(08-20-2013, 02:36 AM)Asyria Wrote: I didn't mean that it should literally say "I'm a survivor", I don't want a few words inked on me!
I meant that's what it would mean. But I'm not sure what the tattoo would be. What could express that and look good.
I am a huge advocate of self designed tattoos. Â That being said I understand not everyone is artistic, and thus having work designed by someone else is often more favorable.
In your case though, I don't think you should have anyone else design, or even give initial input on your tattoo.  This mark will be with you for the rest of your life.  The rest of your existence on this planet will be marked with what you decide to put on your body.  Given the importance of this tattoo to you, the marking of a life changing event, its conception and design should come solely from you because, ultimately, it is your reminder to yourself.  It does not have to be fancy, have an enormous amount of detail, be in color, or even make any sense to anyone.  What is important is that, when YOU see it, you are reminded of what it represents. Â
My tattoo artist has a small black dot on the back of his hand, at the base of his thumb. Â This dot represents his son that died at a very young age. Â He will see this dot every time he is writing, or drawing, or anything. Â The fact that it is such a tiny dot forces him to remember his son. Â The way he looked, the way he laughed, the way he smiled. Â Anything more detailed would have drawn away from the purpose of that tattoo: to remember.
Take "what will look good" out of the equation. Â Instead, think "what will help me remember vividly this event." Â Whatever that happens to be, no matter how small, Â that is what you should get. Â Knowing that it came from deep inside your soul will make it beautiful. Â No amount of detail or color or work from the best tattoo artists in the country can make that tattoo more beautiful than the memories of what it represents.
