I was impressed with the sketch and excited. He asked me what my favorite colors were and I let him know that red and orange are my faves, but I loved purple, green, and blue in tattoos as well. Time to get started. He got all set up and had me straddle a massage type chair and sit up straight. I braced myself and prepared for the pain. I knew it was going to hurt so I was ready for the pain, but it was more annoying than actually painful. It felt like if you had a bad sunburn and someone scratched you in one place over and over. It was worse when he got to the sides and over my shoulder blade but I just breathed really deep and thought to myself this does not hurt. That did actually help as silly as it may sound.
After finishing the outline, we took a break. It looked really good and I was excited to see how it would look with the colors. We started back up and it really didn’t hurt as much as the outline. After three hours, we finished up and he got me cleaned up so I could check it out in the mirror. It was love at first sight and I’m thankful to say I cannot stop looking at it! Another surprise is that getting this tattoo has bolstered my confidence. It has a yellow rose (the state rose of Texas) and beautiful red, purple, orange and green colors. It is bold and vibrant - I couldn’t have asked for more! To make it better it is one of a kind, I’ve never seen another one exactly like mine.
I’ve always been very modest and I don’t like the way my arms look because they aren’t toned. After getting this tattoo, I bought several new tank tops and wear them all the time. I have gotten tons of compliments and all the guys are really impressed because it is so big and it is only my first tattoo. I’m so glad I didn’t compromise and get something smaller or more demure. It only took me five years to decide on this one and after getting it, I’m already thinking about the next piece I want. My ultra-conservative younger brother has even discussed getting matching tattoos of a cross that he designed. My boyfriend went to the same artist and has started a Phoenix that he has been talking about getting for years. I know that change is hard but sometimes it is good. Even though I’m sad I’m not engaged, I’m working on my relationship and listening to my heart more than before.
