@gingerw

It’s been a while since we discussed tattoos but I am now the proud owner of tattoos on both ankles. My right ankle is a shamrock and then a couple of weeks later my grandson added a shooting star. I love it so much I got the sun and moon combo on my left ankle last week.

I have to say that nothing hurt at any of the 3 times that he inked me. He has an amazing touch and gave me extensive aftercare instructions.

People have a lot of misconceptions about the process and what it involves. Anyone thinking of getting a tattoo should research the most reputable tattoo shops and, when you decide on one, go get a consult with one of the artists. Ask anything and everything you need to know. You will pay a small fee for that but you can get a feel for the shop and how it is run. The consult fee should go towards the price. Tattoo artists will make sure you are ready to do this, take you through all the steps and take breaks when you need to. They will refuse to work on anyone who seems under the influence. My grandson refused to work on a belligerent customer who wanted a tattoo to cover a very damaged skin area. He said that the outcome would not hide the damage and that he wouldn’t be happy with the result. The older more experienced artists agreed with his decision after the customer angrily stormed out. A very large tattoo may take more than one visit with a minimum healing time of 2 weeks. Some people take longer to heal. The artist will be the judge of whether you are ready to continue.

This particular shop is well known and in a great area here in Florida. There are also many many of these shops all over the state and some have bad reputations. The Health Department makes random inspections.

As always, take into consideration your own health. It’s not surgery but it is invasive.

FL Mary….first tattoo at 82!