Physical Reaction To Getting Tattooed

 

When you are getting a tattoo, many people experience physical reactions. 

Obviously, pain is experienced by pretty much anybody that is getting a tattoo. The level of pain all depends on the location the tattoo is getting placed and your personal tolerance. After the tattoo, you will still experience a certain level of pain until healing has begun. Most of the time, the pain is minor and most people can deal with it just fine. Some, actually find the level of pain experienced is therapeutic. And even some find it relaxing. 

Anxiety can affect a small percentage of tattoo recipients for a few reasons. It could be your first tattoo and you amped yourself up in your own head. You may be nervous on how the tattoo will come out. You may be concerned on what others may think about your tattoo. Or you may be having second thoughts and not sure how to remedy that feeling. The trick is to get out of your own head.

Excitement! Excitement can raise your adrenaline levels. It's exciting to get a new tattoo, especially if you are finally getting the tattoo you've been dreaming about for a while now. You may be excited to see the finished tattoo so that you can show it off to your friends. You may be so excited that you are dreaming up the next tattoo and are really pumped about getting right back in for that next appointment.

Some of these reactions of physiological while others are psychological. Either way, anybody can experience a reaction of some sorts. Don't let it get you down and don't be embarrassed. You are in the majority. It's quite common and nothing to worry about.

Tattoo Ideas for Men and Women

 Before anyone gets bent out of shape, no, tattoos aren't gender specific. If you're a 6 foot 8, 350 pound hairy dude, and you want a butterfly lower back tattoo, you go for it. Nobody is saying you can't get it. Frankly, I think a lot of people would like to see that tattoo. Let's not pretend, however, that some tattoos are seen more often on men and women. 

If you're fresh out of ideas, or just need a list to read to get an idea, we'll provide some below. Let's start with the ladies.

TATTOO IDEAS FOR WOMEN:

• FLORAL PIECES: Whether you get a colorful floral piece, or a mournful black & grey rose, you can't go wrong with a well done floral tattoo.

• WATERCOLOR: When done by a skilled artist, watercolor tattoos are both eye-catching and a good conversation starter. 

• BUTTERFLIES: Realistic, artistic, illustrative, watercolor, 3-D and so on, a butterfly tattoo is a great choice.

• FINE-LINE: A delicate fine line tattoo is a great idea for a first-timer who is still feeling out the world of tattoos. However, they're also great for someone who's been getting tattooed for years.

• MINIMALIST: Like a fine line tattoo, minimalist tattoos are also great for people new to tattoos, or people that want a tattoo but don't want anything that's too bold.

• ANIME: Anime tattoos are a fun way to express you love of Japanese animation, the style and the characters.

• FUN: A small friendly ladybug, Pooh bear, a simple emoji, what have you, can be a great way to express yourself.

• MATCHING/FRIENDSHIP: You and your closest friend(s) can decide on a design idea and have your artist give you the same thing. You can also get a variation of the same thing, or put them in a different location, so that you aren't exactly the same.

• DELICATE/SMALL: A small and delicate tattoo is great for someone that wants something done, but subtle. 

• MANDALA: Mandala's are beautiful and intricate, much like you ladies. 

• LOCATIONS: A good spot could be on the forearm, wrist, upper arm, upper back and ankle. 

TATTOO IDEAS FOR MEN:

• NORSE: Whether you want a Nordic style band, or the portrait of Odin, a good Norse tattoo can look great.

• ARM BAND: Arm bands can be of practically anything. Go old school 90's and "tribal" or barbed wire. Or go something more unique, something nobody has seen before.

• FULL SLEEVE: If you plan out a good concept to share with your artist, with time and a little pain, a great sleeve can be striking.

• BIO-MECH: A good bio-mechanical tattoo can be many possibilities. HR Geiger inspired, or something completely different, bio-mech pieces look awesome when done by the right artist.
• TRASH POLKA: The seeming chaos behind these clever tattoos actually have intricate meaning behind each little image, tying the whole thing together.

• DARK ART: Dark art tattoos are often impressive and unique, since an artist can create something completely new for you.

• AMERICAN TRADITIONAL/NEO-TRADITIONAL: A classic American Traditional tattoo, or the updated version of the style, Neo-Traditional, are always a great choice for someone that wants old school.

• NATURE SCENE: A mountain or forest scene, animals like wolves, bears, deer look great, especially in a larger scale like a full upper arm piece or a sleeve.

• LOCATIONS: A good spot for a new tattoo, if you have the space available, would be shoulder/upper arm, forearm, chest/pectoral.

These are just some of the possibilities to give you an idea. It only stops art you and your artist's imaginations.

Stigma-What Your Tattoos Say About You

Our tattoos tell a story, whether we mean them to or not. The stigma behind tattoos in the past wasn't always viewed favorably in Western society. In other cultures, tattoos had a meaning and often had stature amongst their people. Things have changed greatly, for the most part, in Western culture. It doesn't automatically make you a criminal, rebel or low class these days.

Although most tattoos are becoming more acceptable in today's world, there is still some stigma attached to face, neck and hand tattoos. Some employers won't even consider some people with these tattoos, especially face and neck. Even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting these, or any tattoos, people still judge you for it. If you are fortunate enough that you work in a more accepting industry, and expect to be there until the end, then you really have nothing to worry about except those prudish enough in every day life to cast their judgement for you simply expressing yourself in a way that you want to.

Judgement, unfortunately, is a part of our world. However, more and more employers are opening up their eyes to the fact that they are passing on very qualified candidates over something as simple as a tattoo. Quite a few businesses stray away of hiring someone with face or neck tattoos for certain positions, most often having to do with direct customer service and interaction; thinking that it's a reflection on their business, which in some cases, can be perceived as true.

There is hope, however. You find people in more professional job settings, like banks (for example), and see people with facial piercings. It's usually quite subtle, but they're there. The sooner the people in "the Land of the Free" get over their personal prejudices about the creative choices of others, the better off our society will be. What you do to your own body is nobody else's business, and you should not be judged nor denied opportunity for those choices.

Planning Out Your Next Tattoo

Whether it's your first tattoo, or fresh ink to go along with the collection, planning out your tattoo is a good idea. You don't want to get something you'll regret later on down the road. If you have a general idea of what you want, but aren't completely clear, you can book a consultation with an artist so that they can help you map out what you are imagining. 

Having a very strict, set in stone idea can also be a bad thing. There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a good base for an idea, but don't hinder your artists' creativity by being stubborn. Your artist will do their best work if you allow them to be creative with your concept. A general idea is always the best way to go unless it's a very specific design that wouldn't be recognized otherwise. For example, maybe you want the Star Wars Rebel emblem. It's a very specific design. However, you could take it to a new level. Perhaps, instead of the typical look, make it watercolor. Or, maybe the outline of the emblem, but fill it in with some other Star Wars iconic imagery. Take a look online at the typical Harry Potter Deathly Hollows design. People have gotten very creative with that in tattoos. 

If you are getting your first tattoo, think ahead at the future. If you are planning on getting more tattoos, it might be a good idea to mentally map out what future tattoos you are going to get. Maybe your first tattoo is a shoulder piece, let's say of a realistic wolf. Down the road, adding more nature scenery and other animals to help the tattoo flow and have a thought out theme might be a good idea. Although some people truly enjoy chaotic tattoos, having absolutely no theme or having nothing to do with each other, most people like to have a good flow or overall design. That's not to say that chaos doesn't have a place, because it certainly does. 

If you are now planning out your next tattoo, think about what you already have and if you'd like your future tattoo to blend with the concept. What do you want your tattoo to say about YOU? Again, if you are unsure, or are fresh out of ideas, a good tattoo artist can most definitely help you plan it out. Sometimes having a second set of eyes on something will help you see things differently.

Whether you're new to the world of tattoos, or an seasoned expert, it's always good to have a solid plan for your next tattoo!