Simple Steps to Take Before Getting a Tattoo

So you want to get inked? Do you desperately want that barbed wire wrapped around your bicep? Yearn to have a half-naked lady flexed across your forearm? Need a cross to bear on your back?

Well before you go jumping at the first parlor you see with the most Harleys parked out front, there are a few things you should look into first.

Bargains are best for beer and cars.

When searching for a tattoo parlor to get your first skin art, a discount is not what you should be looking for. Buy one, get one free should never apply to any permanent part of you r life (wives included, but can be the exception at times.) When shopping around for tattoos, be wary of those parlors that offer deals or low rates. Unless they're new and looking to start a name for themselves, they shouldn't need to cut prices to stay in business. But, also don't assume the highest price means the best artists. Some parlors bank on their good rep and make you pay for it. Nike and Lexus aren't the only things that make you pay for name brand. So what should you look for?

Read between the lines.

Shopping for a tattoo artist/ parlor is the same as shopping for any other important purchase like a car or home. Do your homework. When checking out any new parlor or artist, always ask to see a portfolio of work. All licensed artist have to study for years as an apprentice before they are licensed. If they don't have an album of some of their work, they ain't worth their word. If possible see if you can see any of their work in person, anyone that's actually been inked by them. The first thing to look for when evaluating someone's tats is to look at the lines. Are they even in thickness? Are they dark and even colored? Smooth edges? The lines can tell you a lot about how good the artist is and how well your tat will look. The outline is the first thing that is done when and applying a tattoo; it's the foundation the tattoo is built on. Just like a house, if you have a bad foundation your home is gonna be a piece of crap.

Shades of Grey

Next, look at the shading in the art. Does it flow? Is there a gradation from dark to light? Can you notice a distinct break in the colors/ darkness of the shade or does it, well, fade out evenly and realistically? Shading is what gives a tat its character and realism. It's what makes your skin art pop, whether it's color or black and white, and brings your tattoo to life. Also, does the shading become part of the outline so that the outline and shade are one? For some pieces this may not be the case because that is part of the art, but usually it's lazy tattooing.

Color Me Bad

Lastly, even if you don't plan on getting your tat colored, check out the color in the artist's artwork. Are the colors vibrant and bright? Do they work with the piece they are used for? Are they distinct, characteristic, and add something to the piece or do they make the piece look muddled and blurry? Good color, color that lasts is key for having a tat that will last long and bee enjoyed throughout you life. Granted, from time to time with all tattoos you will need to get your tat retouched as they do age, they same as you do. Remember, once this thing is on, it is part of you, part of your flesh, and has the same flaws. But, faded or dull looking color should not appear for many years after a tat is applied, this goes for black and white as well.

Now, I can't claim to be an expert on tattoos, I myself only have one tat at the time (they are, after all, pretty expensive). But the advice is what I used to find a quality artist to give me an excellent tattoo. I visited at least 4 parlors. One of them gave me a fair price, but their specialty was more Japanese than mine tat, which is a Celtic knot, and their colors, though well done, were a little too bright and cartoonish. The most reputable and high-falluting place I went to priced me at twice what that other place did and I think they were even going charge me for redrawing the pic I brought in. Here's where ego isn't worth the price of admission.

The last place I tried, and the place I ultimately went with, was admittedly, kinda shady. It was a brand new place ,and so the fact that they offered me a lowered price wasn't too suspicious. But, the place was situated between the two biggest dive bars off my college campus. So, instead of judging a book by just its cover and writing this place off as a hack, drunk tattoo parlor, I did my homework. I studied the artist's portfolio; I checked out his flash art; I spoke with his piercing artist and assistant. His assistant told me that the artist had spent the past years perfecting a less painful needle angle that would also put the ink in prime position under the skin. Now, this could have been total b.s., but the portfolio and atmosphere impressed me. Six years later, my tat is looking as good as the first day I got it, as will yours if take as much care into researching the parlor as much as you do for choosing your tattoo. Remember, it's gonna be your friend for life, better make it a loving relationship.