That's it - you've made a decision: you're going to get the tattoo you've always longed for. You're going to get it on your lower back (or upper arms, or forearms, legs, etc) and it's going to make a statement about who you are and what you're about. After all, tattoos are like any kind of art - they have a meaning. For someone who wears body art, you want to project this meaning every time you reveal your skin. Whether it's in public or private. But first things first - what design will you choose and where will you find it? And who can do it?

After reaching the conclusion that you want a tattoo, your next question will probably be: "where can I find great tattoo art?" Well, the Internet is a great place to start! There are lots of online galleries featuring the tattoo art of accomplished tattooists. Many are run by tattooists or tattoo enthusiasts. Meanwhile, visit a few tattooists and have a flick through their flash books. Flash books contain various tattoo designs. Where does the term "flash" come from? It stems from when customers used to go into a tattoo salon, look at the art on the wall, and ask the tattooist to replicate one of those designs on their body. This would all happen as quick as a "flash".

The good thing about visiting a few tattooists is that you'll get to know which tattooist you'd like to create your tattoo art, based on how they relate to you, and their level of skill. In fact, I recommend using the Net to find out as much information about the various tattooists in your area. Ideally, they will have websites that display some of their art. This will give you an indication of what kinds of art they are experienced with and capable of performing. Some may specialize in certain kinds of tattoos e.g. Japanese style tattoos, pirate style tattoos or tribal tattoos. In addition, you may find that some tattooists are more or less helpful when it comes to helping you determine the ideal tattoo for you.

One thing to keep in mind about getting the right tattoo design is that it's a good idea to be realistic about what is likely to look good on you. For example, certain colors may suit different people based on their complexion. And certain sizes and designs may suit different people based on how big they are. Again, consult the tattoo artist about what is likely to be appropriate for you. Remember, you're going to have to live with the design you choose for the rest of your life... so you want to make sure it will look good for years to come.

Once you've done all the research and discussed your ideas with your tattoo artist, and you've decided on the tattoo you want... it's time to get your tattoo done. Of course, be sure that the tattoo shop meets the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Hopefully, that won't be a problem and you'll come out of the salon wearing an incredible looking example of body art.