Planning a Tattoo?

For some people the idea of getting a tattoo is a daunting one. The best way to approach it is to do as much research as you can, making sure you're fully informed before you make the choice. A few things to consider initially.

1. What do you want tattooed? This might seem obvious, but if you begin to search on the internet for tattoo discussion forums, you'll see many people asking "what do you think I should get?" As you hopefully realize, unless you want to undergo painful and expensive tattoo removal, a tattoo is there for life! It should be something you want, not something other people think you ought to get. Apart from that, think about the design you want, how detailed is it? How big will it need to be to stay looking fresh and good? Remember, skin isn't like paper. It moves and ages. What looks fantastic printed out on a clean flat sheet of paper might not work so well on your arm or back, and smaller lines can bleed together as you and the tattoo age.

1. Where do you want the tattoo? How comfortable are you with the idea of people seeing your tattoo? Be sure to consider the reactions of future employers- it's sad but true that people are still judged for being tattooed. Also, be sure you want to spend the rest of your life explaining a tattoo if it's in a place people can see it. Other things you need to consider is how well the body part you want to get tattooed will work with your design. A tiny symbol in the center of your back might look odd and out of proportion, for instance. Finally, although it shouldn't stop you getting a tattoo where you want, do consider how much different areas of the body hurt to get tattooed. In general, areas with bone very close to the skin hurt more. I can say from experience that getting your ribs tattooed is extremely painful! Of course, if you have your heart set on a location, don't let the pain deter you- it's only a few hours of pain to have a beautiful piece of art on you for life.

1. Who do you want to tattoo you? How many tattoo artists work in your city? Where do they work? Have you ever been into there stores? Set aside an afternoon to do some research. Go to some of the stores and look through the artists portfolios (books showing their work.) How does each studio feel? Is it friendly? Does it smell like a dentists or doctors office (it's a good thing if it does!) When you have a firmer idea of what you want tattooed, go into the stores which you liked best and ask some questions. Ask about hygiene, do they autoclave all their equipment? Research the hygiene procedures tattoo artists should follow thoroughly so you know which questions to ask. And consider how the artists make you feel. Do they listen to you and make suggestions? Just because they don't immediately love your idea doesn't make them bad! A good artist is one who tries to make every tattoo the best it can be, and that sometimes means changing things about the design your bring them. Listen to their advice, it is what they do for a living.

There are many other considerations, of course, but these are just a few questions to get you thinking.