College is a chance to make changes in your life; good or bad. College is where most people first truly have some real freedom away from their parents. This freedom makes most people want to change things about them personality wise as well as look wise. One of the major changes for college students is tattoos. This is one of the major choices as well as the most permanent. Many college students do not think their tattoos through enough. Here is a list of a few things that should go through your mind before getting a permanent tattoo….

1.When thinking of a tattoo idea go with something that means something to you, for more than just a year of your life…

If something like a picture or a quote has meant something to you for about a year and a half or more then it will probably mean that it will mean something to you for a while. DO NOT get a picture off of the tattoo section of Pinterest take the meaning from the little blurb under the picture and get it permanently on your skin. You will regret your decision no matter what you get because it does not really mean something to you. I have had some many of my friends do that and when they try to explain it to people what it means they change it every time.

2.Put a picture of the tattoo you want in a place that you will see it for about a month or two…

This will help see if you do not get sick of it after a while. If you start to get sick of it after a month or two; it's more than likely getting it on your skin is not the best decision. If you not only like it every day, but like it even more than I say go for it. I have a had a picture of a quote on all my phones and the front screen of both of my computers for about 5 years know. I still love the quote and it means more to me now than it did when I first saw it.

3.Choose a good place on your body…

Location is everything about the tattoo. The design and everything could be just right, but if it is not in the place you think it should be it will look awful to you. Try to ask the tattoo artist where he/she thinks is a good place and you two can talk about placement.

4.Look up the tattoo parlor before you go…

Look up the place and artist before you go. Try to see if the artist has an Instagram or his/her portfolio online. This way you can see if their artwork and specialties align with what you want as the customer. It's OK to be very specific and very opinionated in this situation. It took me a while going through people’s portfolios to choose who I want to do my artwork.

5.Wait about a year before getting your next one…

Getting tattoos and piercings can be a very addicting process. There are many people I know that got their first tattoo then the next day are scrolling through social media for their next one. My mom made one rule for me. It was to wait a year between tattoos and this is some of the best advice someone has given me. I thought about getting another tattoo a second after my first tattoo was done and I am so glad I did not.

Getting a tattoo may not seem like a big deal know, but tattoos are PERMANENT. I love tattoos. I think they are one of the best ways for most people to express themselves and they are amazing. However, getting one just because is a huge mistake. Having freedom is a big responsibility so use it wisely.