Customizing the Body (PDF file) - Print My Tattoo

119 The Tattoo Relationship
RISK, REGRET, AND THE TATTOO CONSUMER
As we have seen, the person entering the tattoo setting commonly
experiences considerable anxiety, especially since he or she
typically has little or no prior experience with tattooing. The novice
client possesses, at best, minimal knowledge of what the tattooing
process entails. Due to the limited number of tattoo
studios available in most areas, the potential client generally has
little opportunity to compare prices and quality of work. However,
the tattooee is usually intensely aware that the tattoo is a permanent
addition to the body and that the application process involves
some degree of pain. When asked to describe their state of
mind when entering the tattoo establishment to receive their first
tattoo, interviewees typically spoke of feeling nervous and fearful.
Anticipation of "physiological risk" involving significant pain was
the major source of their anxiety.
1hadn't really talked with anyone about getting that first
tattoo. 1just kind of did it on the spur of the moment ... 1was
very nervous, didn't know anything about what to expect. The
tattooist had to stop after the outline (was put on) to let me
catch my breath, so 1 wouldn't pass out. 1was the only person
in the place at the time. The tattoo artist was a big biker type
with a lot of tattoos. He was very closed mouthed about the
process.... He really wouldn't talk specifically about anything.
Like I said, 1had no idea about what to expect. 1 think that
almost passing out was more due to the fear and psychological
stuff than it was due to the pain. It didn't hurt as much as 1
thought it would.
When 1 walked in 1was just looking around; looking at all the
different pictures. Just scoping it all out really. (The tattooist)
asked if he could help me and 1said, "Right now 1just want to
look at them all and, if 1 like one, that is probably the one 111
get." 1was a little nervous and 1didn't want to say, "Oh, that's
the one." 1was nervous about being in there for the first time
and seeing guys with needles going in and out of their arms. It
was kind of weird because 1 never really like needles all that
much.... (Once 1chose the design) 1had to lie on my side so