(All taking place in the same coffee shop within an hour)
"Wow, that's beautiful! Can I see the rest of it?" Caucasian male barrista, 20's (pointing to sleeve)
"Ok" (roll up sleeve)
"Oh my god, it's Sandman!"
"Yeah! From Issue 50!"
"That's incredible!"
"Thanks! I had a bunch of jeweled microdermals implanted in it, but I removed them a few months ago*"
"Well, it's still beautiful."
"Thank you."
"Wow, can I get a better look at your arm?" Middle Eastern Man, 30's. (interrupting my work)
"Yeah, ok." (roll up sleeve)
"How long did that take?"
"Several years off and on, but most of it was done in a year and half."
"Did it hurt?"
"Parts of it. The wrist, inner and outer elbow hurt most."
"Well it's unbelievable."
"Thank you. I'm very proud of it. You have a nice day." (return to what I was working on.)
"Can I see your arm?" Caucasian female, 50's. (interrupting my work)
"Ok."
"How long did that take?"
(see answer above)
"Did it hurt?"
(see answer above)
"Wow, I've always wanted a tattoo, but I don't think I could. I've always been curious about what it takes to get to that point." (motioning to sleeve).
"It's a journey." (laugh) "You have a nice day now" (return to work)
*A few people have asked why I took the derms out (see picture). The ones I installed for eyes never fully healed, and I suspect it was because they were set too close together (2mm jewelry 2mm apart). The other four I removed because they'd occasionally get 'weepy', and honestly, I was tired of just having to be so careful and protective of my arm all the time. Only after I removed them did I realize how much I favored it. In retrospect, I'm glad I took them out; I honestly don't think I'd have the patience to handle the attention they generate. I may get them installed again, but after I leave Chicago.
No comments:
Post a Comment