I have always admired tattoos but never really had the guts to go all out & go for it (unless you count foolish 16 year old impulsive tattoo, more about that later). Like with make-up, it's a wonderful form of self expression but more permanent. Something you can have on you and be proud of forever. It's not a decision to be made lightly, it's there for life (unless you're willing to fork out for removal and the associated pain). You really need to make sure it's exactly what you want and research different tattooists before going for it. Some tattooists may specialise in one thing but be less talented in others so look at as much of their work as you can, both fresh and healed. I was left in the position I was in today due to an impulsive tattoo decision when I was a teen and decided true love was forever & got a boyfriend's initial on my shoulder, not thinking of the fact that it was permenant and if we split (which we did not long after), I'd be left with it. Basically, make sure you know what you want and know you're going to have to live with it no matter what happens, do your research on different places and don't choose somewhere based solely on price (you might think more expensive means a better place but you can end up with a really shitty tattoo from an expensive artist or an amazing piece from a cheaper studio).
So, anyway, it was mostly fear that put me off for so long. It was less the fear of pain and more the fear of people. My anxiety was the main factor in me not actually going for it. I went on about getting more for years but like I said, the confidence just wasn't there.
Last year I decided to bite the bullet because I wanted something dedicated to my two boys. We always read 'Guess How Much I Love You' growing up so I chose a quote & illustration. Deciding where to go was pretty easy, my friend recommended a tattooist who is a friend of his and upon looking at the studio's work, that sealed the deal.
So I turned up at Unit 19 (will put details at the bottom) absolutely terrified. Was in the door 5 minutes and the girls were so welcoming and friendly, it put me instantly at ease. The tattoo itself surprised me in that it was nowhere near as painful as I expected. Whether it be the pain tolerance or the fact the girls kept me distracted with conversation & laughter! I left 2.5 hours later with a beautiful memento permenantly attached to me & I loved it.
Then I went back a few months later for a mermaid tattoo. I love fantasy & fairytales so it seemed fitting. Previous to this I had met my favourite drag artist of all time, Adore Delano (drag alter ego of Danny Noriega & recording artist). A life changing experience in itself because it had a massive impact on my anxiety & confidence. So I wanted to incorporate that into my tattoo. So I went in with a copy of Gay Times which she graced the cover of and decided to get her made into a mermaid with the song lyrics "Everything we do is magic... We make other girls look tragic..." from the song 'Calling All Goddesses' Adore Delano - Calling All Goddesses Live at Glasgow O2 ABCI've still to get her tattoo and autograph added on but I'll get it done before the year is out. Again, I left with a tattoo that totally fit what I was looking for but was considerably more painful due to the flabbiness of my thighs lol. And yet again, it held certain meaning for me.
This afternoon, I went for a cover-up that I had been toying with for ages. I just couldn't decide what I wanted to do with it. I wanted to continue on the fairytale/fantasy theme so was on the hunt for something with fairies but everything seemed too delicate or just not "me". I stumbled across a picture from a colouring in page which just jumped out at me. A fairy, sitting in flowers, holding a mirror. Again, fairytale and fantasy was there and with my affinity for make-up, the vain fairy held a certain charm. I was sold. I went in with an open mind regarding colour. It was just an ex boyfriend's first initial I was covering up (you know the old 16/17 & believing your love is forever lol) so it wasn't particularly big but solid black so I needed help choosing colour which would cover it well. Donna (the tattooist and owner) was great in picking colours that fit my taste. Bright, beautiful and bold. I have to say, out of the tattoos I have, my shoulder was by far the most painful. It actually crossed my mind to finish up halfway through and come back to get it finished another time but being the stubborn cow that I am, I decided to stick it out. D was great, she could tell I was struggling and gave me a few breaks and letting the tattoo cool off before going back to it. She put up with flinching, tears & twitchy arms and if it drove her crazy, it didn't show lol!! Once more, I left with a piece that I find beautiful, really "me" & something to be proud to show off.
Before
After
If you live in the Glasgow area (and surrounding areas), I really would drop in to Unit 19. Donna is an experienced, talented tattooist with a real flair for dealing with customers. The studio is a very comfortable atmosphere & along with her husband & apprentice, they make you feel really at ease & have a laugh while you're in. Contact details are on their Facebook page (Unit 19 Tattoo Studio) along with photos of past work and booking page.
I'm definitely not finished yet with tattoos, I have plans for many more in the future but after the pain of today, I think I might be leaving it a while lol!! Watch this space.
x M x
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