Before My First Tat

I am going to be getting a tattoo on my lower back. I got hurt in a car wreck and really messed up my back. I'm in pain all the time but I look fine. I want a tat to represent the pain in my back. Something I can point to and that might help people remember I'm not normal anymore. The real question is: What questions should I ask before I get a tattoo? What do I need to know, I don't even know enough to ask? What kind of aftercare will there be and how long for it too heal? I'm not worried about the pain. Pain, smain. My back is messed up between my shoulder blades and I am going to get the tattoo in the small of my back. Any reason I shouldn't get it there? Also the design is still up in the air. I want a butterfly with wings of flame, because the pain is shaped like butterfly wings. Any advice on that would be appreciated too. Thank you!

The biggest thing you need to do is find an *excellent* custom tattoo artist. find some exceptional talent, explain your reasons for getting the tattoo, and let the artist create a visual expression of those feelings. It usually takes 3-5 weeks to fully heal, larger tattoos are done in multiple sessions. the most important thing you need to do is find the right artist. Where abouts do you live?

I live in Victoria TX. So I could go to Houston, San Antonio or Austin. All three are about 2 hours drive time from my house. There is a tattoo parlor here called In the Skin. Ever heard of them? I've drawn an almost design to show the artist what I mean. It just needs improved. Would I need to stay out of the hot tub while the tattoo is healing? I get in pratically every night. I was wanting it to be more colors than black, is that feasible? I should just go talk to someone. Send me addresses etc for some good people if you can. Thanks!

You want to go to Chris Trevino in Austin. Fantastic artist. He can put as many colors in the tattoo as you like, and for a butterfly with flames, I sure hope its a lot of color! :-) His website is ChrisTrevino.com. No hot tubs after your tattoo is fresh, no soaking the new work. He is very experianced and will help you every step of the way. Fantastic artist and hellava reputation. Tell him I sent you!

Thanks Brandon. good tips!

hey if you have'nt got that Tattoo yet check out my portpholio i'm in houston tx and LOVE color work i may just be able to help you. http://www.aarondaletattoos.com

chris trevino is great,but i think he does primarily big asian work.ie..sleeves,back pieces.and he works alot over in japan.in houston,check out scorpionstudiostattoo.com www.coryrogers.com and matthew wojohowski,at www.amazingtattoo.comin san antonio check out www.justinmartinez.com and in dallas,you got www.elmstreettattoo.com and i like tom's work at aceintheholestudios.com and in austin diablo-rojo.com and www.jasonbrookstattoo.com