14 Apr 7 Questions to Ask Before You Tattoo.
So you’ve made up your mind to get a tattoo (or another one). Congratulations! But – at the risk of sounding like a broken record – it’s important to remember that tattoos are a permanent addition to your life and should be given due consideration and research.
We want you to go in fully prepared and ready to embrace your new body art with eyes wide open. So before you ink, ask yourself these seven questions:
1. Why am I getting a tattoo?
Are you doing it because it’s trendy, or because your best friend just got one? Or maybe because your SO thinks it’ll be hot? Listen, a tattoo is permanent and shouldn’t be entered into lightly. It’s a big commitment. So make sure you’re getting a tattoo for the right reasons. Like the fact that you want to express yourself through body art. Or because you’re passionate about something and want to memorialize it on your body. These are good reasons. Freaking out your parents is not.
2. Is this the best design for me?
Here’s the thing…you are an individual work of art. How sad would it be for you to put ink on your body that doesn’t reflect who you are? So give it a lot of thought and choose a design that is meaningful to you and you alone. Once you have a design in mind, have samples or a finished drawing to share with your tattooist.
3. Will I still like it in 10 years?
Tattoo styles come and go. Popular trends are here today, gone today. Tastes change. Bodies change. And a lot can happen in a decade. Will the design you have in mind stand the test of time? If you’re not going to love Bart Simpson as much in 2025, it’s probably best to pass on him and choose something with more staying power.
4. Where am I going to put it?
Tattoo placement is tough decision – especially since there are a lot of different body parts to choose from. Some designs lend themselves better to certain areas, but it really boils down to personal choice.
5. Who is the best tattoo artist for my tattoo?
This is probably one of the most important questions you can ask yourself. The artist – and let’s face it, their level of talent and professionalism – will determine how satisfied you’ll be with your tattoo. The three most important things you can do is 1) Look at portfolios, 2) Check his/her reputation, and 3) Meet and talk with him/her beforehand. If anything doesn’t meet your expectations, run.
6. Will my tattoo keep me from getting hired, or getting a promotion?
Bottom line is, many companies still regard tattoos as less than desirable in an employee. However, the more creative an industry is, the more acceptable your tattoo will be. If you think a tattoo won’t go over well with your boss, you may want to consider one that can be easily covered by clothing. For more information on this subject, check out this previous blog: https://inkoninkoff.com/2015/03/what-does-your-boss-really-think-about-your-tattoo/
7. How do I take care of my tattoo?
A tattoo is a lifetime commitment that not only requires immediate aftercare, but ongoing maintenance as well. Your tattoo artist should go over the specifics with you. At Ink On Ink Off, our tattoo artists work with the client to develop an aftercare program tailored to the type of tattoo being inked, the specific body part, and the type of inks and needles we used.
Like any other important life decision, getting a tattoo requires forethought. Go in fully prepared and you will love your tattoo even more!
INK ON INK OFF IS A CLINICIAN-LED TATTOO CENTER LOCATED IN CLEVELAND, OHIO, THAT SPECIALIZES IN CLINICAL ARTISTRY TATTOO REMOVAL, TATTOO REDESIGN / ALTERATIONS, AND NEW ARTISTRY.