I've always toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo ever since I was young. I loved the biker lifestyle and everything about it, including all of the tattoos. I was practically born into it. Since the cradle I hung around with my father and his biker friends. I even rode a motorcycle as my first bike. So once the time finally came when I was old enough to get a tattoo... I stepped up to the plate.
At A Glance Author Inside The Torn Contact Inside The Torn@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Shawn Feemer Studio Tattoo Ink Location PA It turns out that getting the tattoo was the easy part, I first had to decide what I wanted and pick the best place qualified to do so. My first considerations for a tattoo was a bible verse., but I had a lot of trouble finding a specific verse that would apply to me for the rest of my life. Maybe later on in my life when I have read the bible I will be able to pick a verse that will go onto my skin, but not now. After the first failed idea, I went back to thinking about my roots: Bikers. As many people know who have been in the biker "family", we are all about loyalty and trust. So, I decided that I should choose those very words to be my first tattoo's. The decision wasn't so quick though because I wanted to make sure that I wanted these words on me for the rest of my life. But, how could one want to have trust or loyalty taken off of their body? They are words to live by.
At this point I had what I wanted nailed down so I went searching for a parlor. My first look was from a friend's suggestion. He had a brother who worked at a small tattooing place called Tattoo Ink, and did most of the tattooing. I went there to meet the man, named Shawn Feemer, and from the start we were on the same page about the tattoos. He was as excited as I was to getting them drawn up and put on me. We decided the font, old English, and also where exactly they would be on me. He also told me that on account of me knowing his younger brother, he would give me a deal on the price. He ended up cutting it down by more than half! After these details we scheduled me for a date.
All that was left for me was to step foot into the shop and get it done. I went in with the drawling Shawn had given me. The two words were vertical in old English style writing. After rethinking everything, I decided that they should either be on the back of the calves (one on each) or on the back of my arms where my triceps are (once again, one on each). After much debate and suggestions from my new buddy Shawn, I decided that the back of my calves would be ideal for now. I saved room on my triceps for more words or names. At this point all was set and ready to go.
Once we were getting ready to get started he had to shave my legs. Once all of the hair was removed he had a clear canvas ready to be engraved. He dipped the gun into some black ink... and dove into my skin with it. I consider myself a strong/tuff person, but the pain that resulted when the needle touched my skin was immense. We started on my left calf with Loyalty. This being the longer word I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. Starting with the "L" in old English and ending with the "Y" I had completed my first, albeit painful, tattoo. Shawn asked me if I wanted a break to go to the bathroom or get a drink and although the urge was strong I decided not to. We then started in on the next calf to be tattooed. This, being a shorter word was actually not as painful as the last, but still packed a punch.
After the last puncture of the needle I thanked Shawn for his outstanding work. He really amazed me how he could paint on my skin with a bunch of needles like he had a fine tipped brush. As a result of his fine work, now all I can do is stand by the mirror and look at these two awesome words permanently stained into my skin. They always said that tattoos were addicting and now I know that they are. I can see my self in a couple of years with full sleeves and neck pieces, but here I am with just two on my legs. It's a good start though, nothing too extreme yet, I had to get my feet wet first. All in all... I can't wait for another one!