Things to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

So you're thinking about putting some ink on your body and you're a little hesitant about taking the first step into the tattoo parlor. Being hesitant isn't necessarily a bad thing, for tattoos are permanent and must be carefully considered before you strap yourself into the seat. Even if you're 100% sure you want to go through with the procedure, you still want to do the proper research and give great consideration to the following things:

Why do you want to get a tattoo?
Start off with asking yourself this question. Be honest with yourself. If you're only doing it to fit in with a particular crowd or trend, then give second thought. If someone you know is urging you to get it done, keep in mind that it is your body that will display the art for the rest of your life. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Tattooing is an art form and is to be taken seriously, not simply a way to look more rock and roll.

Is your love of the tattoo image a temporary thing?
Will the tattoo be as important to you in the distant future as it is right now in your life? For example, if you're celebrating your love for a particular band, do you think you'll still appreciate it twenty years from now when you're older and priorities have changed? This is another important question that must be answered in order to proceed. If you typically get tired of a certain style or look easily, then no matter how strongly you feel about the image, more than likely you will eventually outgrow it.

Consequences.
Are you prepared to deal with the consequences once you have the image put on your body? This is a question that goes out to all ages, not only young adults. As a parent, grandparent, or someone with a professional career, what kind of role model will you be if you have a dragon tattooed on your forearm? Will your boss feel the tattoo makes you a bad representation for the company? As a woman, by getting a tattoo you could be stereotyped as one that doesn't have respect for your body, which could be a dangerous thing to do.

Think about the future.
Not only do you have to consider the emotional connection to the tattoo in the distant future, but also the appearance of the tattoo. Be sure the tattoo is not in a location that is more than likely to stretch over the period of your life. For instance, if you are a young woman and you get a tattoo on your stomach, if you have plan on having children then the image could be slightly altered and not look like its original design. Pay close attention to the design. If it is small and has a lot of intricate, detailed pieces then as you get older and your skin ages, it could look like a giant blob of ink on your skin.

Research the artist.
So you've considered the emotional questions about the tattoo procedure, it's time to research the process. If you've found a tattoo that you want done, be sure to find an artist that has a great reputation in the area and conducts the work in a sanitary manner. If you interview an artist, be welcome to his feedback or criticism of your design. They know more about the process than you do, and they know what things will look like down the road.

They're also aware of trends such as the notorious tribal phase in the 1990's, and tend to steer you away from doing a trend piece. They're doing this in your best interest. But more than anything, you need to physically see how medically safe the tattooing environment is in their shop before you sit down to start. Ask the artist if you can see their sanitation procedures.

No Pain. No Gain.
How is your tolerance with pain? There's no other way around it. It's going to hurt. If you have a very low threshold of pain then you may want to reconsider. If tattooing is considered beauty, then beauty is definitely pain. In all fairness, the tattoo should hurt. The tattoo should symbolize something so meaningful in your life that you're willing to go through any amount of pain to get it. Anything less just shouldn't be done.

Removal.
Are you prepared to deal with the financial and emotional process of removing a tattoo? It's an obvious fact that most people regret getting a tattoo, but most of those people don't get anything done about it. It was such a large decision to start with that people are embarrassed of admitting their mistakes so they choose to ignore removal options. The only way to remove a tattoo is through surgery, and needless to say it's very expensive. Most health insurance policies do not insure the surgery, leaving you to dig for more money out of your pocket.

Remember, this article is not for professional medical purposes but rather informational. Before getting a tattoo, make sure you contact a professional tattoo artist about the medical aspect of the procedure. Oh, and one more thing. Don't get a tattoo of a girlfriend or boyfriend's name!