Today I'm going to my first of two appointments to have my sleeve shaded and coloured in, and I'm going to be honest- I'm excited… but I'm pretty nervous too. I didn't write a lot about the experience of getting my outline tattooed because while my artist was amazing, the piece I'm working on is really large and my overall experience was really hard.
I kept waiting for the part where it was going to feel okay but it didn't ever come, and after a few hours when we took a break… I burst into tears. I'm usually not a cryer, but I was exhausted, I felt dizzy and light headed, I was alone for the first section of the tattoo and unable to get in touch with Jesse, and my anxiety just got the better of me- I got so afraid that I wouldn't be able to get through it!
Hilarious fact – after two hours and a long time spent on tattooing my elbow, I burst into tears and my artist asked me if I was okay, this is what I had to offer:
*sniffle*
“It huuuuuuuurt!”
Luckily, after I got a can of soda in me I rebounded immediately and felt a hundred times better! And then I couldn't stop laughing about how I had acted like a little kid! lol
For today I'm trying to prepare in the best way I can for another 3-4 hours of awful in pursuit of having my beautiful piece finished- and I know that it's going to be so worth it! These are some of the things that I'm doing to try and make this a really positive experience:
Eat a giant meal before hand – I want to have enough energy in me to sit through this!
Leave early – Last time I got to my appointment 10 mins late and it put me in a rushed, freaked out headspace. Never again!
Have support the whole time – Last time Jesse came half way through the tattoo, and I really needed to have him there the whole time instead of worrying about when he was going to come and if he was going to be held up and not be there when I need him. This time? No guessing or worrying, he's just going to be there.
Bring sugar & take sugar breaks! – I'm going to buy a bunch of little amazing cake balls called cakettes from my favorite bakery and bring them with me, along with pop. As soon as I got sugar in my system last time I felt like myself again and I'm going to make sure I take breaks to re-fuel.
I adore having tattoos, but I hate being tattooed and I'm having a hard time being enthusiastic about going in today- even when I know I'm going to love the results the moment my appointment is over.
So today I'm not too cool to set the bar really low, and as long as I don't cry I'm going to consider this a smashing success. Wish me luck! Also, hold me?
LAST UPDATED ON: March 9th, 2011
CATEGORY: All Posts
Hope it went well…
have a great week… :)
LUCK! I just want to say that your sleeve is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. If it wasn’t for women like you (and Dani, Kaelah & Mrs. Youngsma) I would have never found a whole community of lovely, talented, tattooed women. I can’t wait to see the progress on your arm!
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Oli! :)
oh yay! color how exciting! you are going to do so well this time and you have some great tips to get you through it! it is crazy how much having your man by your side really helps you get through the pain! just think of what a bad you are gonna be for going through all that pain! so worth it because i know it is going to be beautiful!
xo,
cb
“I adore having tattoos, but I hate being tattooed and I’m having a hard time being enthusiastic about going in today- even when I know I’m going to love the results the moment my appointment is over.”
That is exactly how I feel! I absolutely love tattoos and I have no plans on stopping any time soon, but when I am under the needle, I really question my sanity. I just got my first big, multi-hour tattoo done last week and around 2 1/2 hours I was shaking from the pain being so bad. I have to go in for touch ups soon and I am honestly dreading it, even though I know I’ll love my tattoo after it is all over.
This post made me so happy! I love hearing about tattoo journeys. You are so brave! My tattoo is tiny.honestly about 2 inch by 1 inch. I feel a bit of a weakling now..
I hope you post a picture of it finished, so excited!
Good luck!
La
Oh man, you are so brave! I am too scared to even get a small tattoo, let alone have a sleeve colored in. Good luck!
good luck.
Sounds almost like having a baby! Hang in there, and focus on your breath; inhale scan your whole body, exhale release where you’re feeling you’re holding tension. Helped with baby getting out anyway! Good luck, can’t wait to see :)
oh geez. i admire you- going through pain and anxiety for what you really want. you should be proud!
funny how a little sugar helps everything. i’m the same way:)
xoxo Good Luck!
oh my god i feel the same way. i’ve only got one tattoo and the entire process made me nervous. i didn’t even have to sit there that long for it. but the outline did not feel good. at all. but the shading is easier. it’s more of an irritating pinprick feeling on your arm and not the weird deep vibration of the outline.
Oh just reading that makes me anxious! Good luck. If I lived where you are, I’d totally join ya for moral support!
I saw your tweet that it went well! I’m so glad you made it through happily!
I hope everything goes well today! Can’t wait to see the finished product. :D
you will be great! it will look gorgeous and it will all be over soon!
Be strong Kyla! You’ll make it! I can’t wait to see the result.
xoxo
Janee
yellowbirdyellowbeard.blogspot.com
By now you’re probably well on your way to being done your appointment, so I hope it went well! As much as it’s going to suck for those 8 hours, you’ll have a lifetime of awesomeness inked on your arm afterwards and it’ll be totally worth it! Can’t wait to see the results :)
Oh my goodness! I’ve only gotten one tiny tattoo before, and I’m preparing to get more. I’m really nervous when I get my first actual tattoo that requires shading and some serious sitting time!
Eeek! Can’t wait to see it! :D
Oh Kyla that sounds brutal! Glad you have an action plan for the next session. I just had half my sleeve coloured on Sunday and it was almost a 6 hour session. I brought my computer along and watched Doris Day movies the whole time. I found it helped a lot. My final session is on the 20th and I think this time I’ll bring Rosemary Clooney along. <3
good luck!! can’t wait to see the finished project.
Good luck! I can’t wait to see it.
If it helps, Ken’s not a fan of watching people get tattooed and didn’t join me for my first one. A friend did, and when it was time to re-do it my friend was away, and Ken couldn’t come…so I brought along my mom and dad!
p.s. Where do you go?/Who does it?
I found out after getting mine that I was allergic to the ink the used….so, now I’m on the hunt for a good artist that uses organic ink.
Also, if it makes you feel better I almost passed out once while getting tattooed. AND I cried while getting my thigh tattooed because “my tummy hurt” hahaha. The pain can make you really emotional and funny. That kind of stuff happens all the time in tattoo shops.
you are going to rock it, lady :)
Here’s some unsolicited advice:
I find that eating a huge meal beforehand and having some kind of sugary drink during usually keeps my body from going all “into shock”. Also? I *always* bring a hoodie to my appointments. I find it really helps me find my happy place if I have the option of hiding my face, and/or using it as a pillow that I can squeeze. A lot of people bring their iPods too, it seems to help.
I hate having people around who talk to me and try and “distract me” from the pain. I feel like it distracts me from maintaining my composure, but that’s just me. I see a lot of people holding their friends’ hands and it makes them feel better.
Remember that it’s only your top layers of skin being damaged…it’s nothing serious, it’s not going to kill you. I try and think of it as hot stingy painting or something, because it weirds me out to think about the needles. And I never ever watch the needles, because it freaks me out. (haha)
Oh and tell yourself it’s worth it, you want to be doing it, and once you’re done the tattoo you never have to get tattooed in that spot ever again! :)
Hope these tips help you! Good luck. Can’t wait to see how pretty it is!
Oh I FEEL you, girl! I have a big (like, 5 x 3 inch) tattoo on the back of my neck, starting just underneath my hairline, and it hurt like HELL. I had to do it in two sittings, and I seriously thought I was going to puke the second time around. I just kept reminding myself that the pain doesn’t last forever, but the product does!
Good luck and have fun! You’ll do great! =)
It’s definitely exhausting! When I’m under the needle I alternate water and pop to keep my energy. Can’t wait to see the finished art, it’s already beautiful
Good luck, sweetie!! <3 xo.
I’m sure you already know, but the colorwork doesn;t uhrt. Enjoy your day, the hard part is behind you!
Good luck, Kyla! Can’t wait til you post pics of the finished product!
I don’t think you should be worried about being upset at all – you’re having a lot of painful stuff done to you! I’ll be sending you happy vibes all day!
Lucky, lady! I’m not a fan of the actual tattoo-ing part of having a tattoo either, but that doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about my next piece. You sound super prepared, and I’m sure that once the scabs have disappeared it’ll worth the little pain it costs. Can’t wait to see it :)
I’m actually really surprised your artist didn’t go over these things with you beforehand {making sure you eat beforehand, take breaks, having sugary snacks on hand, etc}. Those are all major parts of the tattoo process! Looks like you’re on the right track now though and I’m super jealous you’re getting more shading/colour. I have one more session left for mine and I cannot wait. Post pics of yours when you can I wanna see! xo
Hey Liz! He definitely did go over those things- I just didn’t realize how much I’d need them so I didn’t come as prepared as I should have. We did my inner forearm and upper arm first, followed by my elbow which was just not a level of pain I’d experienced before. More than anything the dizziness was from me not breathing deeply enough during all the super long lines! I’m so thankful that shading & colour is all short strokes! lol
Good luck, Kyla!! You’re about a million times braver than I could ever be!
You’re so brave! I’ve wanted a tattoo forEVER but the thought of sitting through it terrifies me. Good luck!!!
Oh lady, you’ll be great! :)
Good luck! Somehow, I love the experience of being tattooed – I find it soothing, even when it hurts, which may make me WAYYY weirder than you think you’re being. I mean, I like the pain? HEY, FREAKBALL ALERT. Ha. Maybe you can try to channel me?
I love that you say both “pop” AND “soda.” As you may know, the battle between these words is HUGE here in the States. Is it in Canada? I’m glad you’re an equal opportunity vocabulary employer, as I attempt to be.
GOOD LUCK TODAY! <3
I’ve consistently waited YEARS between tattoos, and by the time I’m ready for my next one, I’ve already forgotten how much it hurt. But, I just went a couple of weeks ago, and got another small one, and it was INTENSE…and it kin of put my dreams of a sleeve on the back burner.
GOOD LUCK. It’s gonna look great. Visualize!
I love that Jesse is going to be there with you & that you’re armed and prepared with cake and pop and etc. You’ll totally rock this appointment and I know it will look fabulous! Send a text or Whatsapp if you need more support!
xoxox
You can do it Kyla! I’m so excited to see your finished tattoo! Good luck; hopefully all of your preparation pays off.
Good luck Ms. Kyla! I’m sure having your sweetie and some sugar (see what I did there) will help immensely! The actual tattooing part scares me too, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it and your tattoo will look fab.
Oh wow I had no idea appointment #2 was SO soon! Good luck love, it will be hard but you’ll get through it. I’m glad your more prepared this time. Can’t wait to see the finished product!!! XO
Good luck, love! You will do great. I’m glad that you have a plan in place and that Jesse will be with you the whole time. I cannot wait to see the end result, which will be stunning I am sure. Thinking of you and also, let’s catch up soon. Miss you. XO.
Oh my gosh. Good luck on your tattoo! I know it will turn out so beautiful. But I totally feel you: the actual process sucks!! It hurts so much. Haha. My last tattoo was so unbearably painful. But it’s been like 7 years so I’m thinking it’s about time to get a new one…. I think I may have forgotten about the pain by now ;)
Good luck today Kyla..I hope your sitting goes by quickly..hang in there!! You sound prepared & ready..that is good stuff!
I was actually at Kapala yesterday having some work done on my inner arm & top of my shoulder done for my half sleeve so I totally understand what you are talking about..that is a speical kind of pain that is for sure. Too bad we couldn’t have crossed path’s there :)
Aw, good luck, Kyla!! It sounds like you are well prepared, and I’m sure you’ll do great. I can’t wait to see the result!
GOOD LUCK LADY!!!!
Ohh I hear you, if I didn’t have such low pain tolerance I’d have finished this back piece long ago! Your outline looks incredible and by the time the shading’s done its going to be of the most stunning tattoos ever… best of luck!
good luck and hugs
If it were up to me, I would have 10 tattoos, but the pain, oh it hurts
My last one was 4.2 hours of pure pain but it was so worth it (The piece is big but not *that* big, but since it was a cover-up, there was a lot of attention to detail), my tattoo artist said I behaved as if I were in no pain, but oh, I was
Good luck! I know what you mean. I plan on getting lots more tattoos, but I only have one large one right now. It’s on my forearm and it took three hours to finish…I didn’t cry but I probably would have if it had lasted another hour. The last little bit of shading felt like I was having my skin sanded off! I love it now though and I’ll take your advice on having yummy cake balls and soda next time ;) Hugs!
Good luck today! With all of these preemptive plans and support in place, I’m sure it will go much better than last time. Can’t wait see the half-finished results! :)
Hugs strong lady! I have a big fear of needles so even though I used to cover my arms with marker drawings as a kid and seemed destined for a tattoo I can’t bring myself to do it lol. Bring a coke and maybe a book on tape, distractions kick ass!
After reading that first bit, I was left with two thoughts. (1) Even though you’re sitting the whole time, getting a major tattoo is draining of mental and physical energy. And (2) It’s amazing what a little sugar can do for a pick-me-up. Ha, clearly you realize the very same thing. Sometimes journeys like this one are that much more fulfilling in the end. I can’t wait to hear the closing chapter to your story!
Wishing you lots of luck! But I am sure you will do fine. It sounds like you have a good plan going.
I don’t enjoy being tattooed either. I love having tattoos, but the process of getting them? Not so much. I never quite understand people who say they love getting tattoos. I currently have my chest, upper back, neck and forearm done. The process has not gotten any easier to me. But I know I wont stop getting them. :-)
Good luck! Although I’m sure you’ll do just fine this time around. It’s going to look beautiful.
also take a towel or some body wipes – i always get sweaty with the adrenaline of tattooing
good luck kyla!!!
Oh so fun!! The result more than the process…. :p
I’m sure you will do awesomely today! And it’s going to be SO super pretty all coloured in (I already think it’s gorgeous just with the lines!) Yours is honestly one of the prettiest I’ve seen :) True story!
I have a 4hour appointment this time next week and I’m so excited! (But also nervous!) It’s with a new artist and I’m sure he’ll do great- but I can’t take a friend with me because they said it’s too distracting for everyone…. I’ve done it alone before twice so should be ok :) I plan on taking a delicious sandwich (these Germans sure know their bread!!) and chocolate bars and Coke to keep my sugar up (good excuse :p)
I can’t wait to see yours!! Good luck!
xo
GoodLuck lady,
MY longest time under the needle was just over 3 hours, i just about survived.I had eaten the large meal and snacked alot but i was still a little shook up after lol
xx
i can’t wait to see the results. i’m sure it’ll be great. your prep-plans sound perfect and it’ll be okay. i always find the healing-time afterwards (when it itches) the worst, getting it was always okay. then again, i’ve never had any really painful spots tattooed (yet) and my longest sitting was probably 1.5 hours, so… i’ll be thinking of you :)
GOOD LUCK!!! Just think of how much more GORGEOUS your tattoo will be! And think of how you can brag and tell the story of how brave you were during your coloring! ;)