Need some idea please!

Hi all, I was just wondering if I could get some ideas from y'all. I have never had a tattoo, but I have a few questions. First off where to put it. I have lost 131 lbs so far, but have more to go. Where can I put a tattoo that will not be distorted later? I really really want to do an arm band, however, I think I will need plastics later on the arms, so I don't want it ruined. I was not going to do a full wrap-around, just to the sides. I was thinking it wouldn't affect the 'skin' underneath if I did need plastics later. Just a thought...maybe someone can advise me othewise? Also, my father just passed away 2 weeks ago. This is why I want to get a tattoo so bad now. I was originally going to wait to get my arm band of my choice just for me (once I was at goal) and I may still do that...however I want something to honour my dad now. I have a few ideas of what I would like on my tattoo, but I am not sure how to incorporate it all into one, or if I am going to have to get seperate ones. Would really love some opinions, I have been looking on tattoo sites for 2 weeks now, and have found some ideas, but nothing I absolutely love. Here is what I would like to somehow incorporate: Ideas welcomed! Anyone do designs? lol Hibiscus Flower Gecko (has personal meaning for my dad and I) Calligraphy Writing (my dads name or initials) A heart And some type of filagree or scrolling I was going to do the gecko down my calf, maybe the tail going onto my foot (heard that HURTS though!) But I hadn't decided which way the gecko should go...up my leg or down...ahhh the possibilities...I have long hair, so I was going do do one on my back sorta near my neck, but thought no one would ever see it with a shirt on, or hair down! How did you decide where to put yours...and did you wait until your body was at a stable weight? Any help/advice would be welcomed! Thanks! Cheryl

some places that aren't affected too badly by major weight loss would be shoulders or center of your shoulder blades, feet, lower legs...you could actually have ALL of the elements combined into a custom tattoo...you really don't need to "settle" on one...if you bring your ideas to a good artist, they'll be able to draw something very special and personal...you will be wearing it proudly for life, so originality does count... Treat meeting with artists like job interviews...make sure it's someone who understands why this is so important to you...why the symbology is important...having the artist as excited as you are makes all the difference in the world! Good Luck...The planning phase is so fun! xxxBecca

Ditto that to what Becca said, take the ideas to a good artist and talk to them about what you want and where you are thinking and ask them to draw some stuff up for you. Shells

When my folks died I wish I had made more thought about my memorial tattoos. I have an angel on each shoulder for them I think once I get my surgery and get down to where I want to be I am going to cover them with something that represents my folks more. Take your ideas and all the elements you want for your Dad's tat and a good artist can make something up for you that will fit it all in!

Hey, I just noticed that you are in L.A. Where do you get your tats done in L.A.? I just moved here (Long Beach) about 6 months ago and had surgery 1 month ago. I can't wait to get to my goal and get more tats but I don't know where to go. Any recommendations? Thanks, Amy

hey Amy...my artist is a good guy and great friend...his name is Bryce and he works at True Tattoo in Hollywood...you can check their website and see some of the work... http://www.truetattoo.net/ xxxbecca

Ditto what Becca said! If you're still a needle virgin, you might want to start small on a less painful area (like the shoulders or mid-calf). If you get a good artist, they can combine all your elements into something pleasing AND be able to do a smaller bit first to get you used to the needle, and then come back and build the rest around it.