Ciao Zäme

Unfortunately, I ended up an incomplete paraplegic a few years ago. I wish there was some sick story to tell you, like almost landing a triple backflip on a heli skiing tour – but it was just some shit luck. Benign tumor on the spinal cord that was discovered far too late.

Anyway, to celebrate my initiation into the crips, It's only right to get some tattoos. I've kept the thought around for a few years now, and I'm still sure of the three I want – it's not some spur of the moment decision. I'm also aware of the general health risks when it comes to tattoos, no lecture neccessary.

I don't have any ink thus far, so I need some advice on artists and a few questions pertaining to my specific situation.

My tattoo ideas:

  • The first one I want is a bunch of network cables down my spine, coming out of the skin, with some of the cables severed at the point of paralysis. Maybe a few sparks coming off them. I work in IT, kinda fitting.

  • Second, some stylized version of the cats I've had in my life down my leg. Not quite sure on the exact style yet.

  • Third, something very close to this. Yeah yeah, corny, but I like it. Leave me alone 🙂

My questions:

  • Advice on artists – First things first for the one down my spine. I'm in the Zürich area, but willing to travel to get this done right.

  • Do I find an artist to sketch out some concepts? Do I have the tattoo artist make a draft? How would you go about this?

  • For the one on my leg – I have spasms below the point of paralysis. Some days more, some days less (get to call my mates "spasti" guilt-free now, it's the little things in life). I doubt there are too many people with experience here, probably just have to try a tiny one first and see how it goes? Is strapping the leg down with some bdsm equipment feasible? How much baclofen will kill me? (jk jk)

  • The one on my arm is probably the least complicated, but I'm sure some artists are better at this sort of thing than others.

I have a few workarounds for stairs, so the place doesn't neccessarily need to be wheelchair accessible.

Thank you for your advice! 🙂 You can also AMA if you like, it's been an interesting few years…

by wheels_throwaway4

1 comment

  1. I have some tattoos. Can’t give advice for artists in zurich area, but some general advice:

    Check out potential studios in person. That way you can see the place (is it clean) and meet the artist (or check out his work, the studio I go to has books of all the artists work).

    Ask them which artist would fit for the style you want. Not every artist is proficient in every style.

    Usualy you get an appointment with the artist. Tell him your idea, show him references (like you did in your post) and where you want the tattoo and which size.

    Size and placement is important, cause not every subject/size fits every place on our body, cause the artist has to take our muscles into consideration.

    They will then do a sketch of the tattoo. That work you will have to pay upfront, expect CHF 100.00 or more.

    If you are fine with the sketch, you will start your sittings. The first will probably be the outlines, the artist will draw them on you, so you have a feeling/impression how the tattoo will look in the end.

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