Steve: Do you have tattoos?
Cris: Yes
Steve: How many tattoos do you have?
Cris: 1.
Steve: What kind of tattoo do you have?
Cris: Calla lily partially in a circle, represented with a lot of dots and precision line work.
Steve: What does the tattoo symbolize?
Cris: It symbolizes letting go of the past, a new beginning and better things to come.
Steve: Where on your body is your tattoo?
Cris: My left forearm.
Steve: What was the pain experience like?
Cris: It felt like electricity. I know it sounds odd, but I’ve actually had a taser in my hands and accidentally pressed the button, and had the sensation shoot up my arm. That’s exactly what it felt like for the first few minutes. Then when the artist had to fill in certain spots, I could feel the same sensation shooting up my arm at those moments. It was somewhat relaxing when I didn’t feel that electric shooting burning pain.
Steve: What made you want to get tattooed?
Cris: I’ve always wanted one since I was young. I’m very picky, but when I saw how beautiful this piece was, I fell in love with it. The past few years have been hard and having this piece will remind me that I am strong willed, and I can draw inspiration, courage and motivation when I look at it.
Steve: Did the tattoo have an emotional or psychological impact on you?
Cris: It was both. Emotionally and psychologically, it reminds me that I’m strong, and can and will overcome my anxieties.
Steve: Do you plan to get any more tattoos?
Cris: Yes I do.
Steve: Any advice for anyone looking to get a tattoo?
Cris: Everyone gets tattoos for different reasons by so many different artists. Keep the area clean and remember, it’s a fresh wound and should be treated as such. There’s tattoo instructions online and your artist will hopefully tell you how to take care of it, especially if it’s your first one.