OK, first off, you've probably wanted a tattoo for years now and what you wanted has probably changed from a skull and cross bones, Love and Hate and finally settling on the names of your children etched Gothic style into the side of your arm - but when (and if) do you stop dreaming and go out and get one actually done?
It's a bold step, because in the main it's one that you make forever, so let's think carefully about designs. Celtic seems to be popular - knotts, bands and crosses and they've always caught my eye so I may follow suit and get one of these, sounds simple but next you need to decide where on your body you're going to get this done.
Tattoo's are both personal and public, people like to display their art while it usually holds an inner meaning or memory. But I don't want to go for a job interview / meeting etc. etc. with my tattoo on show, perhaps I feel it somehow lessens my professional look. So it's above the elbow or safely tucked away somewhere on my back.
Style wise I've seen a nice little emblem to go at the top of my neck (but below collar line) which holds in it two jewels, one for each of my children. It's not over the top and would hopefully not look out of place.
Finding the right place to get your tattoo.
Now, I dislike having my haircut. I'm uncomfortable with the banal chit-chat between cutter and customer and usually can't wait to run out. Fact is, tattoo's take longer than hair cuts, much, much longer. I telephoned a local artist who said for the size I wanted it would be just over an hour, a small price I guess for the lifetime work of art.
Cost-wise it seems to depend on the size of the tattoo, a small 2 inch square tattoo is about $90.00 whereas the larger more extravagant ones reach into the $1,000 and beyond, and that's not to mention multiple sittings!
With that said and done, I'm booked for a sitting and this time next week I'll be the proud owner of my first (does that imply more to come??) tattoo.
After scouring the internet I've found a nice site which has some downloadable pictures and outlines which you can take along to the tattoo parlour and they will reproduce the design for you, or ammend it should you have any particular requirements such as names and colours. I don't really want any specific text on mine so will be happy to get as close to the picture as the artist can.
Have to admit there is a worry he or she will get it wrong, but I'm going to a reputable artist who comes recommended.
Wish me luck!
A tattoo may only take a few minutes to get but it can last a lifetime. Tattoos are permanent. They are designs put on your skiing with pigments injected into the top layer of your skin with needles.
Here is how tattoos are created: A needle is connected to an apparatus with tubes which contain dye. These needles pierce the skin multiple times kind of like a sewing machine but on your skin. The needle inserts tiny drops of ink creating the tattoo. Tattoos can hurt and a large tattoo can take up to several hours to create. The tattoo may even bleed
What are the downsides of getting a tattoo?
You are piercing your skin so you may be a risk for more skin infections if you get a tattoo or piercing.
If you get a tattoo you put yourself at risk for getting blood related diseases. If the machine the tattoo artist uses you can you can get hepatitis C, hepatitis B, tetanus, tuberculosis and even HIV.
If you use red ink in your tattoos you may get a rash with bumps.
Tattoos can also lead to bacterial infections. The symptoms are redness, warmth, swelling and pus.
Again if you use red ink in your tattoo this can cause allergic reactions that can last for years.
Your tattoo will also require cleaning and maintenance. Your tattoo artist will give you instructions on how to clean and maintain your tattoo. You should apply skin care products and avoid too much exposure to the sun for your tattoo. Especially in the beginning.
Tattoos takes several days to heal. Do not pick at the tattoo. Give the tattoo time to heal properly.
What if you want to get rid of your tattoo? This is very common.
Tattoo removal is difficult and often still leaves scars and skin discolorations.
Laser surgery if the best way to get rid of a tattoo. Laser beams penetrate the top layer of the skin and the light is accepted by the tattoo. This method may demand up to 10 treatments over a period of a year and even then the tattoo might not completely disappear.
Another method of tattoo removal is called Dermabrasion. The tattoo is frozen until the skin is numb then the skin is sanded down. This method does not hurt very much but it usually leaves a scar.
You can also remove that tattoo surgically but this invariably leaves a scar.
Both Tom Wood & John The Tattoo And Piercing Guy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tom Wood has sinced written about articles on various topics from Debts Loans, Cars and Marketing Strategies. Tom Wood writes for Direct and is a columnist in Tool Worker magazine.. Tom Wood's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
John The Tattoo And Piercing Guy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tattoo. John the Tattoo and Piercing Guy runs the Tattoo and Piercing Blog at