A Few Reasons Not to Get a Tattoo

There are lots of reasons to get a tattoo and in my opinion, there are very few reasons not to. People have been getting tattoos for hundreds of years. I see nothing taboo about the art of tattooing and I myself am a proud bearer of ink. With that being said, I believe there are moments in one's life when getting a tattoo is completely inappropriate. A tattoo is something in which you should invest some time and of course money. When you make an educated decision you are more likely to be happy with your tattoos well into the future. Although my reasons are few and opinionated it seems many agree. Here are a few instances in which getting a tattoo may not be the sensible thing to do.

You Owe Money
Child support, past due pills, foreclosure, credit card debt, etc.

If you can't afford to take care of your children than you shouldn't be spending money getting tattoos. It seems a likely candidate for my first tattoo no-no but people do it. If you owe child support just understand one simple thing, if you refuse to pay there are consequences. Garnishment of wages, suspension of your drivers license, jail time, community service, and loss of your parental rights are all possibilities. Beyond child support if you have children living in your home whom need things, it's only fair to put them first. I have witnessed first hand a fresh tattoo on a so called parent and in that same persons home, empty cupboards. That is so wrong.

If you owe money and it's something that could hurt your financial future, it is really in your best interest not to get tattooed. Depending on what you are getting tattooed, tattoos are not cheap and you definitely get what you pay for. A tattoo is literally an investment of money. Instead of getting a tattoo on impulse or just because you want it, why not use that money to pay off your bills? When your bills are caught up and all your payments are on time you can do whatever you want responsibly. I wouldn't want to be getting tattooed with debt hanging over my head and I can't imagine why anyone else would want to either.

Unemployment
So, this pretty much only applies to people who's means of surviving are by working. If you are out of a job than you are either out of cash or spending your savings. If someone else is supporting you, the following statement applies. Unemployment can last a long time and without money coming in you should not be buying anything you do not need. This includes tattoos. Spending your savings is also a dangerous move if you are unemployed. There's no telling how long you may be out of work and how much money you will need during that time. If you're smart about your money you will be able to get any tattoo you want with a little planning.

If someone is supporting you, don't be like some people and use the money to get new tattoos. Of course the exception being you have this persons permission, or at least they are aware of what you are doing with their money. Anything else would be taking advantage.

You're a Follower
There's nothing I hate worse than a lower back tattoo on a female. It actually makes me mad to see people follow the crowd. That's not what tattooing is about. Getting a tattoo just because it's the thing to do does not make you cool. I don't understand why people just walk into a tattoo parlor and pick something out, for no reason at all. It boggles me and I'll never understand it. I almost forgot about tribal arm band tattoos, on anyone.... What is it about them that is appealing? They actually make me sick.

At least try to be creative. You don't even have to be an artist. You can pay someone to draw for you and many tattoo artists will render stock images, if you just ask. Ideas, drawings, and pictures in my experience have always been welcome.

You're a Cheapskate
Don't haggle with the tattoo artist. The price you are offered is generally fair depending on where you are shopping. If you are unsure get a few estimates from different tattoo parlors. Some artists are more costly than others and skill is also a variable. Take this all into consideration and don't even bother trying to bargain. Bargaining is like saying to your tattoo artist that he/she is not good enough to get paid what they ask. That's rude. If you're looking for a cheap tattoo, go to a cheap tattoo studio, get a cheap tattoo, and be mad later on that it sucks and doesn't look good. When it comes to tattooing you really get what you pay for.

And tip your artist. 15-20% is reasonable. No tip means you are a dirt bag and most likely will not be received warmly if you return. Less than 10% and you are just a cheapskate. The tattoo artist does not walk away with 100% of the actual money you pay them for the tattoo. A percentage of that money is paid to the shop. The same way it is in in barber shops and nail salons, which are also places people should tip. But that is another topic for another day. If even one person takes any of this into consideration I will be pleased. Happy tattooing!