OK. So you are thinking of getting a tattoo for the first time. Very cool. There are some things that you need to think about before getting inked, because as you know a tattoo doesn't wash off to easily. Tattoos aren't taboo or associated with sailors, gangs, prisoners or ne'er do wells anymore. They are widely accepted in today's society and the negative connotations surrounding tattooing is dissipating as the idea of the body as an artist's canvas has become widely accepted in the mainstream.
Tattoos may be more widely accepted by mainstream society, but that doesn't mean just popping on it to your local tattoo parlor yelling "let's get it on."
Choosing a Tattoo Design That Is Right for You
Before getting inked it makes sense to consider where on your body you would like a new tattoo to be located. Most likely, although not in all cases, but most likely at some point or another you will want to conceal your tattoo. Instances such as this might be an interview or meeting the "friend's" parents or some other formal occasion.
When in the process of selecting a design, what you want to do is be original. Your goal in selecting a tattoo design is that you want it to be an expression of yourself, or perhaps some event in your in your life that you would like to have memorialized on your body. If the best expression of yourself is found in a flash book, then you might want to consider rethinking your decision to get inked. That is not to say that there is not a good place for looking at pictures of previous artists works or flash books, because there is. One very good way to "create" your perfect design is to use a combination of two or three designs to uncover your own meaningful, custom design. The tattoo artist you select to ink your tattoo can help you with the look of the design by sketching out ideas of what you have in mind, and will most likely be more than happy to, as he/she get's to use their creative talents.
Choose whatever tattoo that floats your boat. It really is nobody's business but your own. Just try to make absolutely sure that this is not a trendy design decision and one that you may regret years from now. Personally, I have an armband tattoo that I got a bit spur of the moment, yet has personal meaning to me. If I had known about tattoo symbolism then before getting inked I would have ended it up with a bit different armband design. As it is, the design I have is a good start that I can add to which will end up with a much deeper meaning. I suspect the knotwork in the tattoo will be much more indicative of Celtic symbolism and meaning.
I have heard it suggested that after you have your dream tattoo design in mind, that you wait six months to a year before actually getting it inked. That is not bad advice, although that could be a bit lengthy to think about it. The gist of this advice is to wait long enough that you will still be happy with your choice one year, five years, or forty years from now.
Tattoo Artists and Tattoo Parlors
The selection of the tattoo artist is equally as important as selecting the appropriate design. After all, the tattooist is the person responsible for making your artwork look outstanding, be of great quality, and the one to satisfy you. Take your time, visit several tattoo studios, and shop around. I mean, would go buy a new car without shopping around a bit to find the style, color and features you want. Think of your tattoo purchase in the same way as you would making a major purchase. Ask your friends for suggestions, ask the artists for references and for examples of their work. Look carefully at these tattoos as they can show shabby work such as crooked lines and areas not completely filled in.
Most experienced tattoo artists will be capable of tattooing in multiple styles, yet still each artist has his/her own strengths and may specialize in one or two particular styles such as specializing in a certain culture. Make sure your artist understands what it is exactly that you have in mind and is capable of bringing it to fruition.
Check out the studio that you are visiting. Is it clean, are the work areas organized, do they use an Autoclave to sterilize their "tools." In today's studios, I doubt that you would find many that aren't up to code and using the appropriate methods to alleviate all health concerns, but don't by any means take it for granted.
What to Expect On T-Day
After all of the consideration that you have given and all the research that you've done, then comes T-Day, the day to get your new tattoo. So what should you expect when you walk in to get inked? Firstly, your artist will try to make sure you are comfortable. He/she would then transfer a temporary outline onto your skin and then draw the outline with the tattoo gun. Once the outline is done, needles will be switched out and the fill in process will begin. Is it going to hurt? Well, yes it is going to be uncomfortable, especially at first. After a few minutes you will begin to get used to the feeling of the tattoo gun and the pain will abate some. Obviously areas near bones will be more sensitive that others and areas where the dermis is not as thick will be more sensitive. But hey, you've come this far right?
Once the tattooing is completed and you've gotten your breath back, the artist is going to give you instructions on how to care for your artwork. This is basically going to consist of keeping the area clean, applying medicated ointment for a week or two and keeping the tattoo area moist with a non-scented lotion for a month or so. Your tattoo will start to scab after few days. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES pick at the scab. You will most likely lose some color and depth if you do.
I wish you the best of luck in getting your first tattoo. Remember to do your research, make sure your comfortable with your decision, and enjoy your new artwork.
Chris Orr
Selecting a tattoo design should be a very thoughtful and thought out process. My blog, Tattoo Designs Forever, reminds us that whatever tattoo design we select should be one that we plan on having, cherishing, and admiring forever.
