Behind each tattoo lies a story. Like other forms of art, tattoos are a product of inspiration and expression.
Those interested in getting their first tattoo should keep in mind that choosing a parlor is just as important as choosing a tattoo. Going to potential locations and meeting the artist is always a good idea before making an appointment.
Be aware of the cleanliness of the parlor. If it smells, has dirty countertops, and is generally untidy, rule it out as an option
Dog Simmons, local tattoo artist, has been tattooing since 2007. He enjoys covering scars that come with bad memories and doing memorial pieces.
“Being able to take a terrible experience, a trauma in someone’s life, and make it beautiful; to me that’s just incredible,” said Dog.
Triniti Adams, an SFCC student, recently made the decision to get her first tattoo.
”Before picking a place to get my tattoo done at I poked around on Google for awhile and Dog seemed to have the highest reviews for the lowest price,” said Adams.
Choosing where to place a tattoo is also a vital decision. Adams decided to place her first tattoo on her collarbone because she finds collar bone tattoos attractive.
“My tattoo is a flower that has the word strength as its stem,” said Adams. “I had originally considered happiness, fearless and courage but none of them stuck. Piggybacking off of the word courage, I landed on strength and that seemed to fit.
Adams had decided to get the tattoo four months before she scheduled an appointment.
“This tattoo reminds me that I am and to be strong,” said Adams. “It also reminds me that I can be nice and sweet at the same time; being strong doesn’t mean that you have to be selfish and cold-hearted.”
Adams plans to get more tattoos done in the future.
SFCC student Noël Ramirez had Kanji symbols done on her thumbs for her first tattoo.
“People like them,” said Ramirez. “(Some were) shocked that I chose to tattoo my hands on the first run around.”
For Adams, people reacted very similarly to her tattoo.
“Most were positive reactions and only a few were negative,” said Adams. “The negative reactions didn’t have to do with what the tattoo is, but that I got a tattoo in the first place.”
For both artists and their clients, the process is a valuable experience. Those who plan to get their first tattoo must also keep in mind that tattoo removal is considerably more painful and expensive than any tattoo could be.
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