getting a tattoo for first time need some advice

[pheonixsingh]

hi
ive been thinkinhg about getting a tattoo for quite a while, ive always had a particular style in mind its similar to what 'the rock' has but im not too sure what the style is generally called if anything but i dont want it running too far down my arm, also what i want on it is going to consist of writing, and hopeully some sort of design to kind of go around it (quite hard to explain)

just need some advice on where to look for designs, best places to get it done, how long roughly it will take to get done (will this sort of design be done in parts :S )

anyway will appreciate any help

[Tattooed Freak]

Its Polynesian\Maori style. Normally done in stages depending on your tolerance of pain, the design and the artist. Run a google search pal.

How about something like this?

[pheonixsingh]

lol erm ok dont kno how to reply to that
i dont want the same deisgn as the i didnt know if the tattoos where they run along the chest, across the shoulders and then down the arm had a specific name thats what i wanted to know mate, the designs would be stuff ive compiled together

[Elwood]

Get it done traditional Maori style:

[DB]

Some people can handle the pain well and sit in the chair for hours, my tattooist stopped on me after 3 hours and called it a day, he wouldnt let me go past 3 hours.

For your first tattoo, i would ask the tattooist to do a partial in the middle of your upper arm that he can add to in stages, just like Tattooed Freak said. Once youve had it done you'll know your limits and then decide whether you want the full monty. Also buy some preperation H, its haemorroid cream and heals tattoo's very well indeed, takes swelling down to a minimum and keeps the scabs from cracking. Apply it before bed, twice a day. On my tattoos the ones that have looked the best are all of the ones i used prep h on.

[BBK]

apply it before bed, twice a day.

You go to bed twice a day? You lucky bastard!

On a more serious note - are you sure you want such a big tattoo for your first? The chances of not liking it are - lets be honest - next to nothing, but something so big is a huge commitment, and maybe you won't get on with the pain (not that there is any on the arm / shoulder region - well it didn't hurt me anyway!).

As for locations - well, I don't know Slough too well, but if you were willing to travel about 30 minutes there is an excellent and highly respected tattooist in Woking called Tattooland. I got my second one there, was in about 2 hours, felt basically nothing the whole time there, have a lovely tattoo, the quality of which is 1000 times better than my first. You will have to book though, the place is heaving.

[Russ]

Have a look here incase you change your mind after you've had the tattoo -
http://digital-forums.com/showthread.php?t=299561

[pheonixsingh]

that sort of design is something ive wanted for about 2 years now, i just really want to get one tattoo, dont really plan on having any more, i guess i will have to go to a few places to see what sort of designs i want, because i know pretty much in my head what it looks like but im crap at drawing!

[Tattooed Freak]

The tattooist will be able to manipulate a design to fit where you want it to. If they aren't willing to, take your cash elsewhere to someone who will. Most artists see it as a challenge to do something different. It's your body dude, so tell them what you want and whereabouts...