The Danger of Tattoos

Tattoos have become a regular part of so many people's lives in my lifetime, that I must alert everyone to some considerations before going to subject yourself to a week of physical pain, and potentially a lifetime of emotional pain. If you think about it, every person that gets a visible mark on their skin has the potential to make possibly thousands of people think about them. I would say that easily 25% of carpool parents have tattoos. The tattooed notice the tattooed, and the one's that aren't notice the tattooed.

First, there is always a reason for someone to seek out a tattoo. Whether it was an impulse at Panama City, an outward symbol of something dark inside, or a well-thought out masterpiece, there is always a reason. There are also different perceptions from the un-tattooed side. The consensus is probably that you are either a biker, a convict, or some other type of creature. I can't remember what it's like on that side, so my data could be flawed.

Danger number 1: When you get home to take the bandage off, you will notice that your clothing has been compromised by vasoline, blood, or ink. This happens almost every time. The solution to that problem is to not try to look all cool in your favorite outfit; the artist is getting paid to tattoo, not to bestow you with common sense. Pick out a shirt, or a skirt, or some old soccer shorts, and wear it every time you go back. Expensive clothes = bad idea.

Danger number 2: When you get home and ready for bed there is a chance that you will have done one of two things; you have either put fresh clothes on, or left the new tattoo uncovered. Bedclothes are in a whole different class, next to a t-shirt or jeans, as far as cost goes. I have personally destroyed three sets of sheets, four pillow cases, and our quilt. Plus, you can't go buy new sheets because you invested in something very permanent, and very messy. $

Danger number 3: If you have a question for the artist that weighs certain parts of the body against differing levels of pain, and he/she answers, "Yeah, it's weird", that means it will hurt. They hurt no matter where you get them; the only differences are hard to measure, and the artist knows this. Any further questioning will become repetitive and he/she might decide to make your tattoo unbearable. They have this kind of power over your skin. I once had an artist get mad at me during a session because she hadn't realized how many points there were on a tribal tat. She said; "I would have charged you more if I had realized how many points this thing has." It has 15. She proceeded to tattoo me to the point of marking my bones for forty-five minutes. Her miscalculation was clearly my fault. Since that time, I have learned that the personality and mood of the artist matters. I have even considered tipping them before the tattoo. I don't though because this can affect the outcome as well.

Danger number 4: Appointments. Most shops require a $50 deposit upon scheduling one. The danger is the prospect of losing that money if you flake out. Then you will have paid for part of their overhead costs, and you won't have a tattoo. Do not get a tattoo until you are ready; if there is such a thing. It is more like a jump off a cliff when you can't see what's at the bottom.

Danger number 5: Get your first tat in a place that can be covered by summer-time clothes. Somewhere like your butt or thigh. For guys who don't take their shirts off, the deltoid muscle of your shoulder is a good place to start. If in time you become emotionally unstable by your ink, then you will know that being tattooed is probably not a good fit for your personality. On the other hand you might love it and want to be covered by one of the most beautiful forms of art known to man.