Want Body Art?

As I notice all the hype about Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's nuptials all over every single tabloid near the check out stands, I wonder what in the world were they thinking when they tattooed themselves? Hasn't anyone learned from Angelina Jolie's ugly Billy Bob tattoo? Seriously people, I understand love, but I don't understand the insanity! Most people that have tattoos and piercings consider it body art and an expression of themselves, there have been millions of people who regret doing so, but others who cherish their body art forever. Before you take a trip to the needle shop, here are some things to consider:

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Consider what part, or parts, of your body your art will be visible. Consider your career path, if you work in a white-collar, corporate America, chances are you will be stuck wearing long sleeved shirts if you have tattooed your arms from shoulder to wrist. Depending on where you live, that could get very uncomfortable. Think about what kind of jobs you can get with a tattoo on your neck or forehead or piercings all over your face. Consider how discreet you want to be about your art, is it mass media or something private, just for you? Also, some employers request that you wear a band aid to cover your shame, is that something you want to do? Another thing to keep in mind, what will your parent's think? Is this something to be ashamed of or wear proudly... you decide. Before you finalize anything, do some research to see how much it cost to cover up an old tattoo or to have one removed, the numbres might SHOCK you!

2. What is in a NAME? If you are considering tattooing a name on your body... it's OK to be picky! Consider a parent, sibling, or offspring. Since relationships aren't guaranteed, you may want to think twice before tattooing your beau's name on your body. If you married Michael, do you want Johnny's name tattooed on you breasts? Maybe not! Same goes for the guys, no one wants to see a permanent list of your ex's on your body. If you and your lover want to get each other's names tattooed on your body, consider matching symbols instead, there is definitely more depth in a symbol or something that represents both of you and your love for each other besides your names.

3. Homemade Vs Professional: I always recommend not skimping out on something as permanent as a tattoo or piercing, especially with the possibility of infection!First, you want to make sure the equipment is CLEAN, second, the artist had better be a pro, not a rookie! You can pay $10 for a hideous permanent piece that will be on your body forever, that you will undoubtedly regret latter, OR, pay $100 for a masterpiece that you will treasure all the days of your life. Don't be cheap!

4. Take your time! Don't just pick something random, take your time to choose your tattoo and where ir will be or the location of your piercing. Just because your friend knows what he/she wants to get, doesn't mean you do too. Consider symbols with sincere meaning that will bring feelings of joy to you every time you see it.

5. If you're not Native American, don't go tribal. Unless you are actually from a native American or other indigenous tribe, choosing a tribal band is just plain ridiculous. It has no meaning to you, they aren't very attractive, and they are usually chosen by someone who didn't really know what they wanted to get when they were at the tattoo parlor so they just picked something easy. Put some thought into your tattoo because they are very persona, it should represent you, and nothing else.

6. Commit. If you think that you may want to remove your tattoo later in life or if you think you might want to take out that piercing in a few years, maybe you shouldn't commit to something so permanent. Don't fall for fads or try to fit in with others, make sure you have good reason to commit to your body art since it is a lifetime commitment. You can always get married and divorced, but that tattoo or piercing is with you for LIFE. If you are having trouble committing, try a temporary tattoo first to take it for a little test drive. Before you get pierced, take a picture of your whole body or face (depending on what areas you are considering), and place the jewellery over the area you are thinking about to get a general idea of how it will look. Love it or leave it!