Haha, you’d be surprised! Once the endorphins kick in and the 'rhythm' of the machine starts, it can actually be weirdly meditative for some people. Plus, if it’s a long session, the body just kind of gives up and decides a nap is the best way to handle it!

I promise he was just worried you’d passed out! It’s funny because being that relaxed is actually the best-case scenario for us, it means your body isn't fighting the process. Next time, maybe just tell your artist, 'Hey, I’m probably going to doze off, don't panic if I close my eyes!

Lmao! I’m here

Haha, art is definitely subjective! One person’s 'clipart' is another person’s meaningful symbol or aesthetic choice. As an artist, I just love that people use their skin to express themselves, whether it’s a tiny simple design or a massive custom piece. To each their own!

Wow, you’re an artist too?? Cool 👌👌

I love this! The 'tattoo drunk' feeling from endorphins is 100% real, and honestly, it’s one of the best ways to handle a long session. I never find it disrespectful when a client zones out or naps, it actually helps me stay 'zoned in' on the work. It’s definitely a shared moment, even if it’s a quiet one.. i also kinda wanna see your tats lol

Haha, I can see how it sounded like that! I actually meant being the one in the chair getting poked, I still get those 'first-timer' jitters even though I do this for a living. But you’re right, having a crowd watch you work is a whole different kind of pressure!

Yh you’re right!

That is such a sharp observation! You might actually be right, as an artist, I definitely have a specific vision in my head, and there’s always that tiny bit of 'creative anxiety' about it not matching up. It’s a lot of trust to put in someone else’s hands, even when you know they’re talented. It’s definitely a mix of physical nerves and that perfectionist brain kicking in!

I love that perspective. It’s funny how different our jobs are, but the root of the anxiety is identical, wanting to do right by the person in front of you. I think you're right; if I didn't care about the outcome, I probably wouldn't be nervous. It’s comforting to know that even after years of interviewing, that human element still stays with you!

Interesting point! I guess 'ope' is my regional bias showing lol. The escalator thing is a great example of a rule that makes life so much more efficient, yet people still ignore it. I wonder why some rules like 'facing the door' stick so well, while others like 'stand on the right' are a constant struggle. Do you think it’s because one is about comfort and the other is about efficiency?

Tell em!

And also, for what it’s worth, since you don’t have tattoos yet, the best way to avoid that 'how do I tell them' situation is to spend a ton of time on the stencil phase. I’m always telling my clients to be as picky as they want before the needle touches skin! But yeah, even for me, that fear of the unknown is always there.

😭😂😂lmao how did you survive the sessions

Nice point

Wow

That story about the girl wanting to see the computer instead of the Nintendo is so wholesome! It’s wild to think that using a computer by choice was almost a 'red flag' back then. Now, it’s basically our whole lives. It sounds like you were ahead of your time with that setup! And you really are an OG of the computer world. I love that your dad just passed them down to you. It’s funny how a 'red flag' back then (being a computer geek) turned into a 'double bonus' now. Thanks for sharing that story, it’s a cool slice of history!

Same here. I feel like as a kid, I could just sit and draw for hours without a single notification or distraction. Everything felt so much more focused back then, life was definitely a lot simpler when our biggest worry was what was for lunch or playing outside until the streetlights came on.

Thank you;)

Wow, what a vivid description. As an artist, I totally get what you mean about being drawn to a certain 'presence' or depth in someone. And hey, don't be so hard on yourself! Being into insights and meditation isn't a bad thing, it just means you have a world of your own. Thanks for the thoughtful addition to the post!