Yesterday's challenge: "Accept and share out loud a mistake you have committed."

There have been many. How to choose just one?

My most recent mistake I hesitate to share, actually. But it happened last week and it's still fresh on my mind. It's a lesson for me to learn from.

And it involved a tattoo.

A client was getting the word "Princess" tattooed on her back, in pink ink.

Somehow, something happened to the stencil during the process, and the "c" received a line across it that unfortunately made it look like an "e". An unfortunate something I didn't notice.

And that's what I tattooed.

I realized what happened as soon as I did it. At which point I stopped and explained to the client what happened, and what I could do in an attempt to correct it. And that I wouldn't charge her for the tattoo either.

She was surprisingly awesome about the whole thing. I really don't know how I would have reacted had it been me.

I know I felt like crap for my mistake though. A mistake that could potentially be permanent.

So I abraded the area with a salt water mixture to help draw out the ink in the area, which also helped to create a little extra scabbing that could be picked at as it healed to also pull out any excess ink.

The client came in yesterday and we pulled off what scab was there, and the majority of the line was gone. We will repeat the process again next week to pull out what little is left.

I still feel horrible about it.

Ugh.

If you can't see the above embedded video, here's the YouTube link.

Hat tip to Marisa Kakoulas.

From "Robbie and Bobby", comics by Jason Poland.

Jake asked:

I've heard conflicting reports:

I am currently tattoo-less, but have wanted one for years. I have a couple ideas of what I want, but the big question is location. My question is: "Which areas of the body do you think tattoos look the freshest/best for the longest amount of time? That is, will a tattoo on the middle of my back, for example, look better when I'm 70 than a tattoo on my forearm or ankle?"

Just like with a brick-and-mortar business, location is important for a tattoo. Up to a point.

Oddly enough, as I was finalizing this post I read an article yesterday about scientists developing a mathematical model on how tattoos age. Finally. I like seeing scientists actually taking an interest in the field of tattooing. I need to go buy the journal so I can see what he says, but I'm betting it will mirror observations tattooists have seen firsthand over the years.

How quickly a tattoo will change depends on many factors such as the size of the tattoo, the amount and type of detail, it's location and exposure to the sun. Skin type, age, and tattoo pigment type will also influence how a tattoo looks over time.

The answer somewhat mirrors some items in two posts I did previously: here and here.

UV exposure, or the lack thereof, is a large factor. Like most forms of radiation exposure, the effect is cumulative on the body. Keeping your tattoos away from UV light will keep them looking better longer.

Also know that not all tattoo pigment is created equally. Some pigments are not of the best quality materials, some being down-right horrible. And the insertion of any tattoo pigment itself also has a lot to do with what happens to the tattoo: too deep is bad; too shallow is bad. The ink has to be at just the right level. Which is why you should definitely research the tattooist you're going to have tattoo you.

Changes in the shape of our skin also is a factor. Our skin is in a constant state of flux. And some places "flux" more than others. Tattoos will expand and contract when the skin stretches and shrinks. So that nice firm skin you have today may not stay that way. And with it also goes your tattoo. As we age, our skin typically looses that freshness and thins out. This also has an effect on tattoos. A good skin care regimen will help keep your skin healthy, and as a side-effect your tattoos will look healthy too.

All that said, the best place for a tattoo is exactly where you want it.

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If you have questions about tattoos: tattoos in general, about getting a tattoo, about giving a tattoo, or anything else related to tattoos, just send me the question via e-mail from my contact page. I will then (attempt to) dedicate an entire post to answering your question.

You can see other questions I've answered by viewing the tag "Dear Tattooist".

I don't know that I'm a big Dave Matthews Band fan, but I do like a lot of the "sound" the band makes. And Dave Matthews really is pleasant on the eyes, especially when he's all scruffy.

But I like this song. And because I want to float on a double bass in the middle of a pond and play a song on it while wearing tails. Or a zoot suit. Seriously. I'm weird like that.

I present Dave Matthews Band's "Crash Into Me":

Here's the YouTube link if above video doesn't display.