First Tattoo @ Imago - Montreal

At A Glance Author Julien Contact fatblackwoman@hotmail.com Artist Safwan Studio Tattouage Imago Location Montreal, Quebec

Here's something I noticed about BME's (huge) experience database: There's very little representation of Montreal. So although you might want to know about the pain, or the cost, or whatever, my real goal is to get a good representation of body artists for my city. I want other Montrealers to be able to look up their city here and find good, sound advice. So this is my first tattoo, with Safwan, the owner of Tattouage Imago on Prince-Arthur Street in Montreal, Quebec.

You have to understand: By this point, my thoughts about piercings, tattoos, and other mods are much different than you hear from the average man. Have you ever noticed how everyone becomes so deep and wishy-washy when it comes to these things?

"Well, I really want it to represent me... you know... my inner being. And I don't want to end up regretting it, and my friend Heather said it hurt worse than anything ever... it's a really really serious decision."

Now, while this is fine for them, consider this: first, you think tattoos are cool. Which is to say, you think nice tattoos are cool. I doubt you'd be here reading these experiences if you were trying to be convinced NOT to get one. Colouring your skin can make it very beautiful. Just spend some time looking for the right artist, who you'll be able to work well with. Second, though you once liked Vanilla Ice, or Pink, and now they suck, doesn't mean you're going to regret getting one. Just try to think more long-term than pop artists you like that try to be black (or whatever). I'll admit it's a serious decision, and if you feel more comfortable taking years designing your perfect tattoo, go ahead. It's just not for me. The pain issue, since you may care, will be addressed later.

Anyway, in my case, one of my attractions since forever have been dark things. Stories that people might normally be scared of, like monsters under the bed or stories of ghosts and creepy-crawlies, have always fascinated me. I went to Safwan with an image that really felt right, and he worked on some ideas he had, saying he was inspired by what I had proposed. His first drawing wasn't at all what I was imagining, but was better, and I agreed immediately. I ended with a beautiful little imp creature, the kind that play tricks on people at night, in black and grey. It looked as if in mid-air, perhaps jumping down onto its victim. It was 3" by 6", and would cover the upper left quarter of my back. You'll most likely be able to find a picture of it if you end up going through Safwan's portfolio.

When the day finally came, I arrived there, and he placed an ink outline on my back, and while it dried, he actually explained everything that I should be looking for in sterility from a tattoo artist. These are all things I had found through conversation with other on BME, or on rec.arts.bodyart. If you want to know what he said, it mirrored very well what is said on RAB's FAQ. Go check that out as well, by the way.

I was under the needle for about two hours, with a small break after the outline was done. Now, I'm very thin, so it did hurt more than it would for the average person. I was surprised at first; I thought the pain would be duller, but it was sort of sharp. My thoughts were: "Thousands of people have gone through this, so you can do just as well." I sat there, chatted for a bit, kept my breathing calm while the outline (the most painful part) was going on, but was spaced out for a majority of the experience. It seemed much briefer than two hours, really. At 100$ Canadian/hour, it ended up costing me 230$. I also tipped him, as tattoo etiquette states should be done.

So, the piece turned out wonderfully, and looked better on my skin than on paper, which was pretty cool. I was insanely happy with it. Safwan proposed Tattoo Goo as a healing method, which he actually imported from the US because he was so happy with its results. I conceded, and applied it for a week, then applied hand lotion for a few days (it was Keri, I think). The process is so easy compared to piercings... it was bliss.

Now, around ten days into getting inked, I somehow developped a tiny amount of acne (one small pimple, really) right on the outline of the little critter's leg. I freaked a bit, but touched nothing, and asked rec.arts.bodyart about it. Their responses: Don't touch. Keep clean. DO NOT PICK. So I didn't pick. I lost no ink, or imperceptible amounts thereof. All is well, in the end. Ah.

Anyway, that's it. My first tattoo, and it went well. I don't regret it. I'm glad I developed a few complications; it'll allow me to advise people later, if they need it. Email me with any questions you might have.

Julien

(so what are you waiting for? - go already!)