Everyone in the world thinks about getting a tattoo at least once in their lives. I know I started planning an array of tattoos to get when I was in high school. Though it may be fun to think about, the decision to get a tattoo should not be taken lightly. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when thinking about getting a tattoo.
It’s permanent.
Well duh! It’s going to be on your body for the rest of your life unless you decide to get it lasered off sometime later in life. Make it count and know that you really want it.
Get what you want.
Don’t let anyone have a say in what your tattoo is going to be. Whether it is a really personal piece with a lot of meaning or if it’s just something that you think is pretty, do it for you. It’s your body.
Check out a lot of tattoo parlors before going.
When getting a tattoo, you must think about who is going to do it. Consider cleanliness, location, artist experience, and cost before deciding. Word of mouth is important when finding a place, but the internet is even better. Read as many reviews as you can and pick your top three places. From there, compare prices and keep being healthy in mind. It is a type of procedure after all.
Research what getting a tattoo is like but not in depth.
Try to get a feel for what you are getting into. Know which body parts are more sensitive than others when experiencing pain. Prepare yourself for that pain. Try to figure out how much pain you can handle at one time. Also, don’t forget to actually look into how a tattoo is placed on the body. That way, you will know what is happening as it happens. However, don’t treat this like a Wed MD situation. Do not let yourself fall into extreme thinking.
Make an appointment.
Before going in to get a tattoo, make sure to talk to the artist one on one with all of the time you need to set the record straight about what you want. It’s super important to work with your artist so they can give you exactly what you want.
Get scared.
Fear is a good thing in this situation. Whether it’s being scared of the pain or being scared of having something permanent on your body, this fear will push you to make the absolute right decision when it comes to choosing if a tattoo is right for you.
Wait a year.
If you are going to get something tattooed on your body, it is best to be in love with the idea of your piece for at least a year. That way, you will be sure that you want your tattoo on your body.
Location. Location. Location.
Consider where you want to get your tattoo for a while before getting one. There are some instances in life where it would help to not have a tattoo like work environments and weddings. Make sure you put your tattoo where you want on your body depending on if you want to cover it later on or not. Stay confident in your decision and again, don’t let anyone sway your decision.
Be in a good mindset.
Let’s be honest, we have all heard stories about people getting drunk or high and getting a tattoo. While some would call alcohol liquid courage, I would strongly advise you to not drink before getting a tattoo. Keep your eye on the prize and make good decisions when it comes to permanent ink and needles.
Go with someone you trust.
When you are finally sitting in the chair and there is the stench of the alcohol swabs wafting in the air, you are going to want someone there to hold your hand. Friends and family are the best because they will be there to keep your excitement up and to give you confidence and reassurance when it starts to hurt. Bring someone who is good under pressure.
Eat Something.
Before you go to the tattoo parlor, please eat a good meal. When nervous, some people tend to get light headed or faint. When blood is involved, this probability is heightened. Having food in your system will help by giving you energy and keep you stable.
Talk to someone who has gotten a tattoo.
It is extremely helpful to talk to a friend about getting a tattoo. They can set the record straight and give you their own tips and tricks. It’s great to go into it with personal information on your side.
Be educated on pricing and tipping.
Most places charge by the hour and then by the design. The tip should be at least a third of that total. Artists work for tips just like waitresses. Make sure to tip them accordingly. Think about how they treated you, how clean everything was, how they worked with you on the design, and how they treated you while giving you the tattoo.
Know what to do after you receive the tattoo.
Getting a tattoo is like having a real procedure. Needles will be going into your skin and your skin will need to heal. Everyone reacts differently to tattoos, so be prepared for everything. Most times you will be told to use a lot of lotion. Depending on the tattoo parlor they will tell you how to treat it afterward. Listen to the artist’s advice! It is important to take care of that bad boy. Don’t be afraid to call them afterward either. The best person to answer questions about tattoos are the artists who do them.
Enjoy yourself!
Throughout the craziness and hard decision making that comes along with a tattoo, don’t forget to have fun! It’s a big choice and big step in life! You might as well experience it and try to “smell the roses”. Make it a positive memory. After all, you have something for the rest of your life after this adventure. Make it count.
When you get your first tattoo, remind yourself that you will be okay and that it’s something you want. Tattoos make us unique. You will no longer be able to be perfectly compared to anyone else. It’s a huge power move! Do it for the right reasons and make sure to be absolutely doing it for you. It is your body after all and you get to live with your new masterpiece.
Shine Bright <3