Okay, so I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while now, but I’m not the type to go big or go home. I wanted something small, meaningful, something just for me, you know?
So, I started by just brainstorming. What’s important to me? What images or symbols resonate? I jotted down a bunch of ideas in my notebook – words, little doodles, everything that came to mind. It was a mess, honestly, but it helped me narrow things down.
My Research Phase
After I had a few rough concepts, I dove into Pinterest and Instagram. I typed in keywords like “minimalist tattoo,” “small symbol tattoo,” “meaningful tattoo ideas.” The algorithm did its thing, and I scrolled through hundreds of images. I saved the ones that caught my eye, even if they weren’t exactly what I was looking for. It was more about getting a feel for different styles and placements.
I also looked up the meanings behind some common symbols. Like, I knew I liked the idea of a mountain, but I wanted to know what it traditionally represented. Turns out, it can symbolize strength, overcoming obstacles, and a connection to nature – all things that I connect with.
Choosing and Refining
After all that research, I narrowed my ideas down to three possibilities:
- A tiny mountain range.
- A semicolon (representing mental health awareness and continuing your story).
- A small wave, symbolizing going with the flow and adapting to change.
I sketched out each of these on paper, trying different sizes and variations. I even used a pen to draw them on my wrist and ankle, just to see how they looked on my skin. It’s silly, but it really helped me visualize the final product!
The Final Decision and Making it
Finally, I decided on the mountain range. It felt the most personal and representative of my journey. I found a local tattoo artist whose style I liked – clean lines, delicate work. I booked a consultation, and we talked through the design, size, and placement. I showed the reference of my sketching and tattoo artist helped me making some adjust on details. We agreed on the upper part of my arm, and then…I did it! The tattooing process was way quicker than I expect, I was pretty nervous in the beginning but luckily the tattoo artist was experienced and friendly.
It’s small, it’s simple, but it means the world to me. It’s a reminder of my strength and resilience, and my love for the outdoors. I also took some aftercare products from the artist, to keep my tattoo clean and away from infection. And I took a picture of my pretty little tattoo! It was an awesome experience!
