QUOTE(Lynette @ Oct 26 2006, 12:32 AM)
Man, I'm feeling a little discouraged. The thought of having it re-touched from time to time doesn't necessaily bother me, but there seems to be a very wide variety of opinions. And as for "Oh come on, there's got to be something better"... it's what I like. I'm sure there are people whoonly like a small percentage of tattoo designs they see. My feeling is that the design itself has to have meaning to the wearer or else... why do it at all? I'm not really concerned about what other people think of the mermaid. It's a picture of my mom. She passed away while diving in the south pacific when I was little. I DO want to thank all of you for taking the time to answer my question. I'm still not sure wheather to do it or not. The smallest it could be and still maintain good detail is about 7"X5". I've been told that all the shading will really hurt. Lynette,
Don't be discouraged!! You are right when you say the design has to have a meaning to the person that wears it because it does!! That is where it separates from what others like and what you like!! And while it may need touched up in years to come, it isn't that big a deal. Talk to some good tattoo artists (check them out first and get their opinion of the design and if they can do it and what their comments are) and listen to what they have to say!! I know I tan a lot during the year and my tattoo still has great color to it. Sure it may have faded a bit, but doesn't need a touch up yet and that is according to the tattoo artist I had it done by.
If the design means something to you, that is all that has to matter in the big picture!! And as far as the shading goes, that is the easiest part. Imagine a finger nail being scraped across your skin as that is about it. Then again, maybe I just wasn't bothered when I got tattooed but I know other people that have told me the same thing. Heck, I have a really nice tribal armband (got it before everyone got into the gig - got Tribal as I use to surf a lot) and it didn't hurt in the least. The only part you may find unpleasant is the outling of the design as they use a longer needle to keep the design from 'bleeding' out and losing form, but that still isn't bad. I look at it this way..........I hate getting shots from a doctor, and this didn't bother me in the least!!!
Again, choose what you want......you'll be wearing it forever!! And if it is of your mom........it must mean something and be a good idea!! Good luck with it!!
And please make sure to show us pics of you with your tattoo when you get it done!!!!