Facing your Fears: Scarred for life
November 4, 2009 by Angela Rose
Filed under Facing your fears, Inspiration U
What one image sums up everything I believe in? What one image defines who I am? What one image, once tattooed forever upon my body, will finally make me cool? If I get a tattoo of one cat, will the other two be jealous? If cats hate water, why do they hang out on the edge of the tub when you take a bubble bath?
These are the questions I ask myself, repeatedly, during the weeks leading up to my appointment with Joe Miller, tattoo artist and co-owner of Old Larimer Street Tattoo.
Now that I’m actually in the tattoo parlor, perched awkwardly on the chair and trying to remain perfectly still (my heart thumping wildly) as Miller sketches a rough concept on my back for placement, all I can think is “Go big or go home.” As soon as Miller and I began discussing what I wanted, I realized a minuscule black cat in the center of my right shoulder would be exactly that.
I’m as nervous as a long-tailed feline in a room full of rocking chairs, as the expression goes, but I am fully committed. Miller has explained how tattoo art has changed over the years, and how the concept of “what a tattoo is” has changed, as well. He has shown me some of his work, and has described to me his vision for the piece he feels would suit me. He has expressed his belief that the best tattoos “fill the space.” He is obviously talented and passionate about his art, and I feel I can trust him not to steer me wrong.
I’m a whole lot tougher than I used to be, but I’m still nervous about the potential for pain.
“How bad is this going to hurt?” I ask.
“Oh, it will only feel like you’re being massaged with a red hot soldering iron,” Miller replies.
He’s joking. He explains that the degree of discomfort will vary depending on location, tools and techniques. He advises me to sit still, and breathe in slowly and deeply through my nose and out my mouth throughout the process, both to help with pain management as well as enable him to get into a rhythm and ensure a more perfect result.
He starts.
It’s tough at first to remain still and breathe. After an hour, I’ve decided it feels a lot like the shock knives we sometimes train with in Krav Maga — only being shocked repeatedly in the same area over and over. That’s certainly more painful than being smothered by kittens, but decidedly less painful than being stuck in an airport full of screaming infants.
I have a lot of time to think during the next three and a half of hours, so I think about why I am here, the “fears” I am facing. Does this hurt? Yes. Does it involve needles? Yes, though they’re not as scary looking as I had imagined. Is there blood involved? Yes, but Miller is good at keeping the paper towels he is using to wipe it off out of my sight.
I hate blood. I know it must flow through my veins, and that’s fine. But it needs to stay in there. I don’t appreciate it when it finds a way out, like after the husband opens the shower curtain to grab his toothbrush, letting in frigid morning air, and I end up shaving the tops off a leg full of goose bumps. Or when it is forcibly withdrawn by needle for a blood test, no matter how “gentle” the nurse may be. I’ve had to sit down to avoid fainting after incidents such as these.
According to my cardiologist, Jamie Doucet of the Colorado Cardiovascular Center (by far the cutest cardiologist in Boulder; I am talking the George Clooney as Dr. Ross kind of cute, girls), this isn’t that unusual. However, it’s easily avoided. Don’t stick yourself with needles and try not to bleed.
Miller announces that he’s just about finished, so I prepare myself to look at the final product. Will I love it?
Will I hate it? Will I have to start saving for an expensive tattoo removal procedure, or avoid wearing anything backless for the rest of my life? Will small children run away screaming when they see me?
I’m thrilled.
Miller explains what he’s done to flesh out the original concept, including the gorgeous shading that gives the large black cat dimension and the shadowy cats in the background that add depth to the piece. It’s unlike anything I originally imagined, and yet it’s somehow perfectly me.
If you are unable to sit still for extended periods of time, or have a very low tolerance for discomfort, you probably won’t enjoy getting a tattoo — or at least not a large one. But overall, any pain is really not that bad.
I didn’t faint, I didn’t cry, and my shoulder is now a one-of-a-kind work of art. Am I finally “cool?” I don’t know — but I can always go stand in a walk-in freezer.
Are you ready to get your own one-of-a-kind tattoo? Consider the artists at Old Larimer Street Tattoo in Denver (303-296-0447, www.larimertattoo.com). Get your tattoo before the end of the year and the artists will donate a portion of the proceeds to www.thinkhumanity.org, an organization created to help refugees in Africa.
Tips for your best tattoo
Tattoos are no longer just for sailors and biker gang members. How do I know? My own mother has a tattoo (and as far as I know, she’s never sailed).
According to Joe Miller, tattoo artist and co-owner of Old Larimer Street Tattoo, gone are the days of tattoos of “a dragon with a castle” (unless that’s what you want, of course). Modern tattoo artists are pushing the limits of their art (just watch a show like “LA Ink”), and creating more three-dimensional and even photo-realistic designs.
If you think you’re ready to express yourself with an artistic masterpiece of the flesh, here are a few things to keep in mind.
It’s a commitment. Tattoos are forever. Sure you might be able to get rid of it after many expensive hours of surgical laser treatment, but who has that kind of time (or money)? If you change your mind more frequently than the Colorado weather, then a tattoo may not be for you. Miller makes an excellent point when he says, “A tattoo is not like a T-shirt. You do not take it off.”
Consider placement carefully. While tattoo art has become increasing more accepted in our society, it may still be frowned upon in some workplaces. So unless you’re a Maori warrior, a facial tattoo is likely not your best bet. Think about how often you want your tattoo to show, and how easy you want to be able to “hide” it when/if necessary.
The artist makes all the difference. How many people have been tattooed in garages in South Dakota during the Sturgis biker rally? How many have picked a tattoo out of a book, only to meet someone else with the same design? How many are walking around unaware of what those Chinese symbols tattooed on their lower back really mean? Choose your artist carefully. Ask for referrals from people you meet with tattoos that you admire (believe me, once you’ve decided to get a tattoo, you will start paying attention to everyone else’s tattoos — maybe even to the point of being creepy). Ask to see pictures of other work the artist has done.
Communicate with visuals whenever possible. Would you go to a new stylist and ask for a “playful but serious” haircut without a picture of what you have in mind? I didn’t think so. Nor should you go to your tattoo artist and ask for something “retro cool” or “painterly” without examples of what you mean.
Descriptions such as these can mean a hundred different things. As you’re discussing your artist’s ideas for your piece, ask him or her for examples of the techniques and styles they’re suggesting. When it’s going to be permanent, it’s best to be on the same page.
Dress comfortably and appropriately. If you’re getting a tattoo of any size, you’re going to be sitting still for a while. Don’t wear that new pair of super-skinny jeans if they prevent blood from reaching your brain when you sit down. If you’re getting a tattoo on your back and you don’t want to hang out shirtless, wear a halter or tube top that exposes the area where the tattoo will be placed. (Note: Tube tops are fashion don’ts under any other circumstances, unless you’re vacationing in a tropical region and maybe not even then.)
Plan ahead. Spending two weeks tracking rattlesnakes in the Arizona desert? Don’t get a tattoo right before you go. You need to keep it out of direct sunlight for at least three weeks (and always wear sunscreen on it after that). Joining the local swim team? Get your tattoo after swim season, or at least three weeks before.
Chlorine is a definite “not to wear” until your art is completely healed. You’re also going to want to avoid repeated stretching of the tattooed area until it is healed, so tailor your workouts accordingly.
Follow all care instructions. My artist advised me to wash the tattooed area three to five times daily, followed by a thin application of vitamin-enriched ointment for five days. Your artist will give you detailed care instructions as well. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
— By Angela Rose
Rose writes a column, “Facing Your Fears.” In December, she faces her fear of eight-legged zombies (otherwise known as spiders).
