Ok, so I have from my elbow to my wrist down on one arm (on the inside) I have words on my other wrist, I have one on my shoulder and I have a huge one on my back that is in the middle and goes right over to either side of my back. and more to come


How did you know you wouldn't regret it?

For me the most important thing is doing somethign that means something to you. All my tattooes have been designed by me and have significant meaning to them.


* Does anyone regret theirs?

Lol no, funnily enough the tattoo on my wrist says " No Regrets" which is the motto that I live by


* Visible tattoos & job prospects - does anyone feel its prevented you from getting a job?
Well, I wont lie here there are alot of people who simply dont like them. Especially women with very visible large tattoos. There have been rental properties that i haven't gone and looked at with my hubby because I know the looks I get and i know it wouldn't exactly help in alot of cases. But in saying that one of my best freinds is completely covered from head to toe in ink and piercings, she's actually running out of room to tattoo lol and she works quite high up in medicare


* How do you find a reputable artist? Clean equipment etc. What to look for in a studio?
I guess it all comes down to trust. I've been to dodgy places, but no days they really have alot of guidelines to run by. At the moment im getting my ink done by a friend of mine who is a backyard tattoist and i've had no problems. They' re disposable needles so they're fresh and go in me, then thrown in the bin. And its a very clean environemnt. My only suggestion if your going to a shop is go to one that you've heard good things about and not like a 'no name' one kwim? And you can go in there and explain your concerns and they are quite happy to put your mind at ease. You've gotta trust the person doing it babe. And they want you to trust them

* How does weight gain & weight loss affect it?
Unless your getting it on your stomach and getting pregnant not really


* Where can i find inspiration for designs?
Signs, symbols, words that mean something. If you can't draw then give your ideas to someone who can. If you have an idea, you can go to the tattoist and show him your ideas and they can design it for you. You can have designing sessions where they will sit down and draw with you there.



* How do you think tattoos look on pale skin?
IM a red head with blue eyes lol so im pretty pale and they look just like they would on olive skin, if not stand out more



* Pain factor - how much did it hurt?

Again, depends where you get it. I have a fairly high pain tolerance. WIth my arm, i was in the chair for 3 hours and I fell asleep. With my back I was sitting there for 2.5 hours and it was just complete outline (which does hurt cause its really gotta go in your skin) and after about 2 hours my body just gave up and couldn't take anymore, suprised i lasted an extra half hour after that. It just depends. On bone, with lots of outline does hurt. Its no excrutiating, more annoying and it really doesnt last. Feels like sunburn. But when its digging into your shoulder blade or something it hurts. Just flesh and no bone, really like mild sunburn. Feet & Backs are probably some of the most painful cause they're so boney. But my only suggestion is to get a small one first. Cause you get stenciled up for a 3 hour job and get 15 mintes into it and its too much well.. yeah its there for life kwim


* So its a pretty permanent thing, is there anything else i need to consider?

That its something you really really want i guess. Other than wanting it, looking after it is really really important. You want to avoid touch ups lol The thing that works really well is after its done they will put sorblene oon it and cover it. After an hour, take off the dressing and wash it in warm soapy water and pat it dry. Leave it to air out. Before going to bed rub really well, some Alpha Kerri into it. You can buy it at the chemist its great. ANd just put that on it generously but really rubbing it in about 2-3 times a day for 3 days. Then get yourself some paw paw ointment and keep putting that on until its healed. ANd dont for the love of god scratch it or pick the scabs. It will get bloody itchy but dont scratch lol Hpe that helps. if you need anymore advice just ask