What to Know Before Getting a Tattoo
Getting something inked on your body forever is a big deal. I truly believe our bodies are canvases and we keep track of our journey through the marks that are made on it. Some of the marks are intentional, like tattoos; and others are accidents, like scars from falling off your bike when you were 5, or birth marks that are completely unique to you.
I know a lot of people who aren’t fans of tattoos, but in today’s culture I feel they’re becoming more accepted and not as taboo. I currently have 2 tattoos and a third in progress. As I’m preparing for my next piece of art I thought about all you first timers out there. You might not know how to find the right tattoo artist, what you should be paying, or heck, what to get inked. Never fear, I’ll walk you through it.
Finding the Art for YOU
Everyone has a different style. Some people want full sleeves of tattoos telling a story. Others, like myself, prefer whimsical pieces that have personal meaning. I’ve been very decisive in my choices, but if you’ve never gotten a tattoo there are so many options that it’s overwhelming. My recommendation is to start small. This will get you accustomed to the “pain” and you can always add onto your design. Also, never listen to anyone else. If someone recommends a tattoo design to you make sure you actually love it. It’s easy to give in to peer pressure, but they aren’t the ones getting it inked on them forever.
Call me basic, but when I found the design for my arrow tattoo, I fell in love. Arrows had a huge moment, but to me it was the meaning behind it that got me hooked. I had big dreams with no clue how to reach them and I was feeling very lost. My arrow tattoo will always mean persevering through every conflict to reach my goals. I also have a white ink tattoo, which is my most personal. It’s a symbol that means inner peace. I got it after I battled my worst bout of depression to date. I finally felt free of my mental illness, and ultimately: peace with myself. It’s in white ink because I didn’t get it to show off. I got it as a daily reminder that I survived the darkest time in my life.
My most recent tattoo was drawn by my very talented sister. This is an ode to my mom and sister. I chose lavender because we all have bouquets of it in our homes, and there are three sprigs to represent each of us. It’s tied with a ribbon because our bond is unbreakable.
Finding the Artist for You
This is where you can ask friends and family for their opinion. People talk about how great their tattoo artist is like they talk about their hairdresser. I love getting recommendations from people I know because I can see the tattoo they got from that artist and decide if they would be a good fit for me.
There are different categories tattoo artists can be skilled in: realism, shading, watercolor, neo-traditional, etc. If you’re going to get a very intricate tattoo then make sure you find an artist that is specialized in that. For myself, since my tattoos are very “basic” or not complex, I can get away with any talent.
I feel like price fits into this category as well. There are parlors out there that will overcharge the heck out of you. A small tattoo like the 2 I currently have will not cost you more than $80. Of course size, colors, time, etc play a factor. Do plenty of research so that you know what your general tattoo might cost. Also, don’t forget to tip. If you want to build a strong relationship with your artist, make sure to treat them well.
Tattoo Care
Post tattoo care is SO important. You have to keep it clean to avoid infection; technically it’s an open wound. Avoid scented products, avoid scratching or exfoliating, and avoid the sun until it’s fully healed. Wash with warm water, pat dry, and make sure to moisturize so it doesn’t scab. I use my face moisturizer on new tattoos because it’s unscented and gentle. You could also use something like Vaseline. Make sure that even when your tattoo is fully healed to always wear SPF. I use INK Tattoo 50+ Spray to protect my tattoos when in the sun.
