Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

i agree with Casey. as strange as it sounds, get the size and shapes you've decided on and mock them up, cut them out and put them where you're considering. believe me, it can help a lot. i am altering my little ladybug and i had a GREAT design planned out. well, when i held it up to my shoulder, it was a lot larger and busier than i really wanted. i'm so glad i didn't take it in and have them ink it without "testing it" myself! i've changed the design and now i'm sure that's what i want.

i also did the same with the Om on my wrist. i had a little Om at work and would hold it up to my wrist all the time, just to make sure i knew exactly where i wanted it (off center). i ended up getting it much bigger than my test piece, but i'm really happy with it. the placement was the important bit there, for me.

as for the studio-- i'm a little like you. the interaction was more nervewracking. i felt out of my element when i went in! i was a little worried they'd judge me (i'm so egocentric!), but they were as nice as can be.

go in and look at the portfolios, like everyone else has mentioned. ask them which are pictures they designed (custom work) so you can see. it's like any kind of art- the artists are going to have different styles. you need to find the artist whose style is the best match with you. believe me, they want you to be happy with their work!

another tip, and this may make you a little anxious, but here goes: if you see someone this weekend and you admire his or her tattoo, ask where they got it done! i PROMISE YOU, unless you've picked a bad time or the person is particularly grouchy, you will get an earful! i haven't met anyone with an arty tattoo who doesn't like to talk about it!

ooh! a tattoo! how exciting! don't rush it, take your time. i still say the planning is a large part of the fun!

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