Tattoos are more popular than ever before, especially with millennials. And as more and more people choose to get inked, we believe that it’s important to make sure that you’re getting exactly what you want in the long run, because once it’s there, it’s there forever (unless you’re willing to fork out the cash for laser removal or something). Choosing a tattoo design involves much more than just picking something pretty from websites like Pinterest or theYou; there are many things to consider beforehand to ensure that your tattoo will be as meaningful to you as possible—forever.
Table of Contents
Pick the right artist
Finding an artist that you feel comfortable with and can work with is key. Ask your friends and family members which artists they like and what makes them stand out. Find someone who will listen to your ideas, but also have a few of their own in mind. Ask to see some of their past work, or at least get a portfolio (if they don’t have any) so you can get an idea of what they do best.
Know what you want
- Do you have an idea of what you want your tattoo to look like? If not, make sure you get one before you go shopping for a tattoo.
- What do you want your tattoo to represent? This is important because it will help narrow down your search and allow you to find a design that matches what you’re trying to portray.
- How big of a tattoo do you want? The size of your tattoo will dictate how many hours (and money) you need to invest in it.
Decide where to put it
Choosing where to put a tattoo is a major step in the decision-making process. It’s a permanent decision that you’ll have to live with on your body forever, so it’s important to think about all of your options before making up your mind. You need to consider what type of tattoo you want and what design elements you want it to have, as well as where on your body you would like it. Do you want something big or small? Do you want it somewhere discreet or visible? There are many considerations to take into account when choosing the perfect place for your tattoo.
If you are getting a tattoo that you may not want to be seen with, then it is best to get something small. Keep in mind that tattoos fade over time so if you want your tattoo to last, then it is best to get something that won’t be too noticeable.
Don’t let your mom make the decision
It’s your body, so don’t let your mom make the decision. If you want something on your arm, that’s going to be really noticeable if you change your mind in 10 years. If it’s something you can hide easily, like a small tattoo on your foot or ankle, she might have a point. But, if you have a good idea of what you want and know where it will go on your body, don’t let mom talk you out of it!
Evaluate your health
Before getting a tattoo, you should evaluate your health. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor first:
- Infected or irritated skin
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Cancerous conditions such as skin cancer
- A genetic disorder that can cause bleeding problems, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand Disease
- If you are taking anti-coagulant medication
- If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Now that you are well-versed in what you should consider before getting a tattoo, go on and choose the tattoo artist and design just for you.
