Getting a new tattoo is always exciting but adding a piece of art to your body that you will see every day for the rest of your life is a big decision. Going in and getting inked on a whim can lead to regret. Slowing down and asking yourself these five questions can help you decide if now is the right time for a tattoo if you’re sure this is the tattoo you want and if you’re really ready for this commitment.
- Do I have the money for a tattoo?
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Quality artwork from a quality tattoo artist doesn’t come cheap. Even for a simple, small design be ready to shell out at least $75 (plus tip, if you can’t afford to tip the artist, you can’t afford the tattoo.) You get what you pay for, so if you choose to cut corners and go to a cheaper shop you may not get the best results.
- Do I really love my design?
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Sometimes we see a cool Instagram photo of someone’s tattoo and feel the need to get something similar RIGHT NOW. But slowing down and thinking twice about the design will ensure that you will really love it in the long run. Look at other variations or designs similar to the idea you like. Pick one and look at it every day for a month. If you keep finding tattoos you like better or small details you don’t like at all, you might not be ready to commit to this tattoo for life.
- Where is the tattoo going?
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Think about tattoo placement. Where is it going? Do you want it to visible at all times? Do you want to be able to hide it? Does it matter if it would be visible for a job interview? Placement is important and your artist may alter your design so it is more flattering to that part of the body.
- Who is my tattoo artist?
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If you love your design, picked the spot and are really sure you’ll love it despite other people’s reactions, you’ll need to pick your tattoo artist. This may seem like a small step but your artist will make or break your tattoo. You need to make sure they are reputable, have a clean shop, have previously done quality work and will listen to what you want for your final vision. You’ll want to find an artist who listens to your ideas to ensure you get the perfect tattoo you were looking for.
- Am I ready to care for a tattoo?
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Getting a tattoo isn’t just a get-it-and-forget-it procedure. In order to maintain the quality of your tattoo and avoid infection, you will need to take good care of it until it is fully healed. Think about it beyond the appointment. Do I have the time to clean it multiple times a day for a few weeks? To wear looser clothing around the spot it was done, to stay out of pools, lakes and keep it out of the sun?
Tattoos can be beautiful pieces of art that you will love for a lifetime. So, go for it. Get inked. Find a tattoo you love. No ragrets!