TOPIC: Query re: Tattoos

Hey, everyone.  I have questions that maybe some people out there could give feedback on.  I am thinking about getting a geeky tattoo.  My questions are as follows:<br /><br />1. How much does it hurt?  I am basically afraid of needles (to the point that I don't get novacaine at the dentist), but could suffer through it.<br /><br />2. How much might a small, uncomplicated tattoo cost?<br /><br />3. Serenity logo, or inscription from The One Ring?<br /><br />Brian<br />

Brian,<br />      While I have no experience with this I would say to you that if you are afraid of needles than I would not consider getting a tattoo.  Also, you might want to think about what you would have to go through to get it removed if you didn't like it.<br /><br />Kim

It does not really feel like needles. I have one on each arm. Feels more like a small burn, and after a few the area goes numb. Pain kind of depends on where you get it.

a friend was feeling the same as you. he went to the parlor and they did a "dry run" first. thats where they would run the needle over the general area without the ink. he now has about 20 of them. from what i hear, they are addictive. 

I agree with Twolf - it feels more like a burn than like needles. And after a while, if you can relax into it, it feels a bit like a rough massage.<br /><br />How much does it cost? When I got mine done 10 yrs ago, most places were charging $70 - $90 per hour (CNDN). (Adjust as you will for inflation and/or conversion to US.) The pieces you are describing sound like they would be done in under an hour, depending on the location and size. You can get an estimate when you start looking into tattoo parlours*<br /><br />As for which one (Serenity vs. One ring), here's an idea: Get a friend with a steady hand to draw the tattoo onto you with a permanent ink pen. That gives you time to get used to having the "tattoo" on you, what it'll look like, who will be able to see it, and when (ie, will it show through your white work shirts?) <br />You can do one version one month, and try out the other one the next month. (It takes about a month for "permanent" ink to fade from the body)<br />If the idea of having a permanent ink tattoo on you for a month or so doesn't appeal to you, then re-think the actual tattoo.<br /><br />Best wishes on the body art!<br /><br />  - Raven<br /><br />* are they still called tattoo parlours? My friend (who works at one) calls it a "body mod salon".

I have 2 tats. The one on my back is pretty big and was done by an amature....It hurt like hell....(not like getting shots but burning). My second one was done by a pro. I got it on my left arm and it didn't hurt at all. <br /><br />Raven has a good idea. I personally just looked through several books while my mom was getting a tattoo and the picture jumped out at me. The second was in honor of my dad.<br /><br />Yes! They are very addictive...just like piercings.  I have 2 tats and 7 piercings with more in the works.

One of my roomates got a tat last week.  He is big into halo.  The burning sensation sounds about right for a good job well done.  Definately think about if you want this as a permenant thing.  Unlike some piercings which can grow back this could be stuck with you and some are uncomfortable with that.  Research the place first before hand.  I can give you an email of my friend who did a lot of research before he did his.  It is true that tats are addictive if you like the first one.

I have a brother with several tattoos, so I'll check in with him as well.<br /><br />Thanks for all the feedback.  Definitely will do research if I decide to do this.  I like Raven's idea of the permanent ink "test tattoo."  Also a good idea to think of it visible at work - I was thinking upper arm.  Other teachers at my school have small visible tattoos, so I don't think there would be any problem.  <br /><br />I'll let people know what I find out and what I decide.  Thanks!<br /><br />Brian<br />

I have hundreds, maybe thousands! . . . . of freckles.<br />I'm decorated enough. <br /><br />But it sounds like the group has some good suggestions for you Brian.

<br />I have hundreds, maybe thousands! . . . . of freckles.<br />I'm decorated enough. <br /><br />But it sounds like the group has some good suggestions for you Brian.<br />

<br /><br />this is a great idea. i don't think she was suggesting it though. go for the thousands of tattoo dots.  :O

Just beware of jokster family members who like to threaten to play connect the dots with permanent marker/pen .  ;/<br />

I have alot of freckles and dots, too! <br />