The time has come. You've probably just turned 18, and now you're on your way to the tattoo parlor to get your first ever tattoo. While this is a very exciting time in your life, it's important that you ask yourself a few questions before permanently inking yourself.

1. Is this what I really want tattooed on my body...forever?

I recently got my first tattoo, and I was dead set on what I wanted. While you may think a tattoo looks cool or beautiful and you want it now, it might not be something you'll want in ten years. So for your own good, make sure that you pick out something you can see yourself living with for a long time. Also, choose the placement wisely. If you have a job that's against tattoos, then get it somewhere where it can't be seen or where it can be easily hidden.

2. Can I afford it?

Sometimes tattoos can be very expensive, not including tips. I suggest finding the parlor where you'll get your tattoo and ask them right away how much they think the tattoo will be. Prices are affected by the size, color, time it takes to finish the tattoo, and sometimes even placement. Some artists will also charge you for setting up an appointment, and these prices can range from $20 to $100. It all depends on where you go and what you get, so be prepared.

3. Is this the right time for me to get a tattoo?

In my opinion, it's better to have a set appointment, rather than a walk-in appointment. This way, you can properly plan around your personal schedule. If you like swimming and don't want to miss out on the last lake days of the summer, then I suggest waiting to get your tattoo until fall or winter (tattoos shouldn't be soaked in water for roughly four to six weeks). It's also important to keep in mind that different sized tattoos heal differently. If your tattoo took three hours to complete, it's going to need more time to heal than one that took 15 minutes.

4. Am I going to take proper care of it?

The healing process is extremely crucial to a good, healthy tattoo. It's critical to follow the steps provided by your artist. Following these instructions will prevent bleeding, scabbing, and other things that could go wrong with your tattoo if you don't take care of it.

5. Do I know what my pain tolerance is?

In the time it took to get my tattoo (a total of maybe ten minutes), I didn't feel any real discomfort at any time. It was more of an annoying buzzing against the inside of my ankle, but I have a typically higher pain tolerance and the tattooing process didn't last that long. So, it's important to ask yourself if you can handle a large tattoo (or any tattoo for that matter) that will take longer, which in turn will probably end up being a little more painful.

6. Am I comfortable with my tattoo artist?

This is probably one of the most important things in the decision of getting a tattoo. If you aren't comfortable around an artist, then why would you let them touch your skin with a needle? Find an artist that you can trust and that will help to create the exact tattoo that you want. My tattoo artist was very kind, and occasionally asked me how I was doing when getting tattooed. He also helped me to create exactly what I wanted, and there is no one I would've rather had tattoo me.