I have like 10 I think? i chose a few of them for meaningful reasons, and then a couple because I liked an artists flash. I think when it comes to choosing I wouldnât worry too much. Obviously you donât want something youâll really regret on your body, but mostly I sort of forget theyâre there and theyâve just become part of my skin in my mind.
I havenât got a new one in a few years because theyâre so expensive, and also because Iâm chronically ill and tattoos are literally open wounds. It takes your body weeks to fully heal and recover, and your immune system takes a hit during that time. So if I want to get a tattoo Iâd have to clear a good week or so to make sure Im giving my body time to heal. I think this is something non-chronically ill people should probably think more about too! People getting tattoos and then going out or living as busily as normal, youâre more likely to get ill and tired. So take care of yourself, donât drink, and eat lots!
When it comes to pain, I didnât find them that painful in the moment (but I have a high threshold because of daily pain: see above re chronic illness haha). I found ones around my stomach harder because they tickled which I find uncomfortable. I was able to fall asleep during my big leg one, and found them to be quite meditative as they drive your focus to one thing. A couple of them did lead to illness flare ups a couple days later which were more annoying.