When you get a tattoo you are getting something that you will be living with for the rest of your life, so take your time, choose well and choose wisely.

If you even think there is a chance that a tattoo isn’t for you then stop, think about it some more and consider your position. Tattoos are permanent and tattoo removal is painful and expensive.

Reputation

Just as with any other personal service, everyone’s experience can vary, and a professional’s reputation is everything. The first place to start when choosing a tattooist is to ask around and enquire about an artist’s reputation. The work of each tattoo artist will vary with some having better reputations for detailed work and some having a better reputation for larger pieces.

Free Hand

Most artists don’t use free hand when tattooing. They usually trace the tattoo design and then put a transfer on your skin to reduce the risk of errors. After tattooing the design’s outline, artists will then proceed to fill the lines with colour if that is what the design calls for.

What steps can I take to ensure a great job?

• Check the artist’s reputation. Ask around, ask your friends.
• Most artists will have samples of their work in their studio, ask to see them and check them closely.
• Pay a visit to their studio before your tattoo and ask the clients who are having their tattoos done, are they happy?
• If you are bringing your own design into the studio, make sure it is clear. The better the quality of your material the better the starting point for the artist will be.
• Keeping still during a tattoo can be difficult as your instinct is to move, but the stiller you are, the better the result.
• After care is really important. Make sure you listen to the instuctions and the follow them closely.

Size Matters

A large tattoo can take a substantial amount of time, and just like any artist, tattooists need to get up and stretch. As the person getting a tattoo, you will be fighting the impulse to move away from the source of what is hurting you, and you too will benefit from a break. Many larger tattoos are applied over more than one session so don’t be alarmed if your tattoo artist suggests this strategy.

A tattoo artist can apply the perfect tattoo but if the design is bad or the after care instructions aren’t followed then the tattoo’s quality will suffer. Make sure you choose the design and the location carefully and of course, follow the aftercare instructions.