Okay, so I decided to get a tattoo, and not just any tattoo – I wanted something that really meant something to me, you know? I stumbled upon the idea of a Chinese zodiac tattoo, and I just got hooked.
Research
First, I had to do some digging. I was never really into astrology, but the Chinese zodiac seemed way cooler. I found out I’m a Dragon, which sounds pretty badass, right? I read up on what that means – powerful, ambitious, all that good stuff. It felt right. Then I learned about the elements, too. Turns out, since I was born in a year ending in 0, I’m a Metal Dragon. Metal! How cool is that?

I spent hours online, just looking at different designs. There were so many options – from simple little symbols to these huge, detailed pieces that covered people’s entire backs. I was leaning towards something in between, something that would stand out but not be too over the top. I found some minimalist designs, but also more detailed art. Also discovered that usually, these tattoos are black and gray, but some use colors which is connected with the meaning of the design.
Finding an Artist
Next, I needed to find an artist. This was the tricky part. I asked around, looked at online portfolios, and finally found this one artist whose style I really liked. Their lines were clean, and they had done some other zodiac tattoos that looked amazing.
I booked a consultation, and we talked about what I wanted. I showed them the designs I liked, and they gave me some suggestions. We decided on a design that was a mix of a few different ones – a dragon that was detailed but not too big, with some elements that represented metal. Then artist asked about colors, but I decided to stick with the black and gray style.
Getting Inked
The day of the appointment, I was nervous but excited. The artist was super chill, which helped. They showed me the final design, and it was perfect. I was prepared for pain, so I was pleasantly surprised, as it was easier than I expected. The whole process took a few hours, but it was worth it. They cleaned it up, wrapped it, and gave me all the aftercare instructions.
Aftercare and Beyond
I followed the aftercare routine religiously. I kept it clean, moisturized, and avoided the sun. It healed up nicely, and now I have this awesome tattoo that I’m really proud of.
Every time I look at it, it reminds me of who I am and what I’m capable of. It’s not just a tattoo, it’s a part of me now. I even had a situation, when one person saw my tattoo and assumed that I am a true believer in astrology, which led to an interesting discussion. It was a great experience, and I’m so glad I decided to go for it. If you’re thinking about getting a Chinese zodiac tattoo, I say do it! Just make sure you do your research and find an artist you trust.

- Research your sign and element.
- Find an artist whose style you like.
- Take good care of it while it heals.
It’s a big decision, but it’s totally worth it. Trust me, you won’t regret it!