Before getting a tattoo...

[Inkblogger]

Before getting a tattoo there are a few things you should do. This
article is basically for someone new to tattooing. Tattoos tend to be
addictive, so most people end up getting more than one. After 12 years
of being a tattoo artist, and collector, I've learned a few things.
1 - The tattoo should mean something to you, or have some kind of
value symbolically.
2 - Since they are addictive, you might want to plan the art for
continued applications. What I mean is if you think you'll end up
getting a half sleeve, or a full sleeve, then you should draw the
whole thing out; get as much tattooed at a time as you can stand, and/
or afford. The reasoning behind this is to make everything on your
body fluid, or flow instead of trying to piece together a bunch of
little tattoos later, plan ahead.
3 - Eat something before you get tattooed (to keep from feeling
faint), and don't drink alcohol (it only makes your blood thinner and
the tattoo harder to apply).
4 - Check out the artists thoroughly. Don't get a tattoo spontaneously
(if possible,lol). Make sure the artist does the syle work you like,
and does it well. If you can get some referals that would be good
also. Check out their portfolios.
5 -- Hang out in the shop and watch someone get a tattoo. Sometimes
watching how a shop functions can tell you a lot about the cleanliness
of that place. Cross-contamination is a big problems in shop where the
artists get lazy and skip steps that keep you, the customer safe from
disease. This is the sort of thing that gives tattooing a bad rep.
6 - Don't be afraid to ask questions, and make sure the placement of
your tattoo is exactly where you want it. When the artist puts the
stencil on, or draws on your body, make sure that it's exactly what
you want. You're gonna pay a lot for it, and wear it for the rest of
your life.
7 - Bigger is almost always better. Small, highly detailed designs
aren't tattoo friendly. If you want your tattoo to look good for a
long time (20-30- years) then get it big, and keep the detail down to
what it takes to make the art look good.
8 - Pay attention to aftercare. You should get instructions from the
artist, if not then ask for them. And for the long haul, alway use
45-50spf if you know you're gonna be out in the sun for any period of
time. Ink fades just like anything else, so protect your artwork, and
keep it looking good for years to come.
Well that's it for now, I'm getting a little tired, but shared some of
your personal suggestions for a better tattooing experience. And if
you have any questions, feel free to ask.