So you’ve got the tattoo itch. I’ve been there, believe me. And so far, it’s overpowered me four times. I’ve been in the foreign lands that our parents call the tattoo parlor and I’ve come to realize that all too often first-time customers are undereducated and overwhelmed about what the heck they’re in for. Some are rushed and end up forever regretful and jaded while others wimp-out all together. Since the tattoo industry isn’t exactly showy or eager to properly introduce first-timers to the scene, I’ve come up with 7 tidbits to consider before you get inked.
1. Do you really want it? I know, simple question right? Wrong. I know that it’s completely possible to love the idea of one design on Monday and detest it by Wednesday only to readopt the idea Friday. For some, they’ve known all their lives what and where they will be tatted, but others take more consideration. The main thing is to make sure you are completely comfortable with your idea before you go any further. Have an artistic friend Sharpee it on your body in a few sizes and places and wear it throughout your normal day. If you’re heartbroken when you realized it washed away in the shower, you might be ready to continue your journey to inkdom.
2. Consider your future. Now I’ve always been an advocate for freedom of expression so I don’t usually understand the big deal, but the truth is that our society still holds stigmas about what it means to have tattoos, especially in visible places. So if you mayrun for political office one day or you mightbecome a high-end attorney, censor yourself. There are certain placements which need never be seen (back, ribs, tush). If you’re certain that you will take a more creative employment route, like myself, you’ll have much more area to work with.
3. Can you handle pain? I would assume that most first-time tattoo clients aren’t sure how well they can tolerate pain. Very rarely do we put ourselves through continuous pain on purpose and a tattoo is definitely painful, no matter what people say. However, some parts of the body hurt more than others. A good rule of thumb is that where there are bones, there is pain. So ribs, feet, spine, etc. are rough placements for a first-timer. If you’re set on putting your artwork in a painful spot, I recommend getting a smaller one first to make sure you can go through with it. There’s nothing worse than starting a large tattoo, and not being able to finish it. Don’t be that girl.
4. Be informed. There are all kinds of tattoo shops and artists- how’s a girl to choose? This is one of the most overlooked steps in getting a tattoo. Start by word-of-mouth. If you know someone with fascinating tats, find out where they go. Otherwise the internet is quite reliable. Almost all tattoo artists these days have online portfolios of tattoos they’ve done just there for your viewing pleasure. Find the artist who suits your taste. Also, don’t be afraid to walk into multiple shops to meet potential artists. If you click with someone, book an appointment!
5. Placement counts. So you’ve found the perfect design or quote or what-have-you. None of this matters if it’s not in the right spot. Be aware that certain parts of the body (like the hands and feet) don’t hold ink well. If you plan on having kids someday, be aware of what may droop (womp womp). Also be advised that with some lower back tattoos, or tramp-stamps as they’re sometimes called, you may lose the ability to get an epidural during labor depending on the doctor!
6. Prepare to heal. There’s nothing worse than ruining your new tattoo on accident. The easiest way to do this is not to take care of it properly while it’s healing. The process of getting inked does involve multiple needles etching color into the epidermis, so much like a cut, it will scab and peel away. Before leaving the tattoo shop, be sure to ask for aftercare instructions and lotion if it’s available. Besides improperly lotioning the area, sunburn and rubbing can also cause ink to not hold. Be aware of what kinds of clothing or shoes you will not be able to wear for about two weeks.
7. Can you handle the consequences? I hate to state the obvious, but a you’re going to have this tattoo for the rest of your life (unless you have the money and even greater pain tolerance to have it removed). Understand that a majority of the Americans still see tattoos as coinciding with prisoners and gang members. Will you be comfortable with it in a wedding dress? Will you be able to defend it to Grandma? to your future children? to the gaggles of other gawkers who will inevitably ask “but what does it mean”? If after all of this, you’re still steadfast in your ways- go get that ink, girl.