Tat chat

via http://imgfave.com/beautiful_heartbreak

via flyaroundmyprettylittlemiss.wordpress.com/

via http://rodeo.net/tattoologist/

via http://bdunlap.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/lucy-orla.html

via http://weheartit.com/entry/6360513

via thebowtielife.tumblr.com/

via lifeatthebeach.tumblr.com/

via http://enjoyfashion.tumblr.com/page/195

via http://weheartit.com/entry/21011040/via/Gemma_

via whatevercathieb.blogspot.co.uk/

via http://weheartit.com/entry/25214262

via fuckyeahfitspo.tumblr.com

via http://weheartit.com/entry/2596352/via/emilybrown617

via fashionableshenanigans.blogspot.co.uk/

via djapplecida.tumblr.com/

Hi guys! Today I figured we could have a quick chat about tattoos. I meant to do a post on that for a while now. Since my folks read my blog I delayed their heart attack for a bit, but after accidentally flashing one of my tats to them the other day, I think we are all set! :)

The thing is a lot of people relate tattoos to ex-cons, gangsters, and criminal attitudes in general! Now matter how weird it might seem, there are still some who believe that and give you weird glimpses every now and then. It's a good thing my family is more forward and more of the "it's your life"kind of school-although they are not thrilled about it either!

When it comes down to ink matters, I think it's retarded to be prejudiced and make fun of other people's designs saying "oh that's original"; unless they have a chinese word that means "meatball" when they believe it stands for "courage"..! A tattoo is supposed to be personal, yes; but who are you to judge what is personal for each one of us? There is no virgin birth anymore, and nobody owns all the words or all the patterns! One word can have a different meaning to 1000 people, or the same and be adored just for that! 

I used to think that I MUST come up with a one-of-a-kind idea... 5 years went by for me to realise that this is just a load of #$%! 

Personally I appreciate small and randomly placed tattoos, I find them cooler and sexier on women; but on guys I really enjoy sleeves and bigger patterns-but that's just me! Maybe it's an analogy thing: the bigger the body the bigger the tattoo?! 

Anyway, the only things that I think you SHOULD keep in mind when considering a new tat are:

1. If you work or plan to work in a more corporate environment or some place where dress code is strict and anything additional is frowned upon, you might wanna have it done somewhere more private. Pick a place that can't be easily spotted, like inner arm, ribs, lower back.. there are so many options anyway!

2. Please please oh please dont get it on a spot that is likely to get really saggy! Even if it looks good now, in less than 10 years time it will turn into an abstract pattern which will only remind you how much of an old fart you are! I know I'm not one to talk-since I have one on my triceps!- but I will have you know that it is low enough not to get saggy any time soon! Plus it's been a motivation for me to start working out again, so... win win!

After you get your tattoo, a few tips on taking care of it. I know there's a lot of different opinions on the web about the after-part, but I do very few things that work fine. Since my tattoo guy never provided any information, I always had to google stuff so I got the hang of it. 

What you CAN do is: 

Just shower normally from the first day, but don't get any soap on the tattoo. You can keep cleaning it gently ONLY with water several times a day- then gently dry it with a clean towel, without scrubbing it!

After that just apply a small amount of cream, like Bepanthen, which you can find in any drug store for cheap, and let it absorb it. Repeat 1-4 times a day -when dry-  for the first two weeks.

ALWAYS keep in mind that a tattoo is an open wound and therefore can be easily infected. The fabrics you wear or use in general MUST be clean. These crucial first weeks will define the quality and lifespan of your tattoo, so take good care of it!

One last note: 

About that nonsense you might hear that you will "get addicted", don't listen to any of it! You might wanna get more done, but that's just because you will like how good they look on you. I consider the human body an endless canvas and I enjoy seeing it decorated with beautiful fonts and patterns. 

While you are having the tattoo done, your body releases endorphines to prevent you from feeling all the pain. This is why afterwards you may remember feeling euphoric! While in theory you could get addicted to endorphines, as some of them are considered stronger than morphine, in reality it rarely happens. Endorphines can also be released during sex or while eating chocolate, and you are not truly addicted to those, are you?! Everything in moderation- I know the rush you get is amazing, but don't go into extremes and you'll be fine! 

Above I have displayed a compilation of my favourite tattoo ideas from around the web, just to get you started! If you are reluctant thinking you might regret it, start with something small. There are so many things in life you might regret anyway, so we might as well do nothing! I know for some people it's like having a bad haircut forever, and that's partially true... but for me it's something that I will look at while growing older,  and it will remind me of the good times I had and how I felt back then!

I look forward to hearing your experiences and ideas! Do you guys have any tattoos?  Either way, feel free to share your thoughts or ask for advice!

x mp