If you are considering a memorial tattoo, take your time. This is a choice that will be with you for the rest of your life, and it's worth taking some time to consider.

Many people say that you should wait at least a year after the death of a loved one to make any major life decisions, and this definitely includes getting a tattoo.

When you are ready, and you think that this is a decision you want to make, then it's time to begin looking for a design.

Don't just get a design off the wall of a tattoo parlor. Take your time and consider symbolism that particularly reminds you of your loved one.

Use online resources like Chopper Tattoos to choose a design -- they're a pay site, but they're particularly good, with artist portfolios and image-specific galleries. They even have a section on memorial tattoos.

Choose your tattoo artist very carefully -- two different artists can take the same design and do a very different job with it. Get references and reviews for your tattoo artist (Chopper is another good resource here), and make sure they have satisfied customers.

Make sure you follow all of the aftercare instructions for your tattoo. Wear the bandage for as long as your artist says to wear it, and use sunscreen on it forever.