So, let me start off by saying that I want a tattoo. And not like, oh, it'd sure be nice sportin' a tat, y'know? I'm talking more along the lines of, I've now put over 40 hours into designing this thing, and saved up money to make it good quality, and kinda sorta spend a lot of my free time thinking of how to make it best so yeah, I was thinking about getting a tattoo.

Which leads us here, on how NOT to make it trashy.

See, anybody can go slam down a hefty clump of greenbacks, or order a flaming skull with a snake sliding between broken teeth and call it day. It'd probably only be an hour or two, and there you are. Voila. Done.

But I'm not like that, and I think it's a common thought process for those "inked up" to walk into the parlor and think to ourselves, I don't want to be like everyone else who comes through here. Nobody wants to be basic, or have the same tattoo on your body, in the same place as every other Joe in the street.

I consider tattooing your body an art, and making it unique is essential to why I even bear it. My family, God bless them, (mostly) approve of what I do with my body("it's your body", they'd say. "Just don't put something stupid on it."). They know I don't rush to rash decisions for these sort of endeavors, and if it's my hard-earned money, it'll be ME that feels the brunt of the could-be mistake later on. After all, tattoos are permanent, if you weren't aware. But all that aside, there are a few tips to be made aware of before planting yourself in the chair:

1. No Names

Unless they're in memory of a family member of someone you REALLY care about, don't do it. I've talked with my tattoo artist(typically, you might find that once you've found an artist that "knows" your style, you stick with them), and he's claimed one of the biggest mistakes people make is getting their significant other's name tattooed on.......and then promptly removing and/or covering it up once they've broken up. It's hard enough to lose a lover, but then to put even more money into erasing a physical part of them from yourself? Save yourself the trouble.

2. Trendy Tattoos

What's "hip" or "cool" or "in", whatever the kids will currently say when this comes out, it won't be a week from when you've gotten your tattoo. Or a month. Or a year, as these trends come and go as quick as the days anymore. Twilight and the Hunger Games were worldwide phenomenons when they first embraced the silver screen, but now they're left behind in pop culture memory. If you personally love the ideal, then, by all means, go for it! Just don't be someone trying to improve popularity now; it'll just hurt worse later. Oh, and before I'm done, there's always-

3. Take Your Time

Seriously. This is so overlooked, but don't rush into something because as my father so wisely advised, "It's permanent." Yeah, Dad, of course, I know that.....right? Often, in the moment, ideas can take hold and be a great concept BUT, your opinion can change. Think about it: do you wear the same clothes you did, what, two years ago? In love with the same TV show? If it is, yeah, good for you, but for the rest of us, it shows opinions on matters can change over time, especially when you're younger. Also, bonus tip:

4. Be aware

After you've gotten your first tattoo, wait before getting another. Sure, you think, give yourself time to rest and recover, let the ink seep in and settle for permanent effect, all that jazz. I mean, afterward, I've found there's an immediate surge to suddenly go out and acquire another one(maybe two!); don't. Let the first one sink in, because the rush you get might just be that, and while you're in love with the first one, you might end up spearheading a second and third a little too quickly.

All in all, take it or leave all of this. Really. This is just my opinion and hey, I could be totally wrong......I definitely don't think so but it's a minuscule probability. If you take nothing else away from my ramblings, remember to be proud of the finished project.

You've put time and effort into it, believe it's perfect, and no matter what somebody is going to hate simply because they hate tattoos. It's happened personally, I know it sucks that someone can't appreciate your art just because they don't like the style. Forget about them and worry about yourself, and know that there are always people like that. But who cares? Yours looks awesome; who are they to judge?