The Art of Tattoos
If you ask around, you’ll get a lot of different opinions about tattoos, both pro and con. Many people use tattoos to help express who they are and what they’re about, completely endorsing tattoos and what they endorse. However, you’ll also get people who are completely against tattoos and couldn’t imagine who in their right mind would allow something to be permanently inked on their skin. Both sides seem to have valid points.
Tattooing, the process of embedding ink under the skin to produce a permanent design, has been around for thousands of years. Many indiginious cultures practiced tattooing for both adornment and as a status symbol. Though there has been a recent resurgence in native and tribal tattooing, most modern tattoos are done as purely a form of adornment.
So, should you get a tattoo? The answer varies greatly from person to person, but regardless of who you are there are a few things to consider. Answering these questions honestly and openly will help you realize whether or not tattooing is right for you. First of all, are you particularly attached to a certain image that means something to you, or do you want to get a tattoo merely for the sake of getting a tattoo? Most people who are satisfied with their tattoos years on down the road are happy because they have chosen images or text that is meaningful to them and that they will be attatched to for the rest of their lives. Before you get something inked on your skin permanently, think about if you’ll still like the image ten, twenty, or thirty years down the road. Can you see yourself with the same tattoo when your seventy-five years old? It’ll still be there.
Since a tattoo is permanent, don’t just waltz into the nearest tattoo parlor, look at the flash on the wall, and pick out something you like. Though this can be a good technique for getting ideas for you tattoo, there’s no rush to get inked. Choose an image you like and think about it for a few weeks or months before making a decision.
If you have an image that you’re attached to, decide where you want it on your body. Most people who get tattooed, even those with large tattoos covering their arms, legs, or back, will avoid getting tattoos on their hands, neck, or face, due to the fact that many employers frown on tattooing and because tattoos which are always visible can make it tougher to get hired at certain jobs. Think of how visible you want your tattoo to be; should it be seen when you’re wearing short sleeves? What about shorts?
Finally, make sure you get tattooed at a respectable tattoo parlor. All of the needles should be sterile, as should the general working conditions. Be picky about your artist as well, view his or her portfolio and see a sketch of your design before getting inked, since you should be 100% happy with your tattoo.
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