The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your First Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is a huge decision. Tattoos are permanent. (Even though removal options are now available, they are costly and often leave scars). Before you get inked, think through every aspect of the decision, and make sure you do it right.

Deciding Where to Get a Tattoo

Although tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, there are still many places they are unacceptable. Before you get a tattoo, think about if you are going to be able to cover it up. Even if you don't currently have a job or situation that would require you to cover such artwork, someday you might. While a tattoo on your forearm is coverable, ask yourself if you will be willing to wear long sleeves to work everyday, should the situation call for it. Even Major League Baseball teams are requiring players' tattoos to be covered during ball games.

On the other hand, you might also want to be able to show your tattoo off fairly easily too. Getting a tattoo on your chest might be easy to cover, but will you be able to easily show it off when you want to?

Deciding What Tattoo To Get

It is definitely important to decide what design you want before heading to the artist. DO NOT wander into the tattoo parlor without any idea of what you want. Not only will the time you take to decide seriously annoy the tattoo artist, it is also extremely stupid! Remember that this is permanent, so you should at least take the time to make sure you really like it.

Before you decide on a design, ask yourself if you would feel alright about that design in 60 years. Also, ask yourself if it is something you would like to see everyday. Try some artwork out for size...

- Hang a drawing of the tattoo somewhere you will see it everyday, like on your bathroom mirror.

- Put it on your body temporarily, either by getting a henna tattoo or having a good friend draw it on you with a non-toxic ink.

If you still like the design after looking at it for a while, then it may be time to take it to an artist.

Choosing an Artist

Once you have decided on the specifics, do NOT just wander into the closest tattoo parlor. Do your research! This person will be marking your skin for life; you certainly want to know that they are qualified. The best way to decide on a tattoo artist is to ask friends with tattoos. Well, only if you like the artwork. Even if you do not like the tattoo itself, if a friend has good artwork, they probably have a good artist. (Seems logical, right?)

You also want to check out the shop to make sure it is clean and safe. Ask them if they use an autoclave. An autoclave basically sterilizes all of the equipment used in tattooing. Make sure the artist has participated in a professional apprenticeship program. You do not want to get a tattoo from an amateur!

Ask to see samples of the artist's work. He or she will most likely have a portfolio for you to look at. If the artist cannot provide you samples, this is a good sign that something is fishy.

Getting a Tattoo is a Process

Don't expect to walk into a tattoo parlor one day and walk out the same day with a tattoo. While this is possible with a very simple tattoo, it is not really a good idea. First, you will need to talk to the artist and bring him your initial design. Then the artist will set a time for you to come back and confirm that you like his rendition of the design. Then, you will make an appointment to come in for the tattoo, or the first session of the tattoo, if it is a large tattoo.

Before the tattoo session, you will discuss payment. Do not attempt to negotiate the price of the tattoo. If you cannot afford the price, be up front and ask if you can arrange to do it over the course of a few sessions, or if you can arrange some sort of payment plan in advance.

Before you actually start the process, you might want to read a bit about proper tattoo etiquette. If you treat the situation right, then the tattoo artist will treat you right.

Tattoos Require Aftercare

Even though a tattoo is essentially permanent from the moment it is applied, there are ways that you can ruin your tattoo. Worse than that, you can get a skin infection. Follow all of the tattoo aftercare instructions you are given carefully!