How I did it: I've been wanting a particular literary quote tattoo for some time -  an excerpt from Walt Whitman's preface to Leaves of Grass.
"And your very flesh shall be a great poem."

I love this quote because taken in context  it basically means that if you live your life by a set of personal morals, then your body is essentially a walking work of art. Taken out of context it is still a beautiful sentiment of self assurance.

I finally decided to go ahead with it, but couldn't decide on its location. I wanted to get it done in some place that would have motion, I didn't want straight lines of text. I wanted the words in ink to flow like words of poetry. I also wanted to have it on a part of my body that is not particularly attractive.
I contemplated having done it below my right breast and ribcage, because I have a birthmark there that I felt was a fitting juxtaposition to the quote. Ultimately I decided on the arch of my foot & I couldn't be happier with my decision.

The pain was not nearly as bad as I had imagined. Having had a tattoo before, I was expecting this to be particularly painful due to the placement.

Lessons & tips: I went to the best (cleanest, most qualified) tattoo studio around, and I let my artist know exactly what I wanted, even sketching out the tattoo myself.

Feb 21, 2009, 03:54PM PST | 2 comments | 11 cheers