T-Day

Well, today is T-Day for me– aka Tattoo Day. And I’m a little nervous.

It’s been at least 7 years since my last tattoo, and I’ve been agonizing for the past 5 years about what my next one would be. And where it would go. And who would do it.

I have settled on a design that I quite like: zoomorphic Arabic calligraphy with a quote from Rumi. It goes well with the text-as-art designs of my other tattoos.

And I settled on a location. My right forearm.

The location caused the most internal debate for me. I want to be able to see and enjoy the ink, but be able to cover if needed. It needed to avoid areas with sag potential. And it also needed to be in balance with my other two.

By placing it on my right forearm, it falls between my left shoulder tattoo and my right calf tattoo. And it forms a scalene triangle which obeys the visual form ideas of ikebana.

Yes, I actually think like this.

However, my forearm will be very visible in warmer months when is wear short sleeve shirts. Which is one of the things giving me pause.

The other is that this is a line detail heavy tattoo. It’s swoopy Arabic in the form of a lion. I think it may be fairly technical for the artist and I hope it comes out well.

The artist is very highly recommended and fairly sought after in the cities. Kyle has even used him for several of his tats and has been quite pleased with the results.

My original appointment was booked back in early March and the earliest appointment I could get was in June. However, a spot in the schedule opens up and I took it. Hence the ink tonight.

Which means I’ve had less time to stew and wrap my head around all my decisions.

So I’m nervous.

Wish me good luck tonight!!

Last “before” pic.>