The idea of getting your first tattoo can be very exciting. They can be amazing works of art. They can tell the story of your life. They can be an extension of your personality and ideals and everything you hold dear. Plus, they are just awesome. But, unfortunately, they can also represent a very bad decision made in the heat of the moment. A tattoo isn’t something you rush into getting. It’s going to be permanent piece of you, so it’s very important to make absolutely certain that you know and understand what you are getting before you the artist you choose makes the first mark.

Do You Really Want That Tattoo?

There are several questions you must ask yourself before getting inked.

What is your motivation for getting a tattoo in the first place? If you can’t give a complete answer beyond “it’s cool” or “because I want one” within a few seconds, it probably is a good idea idea to slam on the brakes. Sit down and think about why you are really wanting to do this, then do nothing for three months. If at the end of three months you still feel strongly about it, go ahead and get a tattoo. But if you are still unable to come up with anything beyond a cursory argument, or worse if you’ve forgotten about wanting a tattoo in the meantime, you’ve dodged a bullet. Read the rest of this entry

Although men have historically gotten more tattoos then women, the ladies are catching up quickly and they bring something new to the game. Women’s tattoos are often known for more explicitly reflecting women’s interests and personalities. Women are also freer to put any kind of design on themselves than men are because they don’t have to worry about keeping up with a manly image; this sense of freedom allows a good amount of creativity, and truly badass tattoos are designed for just this reason. When deciding to get a tattoo, be sure to hire a talented tattoo artist, especially if these tattoos are going to be in a spot that people will regularly see. A tattoo will stay with you for life, so it is most important to make sure that it demonstrates a part of your personality that you are proud of. If you’re not sure how to start, look at examples of other women’s tattoos.

Location, Location, Location

More and more, as tattoo designs become more bold and visibility of a particular piece becomes more acceptable, virtually any location on your body can make a great canvas.

Back Tattoos

The back offers the largest and flattest area for tattoos, so save your most detailed designs for your back and sides. This location can give your tattoo artist enough freedom in order to provide you with the best design possible. A back piece can be a dramatic statement about who you are and what you believe in, so take some time to really think about what you want to say with this kind of tattoo. Since it generally takes several hours to complete a highly-detailed back tattoo, you’ll need to be confident that you’re getting exactly what you want. A beautiful back tattoo can show off your personality in a way that smaller tattoos might not be able to. Read the rest of this entry

Getting your first tattoo is a great experience, but it isn’t something that should be rushed into quickly. You must make sure to take time to think about it, since a tattoo is a lifetime commitment. You want to be absolutely certain you are getting a piece that fits into your life. You need to consider how your tattoo will affect your friends’ and family’s perception of you, how it will affect your current job and future job prospects, and most importantly how it will affect you personally.

Body Area

Once you are sure you want to go forward, the next step is to determine the area where your tattoo will be applied. You have many options here, as virtually any part of your body makes a suitable canvas.

Arm tattoos are by far the most popular choice. Here you have several choices – full arm (also known as a sleeve, named for the resemblence to a full-length shirt sleeve), upper half sleeve from shoulder to elbow, lower half sleeve from elbow to wrist, or quarter sleeve from shoulder to mid-upper arm. Larger arm designs usually combine a few thematic elements, while the smaller designs commonly only focus on one thing. Read the rest of this entry