Inked

So you're thinking of getting inked? Since I had such a successful experience I thought I'd share my two cents for the do's and don'ts of getting a tattoo.

1. Don't Get A Tattoo On A Whim: First things first, tattoos are permanent. This may seem obvious to you but so often it seems that people forget this. Take your time considering and researching before you begin the rest of the process. Play around with a variety of designs and locations. What may seem like a great idea one day will seem like a terrible one once it sinks in for a few days. If you're thinking of a simpler design try drawing it on yourself with a Sharpie (or get a friend to help you out if it's in a hard to reach location) and see how it feels after a few days. Also, don't go running off to get one the moment you turn eighteen. There's no rush. I was seriously in the planning process for a year before I got mine and I'm so glad I didn't end up with some of my original ideas!
2. Do Be Informed About Your Decision: There are so many resources out there to do some research before you make your decision. Read up on the overall process so you know what's actually going on. Inform yourself of the risks and options to consider. Placement choice is a big decision. My biggest tips are to choose a muscley part of your body. Places where there's thin skin have a sharper pain that feels like the needles pricking bone while fatter areas feel like the needle's going deeper than it actually is. Also, I highly suggest staying away from the feet because they have the highest risk of infection since they're exposed the most to dirt and irritation. I've also heard it's the most painful place, but pain is relative. And remember, color has a higher chance of fading, especially yellow. Red is the color that has the highest risk of allergic reaction.
3. Do Research Your Studio Options: Take time in deciding where you'll get your tattoo done. The most valuable resource is to look at consumer reviews. If you live in a big city I strongly suggest Yelp.com. Consider their reviews, the policies listed and the qualifications of the artists. Are you guaranteed a professional or might you have to deal with an apprentice? (If you're in the Boston area, I highly recommend Redemption in Cambridge).
   
4. Don't Shop On A Budget For Something You'll Have For The Rest Of Your Life: Every tattoo parlor has a shop minimum which means you'll definitely be paying that price, even for something the size of a question mark. While you don't want to play by the "highest shop minimum, highest quality" rule of thumb (they could just be ripping you off) definitely do not choose studios by the lowest shop minimum. Cheap cost mean cheap tools, cheap ink and cheap labor. You do not want to sacrifice the quality of your tattoo to save a couple of bucks. I would say don't go any lower than $60, no higher than $100.
5. Don't Make It A Blind Date: The day of your appointment should not be the first time you're stepping into your chosen parlor. Check the place out ahead of time to see if it's clean, if the people make you comfortable and if you catch any bad vibes. Look at the artist's books that should be out on display to see the quality of their work no matter how simple of a design you're choosing. If there's someone getting a tattoo when you're there see if you can take a peek (although a good studio won't allow people in the room while the artist is at work to avoid distraction, but at a place like Redemption it was more like private booths that you could see into). If there's anything causing hesitation, keep looking.
6. Do Dress For The Occasion: By this I don't mean to dress up like someone you think would go get a tattoo, I mean to keep the future location of your tattoo in mind. It should be easy to get to and your clothing shouldn't rub on it once you're done (they'll bandage it up but added pressure or rubbing could irritate or possibly smudge it). It's just a little tip that could make things a whole lot easier on you.
7. Do Not, For The Love of God, Ignore The Aftercare Instructions: Hate to take the romance out of a tattoo but keep in mind that getting one done is basically a wound that you now have to take care of while it heals in order to protect yourself and the tattoo. The basic aftercare consists of gently washing it twice daily and rubbing minimal moisturizer on it so the skin doesn't dry out or scab. If you get it in the spring or summer be extra careful to put a decent amount of sunblock on it every time you're out in the sun to avoid fading. Of course if there are any other instructions given to you, be sure to follow them carefully as well.