So my roommate at the time, Mike, had just gotten his apprenticeship at the renowned Ancient Art Tattoo Studios. And while I had my ears, navel and tongue pierced, it wasn't enough. I had discussed it with my (ex)girlfriend, and it was decided. I needed to get my septum pierced. I had to wait a few weeks to turn 18, (AATS has a VERY strict policy, that underagers can't even set foot on the premises)
At A Glance Author violentsocietygrrl Contact astrogrrl6@aol.com When Five years ago Artist mike truitt Studio ancient art tattoo studio Location blacksburg, va, usa In which time I got my first tattoo by Reno (on my 18th birthday)and then Mike said that it was time. Now, he hadn't done one before, but I had known him since 6th grade and his mentor, Scott, was one of the best piercers around, so I laid down in the chair, took a deep breath, and said "okay, I'm ready."
He got all of his equipment ready and Scott, Brady (the other apprentice), and Meghan (my girlfriend) stood waiting. Scott began to instruct Mike about how to line up the needle and recepting tube, and I got my fist (but not last) look at, the needle and Mike's bright blue, nervous eyes coming toward me. I was good, and held still, (why make their job harder?), and gripped Meghan's hand like steel. Mike took a deep breath, and placed the two tools in the proper place on either side of my septum. He shifted them around a bit, trying to get a good feel for it, and as he started to press together....."Stop!" Scott said. "Aim it again, and make sure it's perfect. Take your time, and really feel where the recepting tube is!" I was just getting more nervous by the second, and poor Meghan's hand was taking a beating. He tried again...and again...and again...Each time Scott stopping him, and telling him to concentrate more. And each time pressing a little harder on my septum. Now, I have a relatively high pain tolerance, but this was starting to freak me out. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Scott said, "Do you feel comfortable?" "Yes, definitely." "Okay, then, go ahead." *Thunk!* And it was done. A split second of blissful pain and it was over. I took a deep breath, (so did Mike) and sat up to look at my captive bead septum ring. I was so happy. Mike got really close to my face and took a serious look at his handiwork. "Oh my God! It's perfect!!" Scott took a close look. "Damn Mike, that's really good. It's hard to believe that's your first one."
For weeks after that, friends would come over to our apartment, and Mike would rush over and point at my face; "Look at that damn septum ring....it's perfect!!!"
Meghan was so proud, mostly that I had gone through with it, but also that I had this great piercing. Scott commending Mike on his fine work (not an easy man to impress, a real asshole, but a damn fine piercer) and Mike was thrilled. I probably should have seen then, that that really was what he was meant to do, even though he had been talking about being a piercer since we were 14.
I especially appreciate it, having seen some horrendous septum piercings. One in a girl I knew from high school, who had some hack (no pun intended) pierce her through the cartilage above her septum, because he told her she didn't have one. And she paid twice what I did for hers. Silly girl.
I've since replaced the 14g captive bead ring (it was huge, went down to my top lip!) with a 14g circular barbell, which I love, but had out for a while. Now I wear it all the time (except at work, regulations are a bitch) and wear it with much pride.
So what I would recommend if you are thinking about getting your septum (or anything else) pierced, is know and learn more about the one who's going to stick a needle through you. I chose Mike (even thought he was an apprentice) because I love and trusted him, knew Scott was a great teacher, saw him practicing every day at home, and yes, because he was an apprentice and it was cheaper. I'm not going to lie. That was a factor, and I've done it again, with both piercings and tattoos. But I didn't just pick some random Joe out of the phone book. So I was a learning tool and I got (luckily) a great piercing out of it. But just please be careful if you follow in my footsteps. Not everyone is that clean or professional. Take a good look at your surroundings. And tip: if they "won't" show you their autoclave...run!!
But, I love it so much, and have added several more modifications (all at AATS, I LOVE them) since then. I realize that not all apprentice piercings go well, and I'm sorry, but this was an amazing experience, and am proud to still call (5 years later) Mike my piercer.