How To Get A Great Tattoo And Never Regret It
[ 15 March 2007 ]
While tattoos can be fantastic & beautiful, they can also be hideous & embarrassing. This article will tell you about the sort of things you need to consider before you get a tattoo, how to pick a design, how to choose a tattoo artist & how to look after it once it’s done.
I love my tattoos (I have two half-sleeves), but before you get any, you need to think about the fact that getting a tattoo is a big deal. It might come out looking terrible, you might hate it, you might be allergic to the ink they use, your parents may never speak to you again, you may become unemployable (depending on what you get & where) & YOU WILL HAVE IT FOREVER. Unless you can afford laser removal which, I understand, is very expensive.
There are lots of good reasons for getting a tattoo. There are also a lot of bad ones. For example:
You want to piss off your parents. You want to look tough. All your friends have them & you feel left out. You want to profess your undying love to your new girlfriend via ink on your skin (dude, just send a card). You want to be cool. You’re drunk. Your friend needs someone to practice on. Et cetera.
I have seen so many bad tattoos — so bad they make me cringe when I think about them. I know a guy who went somewhere “cheap” to get his done & he ended up with a tattoo that is crooked. It is so embarrassing! My point is, getting a tattoo which doesn’t suck isn’t that easy. The proliferation of ugly tattoos on the shoulders of the great unwashed is proof of that.
Where do you want it?
My suggestion (at least for a first tattoo) is that you get it somewhere which is easy to cover for work. Anything below the wrists or above the neck is a pretty bad call, though there are a lot of tattoo parlours which won’t tattoo anyone there anyway. Remember that people really like to judge anyone with a tattoo. My friend is about to get his knuckles tattooed & I dread the day he has to go to court for a traffic violation or travels internationally.
How much do you want to spend?
The answer should be “as much as it takes”. Please, never go anywhere & say “Oh, I only have $100, what can you do for me?”. I have spent thousands of dollars on my arms (& that’s before you even factor in that I flew to New York to get Timmy Kern to do one of them). You should plan your tattoo with your artist first, get an estimate of cost, & then go away & save your money! It’s for life! Remember?!
What are you going to get?
Most tattoo artists have pages of what is called flash art up on their walls which you can pick from. I always thought that was quite a bizarre thing… you walk into a parlour, have a cursory glance around, then say to the man behind the counter, “yeah, gimme ‘horny little devil #6’, right here”. It’s so meaningless! I actually knew someone with that exact tattoo, it was painful to look at.
If you’re not sure of what you want, try making a list of things which appeal to you (aesthetic or otherwise). Make it three pages long if you need to, just brainstorm & rattle off as many things as you can think of. I did that for both of my tattoos. The first list (when I shrunk it down to the things I actually wanted on me) said: siamese twins / candy / cupcakes / teacups / fortune cookies / hearts. The second one said: swanboat / hot air balloon. If you can find pictures of the things you like, print them out & take them to your tattoo artist. This will help them a lot.
A reader just suggested that if you’re getting something in a written in a foreign language, make sure you check with a native speaker to ensure it says what you think it does!
I found a tattoo online which I really like…
No! No no no! Please don’t rip off someone else’s tattoo. It smacks of lame. A tattoo is meant to represent you, not someone else! People go to a lot of effort to design tattoos which are individual to them, & unfortunately this kind of thing happens all the time — which is one reason why I don’t really like posting full pictures of my tattoos online. Call me paranoid, but it’s almost like asking for someone to steal it.
Well, I found some art online which I really like…
Ask the artist for permission. They will probably be delighted, but it’s definitely polite to ask first. My siamese twins are two of Fawn Gehweiler’s characters joined together, & I definitely asked her whether it was okay!
How do I find a good tattoo artist?
Shop around. Have a look at Bmezine & search for artists in your area. Ask people online, ask your friends, then go into the shops & talk to the people who work there. Ask to see their portfolios — the flash on the wall is usually purchased from another company & is in no way indicative of their talent. A good tattoo artist should have social skills (i.e., not make you feel like a chump), be professional, polite & talented. If you find one you like, make an appointment for a consultation, & take in your ideas for your tattoo.
Okay, my artist drew something up for me, now what?
I am possibly the most cautious person ever. I once had someone draw me up a tattoo, which I then taped to the head of my bed so I could look at it every night & see whether I got sick of it. I did, so I knew I shouldn’t get it tattooed on me. (Looking back on it, I am SO glad I didn’t have it done. Phew.) Anyway, I would suggest doing something similar. Put it somewhere that you can look at it often.
It’s been months! I still like the design.
Get yo’ butt to the tattoo parlour, then! When they press the design onto your body, have a GOOD look at it in a mirror to make sure you REALLY like it. It can still be altered at this stage, so don’t feel like you’re being a pain if you want a slight change.
Does it hurt?
Yes, but not as badly as you think it will. Some areas (on top of bone, for example) hurt more than others, but it’s pretty bearable. If you’re worried about it, try taking some Tylenol beforehand. The best thing to do is concentrate on breathing slowly. Endorphins will kick in, & you won’t feel it as much. It also helps to think about other things than a needle in your arm — take a friend to talk to if you want, or make conversation with your tattoo artist. I’ve seen some people take mp3 players along, but I just think that’s kinda rude.
How do I look after it?
Tattoo artists have different aftercare methods, so do whatever your tattoo artist tells you to do. Basically, while it’s healing, keep it moisturised (but not over-moisturised) & don’t pick at it! Don’t go swimming, sit in a sauna or expose your new tattoo to sunlight. This will impede the healing process & can cause infections & other nasties.
It’s healed! I have a tattoo! I’m the coolest person ever!
Why yes… yes, you are. Remember to ALWAYS put sunblock on your tattoos whenever you go out in the sun. Otherwise your beautiful tattoo will fade & look sad, & we don’t want that.
A warning:
If your tattoos are visible to other people, they often think it is okay to touch you & ask inane questions. You will need to get used to this. They will ask you if it’s real (...) & then give you their opinion. You can deal with this however you like but I suggest reading my Avoiding Creeps article.
Extra For Experts:
rec.arts.bodyart tattoo FAQ will answer every question you could possibly have, including tattoos getting stretched, tattoo removal, etc.
Thousands of tattoo pictures from BMEzine — remember to use them as inspiration only!
Consider this a warning.
Blacklight!
Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala
Tags: aesthetic,
beauty,
how to Share this! + Email This + Del.icio.us
+ Facebook
+ Stumbleupon
+ Technorati
Comment
Read more tagged aesthetic...
How To Wear A Scarf Shaved-Back Hairline What Are Your Style Trademarks? What Does Your Clothing Say About You? Novelty T-Shirts Sofa Coppola's Apartment Learning How To Dress Up Style Tips -- 19th February 2007
Read more tagged beauty...
How To Rock A Beehive How Do I Choose An Eyeshadow Which Suits Me? Matching Personality To Fragrance Questions Answered With The Power Of Science! How To Beat Problem Skin Into Submission What Do You Spend Money On? Signature Scents Daily Outfit -- 31st January 2007
Read more tagged how to...
Unexpected Guests Negative People How To Wear A Scarf Avoiding Creeps How To Settle Into A City (Part Two: Domestic) How To Settle Into A City (Part One: Social) How To Rock A Beehive Visiting A Mall
I love bmezine!
I want two sleeves done. But I think I’ll start with one when I turn 18. I have no clue where to start, though! I mean, do I just walk into the parlor and go “GIVE ME A TATTOO!”?
XD. I think I’ll figure it out, when the time comes. Thanks for the info!
OOOH...I think that guy’s ear is as big as mine
â—‹sticks finger throughâ—‹
I got my first and so far only tattoo on my 18th birthday. For months before i kept a picture of it in my pocket and tried to look at it as often as i could. My tattoo is bebe (spanish word for baby) on my hip but is always hidden because it is so low, also it happens to be white. I got it at Dermagraphic in Ponsonby. I’m going to get a new tattoo of a long thin tree up my side from my hip to my shoulder blade in about a month. Is there anywhere in Auckland that you recommend? I want to book it soon.
Deanna — I know a few people who’ve had tattoos done at Dermagraphics & they don’t seem like a great place. Okay, but not very consistent. I had my siamese twins done by Adam Craft at Illicit HQ, & recommend him very highly. I also recommend Dean Sacred. You’d need to book it pretty well in advance though since as far as I know, they have waiting lists. Also one of my best friends Timmy Lee (http://www.myspace.com/catsvanbags) works in the shop, yay!
Not only is that Daniel’s Slave tattoo stupid, but it’s HIDEOUS.
Great advice! I would add though, if your design is going to include something in a foreign language please please have it checked out by a fluent speaker and/or writer to make sure it’s really saying what you want it to!
K — So right! I just added it to the article. Thank you!
if you can be bothered to hunt around on myspace and find oliver pecks page (kat von d’s husband) he has awesome advice for healing. I also recommend illicit in auckland, and skinks in hamilton
Oh my goodness. If you want to put someone off getting a tattoo they might regret, show them the pictures on BME of tattoo removal.
It actually made me feel a little sick, and it takes a lot to do that…
love the article, but I’ve heard from my artist not to take aspirin/tylonal before getting a tattoo because it can thin the blood. i might be wrong though.
Katya — Copied from the rec.arts.bodyart tattoo FAQ:
“Some people say that taking a couple of over-the-counter analgesics
before tattooing can take the edge off the pain. Acetaminophen,
commonly sold under the brand name ‘Tylenol’ is generally recommended,
but not aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs, as they tend to inhibit
clotting. In short, you may find yourself bleeding like the
proverbial stuck pig.”
Dear Timmy, pictured above, tattooed me two days in a row when I was in NYC. I took Tylenol the second day, I needed it (as you can imagine), & I didn’t see any change in the amount I bled.
Why do people have to do this to their bodies? Did you ever think about how it will look when you are older? Is it to shock society?
Sarah — I deliberated over whether or not to get a tattoo for years. I was worried that when I was 60 I would look stupid, or something. But then I decided I might not even live to 60, & it was better to do something & regret it than never do something out of fear.
Plus. I think tattoos are beautiful if they’re well done.
Seriously, seriously, advanced tattoo putting-off material:
http://www.capohedz.com/typebrighter/2005/10/really-bad-tattoos.html
Love what you’re doing Gala, am reading it every day xxx
I love your site, I comment here a loooot. I have had my chest piece ripped off a couple of times, there are some people that just love copying… particularly 2 girls who copied EVERYTHING about me. Fuming.
I have started my back piece, I love big profound pieces, I think this is going to take something like 30 hours eep but Im really happy so far.
I love talking to creeps asking me if I’ll regret it, “Probably, I was one LSD when I got it done but it’s ok , I can just rip my skin off.”
Annabel — Thank you honey! & the tattoos! Oh god! Terrible. Yeah, unfortunately a tattoo is kind of like an IQ test result which you wear forever. You should need a license to get one. Did you ever see that homeless guy in Auckland with “Smile if your horney” (sic x 2) across his neck? SO BAD. Grammatical & spelling errors, oh my god, & even worse, a joke which is funny for like half a second, NOT something you want on you for life. Yeecchhhhh.
Zoe — What’s your chest piece like? Having your stuff ripped off is awful, I sympathise, but ultimately, they’re going to be the ones who wake up in a few years & think, “oh my god, I ripped this off someone else, I’m a terrible person!”. They’re probably deep in some kind of identity crisis, which doesn’t make it any less annoying for you, but at least you don’t have that problem! xx
Hi Gala!
I’ve had the most amazing luck stumbling across your site, and it turn out that you know a few of the people I know.
This article could not be more relevant, I’ve just had my very first tattoo (half-sleeve) finished off by Rose at Illicit, and I love, love, love it to bits.
Thanks for having a choice site!
Hi Gala,
Why do I want a tattoo??? I am not entirely sure. I believe in trying everything in life … this is just one of them.
My impulsive side says “go for it” (and I will) my cautious side says “get your facts … and do it right” (and I will) That’s how I stumbled across this site.
I have been thru so many different sites … and I have to say … yours made the most sense.
I was really into getting a tattoo of a maori symbol … a symbol with a meaning that I can relate to. So far I have come across maybe just one that I liked. I like the design too and its simple and tiny (how I’d like to start).
I will keep it in an ‘easy to hide’ spot too :)
Now … to find a tattooist I like!!! Any one in Auckland that you can recommend?
Thanks for the cool website xxx
Hi Kash! If you read the comments above yours, it seems like a lot of people in Auckland need recommendations! I went to Adam Craft at Illicit & think he is pretty good. Dean & Rose are also very talented. I recommend them. Also, my cute friend Timmy works there!
what do you think about getting a tattoo someone else has a kind of respect/celebration of them, if you get my drift? my mother has a tattoo of a bluebird for various reasons (also, it was the 70s, need i say more!) and i have been contemplating getting one done as well… but then again, i’m not sure if having a family heirloom “tattoo” is kind of lame!
Hi L.,
I think that’s an awesome idea. Maybe you could get a more stylised version of what she has already. You could also go the old school classic route of a banner that says “MOM”, maybe the bird could be holding the banner in its mouth? But I guess if the bluebird doesn’t mean much to you, you could get something else which reminds you of your mother. Haha, this reminds me of that episode of The Simpsons where Bart goes to get a tattoo that says “MOTHER”, but Marge yanks him out of there so he ends up with “MOTH”... Hee hee.
Ooooh, this was really helpful. Coincidentally, me and 3 of my friends are keen on maybe getting a tattoo each, totally separate from each other. I’m going to wait a while to make sure I’m not ‘just doing it’.
I’m going to print this page.
hullo Gala
I am so glad that you posted this as I’m only 15 now, but I can’t stop goin on about the tattoos I want.
So far this is what I have [the ones i REALLY like]. Frankie across my left fingers, Brendon across my right [nicknames!!! not guys that i like]. And on both my hands two background stars with JJ printed over. My two tattoos that I drew; one has a music note and a scroll of paper that reads Passion, the other a pencil with a ribbon around it that says Life. And the last one I defiantly want is tattoo that says Keep the Faith. I know above you said that you shuldnt get tattoos that other people have [Frank Iero has this on his neck], but this is my life motto that helps me get by everyday of my life. Where to get some of these though I am unsure of.
Anyway thanks for the tips
xxJJ
I drew my first tattoo in a diary when i was 14 and waited until I was 21 to get it inked. Unfortunately I went to a less than reputable ‘artist’ and now my precious tinkerbelle has a slightly crooked wing. Luckily, she is on the back of my hip so I can only see the good wing.
I also have the insides of my wrists done – Lars at Pearl Coast in Broome WA is a master! Beautiful work which turned out exactly how I wanted it. He also made me convince him to let me have them on my wrists – was worried about work prospects and so on. I think this is the definition of a good tattoo artist – they try to talk you out of it – see how strong your convictions are – instead of just trying to make money.
One last tip though – you can’t get tattoos over scar tissue (especially celloid scarring – that raised, bumpy kind of scarring) for at least 12 months after the scar has formed, or your tattoo may end up slightly wonky, or faded in parts. So if you want a tattoo to cover a scar, you have plenty of time to decide if you really want it.
hi, i got a tattoo that was a derivitive (i changed quite a few things) of the birds in Rozi Demant’s “violets” painting
http://www.rozidemant.com/popup/gallery7/violets.htm
she’s such a great artist!
well what can i say, i ad tattoo,s on the top of my arms when i was young and later regreted them and had them lazered of but then i ad a small tattoo of a dolphin on my lower back and never regreted it, also as times gone on iv had my tattoo extended and extended and its all over my lower back and still growin, and i lv it so much and its my own design, so what im sayin is you only av 1 life you go for it just av it in a place that you won,t regret it, and think about it long and hard before you do it you av to b sure, and do it for yourself and dont listen to any 1, live life for today you never no what will happen tomorrow, and never regret your choice,s, go for it xx
I love well-done tattoos, and am planning for one in the near future (5 months) but I have only one pet peeve right now.
When people tell you that getting flash art that means nothing to you is perfectly fine&fab, while something you’ve taken hours to fabricate and is different than anyone elses isn’t.
“Waaaah… it’s too different. You’ll regret it!”
Oh, and your tattoo comes with a guarantee? That if over 1000 other people have it, at least you won’t be the only one regretting your choice?
Yar! Sorry for the rant. Can anyone shed some light on this phenomenon?
YAY! I’m so glad I read this article again. I’m going to finally bite the bullet & get my first tattoo this year. I’ve started gathering ideas & I’ve been printing things out I’ve found online & pasting them into my moleskine. I think (eep!) I may have found the PERFECT idea! I’m going to follow your advice & ask the artist(s) for “permission” and I’m going to put that particular idea as my desktop on my work computer and see if I still feel as passionately about it as I do now in a few months. I would LOVE to get mine done by Tim Kern when I get to NYC later this year, everything he has done that I have seen (including yours!) is AMAZING. Maybe I’ll look into it – I hear he’s left Last Rites now & started a place of his own! xox
Felicity — Yeah, he is working out of a shop in Brooklyn. & he is brilliant. I love him!
I am doing a research paper for school. They wasnt me to write an expository essay about tattoos. I need to know the good things about tattos to tell my audience about and to persuade them into getting one. I have 3 myself. I love tattoos, they can be somewhat addicting
Hii, i am going on holiday in 5 weeks and wanted 2 get my tattoo before i went but some people have said this can be a bad idea becasue it can get infected with you being in the swimming pool etc. Is this true ? and do u think it is safe 4 me 2 get it now ?
Thanks.
Hey,
I read this article AGES ago and kept in in mind for when i wanted to get a tattoo (cause i always knew I wanted to get one, i just had to decide what exactly…you know) . But getting to the point me and a friend have both decided we want to get one done for our 18th’s, if we still like our designs after months of staring at them of course. So i was wondering if anyone had suggestions of any good tattoo parlors in Perth WA?
thanks so much! this is going straight to my bookmarks :3