NathanBlack

I’ve got tattoos. A full sleeve and a smattering of others. It is important to get something that is important to you and something that will stay important to you.

That band you like? Think about the music you were listening to 5-10 years ago. That girl you are dating? Think about the divorce rate in this country. A rose/butterfly/celtic knot work/tribal doodles/the tasmanian devil? Are you retarded? Oh you ride a harley, never mind. Oh yeah and my favorite: the straight edge tattoos. Kid, one day a drink is going to be just what you need. Then you will be a hypocrite and feel like a jackass. Typically don’t do anything based on a belief you adhere to before you can vote.

Things that are always cool: Your family. Sons/daughters/parents. Friends that have passed. Authentic japanese or early americana.

I’m not saying don’t get tattooed, I’m saying don’t be an idiot about it. Go some where good. Pay as much as you can. Do a month worth of research. It is going to be on you for the rest of your life, the least you can do is spend a month finding out about what you want and who you want to do it.

Quick answers to common questions:

• Yes, they hurt. Some places hurt worse than others.
• Yes, they are expensive. No it is not polite to ask how much I paid.
• No you shouldn’t let your friend practice on you. I don’t care how good his notebook doodling is. He doesn’t have an eraser that will take it off your skin. He also probably doesn’t have the best inks or equipment (or sterilizing equipment at all).
• Yes, people treat you different. If you have visable tattoos, there is a prejudice you have to overcome.
• Once healed up, your skin feels just like regular skin. There might be some light scaring.
• No you can’t touch it without asking. What makes you think that is ok?

Tips:

• Go some where reputable. Find the most expensive place in town. Go where the tattoo artists go.
• Pour over the artist’s portfolio. If they don’t specialize in something you want done, choose someone else. If they don’t have a portfolio, don’t walk away. RUN.
• Get to know the artist. He or she is going to be inflicting a permanent mark on your body.
• If you plan on more than one, tip well.
• If they are rude, they are used to dealing with assholes. Don’t be an asshole. It will suprise them.
• Even if you have strong opinions on what you want done, ultimately they are artists, and got into it to do their own art. If you give them input, your tattoo will be better.

In the end, just don’t be and idiot or jack ass. Go in, be nice, take your time, study the portfolio, and find the right artist.

And yes, it is totally worth it.