Over 10 years ago, when I was 15, I had a 'tattoo' put on me against my will. I won't go into details because it is a long and painful story.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Kore Studio Tatus by Kore Location Minneapolis, MN It was a small U or V shape between my breasts and I hated it. It reminded me of the guy who did it to me and the other things that happened that night that, and every time I looked in the mirror I had to see it. I felt like I was branded as his property. I hated when ever someone saw it because they would ask me many questions I did not want to answer. I can't easy explain how hard it was to have that 'scar' as I called it - I refused to call it a tattoo because it was not a piece of artwork I chose to have put on me. It was a scar from a painful experience.
As I got older I began to realize I had options. I could have it removed, which would be expensive but also the idea didn't appeal me very much. I decided I'd rather cover it with something beautiful when the time was right and I felt ready.
In the meantime I decided to get a tattoo on my back, but that experience was terrible, the tattoo artist was a creep, who had me lay down on my stomach then he straddled me so I was pinned to the table and couldn't move and made very inappropriate jokes and comments. I felt very intimidated and like I wasn't in control of the situation. Due to my past experience, it was terrifying and I bolted out of there as soon as I could. That turned me off from covering my scar for a long time.
But years past, I began to talk with my friends about their tattoos and they recommended several good artists to me. I began to realize the creep artist I went to before was not common, and I just had to do much more research!
Finally the time was right. I had a design, I had money saved up, I found an artist that I was sure would be perfect. I felt ready, I could handle it, no matter how painful physically and emotionally it would be. I was worried about the pain, yes. The chest is usually not the most pleasant of areas to have tattooed, but I was more worried about having a mental breakdown and being unable to finish the tattoo I guess.
The artist's name is Kore, and she does several tattoos for breast cancer survivors. Her website said this:
"I strongly believe that tattoos are for HEALING, EMPOWERING and TRANSFORMING-in mind, body and spirit."
I can't say I'm into new-age type things but for this type of situation, it fit. It made me feel like she would understand my situation and if anyone could get me though the terrifying experience it would be her. After I visited her shop, I knew I was right and booked an appointment.
The days leading up to the appointment were pretty scary. I didn't tell any of my friends about my appointment in case the day came and I didn't feel ready.
But finally the day did come and I fought through the terror and made it to the shop.
Kore and her staff were excellent! The greeted me warmly and made me feel at home.
Kore brought me back to her drawing room and I showed her my design - a floral design done in the Art Nouveau style that I designed in photoshop. She showed me a few alterations she would have to make in order to cover up the scar, but they were very minor, since I had done my best to design it with the scar in mind.
Then she had me remove my shirt and she put the stencil on me and after making sure it was perfect she told me I did a great job with the design because in complemented my body type well. I got to go to a mirror and take a look and I was so excited to see the end result!
She had me lay down, she put on some soothing music and gave me some aromatherapy. She told me some breathing exercises I could do and then she got to work!
It hurt, it really did, but not nearly as much as I expected. And I handled it a lot better then I expected! I just listened as Kore talked with me, not really expecting replies and stared at the artwork on the ceilings. Kore was reassuring me constantly and checking often to see how I was doing. I made it through the outlining and the shading was so much easier, I even managed to hold a conversation with Kore. Kore did a great job of keeping me with her so I didn't focus on the pain or bad memories that were surfacing.
Soon it was finished and I got to take a look before she gave me my aftercare instructions and bandaged me. I was in love with it! I felt so much better! I did it, and it was actually a pleasant experience. I thanked her over and over and gave her a nice tip before I left.
The entire rest of the day I barely felt the tattoo. The bandaging was way more annoying. The tattoo did sting slightly, but nothing too uncomfortable. After waking up today and cleaning it, it stings a little more but again, it's very tolerable. I can't wait until it's fully healed and I can show it off. I don't have to dread seeing the scar in the mirror anymore. I don't have to cover it up with make up whenever I wear low cut dresses. Now I have a pleasant story to talk about whenever someone sees my tattoo, rather then avoiding questions about my scar. I feel like a different person!
I highly recommend Kore, if you are worried about getting a tattoo for any reason, she does a great job of making you feel at ease, talking you through it, and she is a great artist.