Getting a tattoo is a form of expression. It’s a terrifying yet fun experience. I’m sure as a first timer there are some things you want to know. Before you drive down to your local tattoo parlor, here are 5 things to know before getting a tattoo.
Tattoos are permanent. If you are going to put something permanent on your body, don’t you want the most qualified person to do it? The first thing you should do to narrow down your search is Google tattoo artists in your area. From there, start going through their portfolios. Some artists have specialties like portraits, color, etc. According to an article by Slate.com, “Look at the lines closely. Do they look nice and thin and clean and crisp? Do they look like they have bled, like holding a marker on paper too long? Does the skin look beat-up and red and bleeding? Look at the detail in the pieces in the artist’s portfolio.”
Don’t be that guy that sits there not knowing what they want. You’re wasting your time and the artist’s time as well. If you are like me you are not artistic in any way, shape, or form. Personally, I used google to get some inspiration. I read somewhere that that’s not a good idea, but as long as you are not lifting ideas right off of Google you should be fine. If you still can’t pin down an exact design, tell the artist your ideas and they can come up with one for you.
Honestly, your tattoo does not have to have any type of meaning at all. It can if you want it to, but it is your body, you can put whatever you want, wherever you want. You could put a bird on your shoulder or a giant number 420 on your cheek. I prefer if you didn’t do the latter but hey, like I said, it’s your body. What matters is, will you be happy with whatever you choose to be on you for life?
I’ve always had a rule when it comes to tattoos: don’t get your partner’s name tatted on you. This can go wrong in so many ways. For example, what if you guys break up? Now you’ll have their name on you as a reminder of your failed relationship. I’m sure you thought Bertram was a cool guy when you dated, but now that you caught him with your best friend, I have no doubt you probably want to cut off the body part you tatted his name on.
Let’s say it was an amicable breakup and you don’t mind John’s name scrawled across your collarbone. How do you think your next partner is going to feel staring at another lover’s name on your body? Awkward. The only names I’d ever get tattooed on me would probably be my future children’s.
Don’t listen to your friends who say that getting a tattoo doesn’t hurt. You are a human. Humans have nerves. Your nerves will react when a needle rips through them. However, depending on where you get a tattoo the level of pain you feel will vary. Also, you have to keep in mind that everybody has a different pain tolerance.
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