“I had made the right decision”
The most daunting part of finally getting my first tattoo was knowing that I had made the right decision in choosing the design. For years I had gone back and forth between a number of ideas. I was that person that would always talk about getting a tattoo but years later I still hadn’t managed to get any closer.
I was out with a group of friends and I gave a compliment to a stranger about one of their tattoos. A couple of my friends rolled their eyes as I said I would be getting a tattoo this year.
Maybe because we had so many conversations about it and here, I was still ink free, the main thing holding me back was knowing which piece to settle on but I decided I would get some expert advice.
Would I ever be able to make a decision? I knew I didn’t want this to be something I regretted not doing so I started researching tattoo studios.
I looked at so many Artists profiles and then followed them on social media, I got distracted with this process and would spend hours scrolling through photos in complete amazement.
After reading reviews left by other customers it made sense to go to a studio that was not only friendly but had a team of Artists who had different styles, as it seemed my design ideas did vary depending on my mood.
“I was nervous and excited”
I called Origin Tattoo and explained this would be my first tattoo, that I had some ideas in mind but hadn’t landed on one idea just yet, I was advised to come in and have a consultation so the design, style, size and placement could be discussed and then I would be given a quote.
I was nervous and excited; I had never been into a tattoo studio before and was overthinking what I should say even what I should wear. I just had visions of me standing out like a sore thumb the music suddenly stopping as I walked in and the stares I would get from heavily inked individuals that would possibly snigger as I said the words “this is my first tattoo”
This could not be further from what happened. I walked into the studio with stunning décor and the reception area decorated with plants which made me feel at ease somehow. Everyone I spoke to was welcoming and friendly. The Artist came and sat down with me and asked me what my thoughts were. They looked through my designs and asked where I would like them. They explained that some of the designs I had picked would lose detail if they were too small and some of the pieces may work with a different placement. I felt like I was learning a lot and it was good to have an expert’s advice which helped me narrow down what I wanted and where I wanted it. I was finally ready to book in and left a deposit to secure the booking.
On the day of the tattoo the Artist showed me the final design and asked me if I was happy, I was given the opportunity to change or adjust some details of the design at this point but I was thrilled with what they had drawn so was eager to finally have this on my skin.
Once the area was clean a stencil was placed on my skin and felt slightly ticklish and relaxing as it was being peeled off. I was a step closer as there was an outline of the tattoo on my skin. I kept saying to myself this is finally real eeeeeeeee. Then I heard the buzz and it was real!
It went from a firm tickling sensation, to a sharp scratch, all whilst feeling a slight vibration and then a slight soreness. I was distracted by the music and the various conversations I could hear, there was a lot of banter going which made the whole experience light and fun.
I kept wanting to look but resisted the urge as I wanted to feel the full impact once the tattoo was complete.
“I wish I had done this much sooner”
My skin felt tender, sore and tight and I was advised on aftercare and the healing process. The finished tattoo was amazing. I was in awe of it, why did I wait so long? I wish I had done this much sooner but I won’t wait as long next time and already have a few ideas in mind.
Once my tattoo was fully healed, I was ready to show it off and beam with pride. From my own experience I find that friends focussed on asking about the price of the tattoo and telling me that so and so got it cheaper elsewhere. I honestly believe you get what you pay for and I see my tattoo as an investment as it is something that I will have for the rest of my life.