Before I got my first tattoo I was afraid to approach other tattooed people and ask them questions about their personal works of art. So, when I revealed my new tattoo to others, I was quite surprised at first when the others started to ask *me* questions ! However, I've always found tattoos fascinating, and I'm quite happy to talk about them. So, for those of you that want to know but are too afraid to ask, here are some genuine questions that I've been asked and my responses.
I guess everybody who's been tattooed has been asked this at least once. I would describe the sensation of being tattooed as a mild burning feeling accompanied by a tickling, itching feeling. The burning (like hot tea or coffee being poured onto skin) seemed to become more intense during the colouring-in. It *did* hurt, but was *not* unbearably painful. Afterwards, the skin felt a little sore for a day or two, just like a case of sunburn. Of course, those are my experiences. Some people will say that it was excruciating when they were tattooed; others boast that 'it didn't hurt a bit'. There may seem to be no simple answer, but if you've always wanted a tattoo but were scared of the pain, consider this: I'm no super-hero. If I can survive the ordeal, I'm sure that you can, too.
In case you haven't read any of the other pages, the simple answer is, "I like eagles !". They are majestic and visually striking birds; to me they symbolize freedom, strength and power. Obviously I'm not the first person to have an eagle tattoo. It is a traditional tattoo image. The fact that it has remained popular for many years is not a bad thing, in my opinion. That means that it should not go out of style quickly - another thing to bear in mind when choosing a tattoo is that they are for life. I wanted it to mean something to me, both now and in years to come. The eagle was an image that I could trust. And I still think that it's original in my case. Even though the 'Red Eagle' is loosely based on a design by the American artist J.D.Crowe, I've never seen another eagle tattoo quite like it! (Unless you know differently, that is ...)
That would be pointless because my feelings won't make it go away - I am marked for life. I suspect there will come a time when I will lose interest in the tattoo. At that point, I will probably just ignore it, rather than regret it.
Maybe, when I find a design that looks nice and means something to me. I certainly don't want to be totally covered in tattoos !
I've heard this comment from a number of people. Those who knew me for some time before finding out about my tattoo seemed most surprised. But it also surprises me that old stereotypes of tattoos still persist in some people's minds. Research into the personalities of tattoooed people is currently underway, and of course I'll publish the results here when they are available. I'll be interested to find out if most tattooed people really are drunken sailors, violent criminals or just quiet, ordinary folks like me. Watch this space !
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