22 Apr How to Choose the Right Tattoo for You
You know what’s worse than a bad tattoo?
Nothing.
Well, okay, there may be a few things worse than a bad tattoo, but seriously…how weird is it to walk around wearing a tattoo that looks like crap? Or one that you loved a few years ago, but now depresses you every time you look at it?
If the thought of this happening to you causes you to doublethink your decision to get a tattoo (or another tattoo), we’re sorry. We want you to get that tattoo – we just want you to you choose the right tattoo for your story.
What story? Your life story. The one that makes you you. Your story is full of your life experiences, your joys, your sorrows, your successes, and your failures. Your story colors how you view the world. And how the world views you. So before you do anything else, spend some time thinking about what your story is. What’s important to you? What isn’t? Try to get in touch with your…yikes…innermost feelings. Then ask yourself if the tattoo you’re considering really expresses who you are.
Like everyone has an individual story, s/he also has individual reasons for getting a tattoo. Make sure your reason is because you want to, not because someone else wants you to, or because you think it’s what all the cool kids are doing. (They are, but that’s not a good enough reason to get one.)
So how to pick a tattoo with staying power? First, start by studying great tattoos. Go online or to your nearest magazine rack and get inspired! It’s important to note here that we don’t want you to copy other tattoos…just use them as ideas to springboard into a tattoo design that is uniquely your own. Never get a tattoo just because you thought it looked cool on someone else. Your tattoo needs to be as individual as you are.
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating…don’t get anything that is trendy or faddish. Times change and tastes certainly change, so make sure your tattoos have staying power. Choose tattoo designs that have images and colors you have a deep connection with.
And let’s face it, one of the main factors for ending up with a tattoo that you’re going to love for decades to come is how well it is done. No matter how great a design you have, if the tattoo is poorly applied or looks cheap, you’re going to regret it. Do your homework. Research, research, research. If you see someone with a great-looking tattoo, ask who did it. Ask your friends for referrals. Go online. Look at tattoo artist portfolios. Never, never get a tattoo done on a whim, or when you’re…well…drunk.
Bottom line: When it comes to finding a tattoo that speaks to you, the thought that should be uppermost in your mind is “To thine own self be true.” Just don’t get that thought tattooed on your foot. Please and thank you.
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.