5 Timeless Fundamentals of Tattoo Selection
Tattoos aren’t just a trend that has been getting more popular in recent years as they’ve been around for centuries. These days, though, tattooing has become more extensive with the technology that we have and the detail is amazing. Because of this, people that didn’t think they’d ever get a tattoo are starting to consider it and join the 30 percent of Americans that have received a tattoo in the past 10 years. Before you face the needle for the first time, though, there are some things that you need to know. Here are the fundamentals of tattoo selection.
5. Don’t Rush It
The worst thing that you can do when getting a tattoo is getting one on the spot. It’s basically an old trope at this point. You go to a place like Las Vegas, have a bit too much to drink and when you get home you discover a new tattoo that you immediately hate. Never be under the influence when getting a tattoo, although you can decide on one when you have. If the sober version of you still likes the tattoo idea you came up with, it might be a good pick for you.
4. Start Small
If you’ve never had a tattoo before, you might be doing yourself a huge disservice if you dive into a full arm sleeve for your first project. Instead, you should pick out something small. This can set the base for your larger project, but there’s something even more important for starting small. This will be a good base for your pain tolerance when the needle starts doing its work. If it felt like almost nothing, then you’re ready to take the next step to a larger tattoo.
3. Don’t Follow Trends
Because of social media, a lot of us tend to hop on a lot of trends. Whether it be from TikTok, Instagram or one of the countless others, tattoos are no stranger to being part of a trend. It’s best to ignore what’s hot at the moment because when you look at the tattoo a few years down the road you might end up cringing. Just because someone like Ariana Grande got a particular tattoo doesn’t mean you have to get the same one.
2. Word of Mouth
Getting a tattoo from an artist that you’ve never met before can be a bit scary. But word of mouth goes a long way in the tattoo game. If you see an artist that has darn near perfect ratings on online reviews or know someone that has personal experience, then that’s an artist that’s likely to be trusted. If they have a wide catalog of work, too, you’ll know you found the right artist.
1. The Personal Connection
Think back to when you were a child and you said that you like dinosaurs once so every birthday or Christmas present you received was some sort of dinosaur item. You probably don’t like dinosaurs as much these days, do you? The same growth continues into adulthood, so you probably won’t want a tattoo of a dinosaur when you’re 80. Instead, pick something that has personal meaning to you, such as a departed family member or the place where you grew up. Heck, maybe you do love dinosaurs that much that it will last the rest of your life.