It may have a deep underlying meaning, it may be a spontaneous decision, or it may be matching.

Tattoos are a forever permanent marking on your body that has been a growing trend for many years. The idea of putting such a unique form of art on your body that will forever be a part of you seems very enticing, hence why so many people are following the trend.

Whenever I walk past individuals with tattoos, I can't help but notice their art.

I try not to stare but I am always so interested in the tattoo, the placement and the story behind it. I sometimes spend hours and hours on Youtube watching tattoo tours and stories. Of course, some tattoos are regrettable and botched, but if you do the proper research on the artist and after-care, tattoos can be a beautiful thing.

For many years I was so intrigued by the ink.

Even in high school, I thought tattoos were the coolest thing ever because it brought a form of art to life. Tattoos have the power to tell a story and to hold memories. In high school, there was no way either of my parents would have signed for me since I was underage, despite both of them have tattoos. To be more specific, my dad has a sleeve so who would he be to judge?

After high school, I waited a few months after I turned 18 and boom, tattoo number one was complete.

I consider myself lucky that my first tattoo was a matching one that my dad also got. It was such a great experience and in my eyes, it came out perfect because I knew what I had wanted for a long time. To this day it is still my favorite tattoo on my body.

Now with that being said, if anyone ever tells you that tattoos are addicting, they are definitely right.

My next tattoo was super spontaneous, including my third one as well. Spontaneous as in the night before I did not even think I would be getting tatted the next day. In my opinion, not all tattoos have to hold meaning. I have a few that I got just because they looked nice and I wanted them. It's my body, not yours.

Looking back, most of my tattoos at one point have helped me through a difficult time and I love them for that. I personally do not think I will ever regret any of them because at one point they made me very happy. Something I noticed was that every tattoo I get becomes bigger and bigger. One day I said f%#* it and showed my artist what I wanted, he designed it, drew it up, and in my eyes it was exactly what I had imagined, even better but a little bigger than I expected. He was able to bring my idea to life and because of that I forever wanted it on my body.

My most recent tattoo is the biggest one I have and is one of my favorites.

When I was a rookie, the pain scared me as well as the permanency, but now I know what to expect. Fun fact, the ribs are very painful including the foot. I remember laying down for about two hours being poked with a needle on my ribs and shaking. I couldn't control my body shaking but I was able to control my mental composure. The pain is temporary and the art is forever.

I find it amazing that even though sometimes it is hard to explain to my artist what I exactly want, he has the ability to just creatively design an undeveloped idea and it is always perfect. A few tips I would give to anyone who is considering getting a tattoo is to always listen to your artist. They know what they are doing and have confidence in their work. Their confidence is very reassuring. If they suggest a different color, take their advice because colors do fade and not all colors flow nicely. Trust your artist.

So if you are thinking about getting a tattoo, my advice would be yes, do it.

Life is too short not to get it. If I wasn't a business major, I'd have a full on sleeve right now. Some may think people with tattoos have a certain look or characteristic about them, but if you take a look at me you would never know I had any. That is the best part. My tattoos are for myself and no one else. They make me feel happy and unique because out of this whole world, I am confident that a few of my tattoos no other has.

The tattoo trend seems to continuously grow just like the art on my body.