The tattoo process starts with finding the right place. There are dozens of artists in the radius of any given city, so it's important to, rather than just find one based on a cool webpage, actually visit the parlor itself. The parlor should be spotlessly clean, and everything surgically sanitized. Of course, a little extra creativity in the décor is also great!

The next step in the tattoo process is checking out a tattoo artist's portfolio. Most people who are ready to get a tattoo will do so because they already have a particular sketch in mind. It's extremely important to select an artist that can accommodate your tattoo request. For example, you might want to have a color tattoo done, but if an artist's specialty is black and gray, then that will easily be seen in the artist's portfolio.

When you have found a tattoo artist that you feel will give you the tattoo you want, then the next step in the tattoo process is to talk with the artist about placement, etc. If possible, bring an example of the tattoo that you want, so that the artist will have a point of reference. Also, the artist might want to embellish the design a little bit, so give the artist time to sketch the tattoo (this will take an hour or so, so go have something to eat while you wait).

Once the artist is done sketching the tattoo, the next step in the tattoo process is the one you've actually been waiting for: Getting the tattoo. You'll be asked to lie down, and stay very still. If you're a guy looking to get a tattoo, the artist will first shave any hair away from the area.

You'll notice that for sanitary reasons, the artist will be wearing gloves, and will first have to put new needles in the tattooing machine. This is for sanitary purposes, as reputable artists should never use the same tattooing needle twice.

A common misconception is that all tattoos are drawn free-hand on the body. Even the most skillful artist will make mistakes sometimes, and it's definitely not a good idea to make a mistake on skin! So, what'll happen is that the artist will use the sketch created before (which is now on transferable paper) and, transfer the sketch onto your skin much like you would a temporary tattoo.

The tattoo will be completed from there much like a coloring book, in which the artist will go over the sketch and fill in the necessary areas. During the process, you might notice that there's a little bit of stinging. That's because the tattoo machine is making the needle go in and out of the skin very quickly, injecting the upper layers of the skin. Yes, tattooing isserious business!