Got an Icarus spread across my ribs last summer and it was a wild ride — equal parts beautiful and brutal. The ribs are one of those spots where your skin is thin, the
Bone is close, and there isn’t much cushioning, so the sensation is a sharp, burning pressure that comes in waves. For me, the initial
outline felt like a constant, focused sting — a steady reminder — and the shading
took longer and felt nastier, like a deep, vibrating ache that lingers after the session.
I broke the work into two sessions because the piece was large: fine line feathers first, heavy shading later. That helped a ton. Breathing slowly, having loud music, and tensing then relaxing the core made the worst moments manageable. Numbing cream can help for the first hour, but it doesn’t erase everything and isn’t always recommended for long sessions. Aftercare is crucial: loose shirts, gentle cleansing, fragrance-free moisturizer, and patience. Sleeping on your back was a hassle, but worth it to avoid rubbing the fresh ink.
Artistically, an Icarus with lots of wings and shadowing amplifies the pain because it means many passes in the same area, but it also gives the tattoo depth and drama. Would I do it again? Absolutely — every wince was rewarded by a piece I’m proud of, and wearing it feels like carrying that myth with me
every day.