How to get a tattoo
How I did it: I have been planning this particular tattoo for over 3 years. I needed help drawing it out, but the picture was very clear in my mind. My boyfriend is an artist and I have talked about it several times. Then, my friend got her first at a tattoo parlor near where I live. My boyfriend happened to have used this same parlor several times and was always very ahppy with the work, so I asked him to draw it out. He did...it was fabulous. He took me to see his artist (this particular guy had done like, 8 of his 10 tattoos), and we got a quote and left BF's sketch with him to work on. I watched the BF get a tattoo by that guy, that night, and that helped clear alot of nerves too. I got the money together, and we set the appointment. BF went with me, and the artist had made a couple changes to the sketch, and I was very happy with it. Then, we got started. He worked fast, and was efficient. He took several breaks, but was cool about not being obvious that he just thought I needed it lol.
Lessons & tips: Talk to people you trust who have tattoos already.
Go to a reputable artist/parlor. Not just someone who will do it cheap. Cheap tattoos are usually cheap for a reason.
Watch a firend get a tattoo first. Seeing it in person is helpful. It's best if this isn't the friend's first tat, though lol. It helps calm the nerves to see someone else handle it.
Use that time to discuss aftercare, before-care, and how to prepare yourself. It helps to have it ingrained before you go get yours, as it can be alot to take in all at once. Also, ask what type of ID you need, and anything else you'll need to bring with you or will need directly after.
Make friends with the staff. They can often be a great help if you're nervous.
Have your aftercare product already, or have a friend buy it while you are getting inked. You'll need it the next morning.
Take a friend with you...preferably one who has done it before. It helps to have someone to talk to that you know, and if you are lucky enough for that person to be a regualr of the artist, you'll feel alot more open with your artist, which is great.
Trust your artist. He or She should talk to you before doing most things, and ask questions. I told my artist at least 4 times that I was happy with mine, but he would tell me I needed more shade, or more highlights, and it turned out better than I could have imagined, but don't be afraid to say no if it's something you really hate (like he wants to put pink flowers when you hate pink with a passion, but I doubt that will happen).
Resources: People with tattoos
Tattoo artists
PIctures of things you love. Know what and why you want what you want. It will help you nail down a final design.
Artistic friends/aquaintances
