Considering a Cycling Tattoo? Read This First.
Make it personal
All my designs tell a story; one came to me in a dream. Don’t just pick something off the wall. That’s not going to mean anything to you down the road.
Do your homework
I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday. It’s one that I’m a bit embarrassed by. It’s a Native American symbol called Kokopelli and it’s on my lower back—yep, a tramp stamp. I grew up in Northeast Washington, where Native American culture is very prominent. There are lots of legends about Kokopelli. He would play a flute in front of a fire and tell stories. Later on, I found out that he’s also a fertility god, and I was like, ‘Hell, no!’ That made me learn to research things a little more.
Choose the right artist
Take the time to find someone who can execute it in the style that suits you and your personality. Look at their line work, their use of color. Or if it’s black ink, their ability to do shadowing and not be too heavy-handed. Go with someone who is just as stoked on the design as you are. If the artist thinks it’s stupid, that’s going to come out in the execution.
RELATED: 29 Great Bicycling Tattoos
Be sure you’re sure
Usually, an artist will do a copy on your skin so you can see how it looks. Make sure you like the placement and the size. Sometimes it takes up more real estate than you anticipated. Don’t be afraid to change your mind or give the artist feedback. You are paying a professional to do a job, and you’ll have the result forever.
Embrace the suffering
It will hurt. Kittens don’t lick it on. For me, it becomes a form of meditation. You expect the pain, you feel it, and then you move past it. I’ve fallen asleep on the table before!
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