Friday, March 7, 2014

So you want a Tattoo


I wanted to post this earlier in the week but here we are on Friday. Better late than never! 

There should be some kind of thought process before getting a tattoo and also some things you should just know before getting a tattoo. I am not a tattoo artist or expert these are just my (hopefully) helpful advice especially if it's your first tattoo or maybe you just want more advice before getting another one. 

So here we go! 

First and foremost what are you getting? There definitely should be some thought here. I think people especially young people get tattoos because they just really want one and disregard the fact that they are permanent! Don't fall victim a spur of the moment "oh I got that when I was young and dumb" tattoo. I'm not saying each tattoo needs to be deep and meaningful but you at least need to be sure you want it forever. Honestly if you're not sure of what you want you shouldn't get a tattoo. BECAUSE ITS PERMANENT! 
Also when figuring out what you want you really need to think about how it's going to look in 20 years. As you age your skin will change and age and so will your tattoo. A big mistake I see with a lot of tattoos is they get them too small. People get these itty bitty tattoos and expect in a few years that it will still look the same. If you get tiny words tattooed on you I'm telling you give it a few years and that E will look like an O. 
Also consider where you're getting it. If you're a female and get something around the stomach area and plan being pregnant one day you should also plan on your tattoo stretching also. 

Second thing you need to consider is the shop and the tattoo artist. First I'll start with the shop. If you walk in and feel uncomfortable walk out. Seriously. I mean most tattoo shops aren't going to feel like a spa but you shouldn't be uncomfortable. If they are not willing to satisfy their customer by at least being welcoming then what makes you think they will be willing to put effort into your tattoo. You are allowed to ask questions about licenses, cleanliness or even their clean room. For the love of all things holy, do not get tattooed on someone's home. Just think about it. Your skin gets punctured  thousands of times per tattoo and each puncture can get infected. It's so dangerous and not worth it. Don't go to a kitchen scratcher. Support a good shop and good artists. 
As far as tattoo artist it's your responsibility to research the artist. Look at their portfolio look at what they've done before. Look at what they are and are not capable of. It's ok to be picky here BECAUSE ITS PERMANENT! Find someone who cares about what they do. If you plan on getting this awesome tattoo and it isn't executed correctly because you didn't research your artist. Then shame on you! Once you find a tattoo artist you like and trust, listen to them. If they say this needs to be bigger or this needs to be changed they are just trying to help get you the best tattoo it can be. 

Last thing I want to touch on is after your tattoo. Take care of it. Sun is the worst thing for a tattoo. So invest in a good high SPF sun tan lotion. Ask your tattoo artist about after care information if they didn't already give you something. Ask whatever questions you need to about after care and the healing process. 
Take care if it! 



What you really need to take away from this post is: 
1. Tattoos are PERMANENT 
2. Don't go too small 
3. Be sure of what you want
4. Your skin ages so will your tattoo 
5. Find a good shop your feel comfortable with
6. Find a good artist you trust
7. Be willing to work with your artist 
8. Take care of you tattoo  
9. Don't go to a kitchen scratcher 
10. BECAUSE ITS PERMANENT! 








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