Tattoos as Therapy

Yesterday I got a new  tattoo pictured above. Its my 6th tattoo total and my first one in about two or three years. I had one on my left forearm so Had to get one on my right to balance things out. It took me two or three years to get it because I had to get the money to have it done, as well as decide just hat I wanted. After much mulling over I decided to draw my own.

Now, as an abstract artist, drawing your own tattoo is a bit more daunting of a task as you might think. I tried drawing things like crows and wolves, but nothing looked right. Then I decided I like eyes, and strange symbols as those are the kinds of things I often see in my dreams and meditations. So I felt something like that as a tattoo would be perfect. After some trial and error, I came up with this design.

I know its weird, but weird is my specialty. I figured drawing something that doesn't actually look like anything would be my best way to go. I originally did it in color, but it looked too cartoonish. So I like how it turned out and on my arm the artist did a great job of making it look just like the drawing.

Often we hear tattoos referred to as "Ink Therapy" and I stand by this. There are some good reasons why that is.

Self-Expression & Identity

We all have a story, and that story is still being written. A tattoo can be an expression of our journey, our struggles, wins and even losses. I know when I got my Death's Head Moth tattoo it was very freeing for me. To me that moth represents healing and new beginnings. As I've gone through my mental health and healing journey, I feel as if the old part of myself has died off and transformed into a new and better person.

Healing Through Symbolism

Tattoos, like my Death's Head Moth also symbolize the things I mention above. Our personal transformation and the healing we have achieved at this point. They can act as markers on each step of our journey. I will say sometimes it gets annoying when strangers ask what my tattoos mean. I usually just say "I thought it was cool" because I don't feel like sharing that in public with a total stranger. Especially if I'm at the store and I just want to buy a soda. That said, sometimes I will talk about it if I'm feeling chatty and think it may help someone. But tattoos can create a road map of our lives and healing as they tell our story.

Pain as a Release

While I don't enjoy pain, I know some people do. That said, enduring the pain of a tattoo either way can be cathartic. For me, Its like an accomplishment. I did that. I sat through that, and took it all and didn't flinch and now I have this beautiful art on my body. Its a good feeling. I'm not going to go into the use of numbing cream or not. That's up to you, I'm talking from my own experience. For some the actual pain is a release in itself in getting new ink.

Art as Therapy

Just like creating art can be very therapeutic, putting art on your body can be as well. Some say your body is a temple and some of ours is the Sistine Chapel. Nothing wrong with decorating your body in a way that makes you feel good. We have to live with ourselves, so may as well do things that make us happy.

Drawing your own tattoo can be especially fulfilling. While this isn't for everyone, it is something I wanted to try and very happy I did. It's something unique to me and I know no one else will ever have this and its something I created on my own.

Getting a tattoo is a huge decision so whatever you do or decide to get, thing hard and make sure its something you really want on yourself forever. I had one cover up years ago, a vampire skull. It was just not done well and faded. I had it covered with a painting and a bible verse citation. Part of me would like to cover up the verse part now as I'm in a different place in my life. But another part of me wants to keep it as its a marker for that time in my life many years ago.

If you decide to get a tattoo, make sure you go to an artist you trust and allow them some license to tweak it as needed when putting it on your skin. Everyone takes the ink and pain differently, and sometimes they may need to modify it slightly to do that. Make sure its someone you trust with these kinds of choices. Whatever you do, it can be great for your self esteem and a rewarding feeling.

I know anytime I get a new tattoo I'm very excited and happy for several days after. I feel like a new part of me has grown and I am commemorating it with a new marker.  I don't know what or when I'll get next or where I'd put it, but I'm very happy with the ink I have now. Whatever you do, just know you are not alone and feel at peace with your choices. I love tattoos, even bad ones. I think even the bad ones tell a story (Unless its like a swastika or something crazy).

Its a beautiful means of self expression and a rewarding feeling when its brand new and the colors and ink are popping. During these times, we need ever spark of joy we can find.  Feel free to comment below with your tattoo therapy story. Thank you again for checking in and I hope you all stay safe out there.