Getting a Tattoo, the Right Way

Tattoos have become increasingly popular over the years, and one could say that the industry is "booming" with new tattoo shops popping up on the scene all the time. Unfortunately, most people are not educated enough on how to pick their artist and tattoo and consequently end up with a permanent addition to their body that they may regret a few years down the line.

The first step to choosing a tattoo is gathering ideas for a design. Some people are happy walking into a shop and pointing to a piece of flash on the wall of the studio; but most others would like their tattoo to hold some kind of meaning and be unique to their body alone. When choosing your design, you should first consider events or objects in your life that have had a significant impact on you. These usually make for the best material. The next step is to find an image that you connect powerfully with that event. Maybe you want to remember a deceased loved one; you may consider their favorite flower, or maybe even their favorite hobby. Once you have decided on a powerful symbol, you can move on to the next step of the process.

Not all ideas are going to be practical to tattoo. Some designs that are highly detailed will blur over time, or will have restrictions as to what size they can be tattooed. Many people pick good designs but are sometimes dismayed to hear that they will have to settle for a larger piece in order for the picture to retain it's true character and detail. Other designs will not look very presentable when tattooed randomly on your body. Ultimately, only your artist will be able to tell you what is practical to be tattooed on your body.

This leads us to the next step of the tattoo process: picking the right artist. There are so many tattoo studios to choose from, and it can be very intimidating trying to sort through all of them before you find a reputable artist. It is important, however, that you spend a fair amount of time picking a studio so that you know you will be receiving quality service and will be in a safe and hygienic environment. There is potential for many health hazards when dealing with tattoos. First you should look up a listing of shops in your area, and visit their websites to get acquainted with their work. Then you should contact them and ask for proof that they are a licensed artist, and visit the shop and request to see their work area so that you will be certain it is a sterile environment. Body modification communities such as BMEzine.com are excellent places to talk to professionals about reputable artists in your area.

After you have picked a shop that you know has licensed artists, is clean, and has a strong reputation, you are ready to consult with your artist. Make sure to bring several sketches and pictures with you to help your artist come up with the ultimate design. They are artists, and usually have good advice on how to tweak an image so it is better suited for a tattoo. Many artists will draw a completely original design for you as well. Your artist will also be able to help you in deciding the best placement for your tattoo. Placement can have a huge impact on the quality and appearance of your ink. You are ultimately in the drivers seat when choosing your tattoo, but do not be afraid to let your artist throw around some ideas; just as you want your work to be what you want, they also want the tattoo to be of high quality. They can also answer any question you have about the types of ink that will be used in your tattoo and their effects on your body.

After consulting with your artist, you may set up an appointment for your tattoo. Some pieces will take only one session, and others will need to be broken up into several sessions so that you and your artist do not become exhausted by the large amount of tattooing. On the day of your tattoo session, you should make sure you eat a good well balanced meal and stay hydrated. Do not drink before going to get your tattoo, or take any extreme medications or other substances. Stay relaxed and be well rested so that you will be comfortable through the process. Opinions on pain and sensation while being tattooed are quite varied, so just be aware that a certain level of discomfort is to be expected. How your body responds to a tattoo is truly unique to, you guessed it, your body.

Tattoo aftercare is also extremely important. There are a few different ways to treat a fresh tattoo that are considered safe and preferable to most reputable artists, and then there are other systems that are widely used by below par artists that will actually harm your tattoo. This will not be a problem though since you have done your research and picked a respectable artist! Be sure to follow the instructions that they give you for taking care of your tattoo faithfully; if you do not, you may have a damaged tattoo. Continuing to take good care of your tattoo beyond the initial healing process is essential. Making sure you wear sunscreen while outdoors and maintaining a healthy diet will prevent a lot of ink fading that will come over the years.

Hopefully now you have a better understanding of the process of getting a tattoo. Just remember to do your research and do not settle on the first shop you come by. Tattoos are forever, and if you are responsible about getting one, you will have a truly enjoyable piece of art for the rest of your life.