Lola, pox, yoda, awesome stuff guys!!!

Lola, you totally get it. As it said, my burns are not horrific. Actually, family continually tell me they are hardly noticeable but for me, it is the only thing I see when I look in the mirror. I have gone from a supremely confident person to nothing.

I get what you all mean in regard to starting somewhere different and working my way up to the neck etc area. The reasoning behind putting a tattoo in such a visual area like my neck is because my burns are in such a visual area and psychologically it deflects the the focus (for me) off the burns.

You all really seem to get it which I appreciate and Pox, that’s exactly what I feel. I’m not sure if I really thought of it before like that but u are 100% correct. I feel like I have lost control and to me the burns define me. I know this is a psychological issue and as I have said, I have been thinking about this for 2 years and by the time I take the plunge I will know it is 100% the decision I want. I’ve had to slowly watch certain parts of my look change over time due to the burn and it has been totally distressing watching these slow changes with a feeling of hopelessness . Again, they are not major burns but I have a decent scar under my eye, neary nose and my skin on one part has changed in texture. Tattooing gives me that reclaiming myself as Pox alluded to.

I am aware of the shock value it will have on others. And to be honest, I’ve been through enough over the past few years to not give a care in the world if someone thinks I look like a thug. I have led a terrible life in the past few years living like a recluse fighting severe depression. I never thought I would ever intergrate into society, so I doubt I would ever have any real regrets being seen in public looking like a thug when the very thought of being in public is a massive achievement in itself. These are psychological issues I have had to deal with and will continue to do so and I am a grounded, logical enough person to know not to make rash decisions which are permanent.

In regard to the type of tat, the “strength” style tat is exactly what I want to do. In my darkest hours a good female friend got me through by giving me some great advice in saying that I should focus on 30 min a day of something that makes me happy or gives me enjoyment. She reinforced this every time I spoke to her. I was in a terrible place and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. Thankfully I am on the other side of it now and am in a much better place. But I have certainly been humbled and I took my looks for granted pre burns. I want one of my tats to symbolise this 30 min with her initials, so it won’t look too “cliche” I hope as it will get a design that intertwines her initials with the number. I want a constant reminder like “strength” to pay homage to that time in my life and to always remember it as well. I def want something to do with my family as they have helped me enormously in my struggles. So as u can see, I only want tats that have significant meaning to me. There are a few different types that aren’t so “cliche” as well. But, I am really happy to have found this forum so that I can get feedback and bounce ideas off people in the know.

Oh, I am aware that tattoo artists usually refuse to do those areas first. Maybe I will do other areas first, but I am hoping my story will help and that he or she sees that I am genuine and have put years of thought into it and am aware of the consequences.

Thanks again guys !!! I got plenty out of your feedback and look forward to continued input on this forum. I was hoping to get constructive feedback and I did, so I am truly grateful.

Geoff