For some time now I've been toying with the idea of getting a tattoo. My pain tolerance is very little, and needles are not exactly my cup of tea, but I really love the idea of a tattoo. Yet, at the same time, I have no idea what to expect. Some people tell me it hurts a lot and some others tell me they hardly felt it. I don't want something very big. Just a simple star on each wrist. On my left one just a simple star with a thick black outline and white coloring, and on my right one I want one of those 3D looking stars. Any insight someone can give would be extremely helpful. Thanks a lot.

thick bold outline good idea using white to fill in a tattoo bad idea & pain wise its ben gone over so many times to each there own to me it was more of any annoying hot scratch

quote:

Originally posted by starrynightlover:
... My pain tolerance is very little, and needles are not exactly my cup of tea, .... Just a simple star on each wrist. ..

For a first Tat, I wouldn't go for the wrist. Something on your shoulder, hip or thigh. Mostly so you get a good idea of what your in for. The wrist is very exposed, and if your this hesitant then it'd be better to have it some place a little less conspicous. The wrist on top isn't too bad for pain, but it's going to smart a bit more than on your shoulder.

You can always go back later and get another when your more comitted.

I was really nervous for the pain when I got my first tattoo (I had just turned 16) but I remembered how much I wanted it and kept it in my mind that it wasn't going to kill me. I can offer this advice:

Pick an area that you don't feel very sensative to when you inflict pain.

Pick something small for your first time.

Pick a tattoo artist that you feel comfortable with. Get to know them. As if you can see their portfolio. All this helps to break the ice, and if you're less nervous, especially with the person you're getting it from, the pain won't be bad.

Also, if you inform the artist that it is your first tattoo and that you're scared, you can ask them to let you feel the needle before they put ink onto it. if you flinch when therere is ink, you risk messing up your tattoo. I asked to feel the needle and so did my boyfriend when he got his first and the artist was happy to do it.

If you decide you don't want to, the worst what happen is you won't get your deposit back or you'll have to pay for your time there. Better that then get something and stop halfway through OR messing up your tatto.

Thank you all so much for all of your input. I took it all into very careful consideration and came up with a decision. I've decided to get a small black star on my hip to start with. Thanks about the tip of asking to feel the needle without ink first, I would've never thought of that, and knowing me, I'll probably flinch the first time I feel the needle. Again, thanks to all of you.