1. Quick Washable or Lifetime (Temporary or Permanent)
- When deciding to go with a temporary or permanent tattoo, you need to determine if the tattoo is something that you want 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 or 50 years from now. A tattoo that you get when you’re 20 may not be what you would’ve picked at the age of 80, or even 50 for that matter. It’s hard to predict what we’re going to want or like 50 years from now. If you are deciding whether a tattoo is really what you want, a temporary tattoo may be a good way to have a trial run or test drive a tattoo. Try it on for a week or even a month and see if you still like it. Even celebrities like Seth Green test tattoos before going permanent. He was on The View as I write this and he is “load testing” the tattoo on his forearm. If you end up getting a permanent tattoo and a week later decide it’s not for you, getting it removed isn’t that simple as washing it off… it lasts forever! The decision that you make for a permanent tattoo is like making a long term investment that cannot be changed.
- Are you getting a tattoo for a special event? Is a tattoo symbolizing a special time in your life? Is it representing someone special in your life? A friend of mine had the Hebrew name of his niece and nephew inscribed on the inside of his left bicep (so it’s close to his heart!). His sister was so touched by those tattoos and when the children are old enough to understand, I’m certain that they will appreciate it.
- The design, placement and color are the next important decisions that you need to make! It’s very important to do your research and have made a decision before you book an appointment with a tattoo artist.
Now the fun part… Pick and Choose
2. Designs
- When choosing a design, you need to pick something that has meaning in your life. You need to choose something that reflects your personality, something that you are passionate about, or something that is sentimental. Are you a big Superman fan and want to get the iconic Superman symbol as a fond childhood memory? Or are you patriotic about your country and want to get the national flag tattooed on yourself?
- Do you want something that is “in style” today, a trendy fashion statement or something that is classic?
3. Placement
- Choose the spot carefully – your hands, face and neck are clearly visible. This can have an impact on the way others see you. I know it shouldn’t, but people judge you by the way you look. Even though 1 in 4 people have tattoos, perceptions and judgemental people may not allow them to see the real you (if they are offended by your tattoo that is in plain sight). It might impact your career placement, your ability to get home financing and your dating prospects.
- The best way to decide where to put it is to stand in front of a full length mirror in your birthday suit and imagine which part of your body you want to have decaled (like putting a decal on your car!). Unfortunately there is no magic mirror on the wall that can tell you the perfect place to put your tattoo.
- You also want to think about how the tattoo will look on significant days of your life. For example, if you decide to wear a backless wedding dress and have a large rose tattoo in the middle of your back, is that something you want in your wedding photos? If it’s only in places that you see, then this question doesn’t apply to you.
- You also need to decide on your pain threshold. Different areas of your body are more painful than others. The most painful body parts are bony areas, and less skin muscle and less fat. When I was seven, I cut the bottom of my foot and had to get 10 needles to freeze my foot and that was incredibly painful. So I know that getting a tattoo on my foot is definitely out of the question.
- This is also an important decision if you plan on getting multiple tattoos. You have to decide how they will look together. Putting a heart with your mother’s name in it next to a skull and crossbones tattoo may not be the best placement for that combination of tattoos. Perhaps the heart should be on your bicep and the skull and crossbones on the back of your neck.
4. Color
- Depending on the design and placement you’ve chosen, the next important decision is the color of your tattoo. This needs to be personal preference.
5. Artist / Shop
- The best way to choose a tattoo artist / shop is word of mouth referral from a friend, colleague or previous customers at a shop. Any word of mouth referral is the best form of advertising. If it comes from someone you trust, you are more likely to use that referral.
- Choosing a tattoo artist is like choosing a doctor, massage therapist, dentist or a hair dresser. I know that sounds like an odd comparison, but it is surprisingly true. It is also true that none of these are easy to find. If you haven’t received a referral from someone you know, then your other options are:
- Art Style – some artists get a reputation for being experts in certain designs. Some are known for religious art, African style, cartoons, etc.
- Location – if you decide to get an impromptu tattoo, then location and operating hours may be your deciding factor with the artist you choose.
- The following are a couple of tips for finding a competent tattoo artist:
- Visit the shop – is it clean? Is the shop licensed? Do they have an autoclave (this is a machine that is required for sterilizing the tools)? Do they use all single-service needles? Do they wear gloves?
- Are they willing to discuss and answer all your questions ahead of time?
- Ask for the experience level of the artists. Ask to see the portfolios of the previous work they have done recently.
6. Temporary – stick or paint on?
- Stick on tattoos are fun for children at birthday parties, camp, special events, etc. One of my most memorable birthday parties when I was little was when all of the kids had stick on tattoos all the way up their arms. We were laughing, taking turns putting them on each other (and the parents!). The best part was the photo shoot after where we were modelling our tattoos! We were so proud and had so much fun!
- Paint on tattoos are done for cultural purposes. Mehndi or Henna tattoos are popular in today’s modern society of body art fans. It lasts for a couple of weeks. Several years ago, I went to a Hindu wedding (which lasts 4 days) and the first event was the Henna night where the bride and bridesmaids were getting henna tattoos. It was an event where the women were singing and the men arrived after for an incredible feast. The bride’s hands and feet were beautiful with these intricate red tattoos. The amazing part was the tattoo artist that was doing it free hand with no picture. That was a memorable evening followed by the music party, then another evening of partying and finally the wedding in the morning and then a final party to celebrate the nuptials!
What are you waiting for… go do your homework and make a decision!