Okay, so I finally decided to get that saddle tattoo I’ve been thinking about forever. You know, the one on the hip, kinda like a badge of honor for all those hours in the saddle? Yeah, that one.
Getting Started
First things first, I spent ages looking for the right artist. I mean, this thing is permanent, so no pressure, right? I scrolled through countless Instagram profiles, stalked a few local shops, and finally found someone whose style I absolutely loved. Their linework was super clean, and they had a ton of experience with delicate, detailed designs.
The Design Process
Next up was figuring out the design. I knew I wanted something that represented my love for riding, but also felt personal. I didn’t want some generic, off-the-shelf design. After a bunch of back-and-forth with the artist (who was incredibly patient, bless her), we landed on this gorgeous, vintage-inspired western saddle. It has these beautiful floral details and even a little horseshoe charm for good luck. We played around with the size and placement, using those temporary tattoo transfer things until it felt just right.
The Big Day (Ouch!)
Finally, the day arrived. I won’t lie, I was nervous. I’d heard horror stories about hip tattoos being super painful. I made sure to eat a good meal beforehand and brought a sugary drink with me, just in case. The artist prepped the area, shaving the skin and applying the stencil. Then, the buzzing started.
- The outlining wasn’t too bad, actually. More like a sharp scratching sensation.
- The shading, though…whoa. That’s where things got intense. Some spots were definitely more sensitive than others.
- There were a few moments where I had to take deep breaths and just focus on not moving.
But honestly, the artist was amazing. She checked in on me constantly and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. After what felt like both an eternity and a blink of an eye, it was done!
The Result
I looked in the mirror, and wow. It was even better than I’d imagined. The detail was incredible, and it fit my body perfectly. It’s still a little red and swollen, of course, but I can already tell it’s going to be amazing once it’s fully healed. I am now following the aftercare instructions religiously – cleaning it gently and applying the special ointment. No soaking in tubs or going swimming for a while, sadly. Gotta protect this masterpiece!
So, that’s my saddle tattoo story. It was a bit of a journey, but totally worth it. I can’t wait to show it off once it’s healed. It’s a permanent reminder of my passion, and I absolutely love it!
