Number 23: Get a good Tattoo

On paper this was always going to be one of the challenges that could go horrifically wrong.The fact that the title of this challenge is to get a "good" tattoo, gives away the fact that I do have previous experience of going under the ink needle. It gives me little pride to admit that during my misspent youth I managed to acquire a Chinese symbol on my thigh after five cans of super strongbow. The said symbol is supposed to mean" To Win" which I did actually manage to verify in Japan. While that put paid to all the lame, possibly racist quips like "I bet it says Sweet and sour chicken", it still did little to change the fact that I was lumped for life with a pretty rubbish tattoo. To be fair, after a while even my parents saw the funny side and I've grown to accept if not love it. Still, when I drew up the list for this challenge I saw it as perhaps a chance to redeem myself for what had gone before.Another bonus was the fact that a mate of mine who I went to primary school with now has his own tattoo parlour in Cardiff. I got in touch with Chris and in true Naylor fashion had booked myself in and sent a deposit without really considering what I was getting myself into. A month and a half later I was trundling down the M4 with Georgina actually feeling quite excited.
All that changed in a matter of minutes when I arrived at Physical Graffiti. It was great to see Chris, who despite being a lot more heavily tattooed didn't look all that different to when I had last seen him about fifteen years ago. Everything was going to plan and a photographer was on his way from "The Wales on Sunday" to record the event for an article they have agreed to write about my blog.I was ready to get inked up!
Then Chris brought the design over and I realised with a sudden horror that it would take up half of my back. As my Dad and girlfriend looked on I began to mentally breakdown as my brain refused to compute the fact that I didn't have to have the tattoo if I didn't want to. All I saw was the fact that I had to finish what I'd started, the photographer was on his way, I couldn't go back now. Sweat started to drip down my forehead and burn my eyes. Its ok I thought to myself. How often do I look at my back?How often does anyone look at any ones back?
If it wasn't for Georgina, I would still be in Cardiff getting tattooed now. Taking the situation by the horns she suggested that perhaps I should ask for Chris to sketch the tattoo a little bit smaller. It seems obvious looking back but at the time I actually forgot that was possible.I have managed to get through the report so far without actually mentioning what the tat was going to be. I always find it a little bit wank when people talk about tattoos. Its hard to make it sound as good as it does in your head. They are pretty subjective as well aren't they?One mans Sistine chapel being another mans love and hate!In a nutshell though my idea was two get the two faces of drama on my back, with a little quote underneath. If for no other reason that:
A) tragedy and comedy pretty much sums up my life so far
B) Its on my back anyway so I figured I wouldn't have to look at it much if I hated it.
Anyway after a lot of deliberation and an embarrassing chat with Chris I eventually clambered into the tattoo chair. My dignity was now completely gone,amongst the other painted warriors in the shop I felt like one of the boys from Hanson trying to mix with Motley Crue. Still Chris had the needle in hand and the photographer was ready. Thirty minutes later I was proudly checking out my new tat in the mirror. Challenge completed and the photos to show for it!

Big Big thanks have to go to the talented Chris Hatton at physical graffiti for the artwork, anyone Wales based looking to get a tattoo should definitely give Chris a shout. Also I must thank Georgina Barnard and Dai for holding it all together when lesser people were losing their heads. Last but not least here's a pic of my formal tattoo so that even if you think this one is crap...........it cant hold a candle to this:

Thankyou and goodnight!