Tat It Up! What To Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

If you are considering getting a tattoo, there are many things you need to consider before you go under the needle. A tattoo is a HUGE commitment. Getting a tattoo is basically like getting married: you’re in it for life, and if you decide to break up, it will hurt and be expensive! So always make sure you are 100% dedicated to getting the tattoo and have a design you know you’ll love- for the rest of your life. Here are a few things to think about before heading to a tattoo parlor for some ink.

Time is your best friend!

Take time to plan and research before getting a tattoo.

When deciding on getting a tattoo, the number one investment is time. You must take time to thoroughly think about your tattoo. There are many different aspects you need to consider: the design, style, colors, size, font type if it has words, placement and healing time. You need to make sure you also time your tattoo correctly: do not get a foot tattoo when it is cold because you will need to have your foot in open footwear. Finding a tattoo artist you trust will also take time. Be sure you invest in lots of research so you feel comfortable and assured with your choice. It is very important that you trust your tattoo artist and have full faith in their ability. Take the time necessary to find the right tattoo artist and create/find the right tattoo. In the long run, you will feel that it was time well invested!

Alcohol is not a welcome planner 

Never mix alcohol with the planning or purchase or a tattoo.

Never, ever, EVER allow alcohol to play a role in choosing or planning a tattoo. Always make your tattoo decisions 100% sober so that you are for-sure in your choices. Getting a tattoo while you’re intoxicated is actually against the law- tattoo artists are permitted to tell a customer no if there is any sign that they are intoxicated. This is not only to protect the customer from making a silly mistake in getting an unwanted tattoo but also protects your safety: alcohol thins your blood hence makes you more perceptible to bleeding if you get a tattoo. So if you’ve had a few drinks, kiss your tattoo ideas goodbye until tomorrow.

If your blood doesn’t flow in their veins, don’t get their name!

I have heard many horror stories of people getting their significant other’s name tattooed upon their body. Then a little ways down the road they break up, and the poor person has a name that only holds bad memories tattooed on their arm, back, chest…. You can imagine. So I go by this rule: if your blood doesn’t flow in their veigns, don’t get their name! When getting a tattoo, it is best if you ONLY get the names of your parents, children, grandchildren or direct relatives. As much as you may currently love your significant other, who knows what may happen in the future. Your parents and children will never change, and your love will always prevail. Covering up a name or initials that you no longer want is time consuming and difficult and may never look particularly nice. Removal is expensive and painful. So just remember this tip when you begin thinking about getting your loved one’s name tattooed over your heart.

Don’t let this happen to you! Only tattoo names of those directly related to you.

Trust your tattoo artist like you would trust your doctor

A tattoo is like a type of surgery- you will have a needle injecting ink into your skin. You may bleed and it will hurt. To make the tattoo process fast, simple, easy and clean, make sure to find a tattoo artist you trust and feel comfortable with. Do your research! Find out what tattoo parlors are available in your area, then find out the style of tattoos each creates, what their price range is, if they have a better business bureau ranking and make sure to visit the actual store. Once you narrow your search down to a few parlors/artists, visit their studios and look at their drawings, tattoos, safety warnings, any possible awards, be sure to check out their equipment and look to see that it is all kept sterile. Ask if they have a website and a facebook page. One of the best ways to find a great tattoo artist is to ask people who they have gone to. People are a great resource and usually quite spot-on with their recommendations. Remember, you are trusting your tattoo artist with a permanent piece of art that will be on you forever, so make sure you are 100% confident with your choice. Look at reviews online, meet the artist in person and ask people who have gone there before. You don’t want to go to just any guy off the street- I recommend someone who has had at least 5 years experience and creates their own artwork, either in tattoos or drawings.

Don’t be afraid to say “that’s not right”

Once you have found a tattoo artist, if you are getting something custom drawn, do not be afraid to say something is not to your liking! The artist is working for you and wants to make sure everything is to your liking. If they come back to you with your design and something is off- a font is not to your liking or something is arranged differently then you wanted- speak up! This is your tattoo and will be your piece of art forever, so don’t be afraid to make changes to the tattoo before you get it. You don’t have to be tweaking the design every other minute, but make sure to work with your tattoo artist so they know what you want and you get what you imagined. Plus, ALWAYS check spelling and names. You don’t want to end up with a tattoo that is also a joke.

Don’t let a mistake happen! Voice our opinion and make sure your tattoo is what you want- not to mention spelled right…

Tattoos take time, effort, research and patience. But if you put in all the needed work, you will come out with a magnificent design worthy of being on your body forever. Simply taking your time to research artists and create a meaningful design will ease the stress and nerves. If you do decide to get a tattoo, good luck and rock your personal art! Do you have a wicked tattoo you want to share? Comment on this post with a photo and you could be highlighted on our facebook page!