1. The pain. Oh God, THE PAIN.

The pain is honestly not that bad. Of course, it depends on where you get the tattoo and how large the tattoo is, how intricate the design is, et cetera. The one tattoo I got on my hip, I did not feel a thing. The smaller tattoo on my finger and another on my rib hurt so much, but breathing throughout helps and let your tattoo artist know if you need to take a break.

2. Do not drink or be under the influence.

Any tattoo artists worth their salt will not tattoo you under the influence. Plus, this is a really cool and exciting thing you are about to do. You should want to remember every cool thing about this experience.

3. Your parents may not be down with your new ink.

Before I got my first tattoo, my mom offered to pay me twice what my tattoo would cost to not get a tattoo. Every time my dad sees my finger tattoo he says, what is that (although he definitely knows what it is). Your parents may not be cool with your tattoo, but as long as you feel you have a good reason for it and you spend your own money on it; don’t let it get to you.

4. The price

Any tattoo done properly and at a respectable parlor will be worth a pretty penny. The minimum amount you should be spending on a tattoo should be at least eighty dollars. I’ve seen huge sleeves that are upwards of 200 dollars. Get ready to spend money, because with tattoos, you get what you pay for.

5. The aftercare

You need to take proper care of your tattoo. The aftercare, as many tattoo artists will tell you, is the most important part. You should clean it with soap, and apply diaper rash cream to it the first few days afterwards, or as instructed by your artist. You should also consider the month in which you get your tattoo. A new tattoo should not be exposed to sun, and you should not expose it to freshwater or chlorine, so swimming is out. I highly consider getting a tattoo in the fall, winter, or spring months.

6. The questions

After you get a tattoo that is highly visible to other people, there will always be one person inevitably asking, “What does it mean?” If your tattoo isn’t highly personal or you just feel comfortable sharing, then tell your tale. However, maybe you just don’t feel like getting into your personal story with someone. Don’t feel obligated to share more than you are comfortable with.