hi, I have 4 large tattoos, not Disney related though. Each of my tattoos have a story , personal meaning and represent a particular time in my life.
The advice I always give to people thinking about their first tattoo
1. The design
Pick a design that means something to you. Draw it out and think carefully about the colours and text. Small tattoos look cute in the first few years, but your body changes and skin and ink move, so what may look cute in year 1 could end up a blob in year 10.
2. Your body.
This is more relevant for 20 something girls but is something everyone no matter what age or gender should think about. Belly or hip tattoos look great when you are 21 and have a washboard stomach, but then what happens when a few years later you get pregnant and your skin stretches or you have to have a c section. Ok so you might not be a 20 something girl with a washboard stomach but really look at how your body changes, how your skin stretches, if you have lost or put on weight and how that has effected certain parts of your body.
3. Most definitely experiment with henna tattoos. It will give you an idea of how your design will look, how you feel about having this drawing on your body.
4. ok, you said you are retired but still you need to look at your lifestyle and the society around you. I cover mine for work, but I also cover them out of work. Yes we think society is more open minded and some places are, but where I live, having tattoos is still seen as a negative thing.
5. Research tattoo artists. Some specialise in portraits, some are general artists etc. Check their previous work portfolios, and if possible get a personal recommendation. If you see someone with a tattoo which you like ask them about it. Us tattoo people love talking about our body art
6. Ask the tattoo artist about how they work. Some use transfers, some work freehand.
7. Ask about after care procedures. Every tattoo artist has their own preference for healing creams and aftercare and everyone will tell you different. Just stick to the aftercare recommended by YOUR tattoo artist