If you are thinking of getting a tattoo you will know already that there is more to it than you first imagined. There’s a lot to think about before you go ahead and commit to such a permanent decision.
Tattoos are more popular than ever – with both men and women – and can be a very beautiful adornment. They are also often of sentimental importance, hence the design you choose is a very personal choice.
What are the factors you need to consider when planning a tattoo? Let’s start with the most important – choosing your tattoo artist.
Find a Top Tattoo Artist
Tattoos cannot be applied by just anyone. Tattooing is an art, and a very fine one that requires great skill and experience. This is why you need to choose your tattoo artist very carefully.
Will a good tattooist cost you more? Yes, it will, just as finding the best portrait artist, for example, would cost you more. However, believe us when we tell you that you will see the results in the finished article.
Ask around friends and family for recommendations and visit tattoo blogs and forums. Then go to the shops you have shortlisted and visit them. The artists will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and show you around their shop.
Find someone you are comfortable with, as you will be in their company for some time. Next, it’s time to consider the tattoo itself, and where you want it.
Tattoo Design and Placing
You may already have a design in mind, either your own or one that you have seen elsewhere. If it is your own design, you need to talk to the tattooist about the practicality. It may not be possible to recreate exactly, and they will help you find the best compromise.
If you are not set on a design talk to the tattooist about why you want a tattoo, and what you want it to represent. Few people get a tattoo for the sake of it, and most have an emotional meaning for the wearer.
Where do you want your tattoo applied? There may be restrictions on visible tattoos in your job. This is not unusual, and immediately eliminates locations on the body that will be on view.
It is an important decision, as a permanently visible tattoo will have an effect socially and professionally, so take your time thinking about it.
For the record, the most popular places for tattoos are the upper and fore arm, the legs, ankles, and the wrists. Women are strangely keen on tattoos behind the ear but be aware this is a sensitive area.
Don’t Forget the Numbing Cream!
Getting a tattoo can be a painful experience, especially for those who have a low pain threshold. However, for those who still want to get inked without experiencing too much discomfort, tattoo numbing cream can be a great solution.
Tattoo numbing cream is a topical anesthetic that can be applied to the skin before getting a tattoo. It works by blocking the pain receptors in the skin, which can help reduce the sensation of pain during the tattooing process. The cream is typically applied around 30 minutes before the tattoo appointment, and it can provide pain relief for up to a couple of hours.
There are many different types of tattoo numbing creams available on the market, and it’s important to choose one that’s safe and effective. Some of the most popular brands of tattoo numbing cream include Dr. Numb, Hush, and Lidocaine.
Before using a tattoo numb cream, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and follow them closely. It’s also a good idea to talk to your tattoo artist about using a numbing cream, as some artists may have specific preferences or recommendations.
While tattoo numbing cream can be a great way to reduce pain during a tattoo, it’s important to remember that it’s not a complete solution. Tattoos still involve needles and a certain amount of discomfort, and a numbing cream may not be able to completely eliminate that. However, it can certainly make the experience more bearable for those who are concerned about the pain.
Final Words
We advise a lengthy period of consideration before you commit to having a tattoo. Many people go ahead and then regret it when they find it has an adverse effect when moving jobs.
Our final summary: take your time, talk to tattooists and find one you are happy with, and consider the design and location carefully, and once you’re happy go and get a beautiful tattoo.