by Stephen Pollock
Tattoo Design Selection- 5 Things to consider when contemplating a Tattoo……
1. Pick a design that has meaning to you on a very personal level………. Remember tattoos are permanent, unless you have a lot of money to waste on expensive laser surgery to remove it. The average Joe only has enough scratch to get what he wants the first time around so you want to be sure. Pick something that signifies a major milestone in your life, military service, baby being born, someone important passing on, or something that truly represents your character. A tattoo will certainly be a conversation piece so you should be able to explain the meaning behind it. It should be a window into your personality just like the style of clothes you wear.
2. Pick the body part……….. This is important because depending on the tattoo design you pick, you need to make sure it will fit where you want it. Long and narrow versus short and wide. Does it wrap around? I suggest picking the design and the body part simultaneously. No sense picking a tattoo that won’t fit your bicep if that is where you want it, pretty simple right. You also need to decide how easily you want people to see it. Remember people can be very shallow and judge you on a first impression. Although body art is gaining acceptance in this society it is still shunned in some circles. If you have a job in an office or management it may stifle your career or blow a job interview for you if your tattoos are readily seen.
3. Pain………….. Along with picking the body part consider pain. Remember you will be pricked by a needle literally thousands of times in order to imbed the ink below the skin, so be ready for some pain. Certain parts of the body are more sensitive then others. The more flesh there is the less pain. If you decide to get a tattoo on your ankle for instance that is all bone and will be more painful. All people are different and have different levels of tolerance to pain; you should know what type of person you are. If you’re a pussy get off this page.
4. Pick your artist……… Search the local area for tattoo artists. Visit their shops. Check to see if it is professional looking, clean, how busy they are just as a few examples. Look at previous work, most shops take pictures of all their tattoos and post them in an album for customers to look at. Ask around, talk to people. If you see someone with good body art strike up a conversation and ask questions. Talk to the tattoo artist and ask questions. If they are good they will be able to make you feel comfortable with your choice. Remember this is permanent and this decision should not be taken lightly. Also when you make the appointment be prepared to sit in the chair for a couple of hours. Sometimes depending on the color and intricacy you may have to come back for a second appointment.
5. Care for your tattoo………….. Finally after it is all said and done please listen to the tattoo artist and care for your tattoo properly. You just had your skin injected thousands of times and it will bleed, itch and be sore. Use an antibacterial cream or spray for the first couple of days and then a balm after that to help the skin heal. Let it get air but avoid direct sunlight. You just invested good time and money so take care of it. Good luck.
If you are looking for great designs you will find them here.
