Want a Tattoo? Here Are Things to Consider Before Getting Inked

Here are a few things to consider before you decide to get a tattoo:

1. The first thing to consider when getting a tattoo, is whether or not the tattoo has meaning to you. Tattoos mean more when they are symbolic and not just a random thought. Also check with your tattoo artist. He may have some suggestions on a better way to symbolically show what you are thinking about. Also check to make sure that no gangs or groups that you wish to not be associated with haven't adopted the picture that you want to have a tattoo of.

2. Make sure the item you are getting isn't just a fad and that you will enjoy the tattoo for the rest of your life. Tattoo removal is expensive and painful. You don't want to regret your tattoo.

3. Consider the location of your tattoo. Will you need to be able to cover your tattoo for future employment. Do you want your tattoo to be exposed all the time or will you want to hide it for certain events. For example, I have several tattoos. All of my tattoos can be easily covered for a job interview. I have one tattoo with that is a memorial piece and it is covered by almost every outfit I have. Only people that I am close with know that I have it and have seen it. I don't feel like explaining it to every person that catches a glimpse at it.

4. Look at the tattoo artist's portfolio of completed work. Just because they can draw a great picture doesn't mean that they can translate that into a great tattoo. Looking at the portfolio will give you an idea of what their completed work looks like.

5. Customs vs. Flash work. Flash work is a tattoo that you see already drawn hanging on the wall when you walk into the tattoo studio. There is no telling how many people have had your tattoo put on them at one time or another. A custom piece is drawn especially for you. Most artists will agree not to do a custom piece twice. So you can be sure that you are the only one with that piece.

6. Consider the size of the tattoo. A larger tattoo does allow the artist to put more details into the piece. However, the larger your tattoo is the more expensive it will be and it will be more painful than a smaller tattoo.