Elephant Ink

It may seem cliche to get a tattoo in Thailand, or anywhere during a travel adventure. I only decided to do it because of the soul-touching Asian elephant experience at Ran-Tong Elephant Rescue Sanctuary.

The left half of the tattoo is based on a picture of one of the real elephants from my visit. The other side is what Blackize, the body artist and owner of Blackize Hand-ink, calls “traditional Thai.”

In addition to the permanent reminder of one of the most auspicious moments of my travel and even life, the elephant’s trunk also makes the initial “J” for my name.

It was my last night in Chiang Mai before returning to Bangkok. I did not want to spend it in a tattoo studio, but after Blackize’s ideas and graphic design examples, I was mostly sold.

I’ve read one is not supposed to get ink on an empty stomach. I paid a deposit and told Blackize I was going to eat first. I could see his doubting look of my returning in his eyes. He surely suspected me of being a “B-Back.” That’s apparently a person who says they have to go to the ATM or something, and never returns. I know I certainly had doubts that I’d return. I told him he could keep the deposit if I didn’t come back, especially since he spent so much time getting the preliminary artwork (sample) just right for me. Aside from not wanting to make the time commitment, I’ve only had one tattoo done in my life and it was a very personal and unique piece of art, as is usually the case for people with tattoos.

I felt the need to commemorate the wondrous event of communing with the awesome elephants. What better way to do so than through a tat?

So, I ate nearby and started the inventory of reasons why I shouldn’t get a tattoo in Chiang Mai, Thailand, or anywhere for that matter. I thought of the time commitment of three to four hours. I thought of hygiene and safety.

Blackize has a safety inspection certificate with his picture on it and went out of his way to show me the clean needles, new gloves and all other safety precautions that I’ve seen regulated in the United States. The cost? 5000 Baht (about 160 USD). That’s a very reasonable price for the time and intricacy put into the design and final product. Yes, this is the land of negotiation but I thought it quite fair and a tattoo does not seem to be something with which to price-haggle.

He also has an impressive portfolio (some seen pictured on his work wall in the picture) and many satisfied customers.

The work got underway and Blackize had a music selection that included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Chemical Brothers and even The Cranberries. I could have used earbuds but I was enjoying the music and sounds of the tattoo machine. Plus, I wanted to be responsive should Blackize need anything or have questions.

We took a break after a couple of hours and I was quite pleased with the artwork so far. We stretched our legs and got back at for the duration.

When it was complete, I was another satisfied customer of Blackize Hand-ink. When I return to Chiang Mai, I will visit Blackize again for a little light decoration around the elephant. I was thinking bamboo or some elephant habitat-related flora.

Please show me your ink and tell me the story behind it by clicking here. Let me know if it is okay for me to share it or I should just keep it between us. Thanks.