Tattoo love

I recently got my first tattoo in April as a birthday present to myself. It is a traditional style grouping of roses that take up my entire side (I apologize for the bad picture quality via my macbook).  The tattoo was done by Zach Dole at Freedom Ink Tattoo in Peoria, IL.

When I first got the tattoo I was initially in shock. I think that is a normal reaction to something being so new and permanent. However, I was freaked out because the tattoo was not what I had envisioned at all and it was entirely my fault. I had spent months researching tattoos, styles, as well as images to come up with exactly what I wanted. I had wanted a tattoo since high school but I wanted to wait until I had come up with something perfect to be placed on me forever. So in April when I went to get my tattoo I handed over groupings of different flowers and the style in which I wanted the tattoo - I wanted the tattoo to look like an engraving made up of peonies, roses, and other wild flowers. I let my nerves get the best to me though because once I handed over the images I told the artist he had complete control. He completely changed what I wanted and I still gave him the go ahead, I should have spoken up. Me being initially sad about my tattoo was all on me. The artist is great at what he does and did exactly what I told him to - I let him do whatever he wanted. I was so foolish and naive. Thankfully, the tattoo has really grown on me and I love it now, it just took some time. I am also thankful for the whole experience because I have learned so much from it. I do want to get another tattoo in the near future, but this time...

1. I need to work with the artist.
2. I need to speak up and not let my nerves take control.
3. I need to not have unrealistically high expectations (my problem is that as a designer I need everything to perfect. Just because something isn't exactly as I envisioned it does not mean that it isn't the right solution.)
4. I need to just breathe and have fun!

I know I sound crazy and that these are pretty straightforward steps, but you live and you learn. I can be really shy to a fault (hence the name shyscout) and this experience really has taught me that I need to speak up and quit being afraid that I may offend someone - this applies to all areas of my life. With all that being said - I really do want more tattoos. Half sleeve? ;)

Here are some of my favorite tattooers at the moment

1. David Hale 

2. Tiny Miss Becca

3. Guen douglas

(check out her tumblr ^ she has so many gorgeous tattoos by Guen and other artists)

4. Guy Le Tatooer

5. Jason Vaughn