Tattoo Talk

Hello readers!

Getting a tattoo is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly! Of course once it's on you, it's there for life and can't be removed - unless you have the money to pay out for laser tattoo removal.. ouch!

For some people their tattoos don't have a whole lot of meaning to them, they might appreciate the art work or use them as a way of expressing themselves. I personally prefer to have a meaning behind my tattoos, but that's just my own opinion. There is no right or wrong!

I got my first tattoos back in August last year! I waited till I was 18, the legal age in the U.K. It is important you do your own research and find a reputable place with good reviews. I have learnt through experience that you get what you pay for and sometimes paying a little more is worth it in the long run!

I wanted my first two tattoos for about a year before I finally decided to get them. I wanted to make sure I really wanted them and wasn't going to regret getting them in the future! I done my research and went to a tattoo shop in Bishops Stortford called Baby Boys. One Friday I popped in and showed them my tattoo ideas and because they were fairly small I was told I could pop in on their walk in day which was the following day so I didn't have to pay a deposit! 

I was quite nervous, but also excited to be finally getting my first tattoos!

Tattoo 1:

I wanted to get this tattoo because my mum is the most important woman in my life and I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for her! She helped me choose the style of writing as she loves calligraphy as do I! I wanted to get it on my left wrist as she is left handed and so the tattoo was visible for me to see easily! Each heart represents the children she has had - the biggest being me as I'm the oldest, the medium sized for my sister and the smallest for my youngest sister!

Tattoo 2:

I wanted this tattoo because to me it represents grounding, strength and support. My family is quite small compared to most, which in a way is nice because we're all quite close.  I feel as though this tattoo represents my family, supporting one an other when needed no matter how rough times get!

I was told to keep my tattoos wrapped for 2 hours and then to apply some special tattoo cream I payed £5 for from the tattoo studio 3 times a day until they're healed!

Price I payed: £60 for both.

My experience in a nut shell:

Whilst I was getting tattooed, my tattoo artist stopped tattooing me half way through so she could talk to her friend which I thought was quite unprofessional, but each to their own! My 'mum' tattoo came out a lot thicker than I was expecting it to as well! The tattoos took about 3 weeks to heal and they were quite faded and patchy! I later went on to contact the studio about getting a touch up, but was told I would have to pay a small charge for this. I thought to myself that if I wasn't happy with my experience why should I pay the same company? So I set out to find somewhere better!

At the beginning of this month I got my latest tattoo to add to my slow growing collection and I also got my 'mum' tattoo touched up.

A friend of mine recommended I go to a family run tattoo studio in Loughton called Scribble Ink. My friends tattoos are amazing, so I knew this place would be a good place to go!

I went planning to pay a £40 deposit and leaving my ideas with them, but was luckily able to get my tattoo done there and then which was amazing as my tattoo artist (Emma) told me she was booked up for three weeks, but had had a cancellation!

Tattoo 3:

This tattoo has a story, a friend of mine tweeted this quote on Twitter a month or so ago and as soon as I saw it I was like YES I'm getting that tattooed on me! 

As soon as I read it, it took me back to a couple of years ago when my mum had placed a bet on the Grand National. She had texted me while I was at work saying her horse had lost and of course I believed her! It was only when I got home did she tell me her horse (Many Clouds) actually won and she had won nearly £300! This was a big deal considering my family and I don't really have the best of luck! When I asked her why she chose the horse she did she said, "because when I saw the name it reminded me of every cloud has a silver lining". I hadn't heard this quote before, where had I been? Something about it stuck with me ever since!

Again, because this tattoo relates to my mum I decided to get it on my left arm! She chose the writing too!

Everyone goes through shitty times in their lives and I strongly believe that you've got to get through those shit times to get to the good times! I'll admit I've had a rubbish year so far, so every time I see this tattoo on me it gives me motivation and encouragement. It also reminds me to keep pushing on and focusing on being happy and positive!

I was told to keep the tattoos wrapped for three days, changing the clingfilm wrap twice a day and putting some Savlon cream on the tattoos until healed. Everything needed was provided at no extra cost!

Price I payed: £60 for the new tattoo and £10 for the touch up of 'mum'.

My experience in a nut shell:

I couldn't fault this tattoo studio! I left feeling so happy and positive! My tattoo artist was so lovely and chatty which really made me feel at ease and made my whole experience so much better! They give great advice and you can tell that they're passionate about what they do! I would highly recommend checking out Scribble Ink if you're in the area! They also have a Facebook and Instagram page full of their amazing work!  

Furthermore, this tattoo studio offers free touch ups once they've tattooed you. It doesn't matter how long ago you got your tattoo done, they'll touch it up for you free of charge which is great!

The tattoos that I got done didn't really hurt at all, I guess pain is different for everyone, but I have quite a high pain threshold anyway!

Plans for any more?

I have two more tattoos planned for the future! Some stars on my foot and a mandala/lotus/moon phase type of design on my forearm. Of course these will have meaning to me and when I get them I shall do a follow up blog post!

I attempted to draw a similar design to what I hope to get done:

I also drew a lily tattoo design which I imagined being a thigh piece:

These were so fun to draw and I'm really happy with how they turned out! It has given me inspiration to try and draw some other tattoo designs!

Thankyou for reading!