After more than a decade of putting it off, I finally did it. I FINALLY DID IT. I FINALLY DID IT!!!!

To be fair, I was never as sure on a print / design I wanted to see on my body every day for the rest of my life, until I saw Quibe’s minimalist print called “CLOSE” for the nth time (I’ve been following Quibe for a few years now), after I decided that I wanted to get a “Call Me By Your Name” inspired tattoo. I bought the actual print, too of course. It’s the least I could do for something so beautifully done, and exactly what I wanted, without even asking for it.

I had planned to get it done in the U.K., but my Cousin, Gee – said it wasn’t a good idea. Health-wise, I knew she was right, because if (God forbid) anything went wrong … you know what I mean? Anyway, I went on IG and looked over artists (I can’t really tell you how many times I went on an “artist hunt”, lel) and found Yoke‘s account. I knew right then I had found the perfect person to get my first tattoo (of probably four … five?). I immediately messaged him and booked a time!

Here’s how it looked right after the session :

Here’s how it looks as I type this entry, 8 Days after :

I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Given that there is no shading involved (they’re just lines), I’m expected to get retouches once it’s completely healed, but I look at it and smile. I think that’s the type of stuff you have to consider when you’re getting inked (if you’re like me who takes these things seriously, though).

If you want to know my interpretation of this, then bear with me. I described it best when I was telling Drew about it after he asked what it meant to me :

“It’s about two people becoming one, and becoming each other. At the same time, a part of themselves are untouched, those lines not crossing or meeting — they’re still themselves, but at the same time, not.“

If that doesn’t make you think of Call Me By Your Name, aba ewan ko saiyo.

Also, if  you’re considering getting one, here are a few tips from a fellow n00b (and this is me doing what I do best — stating the obvious) :

1.) Mentally prepare yourself. Ask friends who got theirs done. Ask about the pain, ask about the healing process, anything to make sure you are aware of what you’re getting yourself into. I asked my friend Camille (my Cakey Wakey) about her wrist tattoo because she had both of hers done (I will, too) — and she didn’t sugar coat it for me. She said it really hurt (and it did), in the end I was able to tolerate it as much as I could because I’d anticipated the pain. There were certain parts of my wrist that HURT LIKE FUCK when the pen went there. I also looked up DO’s and DON’T’s and knew what I should be doing during the healing process. Right now, my tattoo’s starting to scab, and I AM NOT PEELING THE DRY SKIN OFF. It’s quite tempting, but NO.

2.) Think happy thoughts. When Yoke worked on my wrist, I did NOT attempt to look at it actually happening. I looked elsewhere. I looked at his artwork on the wall, I looked at his dog. I closed my eyes. But yeah, whatever helps you get by the pain. If looking at it is your jam, go right ahead.

I’m so excited to get my next one! My plan is to get inked on the nape, my left wrist, my right hip, my left rib (but like, under the armpit), and probably at the back of my left elbow. But so far I’m only decided on a text for my left wrist. Excited to share that when it happens. It’s going to be very special.

I feel like such a grown-up. Ha! No, honestly — for someone who’s been so sheltered (I am rolling my eyes at the countless times I’ve said this, but it’s true), this is a great deal to me, IMAGINE? ME! DECIDING!!!! THINGS!!!! FOR MYSELF!!!!! AND!!! ACTUALLY!!! DOING IT!!!!

That’s probably enough geeking out for now.