Me and My Tattoo: Simon Bull (From News Shopper)

Me and My Tattoo: Simon Bull

1:25pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in Freetime latest news By Nikki Jarvis

Simon Bull, 38, Petts Wood

Why this design?

I’d been interested in tattoos but never had the courage to get one.

I had this done 10 years ago around the time of my first and only child’s birth.

I wanted to mark the occasion in some way and chose the daftest option of all, which was a tattoo.

I remember going through lots of books looking for the right design, eventually settling on this bull’s head.

I felt it was a tasteful and simple design which represented my family name – plus a bull symbolises strength and power, which seemed fitting.

How much did it cost?

If memory serves me right, about £90.

Did it hurt?

Oh yes, a lot – but then I am a complete wimp when it comes to anything involving needles.

One of the motivations for the tattoo was to do something a bit ‘manly’ proving to myself I could do it, and having something to show my daughter later on.

But I definitely didn’t feel manly during the process as I nearly fainted at several points.

What did your friends say?

Friends and family were all very surprised I’d had it done, but also seemed quite impressed by how I’d put myself through something unpleasant to have it done.

Have you got any more?

No, I don’t.

Having survived the first one I thought about getting more done but having a young family meant money was needed for more important things than silly tattoos.

I still wouldn’t mind another one, but at 38 perhaps I’m now a bit too grown-up for them.

If I had another one it would probably be a big cat, such as a panther.