Here are the top 5 things I know about getting a tattoo:
1. Will it be painful?
People will either tell you it depends on your pain tolerance or no matter what, it’s going to hurt. Personally, almost everyone I talked to claimed it was going to hurt. However, when I got it, there was little to no pain and I got my tattoo on one of the most “painful” places on the body. Which is another good point, it also depends where you get it on your body.
2. Really invest time in what you are getting!
Overall, it took me about two years to figure out what I wanted and then an additional two years to decide if I really wanted it. The bottom line about tattoos is that they are PERMENANT! Although you can cover them up or get them surgically removed, the money and time you invest in that initial tattoo can never be taken back. The tattoo should be thought through.
3. Get what you want.
My tattoo was not really a controversial topic, but I know other people’s that were. They wanted things that other people did not find value in or people just didn’t like it, whether it was the design or the meaning. However, I tell you this because although people didn’t like those people’s tattoos, they got them anyway. This was because to them, as an individual, the tattoo they got had meaning behind it.
4. This is more of a personal decision, but get something meaningful…
The reason my tattoo took a long time to decide was because I had to plan what I wanted, where I wanted it and why I wanted it. These are questions I recommend anyone getting a tattoo ask themselves. Further, I wanted my tattoo because it summed up my life in a simple way. I wanted it somewhere I could see it and I wanted something that would serve as a reminder and encourager. This is something I encourage to all tattoo – seekers, whether it’s your first or your last, make it something that means something.
5. Take care of it!
Upon getting my tattoo I had a thousand questions of the best way to keep it clean so that it could heal. The most basic answer is friends, listen to your artist. Most likely, they have been doing this a long time they know what they are talking about. Which leads me to another point, do not try and cut corners. If they tell you to able lotion 10-12 times a day, do it! It is for your benefit. They do not want you to have it become infected or fade because you were not patient enough. Lastly, remember it’s an open wound, care for it as such!
Tattoos are amazing! I just got one and I want another already, but remember to treat them as what they are; art! Care for them, make sure they are meaningful and most importantly…enjoy it!
