inked.

I've always wanted a tattoo since I could remember. As a kid, I'd often draw on my hands and arms just because. In high school, I was already planning on tattoo designs, but it wasn't until college when I had my first design finalized.

I invited a couple of friends to accompany me as I get inked for the first time, but everyone bailed, so I went alone. I think going alone made me more calm and relaxed as I didn't have anyone to rant to nor to give me squeamish facial expressions.

People have been saying that getting a tattoo would hurt like hell, more so for certain areas of the body. But honestly, it's more ticklish than painful, at least for me. But then when I realized that the needle is cutting through my skin, I started to feel pain. It's like when you unknowingly get a cut, you only start to feel the pain when you see blood dripping out of it. However, the pain wasn't really that bad. I guess expecting the worst made the actual pain more bearable. Not being able to see the needle piercing through my skin probably also helped lessen the pain.

After the session, the fresh tattoo feels like sunburn. It stings like one and it hurts when you move or touch it. When you accidentally scratch it, that's when it hurts like hell; downside of not being able to see your fresh tattoo. I'm imagining it bleeding after I accidentally scratched it, but my sister said it looked fine.

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Number 1 tip for those interested in getting a tattoo: Do your research.

This should already be a given. Before deciding on getting a tattoo you should've already educated yourself about its pros & cons. If you're still decided on getting one after that, you should then decide on your design, including the type and color of the ink as well as the location of your tattoo. Some workplaces have strict rules against tattoos, so better take that into consideration; if you're working or planning on working in a corporate setting wherein exposed tattoos are frowned upon, make sure the tattoo can be easily hidden. After finalizing a design, look into the tattoo parlor and the artist; check out his/her/their previous works and credibility; make sure they're DOH certified. Once you've decided on a shop and an artist, talk with the artist and don't hesitate to ask questions, especially if it's your first time. Before setting a date for your tattoo session, educate yourself on the things to do before getting a tattoo and the aftercare as well; this will help you decide on a perfect schedule.

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I remember telling myself that I'd get a tattoo before I turn 20 so that I can say that I got it while I was still a teenager. However, my constant dilemma was that when I had the time, I didn't have the money and when I did have the money, I didn't have the time. It took me 5 years to finally get inked after finalizing a design. Can't say I got it in my teens, but I'm glad I finally got it before the year ended.

"Panahon" - time;  weather; climate; my middle name
(picture from Merrilyn Chan)