When you've made the decision to get a tattoo and considered the pros and negatives of having an everlasting marking on your body, you will then perhaps be asking what is the best course of action to take when getting the design? Here are three basic steps towards choosing a tattoo that you will appreciate and that is also expertly designed.

Like anything else, the more you know and the better prepared you are when you go to the tattoo artist, the easier things will go. So if you already have your design picked out or drawn, that will save a lot of time once you get to the shop where you will get your tattoo. So if you want the name of your sweetheart in some fancy font forever on your arm, tinker with that at home and take that to the tattoo artist to work with.

The artist doesn't care what the design is so if you want something artistic or fun such as a horse or a sunburst, that's fine. But knowing what you want helps a lot so you can be ready to hand the design to the artist who will do your tattoo. Don't plan to just describe it because these artists don't like to work that way. Bring the pattern with you.

Along with the pattern think about what colors to include with your tattoo. Your own natural skin shade may make a difference. If you are really pale, white may not be a good tattoo tint for you. This is where the expertise of the tattoo artist can be helpful to make adjustments so the tattoo looks great on you.

It may go without saying that a huge decision to make is where on your body to have the tattoo placed. A tattoo that you are getting to show off to everyone can go on your hand, ankle or even neck or face. But if it is a tattoo you are getting just for your own pleasure or part of a private language with someone special, placing it on your upper leg or somewhere else that is usually covered is a good choice.

When deciding on a location for your tat design, you should also consider the long term consequences of this decision. If your future plans include getting a post in Corporate America, for instance, you may want to re-evaluate before resolving to get a tattoo of a knife on your face.

Last of all, you are going to find a tattoo parlor. The best way to make this conclusion is based on personal recommendations from people who have had tattoos in the past. Individuals who have been through the tattoo process will be best able to advise you on how clean a certain tattoo parlor is, whether their body art got infected later, and who was the best artist in any given location.

Don't rush into getting a tattoo and promise yourself you won't go do it for fun or on a dare. A tattoo becomes part of who you are for the rest of your life so give this big decision some serious thought and if you do, the tattoo you get will be one you are proud of for life as well.