2017 Feb 3
by Dhara Gunawardene
At some point in our lives, we’ve thought about getting a tattoo. Whether it was a cliché one like a butterfly, anchor or a ‘live love laugh’, we’ve all thought about getting one. Naturally, we go through various stages before finally deciding to make the leap. In a lot of cultures, tattoos are considered to be either a sign of being in a gang or reaching a certain point in the tribe.
Stage One: Research
Finally, your Pinterest surfing skills have a purpose. You click on that folder saying “Future tattoos” and scroll down looking for ‘the one’. You haven’t really thought about this day coming so soon but you’ve got at least 20-30 images of tattoos for future reference.
You also look for local tattoo artists who aren’t shady and have dodgy looking salons. Make sure you know people who’ve got tattoos done from reputable tattoo artists.
Stage Two: Decision
The butterfly? No no, maybe the anchor which represents being grounded and down to earth. Maybe even a super deep quote about life or something Bob Marley said. Us being Sri Lankans, generally have a nakath welawa so we meticulously plan when and where we’re going to get the tattoo, what it is, what time and with who. Or maybe you were feeling really happy and the tattoo was completely impulsive.
Whatever you do, make sure you remember that this is a permanent decision that will be on your skin FOREVER.
Stage Three: Reconsideration
Thinking of applying to Oxford or some place that doesn’t look too kindly on inked kids? What if your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s parents/grandparents/uncles/aunts/cousins see this? WILL THEY EVER LOVE YOU THE SAME? What if your grandmother never bakes goodies for you again because you now look like some criminal to them? Maybe the cute butterfly won’t be a good look when you apply to work somewhere stuffy. You’ve also probably heard horror stories about the pain and how it feels like it’s piercing your soul and you’ll never feel again. Trust me, people have had the weirdest reasons for not going through with a tattoo but you should do what makes you happy.
Stage Four: Seal The Deal
Half an hour of you squirming about and thinking of the intense pain has paid off! You finally got what you wanted. DONE AND DUSTED! You can finally put up that tumblr-like picture up on Instagram and get around 300 likes.
Go out and enjoy your new tattoo!
Want to know some good tattoo artists?
Nirmal from Tattoo Ceylon: 077 167 2872
Yasheera from Tattoo Paradise: 071 314 1708
Roshan from Living Art Studio: 077 724 2234
