[Knifeblade]

Well, I have a tat of a steer skull on my shoulder, about 9 years old now, colored. I do not regret having it done.

May I suggest several things, since you seem to know the design you want????????

1] Placement of the tatoo. Where? On the shoulder, like I have, where only I can show it where and when I decide to show it? Or on the arm, leg, etc, I guess I am trying to suggest you give hard thought to the "visibility" of the tat in social or more importantly WORK situations.

2] Size of the tat. I had my artist draw 7 sizes of the design I wanted and trace onto the area I wanted it, before I decided the size. He was getting a bit peeved, but YO, it MY body, my money, and it's permanent, so have him do some tracings and look them over ON the area you want the tat. to be on.

Most tat. artists are really cool about taking that time, if ya heads-up them first.

3] Be ready to undergo at least an hour, depending on the size, complexity, and if you have it colored. Mine took me 2 hours of steady needling, but it was colored, so there were a lot of ink-changes.

4] A reputable artist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ask around.

5] It will be very uncomfortable at first, as the tat. outline is drawn into the skin, but as the tat. progresses, it sort of recedes to a duller discomfort. Something about pain-endorphins kicking in.

6] Once finished, expect to use some anti-biotic cream on the area and a light bandage for a few days. The area will "weep" blood and fluids until it scabs [yes, scabs] over.

7] Expect to feel general soreness, sort of like a good sunburn of the tat.'ed area during this time, as well as some muscular soreness.

8] You have to let it all scab over, and let the scabs flake off naturally for the ink to "set" and help avoid infection, about 3-4 days. It's going to itch, after a few days, and you want to avoid scratching!!

It's not all that bad, but it not something you take lightly, either, K?

Hope this helps