So, you're getting a tattoo? 

So, you have finally decided you want a tattoo. Hopefully you've put some time and effort and thought into this decision, because remember, this tattoo will be yours for life.There are plenty of great tattoo designs out there, and they don't have to be entirely original, but most are easy to customise...for example, my guitar tattoo is purple rather than the standard black, and has the words "little one" inscribed inside, because it's the meaning of my name.

Scoping out a tattoo artist

Visiting the tattoo studio is a must before getting your tattoo. Lots of artists don't like to do "walk ins" and would prefer to have a client who is committed to this, rather than one who points at a flash picture on the wall and says, "I'll have that one."

Check out the shop. Is it clean? Check out the floor, have a look around for things like sharps containers (they should be there), is the tattooist wearing gloves if he/she is with a client, do they have local authority certificates, and ask questions. Don't worry about sounding like a newbie, you need to know the place is clean, and that the studio doesn't reuse needles. If they do, run away, and run away fast. A good place will have a policy on disposal and sterilisation, and will use plastic to cover equipment. Also, a good artist will answer any concerns you may have about the process.

Feel free to ask to see photos of their work, although the chances are they will be proud of what they do and display these around the shop.

Before your appointment

The night before getting your tattoo, don't drink alcohol and be careful of taking painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. All of these thin the blood and make you more likely to bleed while you are being tattooed. If you bleed, this will push the ink out of your tattoo.

The morning of your tatto, make sure you eat something fairly substantial to keep your blood sugar stable. You are more likely to pass out otherwise...bear in mind, people rarely pass out due to pain, but become light headed because blood sugar drops during the tattooing process.

The process

After you have decided on your design (and taken a copy with you), your artist will discuss placement with you, and make the design into a transfer. This will be placed on the site you have chosen (this may take a couple of goes to get it where you want it). Now's the time to check it out in the mirror to make sure it's right for you. Then the fun part begins. Depending on the size of your tattoo, it will be either outlined first and filled later, or all done as a fill. Your artist will ensure you are as relaxed as possible, and talk you through the process, and if you are a bit nervous, and prone to shakiness, don't worry, they'll keep tight hold of you.

Does it hurt?

Course it does! However, it's certainly not unbearable, and is completely down to each person's own pain tolerance level. My first tattoo felt a little like being pinched hard on the wrist. My second was painful in parts, and felt akin to being scratched and burned simultaneously. It was worth the pain, especially as I was able to watch the process and see what I was putting up with this for!

I don't think it's ever as bad as you anticipate, and remember you can always ask to take a break.

Aftercare

Follow your tattoo artist's recommendations and you'll be fine. If your tattoo scabs, never EVER pull them off as you can end up with a patchy tattoo. And use Bepanthen (baby nappy rash cream!) as it works absolute wonders in the healing process. Don't scratch, but lightly slap your skin if it itches. Within a couple of weeks, you'll start to see your beautiful new tattoo in all its glory.

ENJOY!