n3cr0lu5t
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 5:50 am Post subject: |
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To me it kinda feels like getting pinched in the same place alot...
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