Before traveling down "Tattoo Blvd." there are several things everyone should do, because when it comes to something permanent, you can never be too prepared.
Think Before You Ink
People considering tattoos should be positive of what design they want and ask themselves a few questions. Will this image be as important in the future as it is now? Will this effect my career? What messages is this saying about me? Am willing to take the chance of infection or risks? And why do I want this tattoo? Like I mentioned before, people get tattoos for all different reason, just be willing to live with the consequences. Make sure the choice of design is personal, not something that will later be regretted. I’ve heard it is best to wait a few months after deciding what you want to insure that it is something you love. Getting a name of a love interest isn’t recommended, relationships are tricky and you must think about whether or not you will be with the person years down the road.
Finding the Perfect Shop and Artist for You
When buying something such as a car, we tend to shop around, tattoos are no different. One should make sure that they find a place that is clean and experienced. Along with finding a place comes finding an artist. According to Tattoo Johnny there are three things to look for in an artist; experience, portfolio and attitude. It’s great to find an artist that specializes in your type of design (e.g. portraits). By examining an artist’s portfolio it is easy to see their style, strengths and possibly weaknesses. “The artists should be open to answering your questions. They should share in your ideas and enthusiasm for your tattoo. If the artist does not like your ideas or tries to steer you into something you are not looking for, then you might be in the wrong place. Find an artist whom will to give you what you want.” It is an artist's job to give you what you want, don’t be afraid to speak up.
No Turning Back
With all the preparations done, there is one thing left to do, get the tattoo. Being anxious is part of the big day, but getting in a good meal and a good night’s rest is helpful. I was told that eating a bit of chocolate before will cause your blood to thicken and you to not bleed as much. Whether it claimed true or not, I enjoyed it. Some things advised by this site include not taking painkillers because it may increase bleeding, not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and get any necessary paperwork ready, like an I.D. and a picture of the design if possible. The more still a client is the more an artist can focus on their work.
Take Care
When all’s well and over the artist should share how to care for the tattoo, which consists of keeping it clean, and applying antibiotic ointment. For the first week redness and swelling will occur.
To insure that you get a perfect tattoo you need to do your homework, but the most important aspect of getting a tattoo is to enjoy it!
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7 comments:
You make informative and important points here. I know many people who have gotten a tattoo and never really thought to the aftereffects. Good points, all.
My only small suggestion: you can embed those hyperlinks into words so that the link itself doesn't distract from what is a good texual flow...
Having a tattoo has a very negative connotation to me. Most Korean gangsters have scary tattoos that showed their gang affiliation. I thought tattoos were only for gangsters until I moved to America.
However, I have seen many common people in America and other countries with scary tattoos. Even teenage boys and girls are tattooed on several parts of their bodies. I have seen some small beautiful tattoos on women’s body such as butterflies or flowers on ankles. Nowadays tattoos are very popular as a body art and a sign of individualism or uniqueness.
One day, I saw a TV show about tattoos that drew my attention. I learned about the origins of tattoos from this TV show. Tattoos have a special meaning in some countries or some tribes historically. Tattoos have symbolized fertility, nobility, and courage in Egypt from 4000-2000 B.C. Now I have a new understanding of why people tattoo their bodies.
I can completely agree with you on your post! When I was a sophomore in high school everyone was going through the tattoo phase, and I wanted one too. Unfortunately my parents, who are so against them, said no way. Make a long story short, I got someone to sign for me and just threw a random tattoo on my hip. That was the stupidest mistake I have ever made. Like you said they are forever, and I am stuck with a flower that has no meaning what so ever on my hip. I didn’t look at who the artist was I just saw the sign tattoo and went for it. So everyday I have a constant reminder of the stupid mistake I made.
However, I do want to get another tattoo, but I am at the point of what, where, and who is going to do it. Because I have learned that these things are forever, and there is no turning back.
Most people do not like to take the time to think about getting a tattoo and end up getting it on a whim. I found your reasoning interesting and helpful to someone wanting to get a tattoo. I wanted a tattoo for the longest time but I could never figure out the perfect thing I wanted and where I wanted it. I want it in a place that I can cover up if I need to. My cousin got a tattoo on her shoulder and when she got married she had to cover it up with make-up. It took so long. A tattoo should have meaning and something you will not regret. I thought your blog was very informative and gives a deeper thought to getting a tattoo.
I like that you brought up that it is very important for a person to shop around and find the right artist and shop for you. So to find the right place, do you suggest just going into different tattoo shops and looking around and getting a feel for the vibe in that shop?
This is very good information. I used to feel a certain way about tatoos meaning that I used to be against them because although I dont claim any specific religion I attribute the fact that your body is your temple and you should not defame it. However, I was watching a documentary on a clan of indians on the Discovery channel and they covered totem poles and how the Indians were painting themselves from way back when. Then I also thought of the Egyptians and their "body art" praising the Gods. I was like woe. Here we are talking about the most ancient of religions representing body art. But like you stated, their body art was in praise of their Gods. Something that I could definitely say they could live with for life especially since both cultures believe in the afterlife.
This has changed my opinion of tattoos, body art whatever you want to call it. I've been thinking about getting an ankh on my lower back. But we'll see.
Wow, you have made some rather good points. I personally feel that finding a tattoo that is personal and has meaning to you is the most important step to take. There is no point in permanently defacing your skin so that you can be another marine with a “sweet” tribal arm band wrapped around you bicep. My second piece of tattoo advice is aimed to all the ladies out there, the lower-back tattoo; it’s just as lame as the tribal armband on Jim’s arm. Based on your writing I think it’s safe to say you will be venturing on down “Tattoo blvd.” yourself here in the near future, you have good advice just remember to practice what you preach.
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