12 August 2008

My Tattoo

Lately I've gotten quite a few question regarding my tattoo so I thought I'd dedicate a post to answer them for you. I got the tattoo a little over two years ago when I was living in LA. I was missing my southern home and the changing of the seasons so I wanted to get something that would remind me of both. The inspiration for the design came from botanical field drawings such as the ones below. I picked dogwoods because they remind me of spring in the south and are always in bloom on my birthday (the tattoo was a birthday gift from my boyfriend).

untitledCornus_florida[1]


As far as general advice on getting a tattoo, here's what I would recommend:
  1. Find a great artist. Remember that this is permanent so you want to get the best quality tattoo as possible. If that means traveling to a bigger city or waiting for an appointment, it's worth it. Think of it as a piece of art and be willing to splurge a bit. I went to Clay Decker at True Tattoo in Hollywood and had a great experience.
  2. Live with the idea for a while. I drew the sketch for my tattoo at least six months before I actually had the work done. Again, this is permanent so you want to make sure you're not going to get tired of the design. If you think of an idea for a tattoo and six months later you're still happy with it then go for it. I changed my mind a couple of times before I settled on this design so I'm glad I waited it out.
  3. As far as pain goes, I didn't find it to be too bad. As I understand, it greatly depends on where on the body you're getting the tattoo and the upper arm is not too sensitive. It's more like a nagging pain as if someone is scratching you too hard.

Here are a few old photos I dug up of me getting the work done back in 2006.

The first photo is the completed outline with just the leaves filled in. The next photo looks a lot grosser than it really is. That's just the pink ink smeared all over my arm as he fills in the petals. Then you see the almost completed tattoo with only the highlights left to fill in (as well as a rare glimpse of my natural hair color!). The last photo was taken about two weeks after the tattoo was completed when it was just healed.

collage

photos taken by Tom b.

18 comments:

Penny said...

Such a beautiful tattoo, i have been thinking about getting one for a while so thanks for the tips!

Bonnie said...

i luv tattoos but...omg, they look so painful!

Eyeliah said...

Love that you got transitional shots. Your tattoo is really beautiful and totally suits you. Im about to get my 3rd and 4th tattoo (this fall). So exciting!!

Anonymous said...

haha thank you for explaining the pink smearing photo for a minute i was like "OMFG! how horrific! how did she subject herself to that, ahhh!" lol, but it does look awesome! good tips!

Ally said...

oh wow i love it!!! I too was having a shock attack before I realised it was pink ink! lol

I love the look of the, but have this phobia of needles so I doubt I could ever get one!

I love tattoos when they are like yours...almost like an art form. Fashionable and tasteful!

Lexie said...

i like your tattoo so much! very beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I was just thinking how much I liked your tattoo in a previous entry.

Also, I am liking your hair in that photo! I don't see what is wrong with it...

WendyB said...

That second photo made my hair stand on end for a moment!

M said...

I'm not much of a tattoo girl myself, but i absolutely love the story behind yours!

Abbey said...

Wow, your mega brave to be able to get such a large tattoo in such a visible place! I think it's wonderful how it means something important to you. I wish I could find something like that :)

Doll legs said...

I love it, its romantic and chic...!!

terren said...

it's so beautiful! as is your natural hair color.

Lady Melbourne said...

I'm not into tattoos but yours could change my mind!
It's very 'you.' : )
LM
x

Unknown said...

thats so nice! i have cross in my arm,,
come and check todays post, i shared my blog with my boyfriend whos awesome writer, singer and poet and he has amazing style so come and give him a feed back!
i would be so happy if u shared ur comments!

Joyce Kwok said...

very very very pretty tattoo you've got!

Daiana said...

oh, i love your tattoo, it looks so nice! i wouldn't have the courage, though...

Anonymous said...

Holy Buddha ! You dared ! But it's beautiful, very artistic. ('nd romantic too, as you always be)

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

What a lovely and meaningful tat. Thanks for sharing your story, counsel ~ and photos!