My First Tattoo - The Experience

I finally did what I have been putting off for years now: getting my first tattoo.

I already know - I'm addicted. I'm planning the next one as I write this but wanted to take a minute of your time to share my experience with getting a tattoo. This may be of some help for others thinking about getting one but should be a fun read, regardless.

I'm a big nerd which prompted me to get a tattoo around the major influences in my life but in a geeky manner.

I was out clubbing with my girlfriend when we suddenly got the urge to get tattoos.

I've been in a stint recently of going with the flow and decided to tag along.

We got to Las Vegas Tattoo's in Ybor (within Tampa, FL) where we had been just last week when my sister and her friend got matching tattoos. My girlfriend was getting everything ready for hers when I jumped in and decided to take the plunge - finally.

I spent about 30 minutes digging around in my memory for the tattoo ideas I've had in the past and landed on the result of the picture - chemicals!

Now, I can't speak for a lot of people that get tattoos but I really didn't find it all that discomforting.

I know a lot of people that are nearly in tears from getting their first tattoo but I've experienced far worse pains such as breaking my wrist, stepping on a broken bottle and cracking a tooth.

I understand that certain areas hurt more but it really is mind-over-matter. I was in my own little happy place when the artist put the needle to my arm and remained calm the entire time. In fact, I was more concerned with not moving so the artist didn't mess it up than to react to how painful it was.

To put it into perspective, the tattoo gun kind of felt as if needles were quite literally eating at your flesh. Take that prick you get from the doctor and multiply it by a couple thousands. You can feel the needle rip into your skin but it burns more than it feels like stabbing.

Okay, gross part aside, my tattoo design was quite simple overall. The lines hurt a bit when the artist needed to go back over them but it didn't take more than 20 minutes and boom, I have something that'll last me a life time (hopefully I don't regret it, haha).

I feel like I've joined a new community.

Immediately walking around and chatting people (after returning to a club), I was getting questions about the tattoo and wound up having people show me theirs as we talked.

If you're thinking about getting a tattoo than do it.

You'll want to be smart about what you get and where it will be on your body but, for the most part, it's an awesome experience that people put off just to be safe, in my opinion.

If you'll be working in a very strict, business environment than I wouldn't suggest getting it in places that could cause some trouble like your arms, neck or visible parts of your legs but it all depends on where you see yourself later on. I personally wouldn't want to work in a business environment that was that strict.

On the right are a few ways to kick up some ideas for your own tattoo. I wouldn't recommend just going in and grabbing anything off the wall - find something that's unique to you - that means something - it is, after all, permanent.

Anyway, that was my experience. I wanted to share it since I still feel really good about my decision. Hope ya enjoyed the hub :)