So I’ve had this tattoo place at my back for quite some time now and I just realized that I have not talked about it in site (meaning basically at every website i’ve been to fb,multiply, here…etc). Well here is the original idea of my tattoo…
yup it looks like a bird but it is a phoenix…well the fiery wings would suggest it…but i know a phoenix when I see one. I’ve been a fan of it since the 90’s x-men phoenix saga was shown on our television. I personally like the idea of the phoenix. Mythical bird that burns itself and rises again from the ashes. So when I decided that I would proceed with the tattoo thing, I already know what I would put. Some people would be fascinated with the beauty of this mysterious bird but there are more to it that just a beautiful
creature… well that adds up to its characteristics. According to research this bird symbolizes rebirth or resurrection. Legend would explain that this creature would burn itself upon its death and would rise again from its own ashes. One more striking symbolism of the phoenix is that Chinese traditions would and only would represent the empress as much as Dragons are represented by emperors. It is the creature that represents the yang which is the feminine side. Another factor why I have chosen this one is my love for history. Well I am in love with gadgets and machinery but I’ve always wanted to read about history. One should also take a time in their life to look back to history and learn from it as eventually generation that would spring from us would do the same. This is also what this symbol signifies – a cycle. Change is inevitable but is not always a bad thing – this is the idea that comes into my mind when I decided to go through with it. I grew up in a traditional family and yes my profession would not allow it, so basically if I am still at the age when I was too conservative, I would automatically dismiss the idea of torturing my skin with drawings. But then this is why I had to choose the design correctly. For a person who is not too big in changes, this marked (literally) the change in my perspectives and the ideology that change will come to me and I am more willing to accept it. Well change in myself also represents this but since this would remain in my back, it always remind me what it stands for. This also strengthen my beliefs about death. Well this bird as much as a symbol of birth should undergo death before starting the cycle. Death is one sensitive issue for me but as part of the living death should not be taboo as well. I have always been fascinated with the ideology of reincarnation so this one is a perfect symbol for that as well.
Well ideology wise it was what I thought but somethings are hard to explain unless you experience it…with all honestly two hours of bearing the pain of having this put right through the skin, is one fulfilling experience for me as simple as it may seem. At that time that I was struggling with myself and this is one of the craziest idea (considering I am conservative female) that I have ever done. But embracing the meaning of this symbol fixed my beliefs and one has to strengthen what they believe in so as to move on with their lives.
Some points when choosing the design on the tattoo and if you want to have one:
first picture of my tattoo after it is done
Well of course, you should decide well if ever you really want to pursue with it because it is inked to your skin for a very long time unless you want to remove it which is more costly and would end up as an eye sore on that skin area. Also note if you have any allergies with ink since it is advisable that you should not take the risk into doing this – henna would do for you if that is the case. Take your time in choosing what you want as a tattoo may it be names, symbols or just a dot. Things has a lot of meanings. If your a reflective person, better research first on what you will put. If your an artistic person who just want to ink yourself no need to do this but it was much more fun to explain what it means to you in case someone asks. Talk to someone who have had a tattoo and lived through the experience so you would understand the essence of it and of course some tips on where and who to go to. Canvass on tattoo parlors and artists. Designs costs depending on its size, details, and of course the professional fee of the artist. And if it is your first time, talking to someone whom you know who can recommend a good artist or if you are thrifty, for a good price, is essential so you won’t feel you’ve been ripped off best of all some of them can give discounts. Set an appointment at least days before the actual sessions. It is advisable to take a look at what the place look like hygienically speaking, and what are the equipment available to you. Talking to your artist before you sit in the room is also important since the tattoo sessions may take up time and may not be enough for a day. My design took up two hours, considering it is a simple one. It is also important that the tattoo artist know exactly what you want. Its not good that you put something in yourself that you would regret. Again this stays with you for a long time. You can ask if they have pictures of their previous designs so as to adjust to your taste. During this time, you can also explain to the artist what you want to do with the tattoo or if you have any specifications. Notice that the tail of my phoenix was removed since it is taking too much space for a small tattoo and I wanted it to be small. Also at this point you can discuss about stuff such as allergies or clear out questions on what type of ink is to be used. If after discussing these things and still you want to go with it then let the needles punch you at 100 times a minute and enjoy.
After care:
tattoo with vaseline
Any bodily piercings are considered a wound. No matter how small it is like ear piercings or as big as a portrait tattoo, it is still a wound. You have a lot of time during your tattoo sessions so it is one of the topics you can discuss with your tattoo artist rather than sleeping since in reality you can’t really do this. Taking care of it is as important as deciding to eat or not. One important consideration in this is that you should prevent it from getting infected. Wound infection is one of the worst thing that could happen after getting a tattoo. Also ask of the type of lotion or creams that they would recommend to you or if their parlor is selling the same product since you need to take care of it as soon as you get out of the parlor. Also if you miss out taking to your artist due to the fact that you can’t really utter anything than the words “ouch”, then you can research. A lot of sites discuss this, just don’t let it heal on its own without you taking care of it. Healing takes about two weeks or more depending on skin type. The most important thing is that you take care of it as you would take care of yourself. Tattoo is an expression of who and what you are. May it be full of meaning as my personal experience or as I have said an artistic characteristic, it is a reflection of the person bearing that image.
Ladyxkerrigan 