What You Should Know Before You Get Tattooed

For a person getting their first tattoo, the process can be daunting. One has to consider why they want it in the first place. What will the tattoo mean to them? What will their family think? Is it against their moral or religious beliefs? Can it be covered up? How will it affect the wearer's life?

The above mentioned questions are all things that should be considered first and foremost in the process. A tattoo should last forever and become of the wearer's being. These are questions that only the individual can answer, however, and there are other questions that must be answered.

Imagine that you have your heart set on a specific design and you've answered all of the personal questions. Now what do you do? Research, research, research.

It is a good idea to ask people who are already tattooed about their art. Find out the name of their artist and the shop where they were tattooed. Even if you do not like their art, you want to know who to consider just as much as who not to consider. Search the internet. Most shops have their own websites with their artists and examples of flash. Peek in on message boards and read the advice posted there. Round it down to a handful of artists in your area that you want to visit.

When visiting with your potential artist take the time to check out the shop, especially the tattoo area. You should see a clean, sterile environment. Chairs should be covered in plastic or at least be a wipeable surface. Trash cans should not be overflowing. Artists should be wearing latex/surgical gloves and you should see them throwing away used needles and taking new ones out of sealed packaging. The shop should be state licensed or certified and certifications should be displayed.

Ask the artist to see his flash, or pictures of the work he has done on other people. Take your time. A confident artist will not rush you through the process and understand why you want to take your time. He or she should, in fact, encourage you to do so. Also ask the artist if you can watch him or her tattoo a client (if the client doesn't mind). I would recommend also that you watch a show such as Miami Ink so that you can understand what goes on in the tattoo process. A good tattoo artist will not hesitate to explain the process to you or to answer your questions. It's very important that you feel comfortable with the person tattooing you so that you can be as relaxed as possible throughout the tattooing.

Once you have settled on an artist, bring him or her your artwork. Be open to their ideas and interpretations. They know what they are doing. However, do not be talked into something you don't want or into a modification of your design that you aren't pleased with. If you have questions as to why an artist cannot complete your design the way you want it, ask them for an explanation. Be aware that some designs have too much detail or are too small to appear on the body in the way that you are hoping. Also remember that your body is not a flat canvas. Your tattoo artist will be able to incorporate most designs in a way that will flatter not only the design, but your body. If you are satisfied with the discussion and plan, make an appointment.

When you go to your appointment there are some things to keep in mind.
*Drinking alcohol does not help. In fact, a reputable shop will not tattoo an intoxicated person. Also, if you were drinking the night before your blood will be thinned by the alcohol in your system and you will bleed a lot more then if you had not drank.

*You will probably have to pay up front.

* You do have to tip your tattoo artist. They are preforming a service for you and should be rewarded for doing so.

*An artist will not tolerate a drama queen. If you are crying and quivering or jumping around it will be too difficult for them to tattoo you and they will often refuse to go further.

*That being said, tattoos do hurt. It has been my experience that the color often hurts worse then the outline, but once the outline is done, you are pretty much committed to ride it out. The pain is not unbearable and some people even become (in a way) addicted to the feel of the needle.

*Purchase a perfume free and color free lotion, such as Euricin or Kerry. You will need to apply this to your tattoo several times a day. Do not use petroleum based products as they will draw color from your tattoo.

*Your tattoo will itch as it scabs and heals - don't scratch it! Also, do not soak in a bath tub or go uncovered into the sun. These things can and will distort the color and design of your tattoo.

*Do not let someone hit you where you are tattooed as this will possibly blow out your lines.

*Bring your identification with you and where appropriate clothing. Artists will make sure that you are of age to protect their liability. The clothing should be such that the artist will have no problem getting to the area to be tattooed and will not brush uncomfortably against the freshly tattooed skin.

*Upon completion of your tattoo, the artist will provide you with a large sheet on the care of your tattoo. Make sure you follow the instructions to prevent infection and to get the most enjoyment out of your tattoo.

You've made a big decision, one that will be with you forever. Hopefully I have answered a few of your questions and made you feel a little more confident in your decision. Your tattoo will be an important reminder of this time of your life, and it should be no other way. Enjoy your ink!