Tattoos: Answers, Advice, Information, Inquiries

Hi Lx, this is an interesting tattoo concept, and one that I have never come across before. I shouldn't imagine that your skull should suffer from the tattooing process at all, and you certainly wouldn't get ink poisoning provided that you went to a professional tattoo artist. Speaking of which, you may be hard-pressed to find an artist who would be willing to do such a tattoo on you, so you may want to do some research before you get your hopes up. As far as fading goes, it's hard to say. I would imagine that it would receive a lot of sweat, sun and water damage, which would probably result in the blurring of its outline in a very short time. I hope that this is a serious inquiry and not some attempt at a joke =] Thanks, Malyck

...So I'd have trouble finding someone to do it? What if I did it myself?

It would be in your best interests if you didn't attempt this. First of all, you're not practiced in tattooing/tattooistry, and as such are highly unlikely to produce a good result, secondly there would be a high chance of infection if you don't follow the correct procedures and use the right equipment. And then, I don't know if you've considered this, but you would have to do it in the mirror, so you'd have to know that everything is reversed in order to stay in the lines. I strongly discourage you endeavouring into this. Malyck

Let me start this again, unfortunately, I got to the very end of this response, and my computer decided to have a malfunction/tantrum, so all is currently lost. (Note to self: get rating to 500+ so that I can use 'paste') *ahem* here we go: 1) the pain is extremely subjective, and is generally alot less than what people think. I would compare it to scraping a sewing needle along your skin with mild force. there is a slight burning sensation, but nothing unbearable. For the first.. week or so, your skin may feel hot and itchy DO NOT SCRATCH IT. A tattoo is comparable to a burn, as the skin has been penetrated etc. Again, this is far from unbearable. 2) It's a great shame that so few young people put consideration into the placement of their tattoos, as I've seen far too many stretched and distorted tattoos. I would imagine that, by 35+, with no intention of gaining a great deal of weight or falling pregnant, you should have a pretty free range of where you want to place your tattoo without too much risk of alteration. 3) These days, the colour fading this isn't as much of an issue, with higher-grade inks being used/new technologies etc making sure that colours retain their hue. This said, over-exposure to sun and water, especially in the first 4-6 weeks of healing can drain the colour out, or cause them to run together. If you avoid these, there should be little chance of this happening. Outlines etc may expand slightly over time, but your tattoo should not become disfigured. 4) All approved inks used today are non-toxic, and thus should not pose any threat to one's health. 5) Other than limiting sun and water exposure (short showers, no swimming, no baths), in order to avoid infection: -your tattoo should be able to breathe: cottons/natural fibres. nothing too constricting that may cause the tattoo to weep or sweat. -keep showers to a minimum so as not to soak your tattoo. pat dry and apply a small amount of cream (I recommend Bepanthen nappy rash cream), which you rub firmly into the tattoo every 2-3 hours for the first 3 weeks, removing the scab as it forms, so as not to pull out any colour. (DO NOT SMOTHER TATTOO IN CREAM) -clean twice a day. -don't touch with dirty hands/don't wear dirty clothes etc. Following these instructions, and any given by your artist should ensure that you do not get in infection. If by some chance you do, return to your tattooist for further instruction. 6) The design and colour combination doesn't affect the pain level at all, but the larger the surface area, the longer it will take and the more pain/bruised feeling you may have during healing. Also, there are different machines and different needle thicknesses that may affect the amount of pain you feel during your tattoo. 7)And finally, the best way to find an artists that you trust is to: -ask around; people that you know or see with nice tattoos -find out where the tattooists are near you, and have a look in their studios. personality, overall look/presentation and past works should be enough to give you an indication of their quality and ability. =] Thank you for your interest, and I hope that this information proves helpful to you. Malyck.

Wow, it really seems like you know your stuff! You've just convinced me that I definitely want to get a tattoo now that I know all of this information, I was pretty worried about all the myths i had heard!

Sorry to hear about losing the data...grrrrr I really dislike when that happens. Anyway, yes all your answers to my question are very useful...thank your for taking for taking the time to share your valuable experiences with us. You are right about body shape and size. I eat well, exercise and do my best to stay healthy and strong...and I past the point of having kids. If I haven't had them by now...it is not going to happen!LOL One other question that came up after you posted your answers. You mentioned something about bathing and showering immediately after having the tatoo and I understand that. However, what about afterward? I like to take long, hot soaks in our tub with jets, Epsom salts and bubble bath. Could that cause a problem with fading or discoloration through time? Having this additional information would be useful for me and assist me in making a decision about what to do.

The tattoo I want is black.I have a little tan where I want it so I'll wait until fall. Thank you.

=] Hi, I would recommend that you wait until your skin has returned to its more natural tone, so that you have a better idea of how the colours will turn out. Other than that, there's no reason not to get a tattoo while you've got a tan, but definitely not in a patch of skin that is peeling or sunburnt. Thanks, Malyck.

I am not currently working as a tattoo-artist, as I am mid travelling/other career options etc, but yes, working as a tattooist, and growing up with tattooists for parents has been the way I have gained my knowledge and experience. Thank you for your interest.