Ever since I was little, I remember going into multiple tattoo shops with my parents and always thinking how awesome they looked. Then came my 18th birthday, and I was finally ready for my big moment! To this day, I am still madly in love with my first tattoo, but there were some things I wish I knew before going into it.
The first thing you should know is that looking at pain charts for hours on end is probably not going to be beneficial to you. Everybody’s pain tolerance is totally different, and looking at a chart to tell you how bad something will hurt might just be self-sabotage. Pro tip: always remember that it’s just a few minutes of discomfort for a life filled with art that you’ll always cherish.
Something else to keep in mind is that not all tattoo artists will tattoo the exact same image you found online. Many will take that inspiration and alter it to give it some originality. However, there are some artists who would be more than happy to tattoo something of meaning, like the signature of a loved one.
This brings me to my next point: RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. Remember to always do your research on the tattoo shop and artist that you plan on going to. Some key things to look for are art styles, cleanliness, personal experiences and pricing. All shops differ vastly, so it’s important to really research where you want to go in order to get the best experience possible.
Below are some popular tattoo shops and artists in Tampa Bay.
- Bed of Roses Tattoo
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- Swamp Blossom Tattoos
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- Lucky You Tattoo
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- White Fox Tattoo Studio
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Last but not least, always remember: your body, your art. Don’t be afraid to get something just because you’re worried others won’t approve of it. At the end of the day, what you decide to do with your body should always be your choice. So go out there, make some memories, and get tatted!