10 Questions You Need To Ask Yourself Before You Get A New Tattoo
Getting a new tattoo is a big deal. It can be hard to determine if you are ready and are completely sure of your tattoo choice or if you might be jumping the gun. Especially if this is your first tattoo, you should probably consider some things before you get something permanent on your body forever. Not to worry, we have a whole list of questions you need to ask yourself before you get a new tattoo.
1. Do I know exactly which design or artwork I want?
It is important that you have details and a well-thought-out idea before you even book your tattoo appointment. If you’re not even sure what you want how can you expect the tattoo artist to convey what you want? You don’t want to make the artist come up with the whole idea on the fly, that’s not being considerate to them and you might not even like the final product.
To prevent this, be sure to put a lot of thought into what you want. Then, you can bring an idea, a sketch, or even some pictures for reference that highlight what you want for your own tattoo.
2. Am I willing to pay for the best work?
Tattoos aren’t cheap, but if you’re going to have something on your body forever, let alone a piece of artwork, you have to consider that you might have to pay a little more for a better-looking tattoo. Are you willing to pay upwards of hundreds of dollars? If you are but don’t have the money at the moment, can you find ways to save up?
Do your research to find a good price within your budget, but don’t sacrifice quality. Finally, don’t forget about tipping your tattoo artist. Consider this when you’re budgeting for your tattoo. Artists’ work hard and deserve adequate compensation.
3. Am I sure about the placement on my body of the tattoo?
Once you got your design figured out, the next step is to find a place on your body that you are sure you want it to go because you won’t be able to move it around (obviously). Your friends or even your tattoo artist might present some ideas or even try to persuade you about where your tattoo should go. Speaking from experience, don’t go with whatever else is saying if you’re not 100% sure.
For example, I wanted one of my tattoos on the back of my arm, and everyone was telling me no and to do it on my bicep. I already had a tattoo on my other bicep so I thought that would look a little weird. Long story short, I completely regret it and now I have tattoos on both my biceps that just don’t look right to me.
Not everyone will agree with the placement of your tattoo, and that’s okay. This is your body and your preference for how you want it to look. After all, you’re the one who is going to have to look at it every day.
4. Will I be able to handle to pain?
Whether this is your first tattoo or new addition, you’ve probably already thought about the pain of getting it. Placement, size, and the detailing of the tattoo all need to be taken into account when considering how much pain you’ll have to endure. When you think about all these things, you can better prepare yourself for what’s to come. This can also allow you to come up with things to help ease the pain or distract you from it.
For example, you could consider bringing headphones and listening to music, asking your tattoo artist for short breaks from time to time, or whatever works for you.
5. Who will I bring with me?
Whoever you bring with you to your tattoo appointment is important. You want to pick someone who will make you feel comfortable and relaxed but also someone who can keep your spirits up and distract you if things get a little intense. You also want to consider someone who will be willing to sit for long periods of time with you and go on a quick food run if you need it.
If you’re more of a solo individual and prefer doing things on your own, maybe you need to consider just going it alone. Either one is perfectly okay!
6. Do I have someone to help me with cleaning my tattoo?
After you get a tattoo, it is your responsibility to keep it clean, covered, and moisturized during the healing process. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo on a hard to reach place like you’re back, for example, you also need to consider and have a plan as to who will help you with the cleaning of your tattoo.
This especially needs to be done before you get your tattoo. No one likes having someone come up to them with a bloody tattoo asking for help with no warning. This way your helper has time to prepare and knows what to expect.
7. Am I ready to deal with the scrutiny from people who don’t approve of my tattoo?
Whether it’s a meaningful tattoo or a fun spur-of-the-moment design, there will always be people who will scrutinize you and your tattoo. This can be friends, family, your place of business, and so on. This is ultimate you’re decision and your body so you can do whatever you want, but it’s best to prepare yourself for the haters and the impacts it might have.
If you don’t care what people will say then great, if you need a little more time to build up your strength, that’s okay too! You want to make sure that when you get your tattoo it’s with full confidence and assurance.
8. Am I just bored?
No tea, no shade, all lemonade. If you want to get a tattoo just because you’re bored that is well within you’re right. This is just something to ask yourself if you are unsure of your intentions behind your want for a new tattoo. If you’re just looking for something to do on a boring afternoon, maybe consider saving your time and money and go watch a movie instead.
9. Is it everything I want?
When it comes to designing and picking out your tattoo, no detail is too small. You want to make sure that everything is exactly how you want. If the font is not quite what you want if the color is not the shade you imagined or even if the leaves of the tiny flower you want aren’t quiet curving in the way you want than fix it. This is where a lot of time, research, and preparation can come in handy. You’re paying for it, so it might as well be everything you want. However, you don’t want to annoy the tattoo artist with all your changes and suggestions so come prepared with a full detailed example.
You don’t want to look down at your tattoo years from now and think about how much that one little tiny part bothers you and how you wish you could have changed it.
10. Will I enjoy this tattoo for years to come?
No matter what you want for a tattoo, it is best to pick one that you love and that you will love with 80 years-old. If you don’t think you’ll like something on your body for years to come then it’s not worth getting on your body at all. Don’t waste your time and money if you don’t absolutely love it. Plain and simple.
