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Ahamasmi Yodha - My First Tattoo

I finally did it. It isn’t a great achievement to show off, but for me it’s one more item on my bucket list getting fulfilled. So I am very happy about it. What did I do? Oh like I said nothing great – I just got my FIRST Tattoo :)
My first Tattoo Artist
I had done a lot of research on it since last couple of months. I wanted to get it done on my birthday, but it somehow dint work out.  For all the first timers, I wanted to list out my personal experience, just in case it helps :)

First of all, I felt it will be very helpful if you have some friends who would have got it done already. But I dint have that privilege. So I went through lot of blogs and articles in About.com, Wikihow, YahooAnswers etc… Well Google, the new lord of knowledge :) has all that you need to know.

So, in summary, what I got from all these sites were
  1. First decide on what you want to get tattooed and where.
    1. Go over it again and again, since it is permanent, you will have to live with it your entire life, so something that you will get bored with is not a good option
    2. Persons name – like mentioned everywhere, is a big No-No :) he or she might be your life today, but tomorrow if they aren't then rubbing them off your body will be a more painful and expensive task.
    3. Where on your body you want it done – is again something to decide, somewhere that can be covered, somewhere less painful etc..
  2. Go through various pain charts available. In short, bony and tender parts are more painful like inner wrist, foot, inner arms, back of the neck etc…
  3. Research on all the Tattoo shops– even if it’s expensive it’s alright. But you want to make sure that it is safe. Remember its needle entering your body, and you definitely have to ensure that they are sterile etc…   
    Tattoo Workshop where I got Inked
  4. Research on the Tattoo artists, read their review comment – again, its permanent, so if the artist isn't good, he screws up the design, you are stuck with it forever, so take time to research on the artist, the tattoo shops etc… 
  5. Eat well before getting the tattoo done – people have fainted due to dropping blood sugar. So it will help to have a happy tummy and some protein shake or fruit juice handy before getting the tattoo done.
  6. Oh yeah, once done, aftercare is MUST. No swimming, No beaches, no direct sunlight until it heals. Antibacterial handwash to wash the wound; Aquaphor ointment to heal. Your tattoo artist will suggest the brands to you, follow it.
In addition to all these, mentally prepare yourself for the pain – for me I expected it to be HELL. And I had prepared myself so much to go through the pain that when he actually started piercing the needle of tattoo machine in my arm, I felt close to nothing. It was painful, but I smiled because it was so much less painful that I felt it nothing in front of what I had anticipated. So it was very easy for me. But yeah, that part will remain sore for few days. My hand is sore as I write this article and has been painful for 24 hrs now. So for the first 24 hours after Tattoo you should be ready to bear the pain (again probably depending on the size and place of the tattoo time might vary)

Here are some links that I found useful –
http://tattoo.about.com/cs/pafterabvneck/a/090103.htm
http://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/steps-to-take-before-getting-a-tattoo
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-First-Tattoo
http://www.tattoojohnny.com/search/Sun/cmap/bw
http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/p/tattoobasics.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-New-Tattoo

I got my first tattoo in Bound By Design tattoo shop in Denver yesterday (05/25/2014) and David was my tattoo artist. He was nice; he reviewed the design with me. And like I said, I dint feel the process to be painful. In fact, the statement that helped me most to overcome the fear was “We moms love to share labor and birth horror stories, but that doesn't stop girls from having babies!” from one of the articles. I smiled when I looked at the tattoo and I was so happy when I returned home that I couldn't stop grinning :) Oh Yeah, I forgot to share the pic of my tattoo, I wrote “Ahamasmi Yodha” on my arm, which is in Sanskrit and means “I am a Warrior”.


So all in all – research helps getting your head around the entire process. And if it’s one of your dream like it was mine, then go ahead and do it. It’s not that terrifying :) and you will like the end result.


{Updated on 3rd December 2016 - Two and half years later; got another tattoo. A lotus flower on my wrist - depicting purity of mind and soul; and also depicting rebirth (for me this year curtain fell on one phase of life with a new play to begin afterwards); Also that despite of the muddy people/thoughts around me; I will continue to bloom like a lotus - with pure beautiful mind and soul. And yes, it did hurt a lot more than my arm; but this pain is still bearable compared to what life gives us; ain't that bad :)}




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Comments

  1. SidMarch 21, 2015 at 4:58 AM

    https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203620558813958&id=1215737378&set=a.1599656990748.84948.1215737378&source=56&ref=bookmark


    I got this on my Birthday in 2012..
    Read your blog so thot to share this..

    Plz see it if you can spare 5 minutes of your busy schedule.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SariMarch 24, 2015 at 3:15 AM

      Thanks for sharing the pic Siddhant!! The tattoo is awesome, writing it in Sanskrit makes it more happening :-)

      Delete
  2. NainaMarch 20, 2021 at 5:52 AM

    I mean I am speechless as my first tatto is same as urs and feelings are just copy paste ,ahamasmi yodha

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chuck BushMay 16, 2025 at 12:52 AM

    First tattoo stories always feel personal, and yours was really grounding to read. The meaning behind it adds so much depth. Taking care of that fresh ink is key, and using the right tattoo aftercare products can make the healing process smoother while preserving the design. It’s nice to see someone share both the emotional and practical side of getting tattooed.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chuck BushApril 28, 2026 at 10:55 PM

    Your first tattoo tale is inspiring. The "Ahamasmi Yodha" meaning really shines through. It turns nerves into empowerment. Aftercare transformed mine too. H2Ocean sea salt spray kept healing smooth and colors bold without irritation. Bold choice, beautifully shared!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ShivamJune 12, 2026 at 5:09 AM

    Really enjoyed reading this article. The blog does a great job presenting useful tattoo-related information in a simple and reader-friendly way. I especially liked how the content highlighted different styles and ideas while keeping the article engaging from start to finish. Blogs like this are very helpful for people searching for tattoo inspiration and learning more about tattoo artistry.



    Black and Grey Tattoo Phoenix

    Fine Line Tattoo Artist Phoenix

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chuck BushJuly 24, 2026 at 1:15 AM

    Getting a first tattoo is always a memorable experience, and it's interesting to read how your perspective evolved over time. Proper healing makes such a difference, and learning about H2Ocean Best Selling Products | Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare helped me better understand aftercare options. Thanks for sharing such a genuine personal journey.

    ReplyDelete

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