3 things you should consider before getting your first tattoo

These days, having a tattoo seems pretty common but for a long while, I debated whether or not to ink my body, not simply for the fact that it’s a permanent commitment but also because I hadn’t found anything that inspired me in ways I’d feel proud to display when getting older. Until 6 months ago. 

One day, I met an old friend who told me that I changed a lot but in positive ways. She said that I improve so much that it was kinda inspiring. Then, she goes on with « You’re a truly good friend…and I really mean it » I was surprised but grateful for the fact she confessed. We haven’t seen each others for years and she helped me realize the belief I already had deep inside myself : I definitely noticed my evolution.

My tattoo is a reminder that the person I’d like to become one day is how people see me now - a lovely force to be reckoned with.

My soul is much more important than whether I gain five kilos here and there or get my face full of pimples. What matters is that I’m approaching myself with loving kindness.

The most surprising part about getting my unalome tattoo is that I feel like I finally took a stand for me. I now feel stronger than ever and that’s what’s transformative about a meaningful tattoo : the end result.

The symbolism behind an unalome embodies a path of reaching enlightment. From the center, you begin your journey, knowing that it will be a distorted way, you are wandering and finally reaching the top (straight line) : meaning the spiritual enlightment.

This beautiful marking on my wrist embodies my awakened mind. It means deep connection with myself and focus on present moment. I would never thought that my skin would feel so comfortable and chances are : it’s permanent.

And before you take the jump, you should consider these 3 questions before inking :

1. Why do you want a tattoo ?

Is it because you’re surrounded by inked people and that it’s so « stylish » having one ? Maybe you have thought of it while dreaming about your last trip in Asia to remember this peaceful state of mind.

Make sure it’s not a teenager thought that you will regret in your older age.

Your reason should be personal (even though social media has influenced you having one, make sure that your tattoo has a true meaning for you) and should come from deep within. You may not be able to envision what it will look like but all that it represents should resonate through to your core. It should bear a great deal of significance to you and if it’s the case, you’re on the right track and may never regret it.

As far as I am concerned, the importance of my tattoo is a recall of spiritual enlightment which steers my daily life since 2013 now. I may not know where I will be heading but I am sure that I will always stay relax and upbeat in every circumstances.

2. Have you thought it through ?

It should wear a story and a meaning. What inspired it ? What represented it ?

If perhaps you found yourself waking up in the middle of the night to research ideas for designs and reading into the various underlying meanings behind certain symbols and phrases…basically, if your idea gradually begins to consume you, then you may be just about ready to get your first tattoo!

3. Who will do the honors?

So, if you have a clear idea of the significance it would play in your life, it would represent something deeply meaningful to you and you have lost enough sleep obsessing over it, it’s probably time to start searching for your artist.

Firstly, it’s worthwhile tapping into your network of friends and family for anyone you know of who has had tattoo work done. If you go to a tattoo shop, look through the portfolios.

Your decision will ultimately rest upon your intuition. 

If you sense that there is good chemistry (very important) between you and the artist, and you feel comfortable about it all, then it’s time to move forward.

A key factor, if and when you have decided on your artist is to have complete faith in him or her and trust that he or she will be able to nurture your seed of an idea and bring it to life on the canvas.

Things to keep in mind :

. Start with a tiny tattoo if you’re too scared to get hurt (I didn’t get hurt since it’s fine lines tattoos, and my tattoo artist is really professional. Once again, check the reviews of your tattoo artist :))

. Compare the different prices (we’re in a market place,yo!)

. You should search for a place that is not too solicited (for example, if you choose fingers to be inked, it might blow out otherwise)

. Think about how it would old (if you gain or loose too much weight, the tattoo will stretch and look different over ime) 

. It’s permanent : if you want to live in Asia, people won’t tolerate it. For example, in Japan it’s forbidden bathing in « onsen » (public bath) because tattoos are not allowed.

. For the first 4 months, strictly prohibited to give your blood (it might sound logic but trust me, I didn’t know that)

Hope your first experience will be beautiful and enjoy every minute of the transcendental journey that you will undoubtedly embark upon. 

Address where I got the tattoo : 

L’encrerie

2 rue Lacharrière 

75011 Paris

Phone : +33 1 83 06 52 25

Metro : Saint Ambroise

Waiting time from the moment you ask for the project and the moment you get inked : 2 months

Price : 130 euros
Duration : 15 minutes of inking

The project I showed the tattoo artist VS the project drew by him (customized) :

Check their Instagram to view their collective works : 

Lencrerie

Leogavaggio

JeyNoname

Dizzycali

Favry

Maxlesquatt
Bellesetbuth