What’s de Word with Nicki

Getting inked in Dominica- Do’s and Don’ts.

I remember getting my first tattoo. The sharp jabs of hot needle into the skin, while through squinted eyes, images of what the final product would look like flashed before me. I remember the small room; decorated with pin-up pictures of tattoos and body piercings. I remember the fish that swam curiously in the aquarium and the view of Dominicans revelling in the street below to the Carnival spirit. Amidst the thunderous base and echoing chants, the monotonous buzz of the vibrating gun is the sound that stuck with me.

I remember the care I took to ensure that my new tattoo didn’t get wet; the regular application of petroleum jelly and the process of peeling out the top layers of ink-scared, dead skin to reveal cherished art beneath. It wasn’t much bigger than an inch squared but I remember how
excited I was to have it and how proud I was to watch it in the mirror and contemplate on its meaning. I appreciate when people ask me “What does that tattoo mean?” and how it intoxicates me with nostalgia as I race back in time to that day, that second, that buzz, every
time, before I answer.

A tattoo can be a very valuable piece of art for those of us who indulge in the creative side of life. For others it is a way of beautifying the body. To some it is a sign of insanity or even stupidity. To a very small portion, it is a sign of defiance against God. Whatever it is perceived
to be, this permanently inscribed art into the skin makes for great eye candy, is a faithful conversation starter and is a personal reminder of who you were at the time that it was put.

These days in Dominica, it is about as common to see a tattoo on someone as it is to see the sun out. You can spot a tattoo on the most unlikely suspects; a doctor, the police, your teacher, your choir leader. The thing is that, as our nation becomes more aware of the outside world and how tattoos are being viewed in other societies we too have been cultured to accept the tattoo as nothing more than what it is; a permanent piece of art. Thankfully, this culturalisation has erased the taboo associated with getting tattoos. Society has made it more comfortable for us to communicate emotion through skin ink. So if you feel like colouring a patch of skin and you don’t mind feeling a little pain, then here are a few Do’s and Don’ts for getting a tattoo – Dominica Style.

1. Don’t put a tattoo if you are a minor. 

A tattoo is a permanent piece of art. What is important to you at 16 most likely may not be what is important to you at 24. So if you are under 18, then it’s best to wait some time so thatyou choose a reasonable tattoo and do it responsibly. At 18, you should be able to avoid any squabbles and uncomfortable confrontation with parents or teachers. It is also more likely that you will choose a better looking tattoo at 18 than at 13. You’ll do it more responsibly which will result in getting a better product at the end of the day. Time isn’t running, you’ll be 18 soon and you’ll have plenty of time for tattooing in the future. Trust me.

2. Do your research

Use your smartphone and look up a few pictures. See which images catch your eye. Look for designs you believe to be suitable to your build, complexion, hairiness level (If you are a male) etc. It never hurts to ask a few questions either. Talk about getting a tattoo with someone you
know who already has one. They’ll give you lots of tips on where to go, what to do and where to put it.

3. Feel the tattoo.

This one might get a little deep, so here goes. Before you put the tattoo, you must feel the tattoo. You get me? You and your tattoo will forever be connected as one physically. It should therefore, be of great meaning and significance to you spiritually. Remember, you are making a critical decision; a decision to endure pain and scar your body, so that you can nurse the wound and uncover a piece of self-inflicted body art. Take this as an opportunity to document a feeling or experience on your skin which you will carry for as long as you may live. The tattoo must be worthy of this appointment. Some people (like myself) tattoo at milestones in life, which they are convinced had to be preserved. What better place to preserve such intangible fractions of life than on one’s own body? After all, your body does go everywhere with you and it will surely die with you. Others however, prefer to tattoo on impulse, when adrenaline levels are high and
the feeling of doing something as daring as shoving a needled gun into your skin is the only fix that will satisfy the crave for spontaneous excitement. If you belong to this group, then the most important thing is that you go to a professional. Talk to your tattoo artist and get a second opinion on what you have chosen. But most importantly, you and your tattoo must share a connection. You MUST feel the tattoo.

4. Don’t let anyone put your tattoo.

Please people. It’s a tattoo. Not a sketch at the back of your exercise book done in pencil. It cannot be erased or washed off. Though there are laser procedures which can be undergone to remove them, in the Dominican context, we must consider a tattoo as a permanent entity. Let a professional tattoo artist, who has experience and talent in scaring the flesh canvas, inflict your tattoo. Proffessionals tend to be clean, use clean needles and gloves, have their equipment disinfected, provide a suitable environment and make you feel comfortable. So far, Jose and Nyari are known for putting excellent tattoos. Visit any of their body shops and have a look at their work. If you’re satisfied, make an appointment and prepare yourself for the pain.

5. DON’T tattoo your lover’s name!

Pretty please, don’t tattoo the name of your current lover on your skin. Life can be very unpredictable in nature and you can never tell what it has in store for the two of you. You do NOT want to be sitting staring at your ex’s name on your arm after your break up. What if you end up both working at the same place? If you must do a name, opt for a parent or sibling’s. And keep it artsy.

Hakunamata!

Nicki