Tattoo Problems
When it comes to tattoo advice, you can’t really get enough. Why? . . . because your tattoo decision is permanent and you will regret the tattoo if the size is wrong, location is bad, art is poor, and so on. Sometimes when you have a big decision to make you need advice from people who have gone through a similar situation. It this case, you need information or help deciding. . .
- if you should get a tattoo?
- when you should get at tattoo?
- where should you put a tattoo?
- what will your tattoo be?
- what are the most popular tattoos?
- where should I go for a tattoo?
- how much will I pay for my tattoo?
This advice is for the FIRST TATTOO, after you’ve had one and don’t hate it after a couple of years, you can do whatever you want, but consider this as a starting point for consideration. The “if and when” you should get a tattoo are the biggest questions. Shoulditatttoo.com (and the associated books) are an attempt to answer the “if”, and the “when” is after you have all of your questions answered and you’ve reflected on what you’ve learned.
Location, location, location?
Tattoo locations considerations page will go over what to consider in terms of barriers that may exist to employment and you future earning power. A big location issue is whether the tattoo is more for you or the public. If the tattoo is for you, place where It can be seen by you. If the tattoo is for the public, consider why you want a tattoo for the public, an what statement you want to make.
What should the tattoo design be?
Avoid trendy tattoos, they are the ones most regretted, and laser tattoo removal clinics see most. For example, the woman’s lower back tattoo (tramp stamp) and the Chinese symbols are some of the most regretted tattoos because at one point “everyone” had one and a tattoo is supposed to unique . . . like the person. In other words, if you see a tattoo you like on someone else, you probably shouldn’t get it.
Where to put the tattoo?
Studies have shown that people regret upper body tattoos more that lower body tattoos, and prefer back of the body tattoos to front. Names still head the list of most regretted tattoos whether they are spouses, parents, children, or anyone else. Getting a tattoo is response to a death is also a very bad idea, and will lead to remorse that will last far beyond the grieving process.
Where to go?
Only go to an approved tattoo parlor with evidence of valid health inspections. Make sure they use sterile techniques and that all of the equipment is properly sterilized with an autoclave.
Cost?
When it comes to your body, you do not want to skimp on cost. After all you will be looking at this tattoo for the rest of your life. Like doctors, tattoo artists specialize in different genres and theme. Some are great with abstract, while others are better at realistic designs. Find an artist that specializes in the theme you want. That may cost more, but you are less likely to regret your choice.
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For the most part yes. However, and this is not a rule or law just a respect thing, if you have a taotto artist spend the time and effort on drawing a piece for you, usually you should get that taotto from that artist. It’s sort of like an unwritten law kinda thing. Unless you completely hate the design and work in which case I would wonder why you went to that artist in the first place. Anyways, the point is NO they should not charge you to draw it but if you get the taotto they should do it.
Thanks so much for this site! It has helped out a bunch!
I’m getting my first tattoo in March with some friends about music (Music is my life and soul, an without it, I can’t live. I almost went into maniac depression when I broke my arm and couldn’t play trombone…after one week). However, I still have some questions. I know the design, and the color (just black.) and everything, but I don’t have a placement nor a price. What do you guys think? Anything you can suggest at all to help me?
Thanks in advance,
Rachael
Thanks Rachael, It seems that you have put a good deal of thought and research into this already. That is GREAT. The placement part is tricky. You have to pick a “complementary” part of your body. That is, a part of your body that is one of your strong suits (but maybe not your strongest suit is case it messes it up). If you have a “nice back” but “funny looking feet” then you would want to draw attention to your back, not feet. If you play piano (or anything with you arms/hands), stay away from your arms and hands, as that will detract from any performances. Obviously, it should be easily concealed, and not too large. Statistics show that upper body tattoos are regretted more than lower body tattoos, so you may consider that. Safe is lower back to one side. As far as price, let your design dictate price, because your body is priceless! Pick an excellent artist, and the price should be the price. . . just stall until you have the money. Thanks for visiting!!!!