When I got mine, I chose the Tree of Life first for it’s root meaning, then also knew that it was what she loved in life (she did landscape maintenance). So it gave it perfect meaning both to her life and as a whole. It came to me clearly, almost instantly, in the midst of all my agony. I knew that’s what I wanted to represent her on my body.

So when you chose the symbols for your departed loved ones, think of how they were seen as a whole during there time with us.

As far as the inking process, mine only took an hour and it hurt like a sob when they did the first cut (outline)- similar to long cat stratches. But after the wound has opened, they can put a local anestetic on and it makes it feel better. The finished producted was well worth it. It cost me about $135, and the size is 3in x 3in. Custom art will always be more.