A tattoo, whether it is large or small, or complex or simple, is something that you need to a put a lot of time and thought into. Far from being something that should be acquired on the spur of the moment on a dare or a whim, a tattoo is something that will travel with you through your life, and you will find that the more thought and effort that you put into it, the happier you will be in the end. A tattoo starts as an idea and then becomes an image that you and your tattoo artist work with to make it suitable for your skin. By the time your tattooist puts needle to skin, you will have already spent a lot of time living with the tattoo!
When you are planning a tattoo, you will start with an image in mind. It is a rare image, however, that can go straight from the page to your skin. You'll find that it needs to be sized in such a way as to preserve the detail of the piece while still maintaining the size that you want it at. Remember that if your tattoo is too small that you will risk losing detail. You'll also find that you might need to have a conversation with your tattooist about the color that is appropriate to use on your skin tone.
While any color can be tattooed onto any skin, some skin will hold color better than others. For instance, white ink has a tendency to fade very quickly on Asian or African skin, though it will stay sharp on Caucasian skin. Conversely, some black inks will fade to green while others will fade to blue. Speak with your tattoo artist to find out what he or she thinks would work best on your skin and what will allow you to keep the color in good condition.
When it comes to your tattoo itself, remember that there is no such thing as too much research. Take a look at images online and off of your future tattoo. What associations do people have with it, and are these associations that you can live with? The only person who has to live with the tattoo every day is you, so make sure that you are comfortable both with what the tattoo means to you as well as what it means to others.
When you are choosing your tattoo artist, remember that you have a right to a tattooist that will maintain a high degree of cleanliness and professional behavior. Before you even start talking with an artist via email or on the phone about your design, walk into their studio. How clean does it look, and how helpful is the staff? Ask if an autoclave is used and if the needles are single use. Some artists will even snap or bend the needles in half after a session to show you that they will not be used again. Remember that if you have any doubts about the studio at all that you are well within your rights to turn around and take your business elsewhere!
After you have decided that the studio maintains a high level of sterility and cleanliness, ask to look at the artists portfolio. Any tattoo artist who has been in the business for an extended period of time will have a photo album or online gallery of their past work, so check it out. Does the style of the artist match the style that you want on your tattoo? This is a great time to speak with your tattooist and get a feel for how he or she works. Your tattoo artist will also tell you to remember to eat before you come to your session and that drinking alcohol, which thins your blood, is a poor idea right before a tattoo session.
Be prepared for it to hurt, but also be prepared for the fact that it will not be nearly as bad as you think. Afterwards, you will be left with a soreness not unlike a really awful sunburn. Also like a sunburn, while the tattoo is healing the very topmost layer of skin will peel off. Do not pick at the healing skin, as that can result in you pulling color right out of your new tattoo. Instead, you can slather it with gentle lotions like Lubriderm or Tattoo Goo to keep it clean and to aid with the healing.
Healing a tattoo is something that many people disagree on. While some people believe that keeping the tattoo covered in lotion will help it heal quickly and more efficiently, other people believe that it will make your skin look and feel clogged up. Speak with your tattoo artist if you are unsure about what to do; many of the studios have handouts that they can give you before you leave. The important thing to remember is that your tattoo is essentially an open wound, and it is imperative to keep it clean. For the first few days, try rinsing the area with your fingertips and making sure that the stream from you shower does not hit it directly.
Be aware that your tattoo may need a touch up when it has healed. When you get tattooed, excess ink will well up on your skin, making it difficult to see where the lines are going. As a result, some areas, especially those that need to be filled with color, can be a little sketchy. Even if your tattoo looks great, remember that a touch up every few years will keep the colors looking bright and the lines looking clear.
Also remember that before you leave, you should tip your tattooist. This is an industry that relies on tips, so make sure that you remember this all-important courtesy. Remember that if you notice anything strange or unusual going on with your tattoo that you can stop back in to speak with the tattooist.
Getting a tattoo is a demanding process, but in the end, it is a very rewarding one. Take the time to work with your tattoo artist and to put a lot of thought into what you are doing, and you'll find that you have a tattoo that you can definitely be proud of!