Some people think tattoos make them look strong, aggressive, or even intimidating — and in some cases that is true, but that’s not exactly the right reason to get them. Other people fall into the trend because their favorite celebrity has something they think looks amazing and gives them a certain “je ne sais quoi?”. But just because it looks good on someone else doesn’t mean it’s going to look good on you. Celebrities can get away with a lot: oddly cut or colored hair, weird clothing trends, crazy relationship choices (haha). Where we live, in the real world, being a lawyer, teacher, or politician with a neck or arm full of tattoos may not go over so well in daily life.
I think tattoos should really mean something to you if you decide to get one (or decide to get a few). They should, in my opinion, represent a time in your life that something really significant happened: a birth, a death, a celebration, a motivation, a new beginning.
That tattoo will be with you forever, and when I say forever I mean FOREVER! — 75 years old and rocking “Smoke Up!” across your now grandpa belly — Ekkkk!. And yes, I know there are tattoo removal techniques out there but why go through all that pain (which from what I’ve heard is even worse then getting the tattoo itself) when you can just think before you act. If the tattoo actually means something to you then you may not regret it but a dolphin on your shoulder representing you graduating high school is not what I mean. Let’s be realistic here.
If you want a tattoo a few things you should consider before you go ahead and get stamped:
1) Consider and want the tattoo for at least 1 year: for some this may seem like a long time to wait but if you truly feel that this is something you want on your body for the rest of your life then that’s actually not very long at all. And keep in mind that trends change, something that’s cool now may not be cool in a few years. Impulse tattoos are risky — let’s just say, try not to have alcohol as a part of this body art conversation.
2) Colored tattoos can fade: depending on what you decide to get this may not be just one trip to see your new friend the Bob the tattoo guy. Over time colored tattoos can fade therefore keeping them out of the sun and applying sun block when you are out is essential for longevity. But one day your bright blue may not be so bright anymore and then it’s time for a touch up.
3) Placement is key: If you want to keep your options open with what career path you’ll have in the future or what kind of person you’d like to attract as a life partner then you might want to think twice about those flames on your chest travelling up the left side of your neck. Choose a spot that you know you can cover if necessary. Just saying…
4) Get the tattoo with henna first: henna is a temporary form of body art in which an artist can draw on your skin and it lasts for only a short period (5-10 days) and that way you can see and get a feel for what this will look like on a daily basis. If you don’t know anyone that does henna just have a friend (hopefully an artsy one) draw your tattoo on you with permanent felt marker and it’ll give you the same desired effect, providing you with some much needed time to ponder your decision.
5) Go see the tattoo artist… for a consultation: the person doing your tattoo will understand that this is something that will stay with you, potentially, for life therefore they are usually quite forthcoming with giving you advice on what’s a good idea and what’s not. Sometimes they are even willing to stencil on a rough sketch of your sought after design so you can see it before you go ahead with the final product. Also, being comfortable with your tattoo artists previous work and even their personality is something to consider. Knowing the person does good work and cares about the end result might be something you want from the large, muscular man inking your skin with a sharp needle.
6) Possibility of Infection and/or allergy : Blood plus needles equals risk of infection. You’re fine if all the equipment is clean and sterile — so ixnay on that spontaneous vacation tattoo on some remote beach. Make sure you’re at a reputable place to guard against diseases like hepatitis and HIV. Allergies are rare but possible and you’re not even necessarily in the clear after your skin heals. Allergic reactions can happen even after years of living with your body art so buyer beware.
7) Consider what this tattoo will look like 10, 20, 30 years from now: for the ladies – remember even if you don’t want children now you may in the future. Depending on where you put your tattoo it may distort. Stretch marks are a natural part of life and your body may not always look the way it does now. Gaining and losing weight will change the shape of your body and therefore the shape of your orange heart or purple star as well. That goes for the guys too. You may be buff now but that 6-pack of abs may turn into a 18-pack of beer belly one day so watch out because that fish may also start looking like a whale.
At the end of the day, I am a firm believer in freedom of speech and expression so if you really want to get that dolphin, those flames, the orange heart, the purple star, the fish or the whale, or even the always classic “Smoke Up!” stamp, please by all means, do so. Just be aware that you and those around you will be seeing that day in and day out for a long time so please just make sure it’s a darn handsome portrait of Elvis Presley on your bicep 🙂
In the kindest way: THINK BEFORE YOU INK! ❤
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the images used in this post.
Identity of a Passionista 