Okay, so I’ve been thinking about getting a San Judas Tadeo tattoo for a while now. He’s the patron saint of lost causes, and, well, sometimes I feel like a bit of a lost cause myself. Plus, I just really dig the imagery.
First, I scoured the internet for inspiration. I looked at tons of photos of San Judas tattoos – different styles, sizes, placements. I saved a bunch that I liked to a folder on my phone. It was a mess of different ideas, but it gave me a starting point.
Finding the Right Artist
Next, I started looking for tattoo artists in my area. I checked out their online portfolios, paying close attention to anyone who had experience with religious imagery or portrait work. I narrowed it down to a few artists whose styles I really liked.
Then I visited a couple of shops. I talked to the artists, showed them my inspiration photos, and asked about their experience. It’s important to find someone you vibe with, someone who understands your vision.
The Design Process
I finally picked an artist, and we started working on the design. I knew I wanted San Judas himself, with his staff and the flame on his head. We played around with different poses and styles. I wanted it to be realistic, but with a bit of a traditional tattoo feel.
The artist sketched a few different options, and we tweaked them together. We added some details, changed the positioning of the staff, and made sure the flame looked just right. It was a collaborative process, which I really appreciated.
- First sketch review.
- Second adjustment of staff postion.
- Final detail added for flame.
Getting Inked
Finally, the day arrived! I was nervous, but excited. The artist prepped my skin, applied the stencil, and got to work. It took a few hours, and yeah, it hurt in some spots, but it was totally worth it.
Watching the tattoo take shape was amazing. The artist was meticulous, paying attention to every little detail. And when it was finished, I was blown away. It was even better than I had imagined.
Now, I have a permanent reminder of hope and perseverance on my skin. And honestly, it just looks really cool. I’m so happy with how it turned out. It’s a piece of art that I’ll cherish forever.
