Key Features to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

Make Sure It's What You Want

By SkyeDanzer, published Apr 07, 2007
Published Content: 759  Total Views: 571,239  Favorited By: 107 CPs
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Choosing a tattoo design is a very important decision. There are many things to consider before getting a tattoo. One of the final decisions in the tattoo process is what design will be permanently inked on the body for life.

Choosing a Tattoo Design Tip #1: What is the purpose of the tattoo?

Prior to getting a tattoo, decide the purpose of the tattoo. Are you honoring someone? Are you part of a group that all wear the same or similar tattoos? Ask yourself, "What is the true purpose of my tattoo?"

Some people get tattoos out of rebellion. Others get tattoos as a sign of new freedom and independence from different life situation. Still others get tattoos as part of groups or other reasons.

The purpose of the tattoo will be important in choosing the right design.

Choosing a Tattoo Design Tip #2: Where will the tattoo be placed on the body?

The size dimensions will be determined by where the tattoo is to be placed on the body. You cannot have a pattern that is designed for the full back on your ankle or back of your neck. Some designs look nice when they are shrunk and condensed. Other designs lose all the detail and are a mess if they are shrunk.

Different locations of the body have varying pain levels when the tattoo is administered. If the area is typically a painful area, you might want to get a less detailed design so that the tattoo application goes faster.

Choosing a Tattoo Design Tip #3: How talented is the tattoo artist?

Some tattoo artists can take any design and make it a gorgeous tattoo. Other tattoo artists specialize in different themes. If you are using a specific artist it is important to find out what type of tattoos are both their favorite and their specialty. The artist can probably recommend some designs for you based on the other tips listed in this article. Always get a few references from the tattoo artist.

Choosing a Tattoo Design Tip #4: Do you want your grandchildren to see the tattoo?

Takeaways
  • Try a henna or temporary ink tattoo first.
  • Determine the purpose of the tattoo.
  • Get references from the artist.
Did You Know?
You should consider the purpose of the tattoo; location of the tattoo; tattoo artist's talent and how you will feel about the tattoo a decade in the future.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 15 of 16
Next >>
 
I change my mind too often, A tattoo is too permanant for me!

Posted on 04/13/2007 at 4:04:00 PM

 
Didn'tknow you had to think about so much stuff for a tattoo

Posted on 04/12/2007 at 8:04:00 PM

 
I think my grandkids will think I'm cool with my lower-back tattoo -- if they ever see my lower back!

Posted on 04/11/2007 at 10:04:00 PM

 
great article! i have three tattoos and will probably get one or two more, eventually!

Posted on 04/11/2007 at 2:04:00 PM

 
Tattoos aren't just for the young. I'm 35 and getting my first one next month -- I just haven't decided where to put it. It's a mermaid and signifies my love of water, my spiritual connection to the water and my new-found feeling of "I don't give two hoots for what anyone else thinks!" I was always the goody two-shoes. Been there, done that, movin' on.

Posted on 04/11/2007 at 9:04:00 AM

 
I have two and I got them when I turned 18. Im 32 now and I still love them. I would like to get another one at some point. The only real time I regretted getting one was when my brother got married and I was in the bridal party. We wore these sleeveless dresses and I never will forget the look on my mother's face when I tried my dress on lol.

Posted on 04/09/2007 at 4:04:00 PM

 
When my daughter was 16, she got a tatoo of a Gecko lizard on her tummy. In an effort to not get in trouble (15 years ago), she rambled off all the smart things she did - check for sterilized needles, choosing a hidden spot under her bikini line, etc. All I could say was: "What will you do when you get pregnant and that cute little Gecko turns into an Iguana Lizard?" She freaked at the thought - but now has 3 more tatoos (and no children yet). Great article - good advice.

Posted on 04/09/2007 at 3:04:00 PM

 
I plan on getting tattoos someday (I'm already 32)! Great article.

Posted on 04/09/2007 at 2:04:00 PM

 
These are things I probably should have considered before getting my tattoos, which I now regret.

Posted on 04/07/2007 at 9:04:00 PM

 
It's like getting married, but having to have surgery to get divorced.

Posted on 04/07/2007 at 8:04:00 PM

 
I've been waiting to get mine, you gave me some good things to consider in the meantime.

Posted on 04/07/2007 at 8:04:00 PM

 
Informative article.

Posted on 04/07/2007 at 7:04:00 PM

 
Great Article

Posted on 04/07/2007 at 7:04:00 PM

 
I never got a tatoo because I always understood that what I wanted then was not necessarily what I'd want in my later years. Thank goodness I was smart enough to know that cause I definitely am glad I don't have them today!

Posted on 04/07/2007 at 5:04:00 PM

 
Good article but tattoos are for people younger than I. My Daughter has two.

Posted on 04/07/2007 at 3:04:00 PM

Type in Your Comments Below
Your name:

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Showing Comments 1 - 15 of 16
Next >>
Most Commented On