How I did it: I knew I'd be in Chicago this month and back in the spring I started researching the best shops and artists there. I found Insight Studios and originally I had in mind another piece and artist but it didn't work out. I'm glad for that. I ended up talking with Ryan and he was totally accommodating. When I walked into the shop, he already had the script drawn out and was ready to place it - it was perfect.

He started and let me know that if I needed a break I could take one. I'd been told that the clavicle was one of the toughest places to get tattooed but Ryan was a pro - his lines were clean and deliberate, his hand steady. I fell asleep for a second about 1/2 an hour into it - the pain became soothing, almost. It felt good to finally be getting it.

He refreshed me on tattoo care and sent me on my way. I'm going back to him when I begin my sleeve next year. I cannot wait.

Lessons & tips: Be original, choose something with personal significance. Let your artist help you create it, don't just pick flash off of the wall. Don't let the opinions of other sway you too heavily but take them into consideration if they make good points. Yes, it hurts, but it's supposed to. And if you really want it, it's totally worth it.

Resources: Ryan @ Insight Tattoo Studios in Chicago, IL.

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Jul 29, 08:32AM PDT | 1 comment | 3 cheers