Making the Decision to Get a Tattoo

When I made the decision to get my first tattoo, I made sure I knew what I wanted and why. I didn't want to get a tattoo that I would end up regretting, which is what happens to so many people- they regret at least one tattoo.

When making the decision to get your first tattoo, make sure that you're getting it for a good reason, versus just because. It's good to think about your potential tattoo and all the potential problems or complications.

• Consider the placement of that tattoo
  
• Keep in mind the image size
• Consider the potential problems you may have with employment
• Keep in mind your budget

You want to make sure that you're making a good decision, versus the name of your current girlfriend or boyfriend. (Getting names tattooed on your body of people who aren't blood family, is generally a bad omen.)

When getting a tattoo, you want to make sure that you're going to be happy with the way your body will look, even if it is just a small tattoo. Some people find that after getting a tattoo, they have a whole new opinion of their body, whether good or bad.

Making the decision to get your first tattoo is a big step. You're probably not sure about the pain, choosing an artist, or whether you feel 100% ready for the tattoo.

First off, no one can tell you how painful the tattoo is going to be. The pain varies depending on pain tolerance and placement. Even if you're questioning a particular placement, the feeling will vary per person as to what it actually feels like.

Next, when choosing an artist, make sure to get opinions of your friends and family who have tattoos. You want to make sure that you'll be paying for what you're getting. You want high quality work, so find a reputable artist.

If there is any doubt that you may not be ready, then you're not ready and scratch the first two tips because you don't need a tattoo yet.

When I got my first tattoo, I contemplated it for at least 4 to 6 months or longer. I knew what I wanted, but I wasn't 100% positive about it. I needed that time to determine if I wanted to live with the tattoo forever. My second tattoo was in planning when the first was in planning, but it's a good idea to focus on one design at a time. Never force a tattoo idea, and never force the completion of the tattoo.

Take your time when deciding upon your first tattoo. Don't rush yourself. If you have the money today, but you're not sure if you really want the tattoo, then put the money away and hold onto it until you are ready.

For example, when I got my second tattoo, I initially just wanted the outline, but after I got the outline, I had doubts about whether I wanted to fill it in. I sat with the outline for over a year before making the decision that I did want the tattoo shaded in. Never rush into any decision that requires a permanent change to your body.