Tattoos are like Lay’s chips: “You can’t have just one.” I never thought as a younger version of my current self that I would have a tattoo. Needles in general terrified me and I really couldn’t decide on anything that I would love enough to want etched permanently into my body. As I got older, however, and recognized it for the art form that it was, I realized that I would not leave this world without marking up my body in a positive way.

About six and a half years ago, I had serious and invasive back surgery and in the months leading up to it, I had to undergo numerous blood drawings for tests to make sure I’d be okay while undergoing the procedure. Needles, uh, I mean needless to say, I got over my fear of needles pretty quickly during this time. With that obstacle out of the way, my creative mind began brimming and brewing with new ideas of symbols and phrases that I fell in love with enough to want to have them on myself.

More time passed, and after making a friend in a very talented tattoo artist and falling in love with her work, one of her pieces spoke to me so deeply that I knew this was the one. It was nothing like I had expected. Everyone had prepped me for pain and discomfort but I actually really dug the pleasant, almost burning sensation that signaled the ink entering my skin (it’s really impossible to describe, as anyone with a tattoo knows). What I was prepared for, however, was how much I would adore my tattoo; I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out and I feel it really embodies my own personal spirit.

Photo Credit: Original Sketch by Emily Elinski of Torch and Dagger Tattoo Studio (Formerly of Brother's Keeper Tattoo)

Photo Credit: Original Tattoo by Emily Elinski

What I was not prepared for, however, was the addiction that came with this new permanent accessory. I had never realized the power of expression that came with getting a tattoo and the whole process, from the designing to the actual event to the enjoyment of the art afterwards, was one I definitely wanted to repeat again and again. However, there is that uncomfortable time between tattoos while you are saving up that I like to call the “Ink Itch.” This is that in-between where you know exactly what you want but you have to take your time saving up and biding your time until you can have that art added to your other masterpieces in your skin. This wait can be quite unbearable for the average ink junkie.

Ways to stave off that ink itch can include picking up hours to save up more funds for when you go to get your new piece, or spending that time planning out new pieces. Sometimes the planning can be the best part. I know I always enjoy sketching out ideas. It’s also a good idea to doodle out some of those ideas on your skin in less-permanent pen ink just to get a feel for what your finished product will look like. Even just putting designs away for a while can help test their staying power with how long you’ll want to look at them and ensure that you really want them on you forever.

On the eve of my second tattoo, as I’m writing this, I can tell you that ink itch is like the adult equivalent of being a kid at Christmas waiting up for Santa. When that night before finally arrives, you can hardly sleep with the excitement of adding another piece of art to yourself.

Photo Credit: Sketch by unknown street artist in Bologna, Italy

And once you get that new piece, although you are so very pleased with it and delighted that you finally have it, you already find yourself planning the next one, counting down the days to that next “Christmas.” Like your constant need for yet another tattoo, it is inevitable.

Photo Credit: Finished Tattoo Original Interpretation by Emily Elinski