The scratching sting writes a story across a palate of smooth skin, and the needle?s sharpness paints a picture across memory, now etched in flesh.
The funny thing about a tattoo is how, to so many people, a tattoo can mean so many different things. Many folks may mark occasions by getting ink done, and sometimes you just can?t find words to express what?s on the inside, so instead you let the artist?s talent do the talking.
Heather Moore, junior accounting major, relates the feeling that some may experience when they tell the story of their first experience getting a tattoo: ?I just found something one day that I really loved, something unique and really different, and didn?t look back. I think I did it more because it was something I wouldn?t do, or what people thought I wouldn?t do.?
Whether or not you?re contemplating getting cut, there are a few things everyone should become aware of with regard to tattoos.
The worst thing that could happen to someone, fresh out of a trip to the tattoo parlor, is to regret what?s just been made effectively permanent.
Almost as worse, is to have a bad experience and walk away infected, due to a dirty needle.
Cleanliness is godliness, at least according to an old Smashing Pumpkins song, and one of your best friends to get to know at a tattoo parlor is an autoclave, otherwise known as that thing that heats up to around 250 degrees Fahrenheit ? which will effectively sterilize that brand new tattoo needle before it gets anywhere near your skin.
Ask to see a parlor?s autoclave, and make sure that you realize that although establishments do take steps to ensure your health and safety, you will also be putting your name on some sort of disclosure agreement acknowledging you are aware of all the risks of what you?re about to do. It?s in your best interest to ask questions if you?re concerned, so ask often, and ask early.
When you?ve fully made up your mind to venture into the world of skin art, be sure to consider the following: Make yourself aware that a tattoo is forever. Maybe getting a temporary one for a bit before you make the final call isn?t such a bad idea?
Brannon Smith, fifth-year senior biology and management major, emphasizes her thoughts that a tattoo should not be a decision anyone makes lightly: ?I think a tattoo is a great way to express yourself as long as you're not stupid about it and you actually put thought into what's going to be on your body for the rest of your life i.e. good luck explaining to your grandkids how cool that little butterfly or Chinese lettering fad tattoo was in 2003.?
Most tattoo parlors will sketch an outline of a tattoo on your flesh before the needle revs up, and rest assured the good people who work at any such establishment want you to be comfortable with any decision you are going to make. Ask beforehand for a temp-job and take your time, because a permanent purple dancing Grateful Dead-Head bear might not look so good to you in the morning.
Oh, just so you know, this might sting a bit.
Yes, in fact, getting a tattoo done is going to cause some level of discomfort. The painful truth (hey, a pun) is that this is a needle we?re talking about, and it is puncturing your skin. The good news however, is that tattoo establishments aren?t just looking for your money; real people work there who understand just how you feel, and some places in particular even offer the means to alleviate some of your woeful apprehension towards the cat-scratch needling sensation.
John Rowan of Rendezvous Tattoo and Body Piercing on North Main Street in Blacksburg, has been a tattoo artist for over 22 years ? also a registered nurse for 14 years, and goes out of his way to ensure a level of comfort to clients whether they?re getting a tattoo, or piercing.
?There's no reason to experience pain during a tattoo or body piercing. We use numbing medicine for all clients at no extra charge. All jewelry is internally threaded and hand polished for ease of insertion and hassle free healing,? said Rowan.
Blacksburg has many fine tattoo parlors and many, like Rendezvous, have become fixtures in a college town where some of the best days of our lives start with every sunrise. Places like Ancient Art, Blacksburg Tattoo Company and Bulldog Tattoo are just a few of the spots where we can have memory and feeling depicted in ink.
As evidenced by nearly one in ten Americans having a tattoo, you are able to see that what was once viewed as an expression of rebellion has become more and more a part of our culture, and by taking the time to ask questions and figure out what you really want beforehand, you are able to experience a lasting impression through artistic expression, as a needle paints pictures across a palate of smooth skin.
