Getting your first tattoo is exactly like what your research tells you.

You do all kinds of research before your first tattoo (or at least you should). You pick a design, you pick a place and artist. If you're anything like me you mentally prepare for weeks -- which also means you have moments of "nah I'm not gonna get it I'm not ready" followed by moments of "I'm just gonna do it whats the worst that can happen."

I have a habit of almost chickening out on events. Because I'm like that my tattoo plans became a family affair. Two of my siblings (who both already had tattoos) and I all decided to get ones together. Not only were we going together, we pick a theme - knowing that there was no way we could pick one design all three of us wanted. From this, the Family Compass tattoo was born. Well, tattoos.

While my brother and I went with simple black and gray with shading, my sister got water color behind her compass. Her description of the event summed up:

In order to achieve the watercolor effect, the artist must drop a think amount of paint then take the tattoo tool (don't call it a gun that drives the artist nuts) and quickly shade the color till it fades and cannot be spread out anymore. Typically shading isn't an extremely rapid movement. However, because you don't want the color to settle the watercolor shading is very rapid movement and has been reported to be extremely painful. But always remember PAIN FOR PRODUCT. Also, try to avoid any numbing gel or ointment before your tattoo. Using these products is very dangerous for your body reacting with the tattoo.

My brother and I both got flowers with our compasses. My tat is between my shoulder blades directly on my spine. Which is a reportedly painful place but I'm here to say it wasn't that bad! Of course, it hurt to a degree but I was in the chair for a little over an hour and my body become accustomed to the pain. If you plan on getting a tattoo on your upper back ask the artist if you can sit forward with your arms rested on your knees while they are working. Often times it is an easier position for them to work and also reduces how much you flinch and is also a more comfortable position for your body to relax and process the pain. At least that's how it worked for me. Once I leaned forward I remained like that for the rest of the tattoo and at one point even started to fall asleep.

My artist did share with me that women typically handle tattooing easier than men. My artist was the owner of the shop and had been in the business for over 30 years. He said that the entire time he's tattooed men are always the worst about moving, and making noises. Not that there is anything wrong with expressing the pain, it is a painful process and communication with the artist is important, but apparently, some people take their "expression of pain" too far, so be mentally prepared. My brother got his tattoo (both his first and second one) on his ribs. He stood up when is was done and the table was soaked in sweat as his body's reaction to the pain. Everyone's body will react differently.

The most important thing to know about getting your first tattoo is that it becomes part of you. Not just physically but part of your soul come to life, like it was always meant to be there. You will come by that feeling at your own pace. I felt it right away but my sister didn't feel it until a few days later. You will get that feeling. I now have tattoo fever and already know what I want for my next one but am forcing myself to wait at least a year before my next one.

Remember aftercare and remember to enjoy the experience. As painful as it is, it is a milestone in your life and you will never forget it.