Thinking Ink? A Word of Advice

Everyone’s doing it! It’s more and more common to see body art on people everywhere. No longer is the stigma attached to tattoos that only bikers and bad girls get them. But is it for you? This is the perfect time to learn to be honest with yourself. 

The most obvious question is what led you to even think about a tattoo in the first place? Your boyfriend of two weeks suggested it would be sexy? Probably not a good idea. Your sister’s looks so hot, and you’re tired of being plain jane? You still have a way to go. Take it to the next step. If you are really plain jane; that’s what your friends and loved ones love about you. A two week boyfriend may or may not be around for the rest of your life; which is the existence of your chosen tattoo. When you are 65 will you remember his name or why you thought barbed wire would be sexy? Probably not. 

The second most obvious question is if you can live with the permanence. Ok, I said this was most obvious, and yet millions of people do not consider this part of the equation. A tattoo is like marriage…should be. Forever and ever. And to have a tattoo removed is almost as expensive and definitely as painful as a divorce. For example; my friend had a tattoo of Flower, the skunk from Bambi when we were seniors in high school. Now it’s just a dumb tattoo to her. It’s not anything significant anymore.

Tattooing the name of your significant other is almost always a bad idea. Even the most perfect and happiest of relationships seem to crumble after that tattoo is placed on the skin. 

Symbols of your religion, personality, growth and experiences are great tributes to the most important person in your life. You. These are tattoos that you will most likely always remember with a smile. Ink that culminates a combination of your family and heritage are so inspiring to me; to think that your legend is forever inked on your skin. 

Now that you know you are getting a really kick-ass tattoo; take a few more precautionary steps to ensure your experience is just as awesome as the art!

1) Research your tattoo artist. Every reputable shop will have books with each artist’s work displayed. Make sure you like their vision. If you see rainbows and they see blood and skulls, you might not be the right match. Many artists also have websites. It never hurts to Google a person; especially the one that is driving a needle into your skin.

2) Look to make sure they prominently display all certifications and licenses under Department of Health code for the state you are in. If you don’t see them, ask for them. This is to protect your blood. 

3) Watch your artist work if they don’t mind. I’ve never run across a tattoo artist that didn’t want you to watch someone else get one, but it’s a common courtesy to ask. 

4) Ask their customers what they think of their ink!

5) Don’t be afraid to get to know your tattoo artist. If you are having him/her draw a custom piece, especially be very specific! Ask questions, make suggestions, let them know what you’re expectations are.

6) Sit/lay back and wait for the end result!