At the beginning of the year, I finally decided I was going to get a tattoo.

This isn't something that I went and did for the heck of it. I have been wanting to get this design as a tattoo since I was in middle school. I have been thinking about getting this for years and I finally was able to do it. I made sure to do my research about everything that goes into getting a tattoo, finding the right shop, and making sure I found an artist that fit the style of the tattoo I wanted. From there, I made the point to reach out to my artist and see if he was taking on new clients. Then we were able to really talk about the piece itself.

The most important thing I learned is to work WITH your artist.

Getting a tattoo is a collaboration between you and the artist. Not only is your tattoo something that you want to get, but the artist also has input into it since they are the ones drawing it up. They want to do their best to please you, so don't be afraid to tell your artist what you like and don't like about it, especially once you are actually at the tattoo shop. Because once they put the stencil on you, it will be a lot harder to change the design.

Especially when this is something that is going to be on you permanently, don't be afraid to speak up.

When the time came to finally go to the shop and actually get my tattoo, I was extremely nervous. I was most nervous about the initial prick of the tattoo gun. Everything I had read up to this point had said that you will get used to it and your adrenaline will kick in, and that did happen. For the most part, it really was not bad at all. I have a good level of pain tolerance, but I wouldn't say it's extremely high, so I was worried, but it really wasn't that bad. There was only one part that really hurt but other than that it was pretty tolerable. The sound is scarier than actually getting the tattoo.

At the end of the appointment, the tattoo looked so good.

When you're done with your appointment, your artist will tell you how to take care of your tattoo. Listen to what they say, even if it gets annoying, tattoo aftercare is extremely important. Especially if you are going to spend that much money on something, why would you not make sure you get the best end result. Cleaning your tattoo and making sure it is properly hydrated is so important. Don't forget that getting a tattoo is a needle going deep into your skin, so it's an open wound. Therefore, you have to take extremely good care of it. After properly taking care of my tattoo and the healing process has pretty much finished, my tattoo looks so so good.

I couldn't have asked for a better result for my first tattoo.

So when you are choosing to get a tattoo, make sure you do your research and don't be afraid to stand up for what you want and take care of it. As long as you do, you will always end up with such a great result and be so incredibly happy with your new ink!