If you don’t already know, I have 5 tattoos. One of them can be covered up 
relatively easily, 3 covered up no problem. The one on my wrist can only be covered up with long sleeves and in the sweltering Atlanta summer heat, long sleeves aren’t going to happen.
I’ve thought about it for a while and I’m getting a half sleeve. I had my consultation about a month ago and I have been super excited. Until lately. I can’t sleep at night because I’m so nervous. Like, what if I don’t like it in a year. What if I don’t like it in a week?! And I’ve been through all of these feelings before. And it did take me a while to get used to my sparrow, but now I love it and I can’t imagine not having it. I feel like it helps define me. As if, people can see who I am on the inside better because it’s there. I guess I’m nervous this new tattoo won’t be as amazing for me.
I’ve always loved tattoos and in a perfect world I would want what Dani has. Not the same thing, just that style. I love that look! So, I don’t know why I feel so afraid all of a sudden. And Kyla just got a shoulder piece that’s beautiful. Not that if other people are doing something I should do it, I just love her piece.
I guess the permanence and the size if freaking me out a bit. It’s weird, because I’m also super excited. And I went to my consultation in May. I feel strange this is making me so nervous!
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June 15, 2010 at 9:59 am
Ginny
First of all… the scooter is so cute!! That is already a big change in your life, no?
I was just reading this about the tat. If you are nervous and it isn’t flowing and comfortable and serene, maybe it isn’t a good idea just yet? I mean it is SO PERMANENT ;-) What are you thinking about getting? Either way I’m sure it will look nice.
June 15, 2010 at 11:00 am
Sonal
Yay! New tattoos are exciting! I think with every tattoo there is some nervousness involved. I want a visible tattoo but it does make me worry. I feel that if you truly think your tattoo through and attach personal meaning, you won’t regret it. Even if you change down the road, it will always represent a part of you, who you were at that point in time.
June 15, 2010 at 11:19 am
Windsor Grace
Agreed. Great points! Thanks for that!
June 15, 2010 at 11:14 am
jana
i think that if you are having nightmares or losing sleep over it, your conscience is trying to tell you something. I waited for a very long time to get my first tattoo….you may want to wait a bit so that you know you are positively certain about it.
June 15, 2010 at 11:21 am
Windsor Grace
Thanks, Jana. I somewhat agree, but I know it’s what I want. I think I’m so nervous because of the permanence. If I didn’t want it, I would never have gone in there. I’m just scared. And I have another week and a half to make sure. Thanks for your advice! I’ll definitely keep this option in mind.
June 15, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks
I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be nervous about it. It means you’re putting thought into the permanency of it and whether you really want it. Go with your heart. If, on the day of your appointment, you’re not feeling it, cancel. You can always do it later. And if it feels right, then you know you’re doing the right thing.
June 15, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Windsor Grace
Thanks! You always have the best advice :)
June 15, 2010 at 11:34 pm
AsianCajuns (Cath)
I think in this case the nerves are just part of the excitement. Of course you have to worry over such a big decision, but don’t let that overshadow your excitement. I say go for it!
June 16, 2010 at 9:33 am
Windsor Grace
Thanks! I think I will!
June 16, 2010 at 1:22 am
kara
Sososososo jealous. I always debate with myself about a half sleeve, a la Kyla or srslyliz. I have a pretty professional job though, so I always tell myself NO. Seriously though, I’d do it in a heartbeat otherwise. Sounds like you’re convinced that it’s right for you – I say go for it!
June 16, 2010 at 9:34 am
Windsor Grace
I have a pretty professional job as well, but when my hair was orange, they all loved it and told me we are an orange hair company. So, I feel pretty okay about it. And, being an artist and all…
June 16, 2010 at 2:42 am
steph anne
How many more do you think you’ll get? I have 2 on my feet and I absolutely love how I sometimes forget it’s there until I look down. I agree with Nilsa, if you don’t feel like it’s the right one on the same day of the appointment then cancel. :)
June 16, 2010 at 9:35 am
Windsor Grace
I don’t know if I will get anymore. I love them, but I just don’t know. I kind of want to get something on a thigh eventually. That would be cool.
June 16, 2010 at 9:02 am
More of a full explaination « Knit in Public
[...] are judging you, things that are intimidating, wisdom it sucks Even though the post about my tattoo fears was published only yesterday, the comments, emails and texts I have received have been great. [...]
June 18, 2010 at 8:03 am
Kyla Roma
Oh thank you so much for the kind words! :)
If you’re nervous I would really recommend working on a sleeve in pieces instead of trying to sit through the whole thing in one go. At your meeting you can talk about the whole concept, and just say you want to work on the primary pieces first and then move onto filling it in.
I think that at the end of the day, the artist that you use and how in love you are with the art will really determine how comfortable you are with it afterward. When I had my koi fish done I *really* didn’t feel comfortable with it for a long time, I wasn’t ready for it at all, but with this one it was instant love :)
If you feel like you really might not like it in a year or so- hold off! You can always reschedule a consultation, but I know that being really good and ready made the difference for me. <3
June 18, 2010 at 10:47 am
Windsor Grace
Thank you so much for the advice! We’re going to do it in pieces, I believe. Because it will be too much to do it all in one sitting.
I have a large piece on my ribs and side and it has no black outlining. I sat for that thing all in one go and it was excruciating. My artist said that the ribs are one of the most painful areas, but it was worth it. I love that piece. I’m going to the same artist (this is my third one from her).
I think part of the nerves is that I remember how long it took me to get used to the sparrow. But, I’m really excited! The wonderful feedback from this post and from the scars post has been awesome!
June 20, 2010 at 8:13 am
Albert
Hey! I love the idea of the half sleeve. I can’t wait to see it. I have one tattoo now that I like but try to separate the memory of getting it (only because someone I was with at the time is no longer with me). Actually the tat has nothing to do with them in significance.
Anyhow… I have been wanting a shoulder piece for a bit. Oh by the way I have a tat and it will be in a show coming up soon at Lenox at the Adidas store. I have a friend who is a photographer and she is doing a show on Tattoos. I will keep ya posted.
June 21, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Windsor Grace
What kind of show? That sounds awesome!
June 22, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Albert
Its a Photography exhibit. This will probably be her last show, she is moving to California. I will keep ya posted when I have details.