Taming Tigers and Tattoos: My Wild First Ink Experience in the Badlands
- Eric J Herrholz
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Getting your first tattoo often comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. But what if your first tattoo experience involved wrestling a tiger, surrounded by roaring bikers in the heart of the Badlands? This is the story of how I got my first ink from Roy Boy at the BADLANDS in Gary, Indiana, a place and moment that still lives vividly in my memory.
The Setting: The Badlands and Roy Boy
The Badlands in Gary, Indiana, was not your typical tattoo spot. It was a biker haven, a place where tough characters gathered, and tattoos were more than just art—they were badges of honor. Roy Boy, the tattoo artist, was a biker himself. His reputation was solid, and his style was raw and authentic. Getting inked by him meant joining a unique brotherhood.
My buddy Crazy Johnny had connections—his Uncle Mark was friends with these guys. That’s how I found myself in the middle of this gritty scene, ready to get my first tattoo. But the story wasn’t just about the tattoo itself; it was about the challenge that came before it.
The Dare: Wrestling a Tiger
When I say tiger, I mean a real tiger. Not a metaphor. Before I could get my tattoo, I had to wrestle this beast. The dare was wild, and the fear was real. The tiger was muzzled, but it was still a powerful animal. I had no idea what I was getting into.
The tiger threw me around, pinned me down, and the whole biker crowd roared with excitement. My buddy was freaking out, but I was determined to make it through. That moment was more intense than the tattoo pain itself. The adrenaline, the danger, and the roar of the crowd made it unforgettable.
The Tattoo Experience
After surviving the tiger challenge, I finally sat down with Roy Boy. The tattoo was simple, but it carried a lot of meaning. It cost ten dollars, which felt like a small price for such a wild experience. Surprisingly, the tattoo itself didn’t hurt as much as I expected. The battle with the tiger was the real test.
Roy Boy worked quickly and skillfully. The parlor was filled with the smell of ink and leather, and the sound of motorcycles outside. It was a moment of calm after the storm, a rite of passage marked on my skin.
READ ABOUT ROY BOYS TATTOO SHOP THE BADLANDS CLICK HERE
What I Learned from That Day
That first tattoo was more than just a mark on my body. It was a story of courage, friendship, and living on the edge. Here are some takeaways from that unforgettable day:
Fear can be conquered when you face it head-on, even if it means wrestling a tiger.
Tattoos carry stories that go beyond the ink—they capture moments and memories.
Community matters. Being part of that biker crowd made the experience richer and more meaningful.
Value isn’t just money. Paying ten dollars was nothing compared to the experience and the story I gained.
Sometimes, the wildest challenges lead to the strongest memories.
Why First Tattoos Matter
Your first tattoo often sets the tone for your entire tattoo journey. It’s a personal milestone. For me, it was about proving something to myself and embracing a moment of wildness. Many people choose their first tattoo carefully, but sometimes the story behind it is what makes it truly special.
If you’re thinking about your first tattoo, consider what story you want to tell. It doesn’t have to be dramatic like mine, but it should be meaningful to you. Whether it’s a symbol, a phrase, or a design, your first tattoo is a piece of your history.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I realize that the tiger fight was the real tattoo. The ink was just the souvenir. That day in the Badlands taught me about bravery, friendship, and the unexpected ways life tests us. If you ever find yourself doubting your courage, remember that sometimes, you just have to wrestle your own tiger.
Getting a tattoo is more than pain and needles—it’s about the story you carry with you. Mine started with a roar, a dare, and a wild ride in Gary, Indiana. What will your first tattoo story be?
