I am well aware that I don’t look exactly like the girl who would be a big fan of body modification, looking from the outside. I also know you would agree that several people have tattoos for variety of reasons. It is whether they think it will make them cool, or it could be a dedication to something so valuable to them. Well, I agree that there is a fascination with tattoos in our culture. People get tattoos for either these two general reasons: rebellion and commitment. Today, I’m gonna share my experience about getting my first tattoo last December 13, 2018. I also would like to debunk some myths about getting one.

Getting my first tattoo…

Of course, I made a research first online  of where I’m gonna have my first one ever, and then knew I’m getting my first tattoo from Coi Maxx of Redeemed Tattoo. This shop had exactly the style I was going for, and the staff are amazing! They are all professionals and you would see that they exactly know what they are doing. I visited the shop first to personally check it and I knew from there that they have the artist who would be able to do what I had in my mind.

Redeemed Tattoo from Cebu

I was blown away by the interior. The concept of the place is unique with earthy tones displaying tattoo designs on the walls and antique pieces all over the place. I booked an appointment and paid deposits for my first ever tattoo: December 13, 2018. On the day of the actual experience of getting my first tattoo, I met Coi Maxx, my tattoo artist for the first time. I learned more about him and checked out his work. This man is very straightforward, easygoing and confident. He is also a perfectionist the way I see him and had a great portfolio. That is why I felt completely at ease knowing he would be the one to make it done.

Rebellion or COMMITMENT?

As for me, getting tattooed offers many things and one of which is a way of celebrating all my beloved rescued babies. It is somehow like paying homage to my furry friends and a mark of lifelong commitment to them. If they may pass away ahead of me, it is a promise that they will never go back to the state of helplessness and abandonment they once came from. It is that simple!

TIPS ON GETTING MY FIRST TATTOO (and your own, too)

I know exactly that it’s gonna hurt, but I was incredibly excited as well. One thing is for sure: there is no fear which crept in because I knew myself my whole heart was on it. I was a little curious how much it’s gonna hurt  because I saw people on videos shouting in pain to the point that they would pass out. However, upon arriving at the studio, I saw calm faces of clients and reassured me that everything’s gonna be fine! Below are some of the tips I’d like to share to you.

Meet Sir Coimax from Redeemed Tattoo Cebu. He is brewing two beautiful black and white pieces for me. A laid back artist who listens to his client and made me comfortable and confident with his work. amazing talent. #workofart #coimaxxtattoo #redeemedtattoo ?

A post shared by Wander Cha (@littlemisadvencha) on Dec 12, 2018 at 11:50pm PST

1. Quality comes with a price . If you want a good tattoo experience, remember to be willing to pay a little extra. Look for good artists around you so that you get definitely what you will pay for. Redeemed Tattoo has been known to do tattoos of local celebrities. I knew they would be able to replicate what I had in mine. The more skilled the artist, the better is the design of your tattoo, and the less painful the experience will be.

2. It doesn’t hurt as bad as I thought. Try to check online of tattoo pain level chart because pain depends on where you get it on your body. The tattoo I have on my left foot is more painful especially on the bottom part of the piece because it hit my ankle bone during the process. However, I don’t describe it as terribly painful. During the process, just try to relax. Do not move too much so that you won’t distract the artist. Focus and it will make you feel better.

3. Choose carefully on where to place your tattoo. Your tattoo is going to be there for the rest of your life. Ask yourself: “Is it okay if I put it in a place where everyone can see it?” This is because you may run into a risk of people asking you about it. There’s also a chance that these people might make false judgments about you. As for me, I really don’t care about how they are going to think of it because in whatever you do, people have still something to say anyway.

Every tattoo piece is unique because people get them for their own reasons. These tattoos represent how we each come from different places. We have our own individual passions in life and experiences that triggered us to have one. Nothing lasts forever and life is constantly changing, but as long as we live, the idea that you will have it as a representation of something in your whole life is kind of comforting.

Did you like this article? Let littlemisadvencha know in the comment section.

Cha Esper

Cha of Little Misadvencha is a Filipino Civil Engineer, researcher and a fur mom. She came from General Santos City and finds that everything in life teaches her a lesson. She is inspired to write about and out of her experiences, but later found out that it was her experiences that actually inspire her.