Tattoo Tuesday

For Christmas in our home this year we had the gift of a tattoo. Doesn't everyone? Ha. My husband got his first tattoo over a year ago and ever since he was hooked. I got my first when I was 18 and while I do have five tattoos none are very large and all are in black. After the experience my husband had this week getting his fourth tattoo I have decided I am ready for something bigger and with color. Golden Lotus tattoo shop here in Sherwood, Ar is a very clean and recently renovated shop. It is large with multiple stations and many artists. They are always nice and seem to really love what they do. I took Jared's art in about a week early to make sure I got an appointment and to pay a deposit. Matt O'Baugh took his art and after hearing what Jared was looking for put his own spin on it and made it something that would represent us.

On the day of the appointment we waited for the tattoo station to be set up. New needles, clean and fresh inks, and a clean table for Jared to lay on during his session. Everything is very professional and if I may offer a suggestion: When getting a tattoo watch the set up. Do they use gloves? Do they open needles out of a fresh package? Is there hand sanitizer or cleaners available? Is the shop itself clean and kept up? Listen, I know that things were not always so professional when it came to getting a tattoo but those days are long gone and there is no excuse for going someplace where you risk getting seriously ill when there are clean and professional shops around. Just take the time and do your research. 

The session lasted about three hours and while Jared sat very well for it, Matt made sure to offer Jared breaks when he needed them. The art of a great tattoo is so interesting and there are a lot of great documentaries out there about the history and meanings of tattoos. I think that it is so important to really think about what you want. Your skin can only be tattooed over so many times before it is unable to hold ink well so do not just get something thinking you can cover it up until you are happy with it. Make sure you really know what you want and trust me if you put thought into it and make it your own you will love it. Thank you to the people at Golden Lotus for the great experience.

This is about half way through the process. 

All done but still very red.