Hey Guys!
So this past summer, right before I moved home from Paris, I decided to get a tattoo to commemorate my European adventure. It took faith and hope to move and survive there for two years, so I felt it only fitting to get those words tattooed on my inconspicuous wrists to remember that pivotal time.
Celebs and around-the-way girls have been getting tatted up for years, and though it all looks like roses, there are a few things you should know before you go in:

1. IT HURTS!!!

Modern tattoo machines involve a needle bar going up and down, driving pigment into the skin. Let me tell you, I was screaming like a little baby when I was getting mine done, and found myself calling on Jesus and asking myself repeatedly why I was doing it. Though I am a huge wuss, I can say this: it gets better after the initial shock. As in, I got two wrists done, and while I was a consummate crybaby during the first wrist, I was pretty cool for the second. Also, apparently it gets easier the more tattoos you get. To whit: everyone in the shop was covered in tattoos and laughing at me/mocking me because of my hysterics. If they can get their whole face inked, you can get something small. Also, different areas like your arm or back are less sensitive than your wrists. Though tattoos hurt, painkillers and alcohol are not recommended. Aspirin and liquor thin the blood, which means more bleeding than normal (yes, you’ll bleed). No pain, no gain.

2. Think about placement– make sure you’d be comfortable sporting your tattoo on your wedding day.

My sister asked me if I’d be cool with my tat while walking down the aisle, and the question really made me think. I reasoned my tattoos could easily be covered by a dope cuff or bracelet, so I was cool with them. Others…

…not so much.

3. Make sure you print out your design or commission a graphic artist to do a sketch for you. Bring it with you on the big day.

Not only were the words meaningful to me, but the font was important as well. To make sure my tattoo artist got it right, I printed out the words in a cursive script I liked. My artist ended up simply placing a bit of pen ink on the design, wetting the paper I brought in, then placing the outline on my wrist (so there was a temporary outline of the sketch). We then spent several minutes making sure the placement was right before she filled the outline with permanent ink–that way there were no mistakes. Take your time to make sure everything is 100% perfect–tattoos are forever!

4. Be 100% sure the phrase is grammatically and orthographically correct.

If your phrase is in another language, be sure whatever you have in mind makes sense. Run the words by a native speaker–and kindly ask them to spell check.

5. Of course be safe.  Research the tatoo establishment, ask your artist to see examples of their work, and take good care of your tattoo when you’re all done.

My tattoo artist, Andromak, and I in Paris.

I actually found my tattoo spot based on the recommendation of a fabulously tatted girl I met at a party. Turns out the establishment had several stores in Paris–and a great reputation. When I made my appointment, I was directed to the facebook page of the artist, where I was able to peruse her work (and look at her arms, she knew what she was doing). While I was there, she lived up to my standards: she cleaned all her equipment, wore gloves, and gave me a tattoo care kit afterwards.

A few more tips:

*Apparently the winter is the best time to get your tattoo. Summertime rays can cause your tat to fade, so wait for the colder temps if you can.

*Follow all instructions for tattoo aftercare. That means washing your tattoo and keeping it moist as directed by your tattoo artist.

*Skin will scab up and get ashy. Resist the urge to pick and scratch, as it can remove some of the ink. Just moisturize with your special lotion.

That’s it!

Do you guys have anything to add? Any tattoo stories you’d like to share?

Hit me up in the comments.

*And in case you’re wondering, here’s a pic of one of my tats:

I love it, but think my two will be my last…for now:)