GETTING A TATTOO  

Getting a tattoo can be a truly exhilarating and liberating experience. What was once the domain of bad boys like those in gangs and motorcycle clubs has transferred globally into a much more widely accepted pursuit. 

It has now become a modern day form of expressionism where people are inclined to share their feelings and beliefs to those within their world. Getting inked simply gets ones feelings literally etched into their bodies for the world to see. And the ensuing pride and exhilaration is immeasurable. 

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That said, getting a tattoo can also be a confusing and scary experience at the same time. Some of the following questions are almost always on the minds of those thinking of getting inked….and this only a snapshot of what people may actually go through: 

Do I really want to get a tattoo that will most likely remain with me the rest of my life?

Will I feel the same way about my tattoo in 5 years time as I do now? 

Will I regret it in the future? 

Which part of my body do I want to get tattooed? 

What sort of design do I want out of the thousands that are possible? 

Does it hurt getting a tattoo and is it safe to get one? 

How do I take care of my tattoo in the future? 

Will the tattoo I get affect my employment opportunities in the future? 

What will my loved ones think of me getting a tattoo? 

What is a good tattoo parlour and which is a bad one? 

The best thing one can do BEFORE getting a tattoo is to write down these and other questions and taking some time in answering them.

As tattoos are effectively permanent, it is wise to be totally comfortable with these issues before you get a tattoo rather than regretting it afterwards. It wouldn't be wise to go to a tattoo parlour and make a decision there and then because that is when it will be too late! Once you have thought it through and are absolutely certain that you are ready to go ahead with it, only then you should go near a tattoo parlour. 

The best way to start is to talk to trusted friends or acquaintances that have already got a tattoo. Talking to these people is invaluable as it will address a lot of your questions and they will also give you additional advice that you may not have already thought of. Talking to someone who has already been through the whole process will give you a candid opinion of what it’s really like. 

In this decision making process, it may also help immensely if you can view various tattoo designs yourself to see how they make you feel. This will give you an idea of what is already out there in terms of tattoo styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc. And it will also add to your decision making process in terms of design styles.

Walking into a tattoo parlour in the first instance can be an intimidating and scary feeling. It may also pressure you into getting a tattoo there and then instead of waiting and making sure of your decision before actually getting one. For this reason, the easiest and best way to look at designs in the first instance may be to look at designs that are displayed through comprehensive websites online.

This can be less confronting for you to do and allows you to peruse through tattoo designs in a stress free and comfortable environment at your own leisure. It can also give you a better idea of what you like and what you don’t like and arm you with knowledge BEFORE you venture down to our chosen tattoo artist. 

Getting a tattoo is an experience in itself. To maximise the positives and minimise the potential negatives, you should be comfortable with the concept of having a lifelong tattoo before stepping into a tattoo parlour. Talk to any of your already inked friends and acquaintances, think about how it will make you feel getting a tattoo, weigh up the pros and cons of getting one, and have a look at online designs of tattoos to get an idea of what’s out there.

By taking these steps and increasing your knowledge of tattoos in general, your experience may just be a whole lot better for you.