Tattoo Styles - Mandala Tattoos

Mandala tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years as people seek tattoos that have both aesthetic and spiritual significance. In this post, With the recent advent of programs that allow artists to quickly create these works of art in an efficient manner and the newest tools in the tattoo industry, these designs are limitless and have exploded in popularity… for good reason. They’re amazing!

What are Mandalas?

A mandala is a circular design that has its roots in Hindu and Buddhist spiritual practices. The word "mandala" is Sanskrit for "circle" or "discoid object." Mandalas are typically symmetrical, with intricate patterns of shapes and lines that radiate out from a central point. Mandalas are often used as symbols of the universe and represent the cyclical nature of life and the cosmos.

The History and Significance of Mandalas

The use of mandalas can be traced back to ancient Hindu and Buddhist practices, where they were used as aids for meditation and spiritual growth. Mandalas are believed to symbolize the universe and help connect the individual to the divine. In Hindu and Buddhist cultures, mandalas are often used in spiritual ceremonies and as objects of devotion.

The significance of mandalas lies in their ability to symbolize the universe and connect us to the divine. Mandalas are often used as tools for meditation and spiritual growth, helping to focus the mind and bring the individual into a state of mindfulness and inner peace.

Mandala Tattoo Designs

Mandala tattoos can be intricate and complex, with a variety of shapes and patterns that create a beautiful and visually stunning design. There are many different styles and designs used in mandala tattoos, including traditional Hindu and Buddhist mandalas, as well as more modern and abstract designs.

When choosing a mandala tattoo, it is important to consider the symbolism and meaning behind the design. Some mandalas may have more personal significance to you, while others may have a more universal meaning. It is also important to choose a design that is visually appealing and well-suited to your body and personal style.

Here’s some examples that may spark your imagination. Mandala designs have limitless possibilities, especially if we put two or more together and add additional elements to the design

• Traditional Hindu Mandala: A circular design with intricate patterns of shapes and lines that radiate out from a central point.
  

• Celtic Mandala: A mandala design with a Celtic knot pattern incorporated into the design, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all things.
  

• Abstract Mandala: A mandala design that is more abstract and modern, with shapes and patterns that are less defined and more free-form.
  

• Flower Mandala: A mandala design that incorporates flowers into the design, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the cycle of life.
  

• Sun and Moon Mandala: A mandala design that incorporates the sun and moon into the design, symbolizing the balance between light and dark.
  

• Chakra Mandala: A mandala design that incorporates the seven chakras, or energy centers, in the body, symbolizing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
  

• Dreamcatcher Mandala: A mandala design that incorporates elements of a dreamcatcher, symbolizing protection and the filtering of negative thoughts.
  

• Animal Mandala: A mandala design that incorporates an animal, such as a wolf, elephant, or eagle, symbolizing the connection between the individual and the natural world.
  

• Tree of Life Mandala: A mandala design that incorporates the Tree of Life, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
  

• Sacred Geometry Mandala: A mandala design that incorporates elements of sacred geometry, such as the Flower of Life, the Sri Yantra, or Metatron's Cube, symbolizing the structure of the universe and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
  

Mandala tattoos can be placed anywhere on the body, although they are often placed on the wrist, arm, or back. They can be small and simple or large and intricate, depending on your personal preference and the size of the area you want to tattoo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mandala tattoos are a beautiful and meaningful way to connect with ancient spiritual beliefs and practices. Whether you are seeking a mandala design that has a personal significance to you or one that has a more universal meaning, mandala tattoos are a beautiful and meaningful choice for a tattoo. So, if you're looking for a tattoo that is both beautiful and meaningful, consider a mandala design today!

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I would be more than happy to work with you to create your perfect tattoo. I draw Sacred Geometry and Mandallas for fun in my off time. These tattoos do take time to create, and wrap around the body. If you have questions on how to go about getting something created, reach-out or schedule a consultation. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have and see if we can design your perfect next tattoo.

Feel free to contact Jon Poulson directly with questions, etc.. You will find him at his private studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, or by clicking here - www.AncientMarksTattoo.com

Common Questions - Tattoo Numbing Cream...

Getting a tattoo is a form of permanent body art that can be a meaningful and exciting experience. However, for some people, the pain associated with getting a tattoo can be a major deterrent. To alleviate this discomfort, many people turn to using numbing cream. While numbing cream can be an effective solution for reducing the pain of getting a tattoo, it's important to understand both the risks and rewards associated with its use. Lets look at both sides a bit more so that you can make an informed decision if you’re considering using a numbing cream on your next tattoo.

Numbing cream, also known as topical anesthetic, is a cream that contains an active ingredient that numbs the skin and reduces the pain felt during a tattoo. This type of cream is applied to the area before getting a tattoo to help reduce the pain.

When choosing a numbing cream for tattooing, it is important to select a product that is safe and effective. There are many different types of numbing creams available, but not all of them are safe to use on the skin. Some numbing creams contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction or irritate the skin. To ensure safety, it is important to choose a numbing cream that has been tested and is safe for use on the skin.

One of the most popular numbing creams for tattooing is Dr. Numb. This cream contains the active ingredient lidocaine, which is a type of local anesthetic. Dr. Numb is safe to use on the skin and has been tested for effectiveness. When applied to the skin, the cream helps to reduce the pain and discomfort felt during a tattoo.

To use Dr. Numb for tattooing, follow their directions to avoid any unnecessary problems during the procedure. Simplyl apply a thin layer of the cream to the area that will be tattooed. It is important to wait for 30 to 45 minutes for the cream to take effect before getting the tattoo. This will give the cream enough time to numb the skin and reduce the pain.

Benefits of using a Numbing Cream.

1. Pain relief: The main benefit of using numbing cream is that it can help to reduce the pain associated with getting a tattoo. The cream contains active ingredients such as lidocaine, which works by numbing the skin and reducing the sensation of pain. This can make the tattooing process more comfortable and less intimidating for some people.

2. Improved Tattooing Experience: For some people, the pain of getting a tattoo can be a distracting and unpleasant experience. Using numbing cream can help to make the experience more pleasant and allow the person to relax and enjoy the process.

3. Better Tattoo Results: When getting a tattoo, it's important to remain still in order to ensure that the design is accurate and clear. The pain of getting a tattoo can make it difficult for some people to sit still, leading to a subpar tattoo. By using numbing cream, the person can remain still and relaxed, leading to better tattoo results.

Risks of using numbing cream:

1. Health Concerns: Some numbing creams contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction or irritate the skin. This can lead to itching, redness, and even hives. In some cases, these reactions can be severe and require medical attention.

2. Reduced Sensitivity: When using numbing cream, the skin is numbed to the point where you may not feel the pain of the needle. However, this also means that you may not feel other sensations that can indicate a problem during the tattooing process.

3. Interference with the Tattooing Process: The use of numbing cream can also interfere with the tattooing process. Some tattoo artists may not prefer to use numbing cream as it can make it difficult for them to see the skin and monitor the progress of the tattoo. This can lead to a subpar tattoo and require additional touch-ups in the future.

4. Interference with the Healing Process: Since the use of Lidocaine and other topical “numbing” creams constrict blood flow to the capillaries, your body may not be able to heal as effectively, potentially causing more pigment to wear out during the healing process. This can cause “holidays” or hollow areas, or just a faded look in general. While this doesn't always, happen, it has many times in the past. And, you will need to undergo the tattoo process again to put that pigment back where it belongs. Unfortunately, getting tattooed costs money, so it may cost you more in the long run. Since we can’t guarantee the outcome if these products are used. So touch-ups are out of your pocket.

In conclusion, using numbing cream when getting a new tattoo can offer pain relief and a more pleasant experience. However, it's important to understand the potential risks associated with its use and to carefully consider whether it is the right choice for you. Consult with your tattoo artist and make an informed decision about the use of numbing cream for your next tattoo.

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While I prefer my clients to not use numbing creams unless it will help get through the last bit of the tattoo, or if a client has a hard time sitting for more than 30 minutes of tattoo time per session. I like clients to make informed decisions about what works best for their body. As always, I am not a doctor, and can not offer any medical advice. I would suggest you reach-out to your doctor to discuss this topic further if its something that you feel is right for you. A prescription for this type of cream is always preferred.

Feel free to contact Jon Poulson directly with questions, etc.. You will find him at his private studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, or by clicking here - www.AncientMarksTattoo.com

Common Tattoo Questions - Finger tattoos

It happened again, one of our clients scheduled a small tattoo, didn't put any notes about the tattoo when making the appointment and when they came in, they said that they wanted a finger tattoo. With the exploding popularity, finger tattoo requests are coming in on a weekly basis.

While finger tattoos are a great way to show-off, or remind ourselves and others in a way that can't easily be hidden, they are far from a "traditional" tattoo.  Even with the popularity of hand and neck tattoos because of the social acceptance, doesn’t mean its always a good idea to go for the fingers, or hands for that matter.

Most people looking to get a finger tattoo have done a little bit of research on the subject, but like most things that we research with the goal of purchasing, we only look for the positives, and best-case-scenarios. 

Finger tattoos are what I call a "novelty" tattoo. Many tattoos are done to be elaborate works of art, with attention to detail in every line, items and icons are strategically placed for maximum impact to the overall design that makes an appealing creation on the wearers skin. The difference with fingers, and other "novelty" areas is the fact that the epidermis layers of skin are thicker, and there is more. This allows these areas to exfoliate more efficiently since they are areas of constant wear and irritation. This leaves less room for the dermis layer. The dermis layer is where the ink is placed, and where it will remain. If ink is placed in the epidermis, it disapates, and ultimately falls, or is rubbed, out. This coupled with the fact that these areas are "high traffic" meaning they are used hundreds of times per day, rubbed on pockets, bumped, holding items, etc... Makes for an area that is not conducive to tattooing. 

That being said, it is certainly possible to tattoo these areas. However, the result is less than satisfactory 80-90% of the time. Meaning, the lines will be thick, blurry lines, small details will disappear, color has a harder time holding, etc... Especially if the tattoo extends beyond the top areas, onto the sides, bottom, or knuckles. Most finger tattoos require multiple touch-ups, and up to 40% won't stay. (This doesn't mean the tattoo will just disappear, it means that certain spots will stay while spots adjacent will not stick, no matter the needle configuration used, no matter the pigment, no matter the artists expertise, no matter what; it's because of the physiology of the makeup of the fingers in certain individuals. 

We do finger tattoos about 3x a month and have vast experience making them look the best they can. But anyone looking into tattooing their finger, needs to be aware of the down sides as well as the up-side of a finger tattoo.

I hope this was informative, or at least made you stop and think. I’m more than happy to discuss your finger tattoo ideas and we can see if getting a finger tattoo is right for you.

Feel free to contact Jon Poulson directly with questions, etc.. You will find him at his private studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, or by clicking here - www.AncientMarksTattoo.com

Common Tattoo Questions; Cover-Up Tattoos

Wow! I've heard it all... Today a girl in her early 20's came in and said "I heard that you can cover this (mess of a tattoo) up with white ink. How does that work, and when can we start?" I just smiled and shook my head. I had her sit down and explained to her how a cover-up works. Since I find myself explaining this to at least a dozen people a month, I decided to post it on our site so that it can benefit others.

In a perfect world, we could cover a mistake with a beautiful image and the old image would simply be gone. But it just doesn't work like that in the real world. 

I get so many people stoping by the shop asking about doing a cover-up. It seems like anyone that has more than a couple tattoos has at least that one "mistake" tattoo. It's usually one of two stories; either it's a drunken night escapade, or a search for a cheap tattoo (and usually a friend of a friend that purchased a "tattoo kit" from some shady internet site thinking tattooing could be a fun hobby. You with visions of a perfectly placed amazing piece of art at a steal of a price; Paying all of $20 bucks and a pack of smokes.) – and you wonder why the tattoo didn't turn out the way you envisioned it. 

Someone should break the hands of these "scratchers" that claim to tattoo (or at least their cheap equipment)! I know, I know, but the tattoo he did on one of your friends looks great! I hate to break it to you... NO, It looks just as bad as yours! Look at it again; and look at it as close as you look at yours. They both look terrible and you both made the mistake. The sad part is: it's a mistake that will be on your body for the rest of your life! In many states it's a FELONY to do this to someone; Tattoo outside of a State Licensed establishment without the proper tattoo licenses and training. (But not in Utah! Utah doesn't license it's tattooers for some unknown reason. So anyone can pick-up a tattoo machine and ruin someone's skin, spread disease and not even realize that they did it because they didn't have to do any training! Utah, you gotta love it! If any Tattooer claims to be a "Licensed Tattoo Artist in UTAH, they're lying! there are currently no licensing procedures for Tattooers! Ridiculous; but that's a topic for another time.) My point is, these people are spreading horrible tattoos and diseases for cheap prices, ruining people's skin, and lives with their filth. I for one have had enough of it, and I'm tired of fixing their mistakes.

Even though people joke about, and poke fun at their buddy's messed up angel that looks like it got ran over by a semi, or her ex's name on her shoulder that's missing a few lines and has ink spreading out underneath the skin, or the rose that looks like a dead cat. A bad tattoo is nothing to laugh about. wether it's an ex-lover's name, something you drew back in school, or a tattoo that just didn't turn out the way you wanted it, an un-wanted tattoo is a source of pride-sucking embarrassment. Sometimes it was the start of something amazing; something that you had planned for years but somehow it just got lost along the way.

Regardless of how, what, where, or when, now you're stuck with it and there are very few options. Actually only three viable options;

1. You can just keep living with it; Well, we all know how that feels. But, hey, it's an option.

2. You can get it removed with a laser; Great option! it's costly, but with some of the new laser clinics we are working with, it's quick and more affordable than you may think.

3. Tattoo Cover-Up; That's where I come in. Before I get into this, I should point out that I get quite a few clients that opt to do a partial Laser removal and partial cover-up. This is a great option and I'll get into it further.

Each has pros and cons... Once you are sick of hiding it, only you can decide which is right for you. If laser removal is the best solution for you, we have two different clinics we work with. Both have the most up-to-date, modern methods for removal... where it takes a couple months, not years to get rid of your mistake. Both offer great pricing and both offer financing to help you.

Which brings us to your third option; Covering it up with another Tattoo.

There is a disturbing trend in the industry by less seasoned cover-up artists. Tattooers are covering up mistake tattoos with anything, and everything. Thinking it's covered since you can't see it when they are finished that day. You see, when a new tattoo is put into place, the old tattoo pigment hasn't mixed in with the new pigment yet. That and the redness from the irritated skin caused by applying the new tattoo completely hides the old tattoo no matter how light the colors are.  The instant result is a "WOW!!! THE OLD TATTOO IS GONE!" the thank-you follows. What you, and probably this artist, doesn't realize is Yes, it looks great right now. But give it 1-6 months and that old tattoo will show right through it all. And now you have a really big mess on your hands! Covering up a cover-up that's covering a cover-up is a major undertaking! And the worst part is, you thought it had been taken care of the first time! Only to be horrified when the old pigment mixed with the new pigment and left what looks like two images combined on your skin in the worst possible way.

When it comes to covering a tattoo in this day and age, there is a common misconception that a tattoo can be covered up by anything. And lack of proper training in many new tattooers just proliferates this misconception. And I wish that was true; But it's just not the case. The fact is: All Tattoo Pigment (ink) is Transparent. Which means it's see-through. The ink remains wet in the dermis layer of skin indefinitely. So, any pigment that is put over/into older pigment mixes together in the skin eventually. Just like mixing paint, the darker pigment takes over the lighter. So, if the tattoo is black, or has black, the only thing that can cover it is black. If the color of the tattoo is Yellow and we put blue over/into it, it mixes in the skin and makes a green color. Get the idea? The only thing you can cover a black tattoo is black pigment, or hide it in Black shading.

There are some tricks we use at Aloha Salt Lake Tattoos so that we don't have to use Solid Black to cover a mistake that was originally done in black pigment. The first trick is to go at least 2-3x as large as the mistake tattoo we are covering and trick the eye to look somewhere other than the location of the old tattoo. Now, we still have to use Black pigment to cover a black mistake, but we can hide it in shading or detailed lines with shading. We then divert the eye to a different area where we add details and something pleasing to look at. So, the old tattoo is still there, hidden in shading. So you end up looking at the new image and don't focus on the area where the shadow is hiding the old tattoo. This gets especially tricky with lettering and thicker lines. Lines and shading that go in one direction are generally easier to "hide" than lines that go in a bunch of different directions. Same with Thick lines; A thick black line is another tricky thing to "hide". But with planning, it can be done effectively.

The problem with a cover-up is you can never get exactly what you want. There is always going to be some degree of settling to make it work. Many people think they found the perfect image to cover their mistake tattoo. Then I explain to them the transparent pigment and how it works. Shattering their dream of a simple cover-up that's the same size as the original mistake tattoo. But, after I explain the in's and out's of how a cover-up works, it's a lot easier for them to find an image that they like that will also do the trick of covering up the mistake.

Basically, if you're wondering if a cover-up image you found will work, Instead of thinking of the new image on top of the old mistake, think of the old tattoo on top of the new image. Because that is what's going to happen. In less than 6 months, that old tattoo will show through on top of the new tattoo. And, if done correctly, you won't be able to tell that there was anything there. Now, YOU may be able to see a small piece of the old tattoo because you know exactly where to look. But nobody else will ever be the wiser. And is't that the point?

When planning a cover-up we have to take all of this into consideration. Each color, each line and shade. It's never a quick... Let's just do this to cover that (unless it's a black shape covering the old tattoo; which some people opt for as a quick fix. But that never looks good in the long-run).

Finally, depending on the image you want, the size of the Mistake Tattoo, and your budget, a partial laser removal partial cover-up may be the way to go. If done correctly, you can get stunning results for a lot less than you think.

There are a few ways to go about this. But each one has it's advantages. Sometimes it's a simple; fade the entire existing tattoo to the point that lighter colors will cover the remaining pigment. This makes things much simpler to get a new image exactly the way you want it. Other times it's removing smaller (or sometimes larger) areas completely so that we can use that space for light areas of the new tattoo. Then leaving other parts that will be covered by dark pigment. This is another way to make a cover-up look exactly the way you want while compromising very little. With the new modern lasers it's less painful and a lot quicker than ever before. We have two tattoo removal partners that our clients work with to accomplish one of these two results. Resulting in an amazing cover-up.

Don't fall victim to anyone telling you that a cover-up is easy! It's not exactly easy. It's always a challenge. And while it's nice to be able to give someone exactly what they want, it rarely works that way with a cover-up. So, take your time, find an artist that will work with you to understand what you are trying to accomplish.

Which-ever way you decide to go, Do it right! Don't make another mistake and end-up with an even bigger mess than you started with. It's going to take time and patience. But in the end, you'll actually have something that you are proud to show.

If you have any questions about covering a tattoo that you don't like, give me a call or send an email. I'm more than happy to answer your questions. We can schedule a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your situation if you like. I'm more than happy to make recommendations based on your expected results. If it turns out that a cover-up is the best solution, We'll figure it out together and give you something that you'll be happy to show off. If Laser Removal is the best solution for you, I have two different clinics that use the most modern methods for removal... it now takes a 1-3 month, not years, to get rid of your mistake. Even quicker to do a partial removal to get that cover-up started. Either way you decide, we are here to help you find a solution that will work best for you.

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Feel free to contact Jon Poulson directly with questions, etc.. You will find him at his private studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, or by clicking here - www.AncientMarksTattoo.com

Common Tattoo Questions; Does it Hurt?

I get people stopping by every week asking the same questions; this week was no different. I've decided to answer some of these questions in a public forum, so that others can benefit. I'm going to break this up into segments to that it's not a novella. Hopefully more like smaller chapters that anyone can read in their preferred order, depending on which questions are the most important to them.

With the new-found acceptance of body art, including tattoos, in popular culture, comes waves of people that in decades past would have never considered a tattoo because of the stigma attached. But now that tattoos are an accepted way to express yourself; a way to express your differences; a way to protest society;  even a way to express your sense of belonging to a particular culture, group, club or way of thinking; a way to remember someone, something, or a moment in time; sometimes even just a way to fit-in. The reality is, more and more people are getting tattooed for every reason imaginable.

But, even though it's widely accepted, not everyone can jump into the commitment of a new tattoo so easily. Which is understandable. I've talked to numerous people that really want a tattoo, but deep-down they are afraid for one reason or the other. What if I can't handle the pain; What if I don't like this image staring back at me for the rest of my life; What if I don't like the results; What if I change my mind in the future; What if my best-friend/boss/parents/members of the opposite sex/and the list goes on... doesn't like it? What if..., What if... What if... And each is a valid concern. It's a life-long commitment. What if? And I can't answer that question for anyone. That's something that each individual must answer for themselves.

What I can tell you, from experience, that once you find that perfect first tattoo, you'll know it. You'll know where you want to get it, and you'll know why. And in reality, that's all that should matter. What do you think of it. Here's why: After you get your tattoo, as you're caring for it, you're going to look at it multiple times a day for weeks, months even. Then, after about 6 months you'll notice that you haven't looked at it or even shown it to anyone in a week or two. That's when you'll look at it from time to time with fond memories that bring back the original emotions of why you got it in the first place. Then, after about 9 months to a year, you'll realize that you only see it now and then, and you usually don't even notice it anyway. Maybe when you're getting dressed one morning,  or walking past a mirror at a certain angle, etc... The reality of a tattoo is; It becomes a part of you. You don't notice it any more than you notice the lines on your wrist or elbow. It's just that... a part of you.

Now, if you did your research, and go to an artist that will do a great job on your tattoo, an artist that will give you honest advice. And you did your research, making sure what you are getting isn't a symbol that stands for the opposite of what you are thinking to some other culture, and that you are realistic about what is physically possible as a tattoo (it is pigment(s) injected into living tissue in real-time by an individual; not a computer printing onto a two-demential piece of flat paper), you'll do what most of those tattooed people out there do. Look at your tattoo from time-to-time with fond memories. And that's the reason most people get tattooed. Some times people get a tattoo so that others can tell instantly a little something about that person, or provoke a thought or conversation. But a tattoo is a personal choice that should have meaning to you, and you alone. Expressing that thought or idea to others is, and should be a secondary motive.

So, now that you know that you aren't alone in your fears of the comitment of a tattoo, we can get down to some of the questions people ask about their first tattoo.

Does it Hurt to get Tattooed? 

What do you think? Of course it hurts! it's a very hard sensation to describe; that's why you've heard so many people describe the sensation differently. But honestly, getting a tattoo feels like... getting a tattoo! The pain comes from multiple needles penetrating your skin thousands of times in quick succession. The needles don't go very deep; In fact, when done correctly, the needles are going just below the first layer of skin (the Epidermis) and barely into the second layers (the Dermis). The tattoo needles don't go deep enough to puncture veins, they don't go deep enough to hit the bone. They are barely go a millimeter into the skin. (otherwise blood would push the pigment back out as quickly as it was applied). The easiest way to answer this question is; the sensation of getting a tattoo is similar to a slow scratch.

I tell everyone; Yes, it hurts. But, it's a manageable pain and as soon as I do the first small line so that you can feel it, You will realize that you will be just fine. You, like everyone that's come before you, have built the pain up in your imagination based on what others have told you and your perception. I also tell everyone that in addition to the realization that a tattoo is rarely as painful as they imagine, that by the time we're done, they will be ready to be done. So, it's not the pain of getting tattooed that's the painful part, it's the pain over time that will get to you. Most people can't go beyond the 3 hour mark; I certainly know that I can't, and won't get tattooed for over 2-3 hours. That's my personal limit. (Thus the need for "sessions" on larger pieces.)

What is the Least/Most Painful Area to Get a Tattoo?

This is a tricky question to answer. Tattoo pain is tattoo pain. It feels the same no matter where you are getting tattooed. The difference in pain at certain areas of the body is directly related to the sensitivity of that particular area. But beyond that, it's biased. The reality is; Everyone is different when it comes down to "the most painful area to get tattooed". While there are areas that everyone says hurts more than others, There are almost as many that say those areas are no more painful than easier areas. So, you will never really know where the most or least painful areas are until you experience them for yourself. The strange thing is, I've worked on someone for several weeks in a row and they have experienced little or no pain in that area. Then one week, they say it's excruciating. And while they have been able to go 3-4 hours in weeks past, on that particular day, they an only go for 45 min - 1 hour. So i've come to realize that it has a lot to do with the state your body and mind are in while getting tattooed. Coming to the conclusion that pain is subjective. So, I answer this question with:

Don't worry where it's going to hurt More or Less. It's a Tattoo, it's not going to be pleasant. But, you'll make it through it just fine. Worry more about where you want this particular tattoo. Get it there regardless of the perception of pain associated with that area. The pain is temporary. It hurts while I am physically tattooing you. After it feels akin to a sun-burn. When it's healed, you won't remember the pain. You will however, have a tattoo where you wanted it. For a Lifetime of enjoyment.

To sum it all up: Tattoos do hurt. They don't hurt as bad as most people think. Anyone can make it through a tattoo with a little will-power and persistence. While there are areas on the body that hurt most people a bit more than other areas, please don't let that get in the way of your decision. Get your tattoo where you want to get it, get your tattoo how you want it, and get your tattoo for the reasons you want.  Don't let anyone directly influence your decision to get a tattoo or not get a tattoo. This is your body, You get to live with this tattoo for the rest of your life. Not every tattoo needs to have meaning; sometimes the meaning comes from getting the tattoo itself. It represents a time in your life; Be it a struggle, or anything but a struggle. A tattoo is a representation of a moment in your life and a reminder of that moment.

If you are considering your first tattoo, we are here to help  you make informed decisions on what to get, where to get it and everything else.

Feel free to contact Jon Poulson directly with questions, etc.. You will find him at his private studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, or by clicking here - www.AncientMarksTattoo.com

We'll help you make informed decisions about your new tattoo.