What is it? Size? Yes it is going to hurt. I like to focus on breathing as I find it helps deal with pain. On my lower ribs I hated the feeling. It made me feel like I was shitting myself LOL The pain amount also matters if its all shading or line work.
Not going to lie, it hurts like a bitch. I did a medium-large one on my ribs. Hopefully you have a high pain tolerance. I have no shame in saying that i do not lol. I took something to ease the pain a little bit, which I thought was a good idea (and I'd recommend it). In the second session I decided not to take anything, since we were over half way done and didn't think I needed it... and wow, what a difference. About 30-35% more painful. Without taking anything, it was more of a sharp pain rather than a dull pain. Don't get me wrong both hurt like hell, so just suck it up, and sit still, and remember to breathe. They say not to do ribs first, but don't worry about that, you can do it! Just do what you can (at least put in an hour) and do the rest in sessions. They'll understand. I'm going to get another one on the other side rib cage to keep it balanced
I know this is a little late and you already had your sitting at this point but to put in my $.02, yes the ribs are one of the more painful areas to be tattooed. I have both of my ribcages tattooed, one with a huge koi that took 24 hours total and the other a memorial for my Mom (also with a lung cancer ribbon) that took about 8 hours total but I am happy to not have to get my ribs done again, thats for sure
I've done my ribs in 2 consecutive 6 hour days, (for each side) in full B&G, and am very thankful to never have to do them again....
Straight up man its hell, I'm pretty decorated myself and my piece there was 8 hours total 2 session and damn near had me on the verge of tears. But it pays off when you got some beautiful art that you went through he'll and back for. Appreciation
Couldn't agree more not the most pleasant, luckily my artist helped keep my mind off it because he is funny as hell, mine was 7 sittings 24 hours total on the right side of my back my whole rib cage and some of my stomach but the koi that came out of it is amazing.