Picking the Perfect Tattoo & Artist

I was pretty nervous about getting a tattoo at first, as most people are. I always wanted one, but I knew I would have to move out of my house before I could legitimately consider it. So, after my first year at the Air Force Academy, I decided that it was finally my time. During some of the summer programs we do, I had some time to think long and hard about what I wanted. I spent dozens of hours poring over FAQ sections, advice, stories, and galleries most of all. I knew that I wanted something patriotic, but I just couldn't find the right one.

So when I went home on leave, I looked up a tattoo artist that had done a piece for my friend whose daughter had died. I knew this guy was one of the best, but I still didn't know just what I wanted. I had decided on something with an eagle in it and preferably an American flag. I also knew I wanted it on the back of my right shoulder. So I visited the shop and looked over the portfolios of the artists who worked there. I found a guy whose work blew me away. Something I think is of paramount importance is that at this phase of choosing an artist, shop, tattoo, and size, price MUST NOT BE AN ISSUE. If you're going to have this your whole life, you can't have something that looks crappy because it saved a few bucks. As I looked through the flash in the store, I found an entire collection of eagle/flag designs and I knew I had come to the right shop. I scheduled an appointment, and then finally got an estimate. It was pricey: over 500 bucks for three hours of work. But I knew I was going to someone who I was comfortable with and who had an awesome portfolio, so the money didn't matter. And to be honest, I would never trade one bit of my tattoo for that extra money. I of course asked the compulsory sanitation questions: autoclaves, disposable needles, gloves, and everything else that is absolutely essential to having a truly awesome experience. Of course, I didn't even feel I needed to ask. I knew when I walked in that place that these guys were truly professional artists. If you don't get that feeling when you walk into a place, be pretty darn careful and ask a TON of questions.

My appointment day came and I was psyched beyond all belief. The guy who did it was polite, professional, and covered with tattoos that were no less than remarkable. Again, my gut instinct was that this dude knew EXACTLY what he was doing. He'd been tattooing for thirteen years. Again, if you don't get that feel about someone who is making permanent marks on your body, you really need to question things.

He told me that it would hurt, and that if at any time I felt woozy, just tell him and he would stop. There's nothing wrong with taking a little break given the option of stopping or passing out. Trust me, you'll look less cool being revived on the floor in the middle of a tattoo than you will if you "tough it out." The estimate on this one (my first) was three hours. In retrospect, you definitely don't want to go more than three. He gave me the choice, and I was so excited that I wanted it finished that day.

So he put the design on while my mother watched. I brought her so she would feel more a part of it and be more comfortable with the whole proceeding. I'm glad I did, it was better than just showing up at home with it and watching her get mad. After that, he showed me that everything was either disposable or covered with sterile plastic, which put my last lingering doubt at ease. He got everything ready and told me he was going to make the first mark and it would hurt some. It was more like what I'd read: having a nail dragged across your skin with a little pressure. But it wasn't agonizing, and certainly didn't make me jump up and leave. It doesn't feel like needles, trust me. So if you are concerned that it will feel like a lot of shots, it doesn't. He worked fast, fluidly, and talked a lot about his tattoos and what they meant to him. And every time one of his fellow artists would walk by, they would stop, look, and compliment his work. I can't tell you how great all of those things made me feel. The outlining took an hour and a half. The shading, which normally doesn't hurt that much, was on skin that had been worked over already. So I can't really say whether the shading or outlining hurts more...they're just different. Whenever I wanted to stop and look at what was done (I was like a kid at Christmas) he was more than happy. He eventually finished up, and trust me, I was ready. Three hours kind of wears you out. I took very careful steps in aftercare, doing everything he said down to the letter. A little ink leaked out, but that will happen, so it's not a big deal. I also have a lot of color in mine, so that was amplified a little bit.

Long story short, I now have a tattoo that I love. Everywhere I go, I show it off, and no one ever asks me what it means. It's a manifestation of my patriotism and people always ask me to show it to them and they love it. Believe it or not, all my relatives, including my grandmother, of all people, said they really like it. The money is the best I ever spent, and it shows in the artwork and skill that I now display on me. I'm thinking of getting another one the next time I go home, and you can bet I'll be going back to the same place, whatever the price.

So do your homework, then find a tattoo that doesn't just express your likes (Death Metal rules), your dislikes(pissing off your parents), your girlfriend, or your current situation (i.e.--Go Army). If you find something that is a true part of your soul, you can rest assured that it will not get old and you will love it for as long as you wear it. Getting a tattoo does not make you an outcast, just don't get it across your forehead. If you get it somewhere that you can discreetly cover it, no one has to know about it except for people who you want to show it to. Remember, be cautious, not scared. Peace

-Fitz

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