The Therapeutic Benefits of Getting a Tattoo

[@JamesWithee]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/jameswithee05211

[@suviseppala336]

I got a rib tattoo that took 11 hours. Both me and the tattooer have social anxiety (he posted about it on IG) and we're strangers to each other, so we were quiet the whole time. When it was done I thanked him and said it has personal meaning to me. It's a phoenix that covered some scars so he probably knew already. I felt safe and respected while being tattooed, and that made it even more therapeutic. I don't talk while getting tattoos, but I definitely agree with this video. I love how you described it as meditation! That's so true.

[@JamesWithee]

Jeez 11 hours on the ribs?! That’s some serious self control you posses to be able to do that. I understand not talking there though, most people have to focus really hard just to stay still in that area. Big respect to u for sitting that long.

[@suviseppala336]

@@JamesWithee it was 2 sessions! 😅 but thank you!

[@JamesWithee]

@@suviseppala336 oh haha i thought u were all hardcore! still tough regardless of splitting the sessions up though

[@Gabriellevrything]

Hey I’m looking for a artist that works over scars too , who was your artist ?

[@suviseppala336]

@@Gabriellevrything the tattoo was done in Finland

[@onlyhalfbad333]

Some ppl open up so much that it can get heavy. I've had clients cry over memorial pieces, they talked about how broken their homes are, a few clients talked about how they were abused as kids and the tattoo is the closing chapter of that past. Some talked about how close they were from dying after attempting suicide, but survived and now want to live life. It can get heavy. Much luv and respect to my fellow artist that take the time to listen to the client's stories. 🤘💪✊

[@MyLife-og2kr]

What's the percentage of customers between the ones who just wants to get a tattoo and the ones who comes to close their chapters?

[@onlyhalfbad333]

@@MyLife-og2kr Very small percentage. Some open up after coming to you for tattoo work and trust you. Some even develop into friendships. An even smaller percentage open up the very moment they sit down. They either had that weight and just wanted to talk to whomever would listen and get it off their chest. And who better than a tattoo artist hat you’ll be sitting with for hours and hours. And not coming back for more work makes it easier for some to talk without having to see that person again. It definitely is surreal at times on just how open some ppl can be.

[@platypus0123]

Ugh idk if I can continue the job if there stories get sad. sensitivitie person but hate if I don't finish there piece

[@onlyhalfbad333]

@@platypus0123 Communication and social skills come in handle. I’ve learned to nip it in the bud or change the subject without them realizing the change. It’ll take some practice but it comes in handy. Good luck 🍀

[@goofyguber78719]

I'm a hair stylist. Tattoo artists and hairstylist, etc have two main things in common. 1- the ability to touch and be in their personal bubble 2- improvement of their self love We both are in the "cosmetic" or appearance side of careers. It's very personal and meaningful for people so in a way it is very therapeutic

[@kimski1875]

I find the pain to be cleansing sometimes. Physical pain is much easier to deal with than emotional pain. I'm not saying all of mine are this way but I have some that were literally pain therapy. While in a meditative state of mind I can channel the emotional pain and visualize that pain coming to the surface and release it thru the tattoo process. I've been thru the full spectrum of tattoos. Some are just fun, even silly, others are deeply meaningful, emotional, and one I classify as being literally life changing. They're all therapeutic in one way or another though and when it's all said and done you have artwork on your body! Who says you can't take your money with you when you go?! LOL Great video!

[@JamesWithee]

well said! thanks for watching

[@jemimahkendall6579]

So you're an expensive cutter

[@nickj12]

Tattoos are definitely therapy for me so I am happy I am not alone in this feeling. Thank you for making this video.

[@vthomlinson]

I’ve told people many times that the main reason for my tattoos is therapeutic. To explain it this way, I have images and ideas in my head that are connected to emotions I don’t understand or even know I have. Getting the tattoo and experiencing the tattooing process helps me understand and come to realize those emotions. It’s been incredibly healing, moreso than any counciling session has ever been. I’d love to find people who experience the same and discuss.

[@bethanyfury1209]

After our dog died, my husband and I made an appointment a week later. Brian did amazing tribute work. It helped both of us heal emotional. Our boy is part of us forever. I cried during the session but it was a release and healing . The tears were not from physical pain. Thank you for all you do.

[@JamesWithee]

true, lots of times it's not from the pain that people cry. tattooing is like a cathartic release for sure. sorry to hear about your pup btw

[@bethanyfury1209]

@@JamesWithee thank you for the kind words. Tattoo artists, hair stylists and bartenders are the unsung heroes of mental health. You don't get enough credit. I've also fallen ASLEEP during a Tattoo session. I've heard that's not uncommon. I'd love to hear your take on that. Thank you again.

[@resmow9569]

Lol I guess you have memory issues...get a tatoo to remember better...clever

[@thomassantomartino7337]

I find bonding with my tattoo artist makes it very therapeutic for me and helps relieve anxiety.

[@kelkel3883]

I have some self-esteem issues, and I've noticed that since I started getting tattooed, it has gotten a bit better. My dad actually paid for my first tattoo when I was in my 20's. I'm almost 38 now, and I don't quite see myself finishing getting tattooed just yet. Just getting complements on the work I have gotten done so far has helped me with said self-esteem issues. Unfortunately my dad has prostate cancer, so the first tattoo that my dad paid for is very special to me. I'm also planning on getting a tattoo ribbon for prostate cancer when he passes.

[@r.josephgrundy1706]

My artist and I definitely bond, each time I'm in her chair, or table. We've learned waaay too much about each other these past few years lol. I loved this upload dude!

[@JamesWithee]

lol true sometimes we know too much about eachother. all my clients have the real dirt on me lmao i'mma get canceled one day

[@hermiesrokmysox]

I’m an apprentice. And I love getting tattooed, it is therapy for me for sure. It certainly a form of meditation. After my first tattoos (matching pieces on both feet!) I had such a high afterwards. I hope to provide this to other people. It is amazing that I might be able help someone in this way.

[@JamesWithee]

the high from getting a tattoo is real, but the high from doing a tattoo is soooo much more powerful. especially with a really great piece. makes me feel like a god for about 30 minutes until i start thinking about all the mistakes i made and shit i should've done differently. lol

[@dougmedina4619]

Another great vid! I got my first last year after my oldest son passed. I have two by my artist. I am going for my third in July. I am 59 and now hooked. I can also afford good work now as opposed if I'd started in my twenties. You're right. Half the fun is hanging out with my artist. Thanks James

[@JamesWithee]

no problem doug thanks for watching. i always recognize your john wayne avatar lol hell ya

[@Azulakayes]

The first tattoo I got, literally woke me up from a terrible emotionally abusive relationship...am so grateful for it being a turning point in my life.

[@jessebond562]

For me the most therapeutic aspect of tattoo is the perspective that it gives to me and just being able to openly talk to my artist on any subject

[@copywritergrzegorz]

Yeah pay couple hundred USD for some psycho to put radioactive and cancirogenic ink under your skin cause you can talk. Go to some shirnk my man. He wont scar you for future at least.

[@bravametal]

I am heavily tattooed, over 200 hrs. of work on my body, I am a social worker currently working towards my master degree in Canada, I have been working in the mental health field for 10 years and getting tattooed has always been my therapy, I have constantly been getting tattooed every month for a few years now, every time I have session schedule, I will tell a co-worker that I am going for my tattoo therapy. Every point that you made truly resonates with me and I believe that clinically there is a benefit that tattooing brings to a client that is truly beneficial, I will be discussing with my thesis professor shortly on what I want to focus my thesis on, I believe tattoo therapy needs to be explored and studied further, I will be talking to my tattoo artist, his contacts and clients about participating in this study, If you would be interested, I would love to interview you to get further knowledge in your personal experience in the tattooing industry.

[@alextammayo3953]

Update? How did it go:)?

[@josephhruska7715]

The pain is a release of aggressive nature I find this patience therapy it teaches me patience and clears my mind living one day at a time

[@vagrantastronaut]

Very cool. Tamara Santibañez calls this the "emotional labour" that tattooers do day to day. Seems like you're pretty open and capable of reciprocating your clients' feelings/emotions/trauma; that takes emotional stability for sure.

[@botanicalstuff]

Great topic! For me, the best part is the bond I formed with my artists. They're definitely my friends at this point. Idk what it is but getting tattooed made me open up quite a bit and they've done the same with me. I got over shyness too when getting secluded areas done. See you Monday at 11 :)

[@sjjr8787]

I am lucky to have plenty of talented artists in my local area, but at some point I do want a tattoo from dude... I think in doing my research in getting my first tattoo Jason has been the most informative... Not only has he been very concise and clear with the information he provides, he has done so while remaining completely cool and humble (which seems to be a rare thing among some highly skilled tattoers)... Thank you for all the great value provided... 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kristinakrzywonos1821]

To me, choosing a tattooer is as important as choosing a hair stylist. It's a sacred relationship. They have seen people at their best and worst, and whatever you tell them will fall somewhere in between.

[@JamesWithee]

salons and barber shops are one of the last safe havens for realness as well in my opinion. great comparison!

[@aarongsisneros5570]

I have 15 different tats from all over the world. I never not enjoyed a conversation with the artist. I learned so much ( yes i made sure the shops were clean.) and opens my mind to new places and experiences that i knew nothing abt. Like in Thailand i learned where cheep seafood and lodging was, that was still safe for American tourists. Where cobra fights were and drinks with dead snakes in the bottle was sold. Never got to deep in conversation with the an artist. Other then my birthday. I happen to be over seas and alone (brand new to my unit.) and he closed his shop and went out and had drinks with me and introduced me to his friends and had a great unplanned night. Therapy it may or may not be. But if traveling, its a local who will tell you things that you just don't know.

[@jaredblume1220]

Thank you for articulating this so eloquently. Tattoos are my therapy when life is too hard. I embrace the pain and try to remember it when things get rough again. It is why some people just can’t get enough ink. -beth Blume 🌸

[@Alakazoro]

You nailed it bro, it's not necessarily meditation for me but it definitely feels therapeutic. This month I sat for 18 hours on my elbow (6 & 12) a smaller session for hand and 3 fingers, and chest/neck. I left all these feeling such peace with no clue why except I love my artist and I love being tattooed+

[@wraithblack8248]

I definitely agree with this video. I do in fact call my sessions my therapy. It’s just as you said, you have someone to talk to, the pain blocking and breathing factors also make you focus. I’ve been seeing my artist for over two years now. And it’s going to be sad when I run out of canvas or just have to move away

[@theotherguy21]

I love seeing my artist and the other people at the place they just feel like long lost friends we've had some great conversations and have learned a lot about each other I'd love to hangout with some of them one day

[@robertlawrie3108]

I have mental health issues schizophrenia & depression I appreciate this video & agree with what you say camaraderie in a tattoo shop you never find in a club or pub plus you remember it forever

[@NsIX3]

Started watching this prior to a touch up session today, finished once I got home. For me personally, I try not to talk to my tattooer much cause I'd rather have him focus on what he's doing. If we do talk, it's just quick small talk. Really don't feel like he'd be wanting to hear me talk about all kinds of personal shit, even though he's a super cool chill dude. I look at it as if I was in his shoes though, I personally wouldn't want the client constantly talking to me about all kinds of random shit while I'm trying to focus on giving you a quality tattoo.

[@JamesWithee]

i think a lot of it depends on the artist. some people can focus on the tattoo and talk at the same time. some literally wear headphones to block everything out and get in the zone. i talk with the client the majority of the time, although there are some periods where i'll let them know i have to focus, like if i'm doing the eye on a portrait or something.

[@Horner181]

I love your videos man only complaint is I wish there were more.

[@lizreynolds4554]

James, you are such an articulate and well-spoken artist. I enjoy your explanations and information sharing. You are compassionate and caring, it shows in your concern for clients. Thanks for sharing. I find tattoos therapeutic for a few reasons. The first is that it has allowed me to "CLAIM MY OWN SKIN!" I come to being tattooed later in life, I started at 50. I get usually 1 a year, that is all I can afford. I scrimp and save, and use gifted monies to add to the art collection on my skin. Second, I used to hate my body, which I often referred to as "my carcass." I have a few chronic illnesses, one serious one, I didn't get Dxed until I was 50! My body is fragile. I come from an abusive home life, as a child. I have had 41 major surgeries, so I look like a roadmap of LA County. My weight varies from thin to fat and back again. So, after my parents died, I decided NO ONE had any rights to put a mark on my body without permission. So now, I choose who, when, what, etc . . .. I love my body now!! I have beautiful artworks. My self- esteem is much higher. I credit tattoos and my shift in view. It does give me something to concentrate upon, planning what I want, how I feel during my sessions, and aftercare and their beauty. It is therapeutic, helpful, and BEAUTIFUL!! BE WELL, HUGGLES ALWAYS. 🤗🍀🌺🦓🌈💝Liz in CALIFORNIA.

[@DavesLittleBits]

I actually found getting tattooed was, in itself, therapeutic (apart from the calf) and I would leave the shop kinda mildly euphoric.

[@Beebaboobee]

My tattoo artist was my middle school friend. We didn’t see each other for a long while. We had great talk during the session. I felt so refreshing.

[@lauraxavia3006]

Hello lovely, I recently got a mothers day crysanthum tattoo for my beautiful daughter. Im a very traumatised person from various chapters in my life one of which is mother who hasn't spoken to me for many years. The pain of this tattoo bought up repressed memories of my life with her that I was able to heal. I find the pain and incision aspects of the tattoo process to be a cathartic journey with the ultimate success over the trauma to be a beautiful artwork. Im not into pain or self harm, I find the whole tattoo from planning to completion to be the best therpy for healing, having quite a few large works now and still experiencing the pain for my recent flower, i am very grateful for my artists with whom i haven't spoken much at all.

[@joedfw6699]

I like your videos and your art bro. I wish you were closer to me so that I could make you my primary tattoo artist. Keep it going dude. There is an empty spot on my skin for one of your master pieces

[@Cass63450]

I agree with all the points you mentioned. It's awesome that you are thinking about this aspect of your work - to me, it is a crucial one. I would not get ink from a person who I would not feel safe with emotionally. To me, all my tattoos are important parts of my personal development and mental health process, which made getting them moments of deep meaning and impact. With all of them I had phases of crying and if my tattooer wasn't good at handling that, it would have become very difficult for both of us. I guess, it's another part of the process of finding your artist to find out what kind of atmospheric setting you need (or no-goes). And if the artist you are considering feels like a good fit in that area, for the good of both parties. Getting a tattoo, especially a larger one, is a very intimate experience (at the same time as being your job if you are the artist) and - while I am very dedicated to my tattooer - when I make recommendations to friends who think about getting tattooed, I always advise them to consider the mental aspects as well.

[@jackkelly9048]

I was skeptical at first but you convinved me

[@arisunohana]

I feel like the subjects in conversation depends on the type of atmosphere I feel around the tattoo artist or tattooer. :D Definitely a fresh perspective or just getting to know someone better is a beginning for socializing for me, a person with social anxiety. ^_^ thank you for this video!

[@DayMcCArtSapphireandIron]

It's therapy to me. 🖤 It's me with literal chronic pain, & overwhelming emotions...of things I can Not change. If that makes Any sense. My tats All have meaning. My last tattoo,was 3 Monarch butterflies...they represent each of my grandchildren(I have 4 Monarchs)...Monarchs are an endangered species, so are our children, in today's schools. I got them after another upsetting school shooting. The pain was released thru the pain of the tat. Talking about all my shit too😂...bless my tattoo artist.

[@billmorrison5908]

This dude is so well spoken. Says the correct shit, the correct way

[@bonafidesmooth]

Just had my first tattoo (shoulder half sleeve) and I agree with everything you said in this video. I literally sat there thinking about the things you said in this video. 💙 Appreciate your perspective.

[@caseykish6763]

I have scars from violence that I am slowly covering up. It’s very therapeutic to be able to look down and see something beautiful that I chose instead of scars associated with bad memories

[@jokershit7675]

I get a tattoo every 5 months. Bruh it really is therapeutic. I choose big pieces or got lots of details. It clears my mind and calms me alot. I do have severe depression and high pain tolerance so physical pain is acceptable. Idk what it is but just seeing how much pain i can take without even moving on elbows & knees prove to me i’m strong af😂 I didn’t realize it till my artist said it. Bro u always choose heavy pieces but you’re the best at just chilling. So yea can’t wait for my projects on my left arm then my back fully🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@ibuuki33]

Honestly bro i think this is one of if not your BEST video. I loved everything u said here homie 🙏🏽

[@HGQjazz]

Definitely therapeutic for me. You covered this really well! Good one James! #getabodysuit

[@adamszabo6696]

Great video! I can share my story of why it looks like I'm getting a tattoo in autumn: I was diagnosed with rumination OCD last year. What it basically means is, certain thoughts, memories can trigger anxiety and all I do is ruminate about them. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to get out of that state. It's like a tunnel vision. All there is in your head are your thoughts, which you can't solve, you go over and over, hoping that somehow you find relief. But you really can't. You know you should just stop and ignore it, but sometimes it feels impossible. But just as certain things can pull you down, some can lift you up. Like you hear a song, start singing, go exercising, just really starting doing anything can make things start go in the right direction again, and you can actually end it. Now imagine that thing is on your body which you can just look at anytime you need it. And I actually really looking forward for the session. I'll go through the pain to have it in my body and that pain will remind me of why I'm doing this. It's also just another fuck you to the OCD who's trying to make me think whether I'll get into trouble because of I'll have a tattoo. Now I'll fucking do it just because. For some people life is like a harder level in video games. There's nothing wrong having a cheat code which helps us enjoy life better.

[@browneyedrockerbabe4155]

*James, I really appreciate your videos!! They are very informative & helpful! Much respect to you sir*

[@JamesWithee]

thanks! i try to offer as much value as possible instead of just making shit that i think people will click on

[@browneyedrockerbabe4155]

@@JamesWithee You're welcome!!!! 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙂

[@KarenBailey32]

i love your videos keep up the wonderfully work

[@julieghim7846]

Do you ever experience burnout from customers sharing their traumatic experiences or problems with you? I also find getting tattooed therapeutic but hesitate to tell artists my troubles for fear of burdening them. Less sound distortion in this video btw, great stuff!

[@mrfox8027]

Yes and no. I guess it depends how I am feeling weather i am tired or stressed or having my own issues that day some times I do get burned out and then i just want to finish. But 90% of the time I live talking to my customers and love them to talk to me

[@JamesWithee]

i really don't get burnt out from it. i think it's possible for me to, but none of my clients have pushed it to that point. the conversation isn't super heavy the whole time either. it swings from funny stuff to serious stuff to technical conversations about the piece i'm doing on them seamlessly. so i don't feel a burden from it at all. my clients are the shit lol. and i figured out the distortion thing, ironically after this video was recorded. my microphone has a setting that reduces it and i had that setting turned off. i must've just got lucky with this video. look out for the next one to have better sound.

[@kavashaman496]

You gotta be one with the pain that’s what I tell myself all the time and it works

[@dlewis11380]

Man I have a full 5 hour session coming up on Friday this was such an awesome breakdown

[@collincataldo]

Please upload more these videos are so informational and engaging!

[@zozihn8047]

4:34 This is really interesting to hear. On a side note, your videos are really helpful as someone who is planning out getting tattooed. I live with sometimes excruciating chronic pain. What you describe right here is a thought process I think everyone who lives as I do must confront. It's really cool that you are able to expose yourself to that in a safe environment. I think it can do wonders for personal growth. A silver lining to incurable chronic illness that I didn't consider others would get to experience in a similar fashion.

[@TattoosLovers]

Thank you very much James for making / explaining / advice about Tattoo's stuff it really helped me alot before / after getting tattooed cheer's really clear & understanding when you explaining alot about tattoo's keep up the great work James stay safe and have fun at the same time lol lmao lmfao yolo , & i've been a big of yours for so many year's & month's , week's , day's i know i know i'm weird i so love the feeling from tattoo pain haha , omfg tattoo's are really Really addictive once we start we want even more later on down the road haha .

[@Healthylifelex]

I don’t talk much during my sessions but I completely understand the release. It’s definitely real. The main people I catch up with are my hairstylist, nail guy and my wax lady. That’s the last type of therapy left. I go to my real therapist from time to time too lol.

[@liabarnes8123]

2 Questions: 1) can you do a vid covering Lady Camo tats (stretchmark/skintone covers) pricing relevance quality basic advice? 2) personal tats, what are some good basic starter pieces or sets?

[@HealingSpectrumIntuition]

Tattoos don’t really hurt me. It just feels like being scratched.

[@aquana]

This is so weird to me. My artist is a complete stranger to me, why on Earth would I share my personal stories with him? I appreciate the work he does, but the last thing I want to do during an appointment is small talk. He either chats with his coworkers in the studio or just stays quiet when no one is around. He's a perfectly nice person but the thought of putting my random personal issues on him is a completely foreign thought to me, I just sit down and let him do his job. Then again, I fucking hate having to make small talk when someone is cutting my hair too and you're probably getting an extra tip if you don't force conversation like a lot of hairstylists love to do.

[@sbee7748]

Same! reason being I'm an introvert

[@unknownyoutubeuser1796]

This past Friday I got a tattoo of a mom holding their angel baby with a date underneath. It happened December 23th 2023 all this time I had what happened on my mind bc I didn’t want to “forget” what happened the day I lost the baby I was expecting. Now I can somehow move on and put this behind since the tattoo is a reminder. The tattoo artist never made any questions and I guess it’s because she knew this is a sensitive topic and maybe she didn’t wanted making me feel emotional or make me talk about it bc some people are very private when it comes to the passing of a loved one. I would have talked about it if questioned but probably would’ve ended up crying so it’s probably better that she never asked about the tattoo.

[@lucasgabriele9534]

thanks for the video James your very kind I learn a lot from your videos I do tattoo photography and learn a lot from people who have them

[@christymarch7245]

A big part of it for me has been spending so much of my life being in abusive controlling relationships. Putting whatever the hell I want on my body now with NOBODY to answer to is liberating! Started my sleeve out with a Death head moth. What's next? A cerberus? Baphomet? My little pony? Who knows and Who fuckin cares besides ME ❤

[@DayMcCArtSapphireandIron]

That too...yes.

[@1Skeptik1]

Tattoo? I have an inferior persona and see myself as a runner-up and I don't get the attention I crave. Now that I am tattooed all my problems are history. People no longer have to talk to me to find out I'm an idiot, they know it with a glance. Three (3) more payments and they are all mine! (I was NAVY and saw many young men regret their inking.)

[@mendoza19751]

I got my full sleeve after my mom died it’s how I dealt with it.

[@Poeticdiva79]

It’s definitely therapeutic for me, almost feels like an intimate experience. I thought something was wrong with me lol.

[@RobVespa]

Nice video. This was a pretty insightful talk. Thanks!

[@BRNBRDGS]

Reality TV , without the TV

[@CarminaVillamizarBeautyDiva]

Yes, tattoo shops are just like hair salons. Hairstylist get personal with their clients

[@thatboyunfazed99]

Crazy how experiences can vary. When i‘m getting tatted i literally think about nothing. Like an actual robot just laying there starring into a wall or listening to music vibing while i close my eyes. And the pain is just there. I don‘t think about and i try my best not to care about it. Maybe it‘s because of an inner survival mode, maybe because my inner discipline doesn’t allow me to quit under any circumstances so i refuse wasting time thinking about it. With that being said i didn’t get the bad parts tatted yet, my whole philosophy might change real quick 3 hours into a rib tattoo lol.

[@lordreign187]

Going Tomorrow 🙌

[@JamesWithee]

hell ya

[@niccolusmoses5298]

So, I thought I was the only one out here in these streets using my artist for threapy.

[@bettyjane6684]

James thank you so much for your content. Great job! I hope you continue your channel. I would be interested in a video regarding whether you still “practice”? And if so how so and how to beginners get started and how do various needles work to create lines and shading? Thank you for your consideration.

[@TheCrybabyOtaku]

Awesome and interesting tattoo topic

[@nasurigunda2821]

Can you share also how to take care after you have your tattoo like how often you wash or wash it with warm or cold water. Thank you! new subscriber.

[@Ray-lw2rh]

Fax no printer

[@FREE_WILL_AAHhhhhhhhhhhhh]

I teach meditation while I tattoo, the power of now is managed with the breath...a person can move from being ready to tap out to changing their breath to a long deep breath in through the nose and exhale completely through the mouth and finish a session feeling empowered. An affirmation I like to introduce is, "This is happening for me, not to me, it's the stimulus that I must endure to achieve what I desire" repeating this in the mind while breathing can push past some pretty intense pain. The best meditation happens in one second, managing right now is an ever evolving opportunity to be meditative, be aware of now and realize what is within your control, then control it the best way you know how. #MaddMonk_AAH

[@judgedredd8876]

My barber offers the same exact thing and unlike skin I can't run out of hair.

[@eliquate]

Also, clarification… the EXPERIENCE is therapy… tattoo artist don’t want to hear your problems. . Edit* SOME tattoos artists

[@platypus0123]

Art therapy❤🎉

[@charleyrichardson8211]

Its wired but when i get my tattos it just fills good to get them

[@Bloated_Tony_Danza]

I got 9 tattoos in 18 days, up until this point I didn't have a single one. All just words and phrases. Tomorrow I'm getting my first art work of a girl blowing her brains out. It's called "butterfly suicide" by Banksy. I have at least 6 more designs in mind, it's just that I'm running out of cash fast with all of these tattoos. I have serious mental health issues. I think of killing myself after the dissolution of my relationship. On Christmas Eve I had a failed suicide attempt. I started cutting myself again yesterday for the first time in like 5 years. I can't cope with my emotions. Now, all of a sudden, covering my body in tattoos is making me feel handsome and proud of myself. I was humiliated by her and these tattoos are giving me some positivity and self esteem back into my life. For once I don't care what people think. I'm going to wear my trauma and my distress on my body, I don't want to hide from it anymore. And I don't want to hide it from others

[@alley9]

Bom dia!!!

[@jeloborills1535]

Hi James, I got a new tats and wondering if there is difference between tattoo spot in your body in terms of healing like spot that is longer to heal than other spot. Hope this makes sense. Your reply will be much appreciated!

[@nylonpython]

I haven't really noticed any of the things you're talking about. Getting tattoos just helps my self worth. It's harder for your inner self to tell you you're worthless when you have hundreds or even thousands of dollars of art in your skin.

[@chs2385]

Hey! Just saw your video on tattooing dark skin and I really appreciated the info. I want to get a tattoo to honor my mom who passed away from cancer but I'm a little nervous. My skin tone is in the 6 range and I do have a keloid from surgery when I was a baby, but that was a pretty serious surgery. A few months ago I sliced my finger reallly deep (it would not stop bleeding heavily for days) and it healed with a hypertrophic scar (I didn't really take care of it/go to a doctor though). That slice was also directly on my knuckle area if that matters. My question is, it's clear that my skin is capable of scarring like that. Is there any way I can get a tattoo with a low risk of keloids? Are their certain tattoos types/areas/care methods that would reduce my risk a lot?

[@NielsVanpoucke-q6o]

This is true

[@Shini_yuku_tamashi]

please help someone i keep getting my lower knuckls on my fingers done but when it heals the scab pulls out all the ink why does this keep happening its been done over 2 times and it just keeps coming off hafter healing

[@jmass4207]

I see so many problems with this. You’ll never have the capacity to seek “tattoo therapy” as something totally free and daily like breathing techniques and exercise - these can be incredibly intense experiences, generally bring you into the moment, and can be done every single day (even multiple times if you’re going through a particularly rough time). If you want to see a person who “treats you physically” you could seek analogues like massage and acupuncture. Get a massage therapist that knows what they’re doing and they’ll go after your gristly, dysfunctional tissue and it is painful. But these treatments also have objective benefits for your body. If you need to talk to someone, is your tattooist meeting the grade like a professional therapist? Tattoos are incredibly expensive and you only have so much body real estate. You’re paying for permanent art on top of your “therapy”. Obviously I’m glad for anyone who sees these benefits, and it sheds light on why people end up tattooing their whole body but I can’t see this as optimal at all. It’s cool if people don’t know they need this stuff and find it in a series of tattoo sessions, but they should look elsewhere once they’ve seen what therapeutic experiences are like.

[@platisaurus9902]

Stating the obvious but lost in the noise.

[@jmass4207]

@@platisaurus9902 It might seem obvious but people latch onto the first thing that works for them.

[@TJ-vt6rt]

Years ago I used to go into my head during sessions and focus on all the in-built anger and it actually really worked and as much as I am still full of anger, I can't get back to that place anymore, it's all just stab stab pain now. Maybe it's an age thing, not that I am that old. Maybe my focus has changed.

[@gcham1209]

reminds me of "tattoo pain explained" if i can find it. i might have the wrong name of the title

[@jessebond562]

Needle therapy

[@KapEyHanTV]

❤️❤️❤️

[@william-the-lonely-blind-man]

I do not understand.😮😮

[@Colorado_Ronin]

Tattooing is definitely the worst pain I’ve ever felt. Yet I still do it lol

[@DayMcCArtSapphireandIron]

Child birth is worse.😂 I just had to give ya shit. lol

[@Sarahyangtoronto]

Can you get a painting or something instead of carving your own body?

[@jakestatefarm7327]

What do you call it if you and James go out to ski? James withski Jk jk I love ur videos though

[@JamesWithee]

lol jake from statefarm you would be a pun maker with that username :D

[@curlyhairdudeify]

Alternative, get microneedled. Tattoos look dated after awhile.

[@judgedredd8876]

They say people with multiple tattoos have lower IQ.

[@JamesWithee]

Mine is 146 so “they” are most definitely wrong about that.

[@johnzarr6590]

The animal soul wants a tattoo for all the selfish reasons that you mentioned. The Divine soul that resides in your brain wants the animal soul to serve God by doing good & not getting a tattoo. Your purpose in life is to allow your Divine soul train to your animal soul into serving God and to refrain from selfish causes.

[@Misserbi]

Ride in a taxi. Go somewhere. Walk home alone?