Hi there! I’m a clean canvas, tattoo virgin, whatever you want to call it. While I intend to get a small tattoo in the near future, I have hopes of getting a back/rib tattoo later down the road. I have to wonder though, how long do you think that might take?

I’m a smallish sort of girl and I want to get something that is predominantly from my left shoulderblade to my left ribcage (not far enough to be the waist or hip). It probably won’t get bigger than a full hand (fingers spread) in width at any point. The design will be mostly abstract and moderate complexity, no color, MAYBE shading.

I’m wondering mostly for budget reasons, so an estimate within an hour or two would be appreciated. Thanks so much for any help/advice.

PS. Wondering if any women (or men, I guess!) have any advice in this matter. Since I intend to have children eventually, will getting pregnant effect the rib (not waist or hip) area as much as far as stretching goes? From what I can tell, a few pounds here and there won’t kill a tattoo, but something as fast as rapid as a big ol’ belly can do scary things. Just wasn’t sure if it really applies to that high up.