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My first tattoo was not a great experience.

I had thought long and hard about the design, placing, colour etc, once I was happy I had to pick an artist. My boyfriend (who at the time had nine tattoos) took me to the place where he'd been for all of his.

I made an appointment, left my design with the artist and departed with 20 quid aas a deposit.

I returned the next day with my boyfriend and his heavily tattooed friend. Perhaps it was not a good idea to let them watch but I was too busy focussing on the pain I was sure I was about to feel.

I was made to sign a disclosure that stated the the artist could change the colour, design, shape or placement of my tattoo without warning me. I was shocked thinking my tribal sun could turn out to be a dolphin, but I stupidly signed away.

The artist asked if I had any questions. I said, "tell me the truth now, does it hurt?" his reply was "it's a bit bloody late to be asking that now." I should have walked out then.

He started and once I'd got over the initial pain, I started to get used to it. There were some tender bits though, and, being human, I reacted by telling him it hurt. His response? "Stop bloody moaning because I'm not listening." Now I knew I should walk out but he was half way through.

I just gritted my teeth and put up with his attitude.

Aa couple of minutes later he turned to me and said "I'll have to do that bit again 'cos I f*ed it up". My tattoo was on my shoulder blade, so I had no idea what he had done.

Once he'd finished he smacked me on my back in a "there you go, now on your way" kind of manner. Except he smacked me on my new tattoo. I nearly screamed.

Then he charged me full price for my tattoo, sayign that a deposit was separate. Now I'm not thick (although you may think so after reading this) but I'm pretty sure in every situation where a deposit is required once the goods have been provided the deposit then counts as part of the price. i was exhausted and miserable so I paid an extra 70 pounds for a tattoo the size of my palm.

Needless to say I won't be going back there agin.

However, as many people have said tattoos are quite addictive. I was already planning my next one within a week of my frist.

Since then I have had a couple more tattoos, including a Yin Yang symbol on my stomach that I did myself with a borrowed tattoo gun. I wouldn't advise DIY tattooing, especially when you're lying on your kitchen floor and you can't actually see the area you plan your design to be.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Starlet.
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