Considerations For Getting A Memorial Tattoo That Includes Cremated Remains
One of the many things that you can do with a loved one's cremated remains is to take a small portion of them to a tattoo artist who specializes in memorial tattoos. Although this idea might seem a little unorthodox, many tattoo artists will take the cremated remains, add a small amount of them to their tattoo ink, and then give you the tattoo. This process allows you to get the feeling that your loved one will be with you wherever you go, which can be highly cathartic for some people. Whether you don't have any tattoos yet or you have several, here are some considerations for this idea.
Give It Some Time
A good rule of thumb for getting a tattoo is to always devote enough time to deciding what you want, and this is especially important when you're thinking about having a loved one's cremated remains mixed into the tattoo ink. This is essentially a one-time opportunity, as your family may opt to deal with the remainder of the remains in another method, such as by scattering them. You don't want to regret that you got the wrong memorial tattoo or put it in the wrong part of the body. Remember, there's no rush to go through this process, and waiting a few weeks or months will often be the best approach.
Discuss It With Family
It's also a good idea to discuss your intentions with your family. You might love the idea of using some of the cremated remains for a memorial tattoo, but not everyone will share this mindset. While some family members might simply shrug it off, there may be others who are offended by this idea. You don't want to hurt anyone, especially at this difficult time. In such a situation, you can proceed in a couple of different ways. For example, one is to have the tattoo on a part of your body where your family won't see it. Another is to change your mind entirely.
Find The Right Tattoo Artist
Choosing the right tattoo artist for any tattoo goes well beyond looking at one's portfolio and ensuring that he or she has the aptitude to do the work properly. You also need to feel a high degree of comfort with the artist, especially given the sensitive nature of your project. Don't be afraid to visit a few tattoo studios and speak to different artists about your idea. Ideally, you'll find someone who has not only worked with cremated remains in the past, but also has the right personality to support you during this time.
For more ideas on what you can do with a loved one's cremains, contact companies like Delaware Valley Cremation Center.
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