What to Consider When Getting a Tattoo

There are certain things to think about before getting a tattoo. Obviously, cleanliness comes first. If you walk into a tattoo parlor and it does not seem clean enough to you, walk out! The parlor should offer hospital grade sterilization and be certified. The artist should also unwrap the needles in front of you. This way you know where it's been in between getting unwrapped/unpackaged and being used on your skin.

You will also want to consider the artists themselves. Look at photos of tattoos they've already done. Some artists have a specialty - they may be great at doing portraits, but not so good at doing flowers. Go with an artist that frequently does the type of tattoo you want. Practice counts for a lot.

Don't rush into a design either. At 18 years old, you may think a Tweety Bird on your leg looks really cool. Will you feel the same way at 40? Would you want to go through the added expense of laser removal or having the tattoo turned into something else (if it's possible)? If you are fine with having a tattoo removed if you grow tired of it, that's fine, but it's something to consider.

You also need to think about what kind of job you'd like to have before getting a tattoo. If you want a corporate job, chances are visible tattoos won't be very accepted. In this case, you need to place your tattoos where they are easily hidden if necessary. Some jobs, like retail, may allow for you to show a certain amount of ink. However, an employer may stipulate that while visible tattoos are acceptable, they must be small and inoffensive in nature.

It can also be a good idea to think about why you're getting a tattoo. Are you getting one because you truly want one, or are you getting it purely for some kind of shock value? This will affect your satisfaction with the tattoo. Not every tattoo has to have a deep significance, but it should be something that you want. If you get a tattoo just to surprise, shock, or anger someone, chances are the novelty will wear off someday. Then what? Will you still like having it?