Okay, so I finally did it - got that Aztec calendar tattoo I've been obsessing over for months. Wanna know the real struggle? Figuring out where to slap that bad boy on my body. Spent way too much time overthinking this, so here's my whole damn process from zero to inked.
The Backstory (aka Why I Wanted This Damn Thing)
Stumbled on Aztec calendar designs last year during vacation. Saw some local artist's flash sheet in Mexico City and couldn't shake it. That circular design with all the crazy details? Pure fire. Problem is - it's huge. Not some tiny heart on your ankle. This ain't discreet.
Started saving cash immediately but kept hitting walls about placement. Saw dudes with it crammed awkwardly on their calf - looked like a pancake smashed there. Others tried squeezing it onto their chest but the damn thing disappeared when they wore shirts. Whole point's showing it off, right?
The Research Phase (Lots of Googling & Annoying Artists)
Dove into tattoo forums like a crazy person. Searched "best spots for large circular tattoos" daily. Must've creeped through hundreds of IG tattoo pages with magnifier mode on, judging placements like:
- Shoulder Blades: Looks sick from behind but? People see your back maybe twice a year at the beach
- Forearm: Instantly visible but curves mess with the design - plus grandma would have a heart attack
- Thigh: Solid flat space but felt... basic? Everyone does thigh pieces
Pestered three different artists with "where should I put this??" texts. First guy said back, second said sternum, third told me flat-out "stop overthinking just pick meaty flesh". Wise dude.
The Lightbulb Moment (Thanks, Yoga Class)
Actually decided in downward dog pose, no joke. Was staring at my shoulder in the studio mirror and thought - wait. That curve from collarbone to deltoid? Could frame the circle perfectly. Plus:
- Shows in tanks & t-shirts but hides easy with sleeves
- Skin doesn't stretch much there when you get old
- Flat enough surface for details but wraps naturally
Ran to my artist next day screaming "LEFT SHOULDER CAP!" like a madman.
The Inking Session (AKA Pain Olympics)
Artist approved my shoulder choice with a shrug (pun intended). Transfer paper went on - fit like damn glove on that ball joint. Outlined first hour was cake. Then shading hit.
Good lord. When that needle hit near my clavicle? Felt like someone soldering my bones. Almost bailed when he did the center sun god details. Sweat pouring, white-knuckled the chair, survived on gummy bears and rage.
Aftermath & Verdict
Two months healed now and zero regrets. Placement's perfect - peeks out under shirts but full reveal when I want it. Design flows with my shoulder movement. Every flex at the gym shows off that ink. Final thoughts:
- Shoulder cap placement = 10/10 for circular designs
- Hurts like hell near bone - suck it up
- Eat before - I almost passed out after hour three
If you're getting big artwork? Pick stable muscle areas that show off the damn thing. Done overthinking. Now where to put that Mayan serpent design...
