At A Glance Author Helene Contact helene.xxoo@hotmail.com When It just happened Artist Jeffrey Studio Studio Tattoo & Piercings Location Montreal My First Tattoo!
Yesterday, I got my first tattoo. I've always really wanted one, who hasn't, right? Well I finally took the plunge and couldn't be happier. I felt like I needed this, I am an incomplete puzzle and this tattoo is one of the last pieces that make up who I am.
I was kind of scared that I would make a choice of design that I would later regret but when I saw the picture of it, I'd decided to go with a butterfly. A small but noticeable monarch in black and white with shading on the inside of my left ankle.. I know a tattoo should have a little more meaning than it looks pretty, but I was more focused on getting something I wouldn't regret later on..
The hour-long bus ride seemed even longer as I excitedly waited for the bus to reach it's destination, the tattoo shop. On the way there, there was no way you could get me to shut up or stop moving, I was way too excited. But excitation slowly turned into nervousness as we arrived.
The artist, named Jeffrey (sadly I don't know his full name,) currently working at Studio Tattoo & Piercings in Montreal had the honor of giving me my first ink. Although he seemed comfortable and joked around a bit, he'd tattooed some of my friends so I trusted him and I knew he was going to get the job done in a professional manner.
So I took my friend, Amanda, with me to the tattoo parlor and asked for my ink. The whole experience was really comfortable on account of the fact that I am good friends with the piercer and some of the artists there. I explained what I wanted to Jeffrey. While joking around with the piercer, making jokes and laughing with me and my friend, he quickly drew it up in about 10-20 minutes and was ready.
Meanwhile, I was freaking out because I was so nervous. This was my first tattoo and I had no idea what to expect. Obviously, the only question on my mind was DOES IT HURT?
But I didn't have much time to think it over because, before I knew it, I was lying on the uncomfortable bed awkwardly stationed in the room, waiting for my tattoo.
The artist didn't show any hesitation and once he had the stencil lined out on my ankle, he went right into it and drew the first line. The body of the butterfly.
My first reaction was... That was it? I expected it to be an eccentric, unique pain but honestly it just felt like someone was dragging a needle through my skin, which is essentially what it is, right? Don't get me wrong, I didn't think it hurt that much. The pain is very bare-able and it is more annoying than anything. Still trying to get over the fact that I hadn't burst into tears, ripped off the hand of my friend, Amanda, that I had been tightly holding or kicked the artist in the face, Jeffrey just kept drawing.
The wings of the butterfly was the most annoying part of the tattoo. It took a good 20 minutes for each because of the intricate designs (I know I seem like a bit of an over-complainer to all those people sporting 3 hours or more of art on them, but keep in mind, it's my first tattoo!)
When he finished the line-art, which took about 30 minutes, he moved onto shading. I kind of liked the feeling of it. It felt ticklish, and it went really quick.
When he was finished I practically kissed him, I was so thankful that he did it. I'd wanted a tattoo badly for so long, and I'd finally realized my dream.
This is definitely not going to be my last, I want one on both my wrists, the back of my neck, my shoulder and the right side of my pelvic bone.. I have my work cut out for me, don't I?
Still, I'm kind of worried and confused because I forgot to ask him questions (i.e. what to do with tanning, showering, shaving.) So, if you guys have any advice please feel free to email me or to add me on msn (I don't have AIM, sorry!)
The whole experience was no doubt, unforgettable. Who forgets their first tattoo, right? Well I'm glad I went through with it, because up until I was lying on that bed, I thought I'd turn right around and bolt out the door. I'd really like to thank the artist for doing the actual art and my friend, Amanda for being there for me.
Thank you for reading and I hope it inspired you to get your own tattoo, because my advice is, if it feels right and if it's what you want. Then go for it!