Humans have decorated their bodies with symbols and words for centuries. Whether for religious rites, cultural traditions, or just because it looks cool, choosing a tattoo is a very personal and permanent decision.

Remember: a tattoo is permanent. What you choose to get and where you choose to place it are two important decisions you should make before you walk into the tattoo parlour.

Where?

These days, though they are less taboo, you may still want to use discretion when choosing a location for your tattoo - especially if it's your first.

Popular, and discrete, locations are the shoulder, upper arm, upper back, chest, and forearm. Women also like the lower back and ankles. If you're lifestyle permits and you're a little more daring, you can place a tattoo just about anywhere you want.

The location is also mportant when you consider recovery. Think about it, you're going to spend at least an hour being poked with a sharp needle. Even meticuously cared for, there are usually a few minor scabs. Caring for a healing tattoo is easy, but takes attention. Can you reach your shoulder blade? Will you be able to properly clean and treat the tattoo you decide to get back there?

Most tattoo parlours carry one of many brands of specialty moisturizers. I have used Tattoo Goo for all but one of my tattoos, and it does a great job of creating a protective film over the design. But any brand of drugstore body lotion will do. Just make it is non scented and designed for sensitive skin. The last thing you want is a rash forming from irritated skin.

The time of year you get the tattoo is important too. If it's the dead of Winter and you live in Canada, you'll want to be careful not to rub your tattoo with multiple layers of clothing. Likewise, the summer isn't always the best time either. The usual precaution is no direct water for two weeks, no sun without at least SPF 30 suntan lotion, and not chlorine (ie. swimming pools) for two months. So, if you want to enjoy the outdoors, consider holding off on the tattoo a while longer.

The best time of year in my opinion is early Autumn. It's not so sunny that you want to hit the beach, but it's warm enough for just a t-shirt and a light jacket most days.

What?

This is the decision that really matters. The cliche still sadly holds true: you have a few drinks, get a crazy idea, and the next thing you know you wake up with a life-size version of Tickle-Me Elmo spread across your back, looking for a hug.

Please, take care in choosing a design that resonates with you. Does this image have a special meaning? Or does it just cool? Either reason is valid. Tattoos are as much a reflection of your personality as they are a creative expression.

Time is also a factor to consider. Many people use tattoo art as a sort of scrapbook. Important points in their life are records permanently on their body. It's the ultimate body-soul connection.

Others like to collect tattoos by specific artists like they would collect paintings. And they will pay top dollar for the work of someone famous or highly renowned.

Whatever motivates you to choose a design for your tattoo, make sure you are completely comfortable with that decision. It's not easy to reverse it later.

1. Spend time really thinking about what kind of design you want. Choosing a design on a whim is rarely a good idea. Remember: you're going to have to live with this tattoo for a long time.
2. Designs are not limited to what is displayed on the walls of the tattoo parlour. If you find a design or draw something you like, artists are often glad to use it. It breaks up the monotany of inking three dozen butterflies a day and makes for a more unique experience for both of you. Keep in mind that you may be required to pay a surcharge to add your design to their catalogue.
3. Visit several tattoo parlours in your city and check out the conditions. The majority of places abide to very strict sanitary standards and you want to be sure you feel comfortable. If the chair shares space with a toilet, or the artist isn't wearing gloves, you might want to look elsewhere.
4. Be sure you can afford a tattoo. A simple, one-olour, hand-sized design can set you back as much as $300. On top of that, you might want to return a few years later for a touch-up, which isn't always free. That full colour copy of the Mona Lisa you want across your back may be a little more expensive.
5. Finally, think about yourself and your lifestyle. Are you going to feel comfortable displaying the tattoo to the public when you go to the beach? If you work at a fine dining restaurant, be sure your manager is going to be ok with the Celtic war symbol your want across your face.

Once the ink dries and any scabbing has cleared up, your new tattoo will serve as a constant and special reminder of who you were during that time of your life. You can look at body as a timeline. Like we remember when and how we earned each of our scars, you will always remember and cherish the art you carry with you everyday.