I just recently got my first tattoo and it got me thinking about my steps to finally getting it done and maybe it can help some other new tattoo enthusiasts.

The first thing I did was start a Pinterest board. I knew I wanted a tattoo but was not really sure of what I wanted. When I finally found some designs I liked, it sparked the meaning for me. Now something I see people talk about is how they really just like a design and don’t really have a meaning to it. The thing to remember is this is going to be on your body for the rest of your life, so as long as you love it, it does not really matter if there is a meaning behind it or not. Tattoos are a form of art so however you want to express yourself with them is your decision! My personal belief is that if it is going to permanently on my body I want it to mean something to me, but that does not mean you are wrong if you want something that looks cool.

The second thing I did was wait. I picked designs I liked months ago and when I finally decided on the “final” project I waited before looking for a tattoo artist because I wanted to make sure I really wanted this. Sometimes you will find something that looks really cool and you want to go out and get it right away, but the best advice I can give is to wait at least a month and make sure you really want it. You are going to spending a lot of money and time on this so make sure you are really ready for the commitment. Your tastes will change as you grow old, so just remember what you get at 18 will still be there when you are 81.

After I finally decided on my tattoo design, I started looking for artists. I went online and read reviews on shops in my area and looked at a price range I might be in. When it comes to tattoos, one thing you do not want to be is cheap. Make sure the work you are paying for is quality work. I have a lot of friends with tattoos, so I went to them to see what places they suggested and finally I settled on a shop. When I got to the shop the first thing I did was look at the artist’s portfolios. My design was pretty basic so I had no doubt they could all do it, but each artist has a different style so I wanted to make sure their style matched my vision for my tattoo. When I settled on an artist I liked, I talked with them to make sure they were up for it and could see the vision I had. On the day of my appointment, the artist talked to me before and had a few ideas that would make sure my tattoo would look the best. He changed the quote a little and the font and this is where you get to be picky. I personally had loved what he did with my design so I was all for it, but it is your body so if you do not absolutely love it have them redraw it and make it what you want. That is what they are there for, to make you happy. Also, if you like the work you have had done, make sure to tip because being a good customer helps in the long run. If you need touch ups or something needs to be fixed it is much easier to ask for that when you have a good relationship with your artist.

Overall, make sure you take care of your new tattoo and get something you are proud of. This is yours forever so just make sure you love it and do not care what anyone else thinks because it is your body and you only get one to make yours.

Happy Tattooing!!