I got my first ink done when I was 16 years old, yeah I know I should not have been able to do it but...I have a way. I remember "researching" different locations near to me so I could at least try and do this the correct and safe way. Which by the way, I did. However finding the shop was not a tough task, coming up with an idea for my first tattoo...different story.
I remember walking into American Graffiti and being not only overwhelmed but hooked. The sound of the guns and the oddly super clean smell which I took in while I gazed upon the artwork on the wall. The random metal music mixed with conversation making it's way in and out of my ears. Yeah this was the place and this was going to be my new home.
Again, what do I get. I have no plan,not artwork in hand,no concept in my brain. I was a blank slate on so many levels. Which is great but, but when you are 16. After speaking to at least 3 artists in there shop and combing through books of art, I picked what almost every professional wrestler has on the Indy scene...a tribal band. You know, the famous tribe with rich history indeed meanings that are made up. Why now right? Even my guy was like " Are you sure?" Why I went this way...I don't know. I had an idea of what it could look like or should look like if I added to it. Neither were good. But here I am now at 43 and I am a part of a tribe....The First Tattoo Tribe.
It is a tribe of millions and yet we keep growing. Some of said that I could cover it up but why? It's part of the story my journey though ink and long sessions on the chair or table. Good thing I have 8 more to make up for this one, with another on the way. My advice is when getting the first ink, don't be part of the tribe...break the mold.
Oh and I need to say that I have gone to that shop 3 more times, they rock.
Brandon
