(PCM) Your first tattoo. Anyone who has a tattoo will remember their first one – the one that has a special place in their hearts. Even if they aren’t wildly in love with their first, they still have a connection to it. Before heading to the tattoo shop on a Friday night, there are several considerations that need to be made beforehand. Getting a tattoo isn’t a spur of the moment decision; after all, you will have it for the rest of your life so it is worth a little thought and planning.

1. What do I want? Sure, the skull with fire shooting out of its eyes is cool when you are eighteen, but will it be as cool when you are forty? Tattoos should have meaning, even if it is only to you. When you go to meet your artist, have a good idea in mind of what you want. Tattoo artists are very creative people, but their main concern is giving you the tattoo you want. They aren’t mind readers, so be willing to speak up when you look at the sketches. After all, you have to wear it so you should love it. NEVER go into a tattoo with the idea “If I hate it, I can have it covered or removed.” Cover-ups are difficult to do and finding an artist who is experienced in doing cover-ups is hard to find. While it is possible to remove tattoos, it is a lengthy, expensive process.

1. 2. Location, location, location. While tattoos are becoming more mainstream, they still aren’t a part of most company’s dress codes. Consider your career (or future career) and get your tattoo placed appropriately. Can you cover it with clothing while you are at work? Everyone wants to show their tattoos, but think about things from your company and customers’ perspectives. How would you feel if you walked into your child’s kindergarten classroom and the teacher met you at the door with “Born to be Wild” tattooed on her forearm? While some parents wouldn’t mind, many would – even parents with tattoos themselves! Talk to your artist about placement and sizing before s/he starts. A word about “south of the border” tattoos: If you are considering getting a tattoo below the belt, talk to your artist about the requirements during tattooing and the after-care routine. Most artists don’t have an issue doing below the belt tattoos; however if yours seems uncomfortable or wants to charge a “special handling fee”, you might want to shop around for another artist. The best artists see the body as a canvas – no matter where that canvas happens to be located.
2. What’s in a name? Over and over again, tattoo artists tell clients very openly not to get the name of your significant other/lover/spouse tattooed on your body. Things happen, such as break-ups and divorces, then you’ll be stuck with a permanent reminder of that person. Many people have their kids’ names done or a remembrance tattoo done for someone significant in your life that has passed on. Remember, tattoos are forever; many relationships are not.
3. Your artist and you. As with all professionals, tattoo artists approach their craft in different ways. One of the best ways to find a good artist is personal recommendation from friends. Sometimes people will recommend a shop, not a specific artist. Use a professional artist who has been through the appropriate training. While your friend’s cousin Brewhound can draw well and has a tattoo machine, it doesn’t mean he is a qualified tattoo artist. Regardless of how you find your artist, you need to meet them before you schedule an appointment for tattooing. You are interviewing this person for an important job so be sure to be thorough in your questioning. Tattoo artists are used to this process so don’t think you will offend them by asking about their work, background, and practices. Ask to see a portfolio of their work. Ask about their apprenticeship. Ask if they have a light hand or a heavy hand – and check this out with former clients if possible! Ask how long s/he thinks you’ll be sitting or if you will need multiple sessions. Ask about sterilization and safety precautions. Be sure this is the artist for you. If not, keep shopping. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your artist and you will have their work on your body for a long time so they should be someone you trust.
4. Will it hurt? Yes. It will. However, like childbirth, you’ll remember the end result more that the discomfort at the time. Some places on the body are more painful to have tattooed than others and your artist can point those out to you. If you need a break during the tattooing, let your artist know. However, keep your breaks to a minimum as many artists get into a “zone” while working and constant interruptions throws them off. Plus, it will take longer to complete your piece which means more time under the needle.
5. Raising a happy, healthy tattoo. You are going to be sore after your tattoo is completed. Most people say it feels similar to a very bad sunburn. You will need to keep your tattoo in the open (so no bandages!) and moisturized. At first, you will want to put after-care lotion on your tattoo several times a day. Your artists will tell you what type of lotion to use and how often to use it. S/He may also suggest moisturizer for later. After a day or so, you will start to develop scabs and the area will itch. Do not scratch or pick at the scabs! This can cause scaring which will destroy your tattoo by making it patchy in places. While your tattoo is healing, you will want to avoid soaking in water, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths, and direct sunlight. After it has healed, you will need to use and SPF 45 or higher sunscreen on your tattoo when you will be outside in the sun. While this step isn’t essential, it will keep your tattoo looking sharp and bright. Again, follow your artist’s recommendations. Remember, you are paying for his/her professional opinions and advice so do what they tell you to do.

Your first tattoo is an experience you won’t forget, regardless of how many tattoos follow. With planning, serious thought, and a good relationship with your artist, you will look at that first tattoo with nothing but fond memories.

Greg Walker is an avid blogger and contributor to InkedShop.com, a leading online retailer of Tattoo apparel and Tattoo inspired jewelry.