| 1. Keep the tattoo design as personal as possible. | | | | have a clean, professional appearance. |
| Incorporate meaningful things from your | | | | 6. Get exactly what you want. The time to make |
| experiences in to tattoo ideas. The uniqueness of | | | | the final tattoo design decision is before the artist |
| the design doesn't necessarily make it personal to | | | | begins the tattoo. Look at the stencil and make |
| you. Make sure the artwork is meaningful to you. | | | | sure everything is how you want it. Make sure |
| 2. Think about the future. Will you want this | | | | any words are spelled correctly and that you and |
| artwork on your body 10 or 20 years from now? | | | | the artist have an understanding of what colors |
| Try to avoid trendy or impulsive tattoo decisions. | | | | are to be used. |
| Even the best tattoo by the best professional | | | | 7. Make changes now. Don't wait until the tattoo is |
| artist will fade with age so think about the clarity | | | | completed to decide you wanted a different color |
| of the design and how it might look over time. | | | | or font or the size bigger or smaller. After the |
| Tattoos are a long term commitment. | | | | tattoo has begun it is much harder to change. |
| 3. Do not be influenced by others, whether by the | | | | 8. Be polite. Tattoo artists are professionals. If |
| latest celebrity or people in your personal life. The | | | | you have gone to a reputable shop and are using |
| decision to get a tattoo should solely be an | | | | a reputable artist then you should treat the |
| individual choice. Peer pressure shouldn't be a | | | | employees in a polite manner. A tattoo shop is a |
| deciding factor in getting or not getting a tattoo. | | | | business like any other and you should conduct |
| 4. Find a reputable tattoo shop and look at each | | | | yourself accordingly. |
| artist's portfolio. Find a tattoo artist whose gallery | | | | 9. Sit still. Tattoos require precise work and the |
| of work best fits your tattoo idea. Don't be afraid | | | | artist's full attention. If you are chatty or move |
| to ask the artist questions beforehand. Asking a | | | | around it will distract the artist and affect the |
| few questions will give you an idea of the artist's | | | | quality. Be mentally prepared for the fact that |
| personality. This could be important, especially if | | | | some tattoos in some areas can be |
| you're getting a large tattoo that might require | | | | uncomfortable, but you'll still be expected to |
| numerous visits to the artist. | | | | maintain your composure. |
| 5. Make sure the tattoo shop is licensed. The | | | | 10. Tip. You have chosen a reputable shop and a |
| license should be current and prominently | | | | reputable artist. If you're satisfied with the quality |
| displayed. Also make sure the shop looks and | | | | of work, don't be afraid to show the artist by |
| smells clean. Ask where the autoclave is located | | | | tipping. Most tattoo artists work off of pure |
| and look in the area to make sure it is | | | | commission, meaning if they don't do a tattoo |
| well-maintained. Check the artist's workspace, it | | | | they don't get paid. So tipping for good work is |
| should clean and uncluttered. The artist should also | | | | greatly appreciated. |