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Your First Tattoo

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When you have decided you are ready for your first tattoo, it would be in your best interest to not rush into the nearest tattoo parlor and get something spontaneously.  When people make this rash move, they often have regrets down the road. The regrets may involve the choice of the design or the quality of the tattoo artwork. You should do some prep work and give yourself some time before making a dash to the nearest tattoo artist. You do not want to be searching for tattoo removal options in a few years.

An easy step and one you have probably been doing naturally, is to ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Notice people’s tattoos and if you see tattoo work that you admire or like the style of the artist, ask the wearer for the name of the artist and where they work. Although some scratchers do nice artwork, I recommend you stay away from unlicensed shops and artists that are giving tattoos in their "spare bedroom". The health standards available in a professional licensed shop surpass a scratcher's (an unlicensed artist) home any day.

Once you've chosen a tattoo parlor, stop into the shop and flip through the artist's books. Most shops have portfolios of the artists that work there. Hang around for awhile and just observe how the shop is run. See if it’s run like a professionally business. See how customers are treated. 

Once you have found a tattoo shop, your next step is to choose the design and decide on the area of your body you want to place it. These two choices are blended into one. The design should be a good fit to the general shape of the body part you choose. You can talk to the artist if you are not sure if you've made a good match for these two. Your graphic choice can come from any source available. Books, magazines, and the internet are valuable resources as well as the option of going to the shop and checking out the tattoo flash you often find on shop walls and books.

Now you have your shop, artist, and graphic work narrowed down. Make your appointment and prepare for the big day. Get a good night's sleep and don't drink alcohol a couple days before or this will cause your blood to thin and you will bleed excessively. This makes it harder for the artist although it doesn't mean the discomfort is any worse.

A tattoo is uncomfortable and at times can be painful. Some people have a lower tolerance for pain than others but being anxious and nervous may accentuate the pain. Thinking positive and doing little things such as deep breathing and forcing yourself to relax as much as possible can make the experience much more enjoyable.