I'm certain that a lot of you have a tattoo you regret, right? It happens.

I ran off on my 18th birthday and got a Chinese symbol as my first tattoo. That one doesn't bother me though, because it means a lot to me. However, I do have one that I regret.

When I was 19, I was an Ashlee Simpson fan. I know, I know. LAME! What's worse is that when I was 19 I was such an Ashlee Simpson fan that I thought it would be an awesome ideas to get her album title 'I Am Me' tattooed on my right wrist. I was such a little rebel, huh?

Now I'm a 29 year old working professional who has had to explain to countless people over the years why I have that on my arm. Talk about embarrassing!

I've recently learned how important it is to know your artist and to make a plan for your work. Sure, there will be some cases where you will walk into a shop and get a small piece done and love it for the rest of your life. 9 times out of 10 though, you'll want to make a plan.

Here are some tips:

1. Shop around. Don't settle on the first place you see. Ask people who did their work. Look at the work they have. The proof is in the ink, people!

2. Know your artist. If you have a certain type of piece in mind, find an artist who does a great job with that type of work. Look at their photos in the studio. You'll notice that certain artists excel and focus on certain types of work. Some are do great line work, others do amazing things with color.

3. Do your homework. If you aren't an artist and can't draw out what is in your head, just Google it. Print out as many photos as you can as inspiration for the piece to bring to your artist.

4. Eat! This has to do with when it's finally go time! I know this from experience, it's super important to eat before your session. This is the perfect excuse to have a candy bar, kids!

Now that I've schooled you, I'll share my most recent experience with you.

I met with Ed from Diversified Ink in Bangor and told him I really wanted to have something on my arm to cover up the 'I Am Me' from when I was 19. I wanted to have Apple Blossoms and some words in my Grammie's handwriting as well. I had no clue how this would come together. I started with random images I found online.

Here is what he came up with as a sketch:

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I loved it from the first second I saw it! Little did I know, it was going to look even better on my arm!

Here are some photos from the session! I'm only half done with this piece. I'm scheduled to go back on June 4th to get the color done. I can't wait to see the finished product!

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6/4/14

I went back in to Diversified Ink today to get the color work done on my tattoo! I couldn't be happier with the results. I think I'm at a point now were it's "done for now" so to speak. I have a few things I want to add as I go, but I'll rest for now!

I can't thank Ed enough for what he's created for me. My arm will be a constant reminder of the love I shared with my Grammie and my Nana. I love being able to express my feelings with wearable artwork!

Like it?

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Here is a video I took so you can see some of the details a little better!

Remember, Think Before You Ink!

 

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