When it comes to tattoos, people are either totally against them, or can't help but become fascinated with the art form. In my family, it's a staple for most of the members to get a tattoo to commemorate becoming an adult when they turn 18. It's a permanent symbol of change, expression and autonomy. It seems that anxiety and the need for perfection with a permanent decision can make the process seem a little...belabored. This is a long road to actually getting the tattoo as proper research and dedication is required for a flawless, confident piece.
1. Picking a design.
This could be either picking something that has a deep, sentimental value, or just something for the aesthetic. Maybe you want to create something entirely new and personal for yourself to pay homage to a time in your life, a person you love or just something that has made an impact on you. Or maybe you just like the way a stag's head would look on your body! In the freedom to choose what goes on your body comes, what seems to be, a million different choices and that can be overwhelming.
2. Placement.
You found out what you want, but then there's the topic of where you want it. Visible to the world or something easily hidden under clothes? Do you want the text to wrap around your limbs, or maybe you want them in strict lines to be read like a poem? There is a finite amount of space on the human body, so it might be comforting in the beginning to just say, "I want one on my arm." If you're a perfectionist, nevertheless, that arm tattoo needs a specific place, size and arrangement without even going to the shop. Which brings us to...
3. Picking a shop.
Oh sure, this should be easy. It's more of a visual, right? You look at some the jobs near you, peruse their repertoire and pick the one you like the best. Or, you could be like me and spend a couple days scouring every nearby vicinity in search of the artist that could properly and methodically construct your ideal tattoo. Their waiting list could be for as little as...three months. Depending on the person and the tattoo idea, it's either a severe waiting game or just a simple walk-in.
4. Getting the tattoo.
In the mirror of your artist's workspace, you reposition their sketch in your head a couple different ways that fit your original mold. So they wash their's away and slide it over to the left a bit, oh wait, actually, they have to wash it off again and center it more, oh no, okay so a little more to the left again. After awhile, you know it's what you want and it's going on your body so being fussy isn't really a big deal in this circumstance. Even as you're getting it done, the scratching, warm feeling of getting it doesn't really compare to the buildup getting there.
5. Wanting a new one.
Tattoos can be severely addictive. Even after all the aftercare (which yes, is very important to stick by if you want the tattoo to look out of this world) and the initial soreness from getting it, they're beautiful. A permanent reminder of how much control you have over your body and the liberation to enjoy what you want and to show the world what it is that makes you, you. It seems in the end that being a perfectionist was entirely worth it.
