Sabtu, 27 Oktober 2012

You Should Consider What Poets and Tattoo Artists Have in Common Before You Get That First Tattoo

As a poet, I love the written word in its diverse spectrum of forms and shapes. Words and images are the tools of a poet. The poet's canvas is life itself. He or she strives to enhance the human experience. The tattoo artist has the same goal: to make life more interesting for his followers.

Nevertheless, as a poet I always have concerns about the kind of paper I use, the quality of my ink, the mindset that I have for writing, and the environment that I am creating my poems in. I strive to make those circumstances as perfect as possible. I hate coping with writer's block which is like a nasty skin infection that just won't go away that I keep scratching at, and wishing it away. If I only had practiced some common sense and avoided drinking, tried to write when in a good mood, done more brainstorming, had the right materials at hand or slotted enough time to accomplish today's writing goal, then the words would be flowing from my pen.

Well, the tattoo artist loves his images, words, ink, and the canvas he adores, the human body. He wants to make the world better one tattoo at a time, when you knock on his door as tabula rasa.

Before you get your first tattoo, you are a blank canvas waiting for a masterpiece. And before you open that door, as a poet who loves words and images of the finest order, I have some common sense suggestions for you. If one of the seven things I say rings a bell with you to remember before tattooing, then I have accomplished my writing goal. Yes, it's all basic common sense, but worth reading.

Twenty-five percent or more of those under the age of 30 are adorning their skin with at least one tattoo. The first thing to consider is:

1. Don't' drink and ink. If you drink and ink, you might choose a really dumb tattoo that you have to live with the rest of your life. Secondly, you will bleed more if you drink. Thirdly, if you drink any kind of caffeine drink, it will cause you to bleed less, but you will be more sore the next day than usual. [Poets shouldn't drink and write.]

2. Do pick the best artist that you can find and afford, especially if you are getting a "word tattoo" such as:

• In love, one and one are one.

• My heart is ever at your service.

• "You had me at hello."

• Anything is possible.

• Add life to days... not days to life.

Why worry about a word tattoo? As you age, your body and skin will change. It will sag, wrinkle and stretch. The tattoo or tattoos may become unreadable. [The words of a poet have to stand the test of time to become immortal. And that's a stretch!]

3. Don't believe that it is easy to completely remove a tattoo. Fifty percent of the people that get tattoos later regret their decision. Removing one is expensive, painful, and time-consuming. The total cost for a tattoo removal is about $600 to $3500, depending on its size. Tattoo removal is usually completed in 6-8 treatments which are 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the ink used and the colors used. [The words of a poet published or online are didn't to remove, if not impossible.]

4. Do talk to other people you know who have already gotten tattooed. Ask them as many questions as possible, especially who the artist was, and what motivated them to get a tattoo. And how it has worked out in the long run. [Poets should have their hand on the pulse of society and belong to various writing groups.]

5. Don't forget that a future employee might not like tattoos. Consider very carefully where your tattoo will be located on your body, particularly if it's on the neck and underside of the wrist. Those are areas that are hard to conceal with clothing. So make certain that your tattoo won't rule out getting the job that you truly desire. [Poets have to gear their writing and submissions to the right publishing house.]

6. Do make sure your tattoo is exactly what you what. You can suggest certain changes to the original design. It's your body. The tattoo is going to last forever. You should get what you want. Your body is the canvas for some colorful enhancements. So while deciding on the tattoo that you want, do lots of "window" shopping or Internet surfing for the right design. [Before submitting poetry, poets should research online a good number of publishers.]

7. Don't get a tattoo if you absolutely hate needles or the thought just popped into your head. It should be something that you have been thinking about for a long time because there are some medical risks. Tattoos break the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible such as allergic skin reactions to different dyes. Nevertheless, most people only have minor side effects. Be sure that you go to an experienced tattoo artist that runs a reputable establishment, and compare notes with your tattooed buddies before the big event. [If mingling with people is an extremely high priority, don't become a poet. They spend a lot of time alone writing and revising.]

Get that tattoo that you always wanted! "Add life to days... not days to life."

Joe Sottile adds life to his days (not days to life) by inking poems and advice for tweens and teens. He loves words and images. He has a best-selling self-help eBook: 101 SECRETS! A BACKPACK OF INSPIRATION AND HOPE FOR TWEENS and teens at http://booklocker.com/books/6026.html and teens to live happier and more purposeful lives. (II's at Booklockwith two popular poetry books for kids of all ages--much like Shel Silverstein's poetry.)

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