Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? This can be a great choice and allow you to say something about who you are, what you believe, or how you feel. It’s a way to express your personality freshly and excitingly, while some people also consider tattoos living art or highly fashionable. You might have been anxious to get a tattoo for years, or you could only just be starting to think about this choice.
If the latter is true, it’s important to consider all the crucial details before moving forward here. You need to be prepared for what getting a tattoo involves, what you need to think about before selecting a design, and ultimately, how to care for your tattoo once you have it. So, let’s dive in.
Choosing your tattoo design
Picking your tattoo is the fun part—but also the most stressful. Why? It endures forever. (Well, unless you’re planning on expensive laser removal.)
- Test it out. Most artists will stencil the design first. Take a long look. Does it feel right? If not—don’t rush it.
- Think about placement. A back tattoo? You’ll rarely see it yourself—it’s more for the world. A wrist or forearm tattoo? That’s for you, every single day.
- Symbol or statement? Some people go for meaningful quotes, others for designs that just look cool. Neither is wrong—just make sure it feels right for you.
- Language tattoos. Thinking of getting something in Chinese, Sanskrit, or Latin? Double-check the meaning! The last thing you want is “strength” actually meaning “chicken soup”.
Are They Socially Acceptable?
There was a time when tats were not accepted at all in society and were seen as common or a sign that someone was dangerous. Thankfully, opinions have changed, which will usually mean that you don’t need to cover up a tat for a job interview or when you are in the office.
Exceptions apply when your tattoo is deemed offensive. If so, you might need to invest in bandages that can cover the tat in particular situations.
This is again going to depend on the positioning, and it’s another reason why visibility is an important consideration. Some employers still discriminate against candidates who have highly noticeable body art.
Choosing The Right Artist
It would help if you then thought about finding the right artist. It’s worth looking at a few different possibilities before making your final decision. If you check the website, you should be able to explore their portfolio and determine if they can create the type of tattoo you want.
Finding the right artist will be harder if your design is more complex. Some tattoo artists specialise in photorealistic tattoos or highly artistic designs, while others will be able to complete basic lettering. Budgeting is another consideration here, too. More complex tattoos can be more expensive, particularly if they are going to take a long time to complete.
Please ensure that you also take reviews into consideration. Before booking, you should be able to find online reviews for various artists. This should tell you whether an artist is the right choice.
Caring for Your Tattoo
The aftercare stage is just as important as the actual tattoo session. Skip this and you risk infections or fading.
- Avoid sun and pools. UV rays and chlorine pose the greatest threat to a tattoo.
- Listen to your artist. They’ll give you exact instructions—follow them!
- Keep it clean. Wash gently with fragrance-free soap and pat dry.
- Don’t scratch. It’ll itch while healing, but resist the urge.
- Moisturise lightly. Tattoo balms or creams help with healing.
While your tattoo will be covered with cellophane, this does need to be removed fairly quickly. This ensures that sweat and moisture do not build up and cause an infection. It’s worth noting that your tattoo will be itchy for quite a few days, but this will pass.
It’s important to avoid touching it as little as possible to avoid infecting or potentially ruining the design. We hope this helps you understand everything you need to know before getting your own tattoo.
