I want to get a tattoo...HELP?

Question

Hey guys! Ok, I want to get a memorial tattoo for my Dad because he passed away when I was 14. I already have the design all drawn out and want to put it on my left/right shoulder blade.

My concern is the second last time I went and got a needle I passed out. I have NEVER passed out before due to needles.... Is this a sign that a tattoo would be a horrible idea?

I am 21 now.......

To Ralice, ITS A MEMORIAL TATTOO FOR MY DAD!... Its nothing that I will regret when I am 40. Its not like a skull and crossbones or something insignificant.... its something special

Answer 1

Here are some tips that should help..

Have a good meal, and plenty of water before you go. Go easy on the caffeine the day of, you don't want to be all amped when you go in. And NO alcohol, you'll bleed too much and no decent tattoo artist would lay a needle on you if they know you've been drinking.

Think about bringing a friend with you, just having someone to talk to and distract you can be a big help. On the other hand, sometimes it's better to just close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and kind of zone out. Depends on your personality, and what you're comfortable with.

The location you're getting it done will help, since you won't be able to watch. But, if you start feeling ill, dizzy, cold sweats, that type of thing, just say so. Have them stop for a few minutes. They won't mind, they don't want to have you fainting in their chair. Sip some water, juice or soda can be a good idea if your blood sugar level drops out.

Schedule a consultation with the artist you've chosen before you get the work done. You can have a chance to meet them, give them a copy of your design, and check out the shop. You should feel better the day of your tat if you're already a bit familliar with the surroundings and artist.

Hope some of this helps, and you may as well start planning the second tat now, they are sooo addictive! Have Fun!

Answer 2

Getting a tattoo is a little different than getting the flu shot. You were probably just scared because you haven't had one before? I only have one tattoo right now. My dad passed away as well, but when I was 3. I have always wanted to get something in honor of him.
If you truly do want this tattoo and don't have any other problems concerning getting the tattoo, I don't see why not. It's not weird that you would have anxiety over getting a tattoo tho because it is permanant.
If you really do want the tattoo, I say go for it!
Good Luck...

Answer 3

I can relate.I never had problems with needles then not to long ago at the doctors I almost passed out.Then the same thing happened when i got my first tat.we was a few minutes in and thats when it hit me.So we took a break and my wife got me some water.After that I never had a problem,actually I started to fall asleep.So I found that by taking a water bottle each time I get a tattoo done and sipping on it while the artist works I don't have a problem.My artist says it happens and from what he's noticed it is usally when someone doesn't eat and drink before they come in.

Answer 4

you probaly just passed out from being nervous or worked up over what was going to happen like an anxiety stress thing just relax have a friend go with you someone to talk to you eat before you go in that way your body has something to feed on when it needs to make endorphines for the pain not that it is a lot of pain but when you get worked up and the trauma so to speak occurs your body creates the fight or flight response which can cause you to pass out just relax and eating before hand will keep you from using all of your energy reserves and chances are when you get thru with the tat you will be hungry again even if its only an hour later its the fact your body burns your food quicker when in that situation.

Also if a word to the wise while some artists may ok you being put under i think that no matter how bad you may want a tat if you have to be put to sleep to get the work done that its not what you need to be doing part of getting a tat is being ok with whats going on and periodically checking the progress of how it looks or whats going on not being knocked out dead to the world getting inked and not being able to have a last minute say so on color or that line is a little crooked can you smooth it out so if you cant stay up and alert and relaxed then stay away from the ink

Answer 5

Hey mate I feel your pain I got my first tattoo 48hours ago! Yay!!! I like you am scared of needles. I went with 2 friends to get them done at the same time and I didn't think I could go through with it until I saw them getting theirs done. I don't know what your pain threshold is like but I was truly surprised at how little it did hurt. I found it to be not so much as a pain but more of just a strange sensation. I would liken the feeling to being scratched by a cat. Though I have been scratched by my cat (the little physco) it has been far more painful than a tattoo. But my advice is take a friend have someone there to talk to and support you. I hope that helps abit Good luck!

Answer 6

be sure you are well rested the night before, eat and drink prior to going. When I get tattooed I have a book with me to distract my mind. I also keep water with me to drink through out the process. I have learned to get up and walk around when the artist takes a break. also take some ibuprofen an hour or so prior that helps at least for me it does. My last tatt was on my left shoulder blade, it wasn't too bad
you will be ok.. oh don't forget to breath, sounds dumb but breathe through any pain and that helps allot

Answer 7

you passed out from a tattoo needle or a shot needle? I tattoo needle doesn't go in as far. The tattoo artist I go to is so scared of needles and is covered with tattoos. it's different. I don't think it would be a bad idea...you will be facing away from the needle which will make it easier.

Answer 8

Considering the tattoo needle doesn't really even LOOK like a needle and the sound is like a loud buzz, I don't think you have to worry about it. You won't see what is going on cuz your back will be to the artist doing this on your shoulder. It will hurt a bit, but you are allowed to take breaks. I think it will be well worth it.
Ignore all the anti-tattoo people(SEE? I still call you "people"!) that think it is there personal mission in life to let us know that we are the dregs of society because we like to not only look at art, but wear it as well. Thbbbbttt, to them.;)

Answer 9

No, I think your body just reacted differently. Go into the tattoo relaxed and set on getting it. The tattoo has a good meaning behind it and you're not asking for advice on what to get. Just try to stay calm and don't let your adrenalin get carried away!

To Mary(below me): Tattoo artists wont tattoo someone who is drunk because their blood is thinned out so much they bleed more, feel more pain, are likely to vomit and quite often come back saying it isn't what they wanted due to being in a different state of mind. Just to let you know plus I don't advocate getting drunk anyway.

Answer 10

The tattoo is not a horrible idea. Maybe eat and drink something before u go and think of something else while getting it done. It helps if you have a tattoo artist who will keep a conversation with you to let your mind ease.