Home | Contents | Email

Tattoo History
Tattoo Overview
Tattoo Deciding
Tattoo Design
Tattoo Meaning
Finding Tattooist
Final Decision
Tattoo Science
Getting Inked
What Next
Tattoo Q&A Before
Tattoo Q&A After
Tattoo Safety
Becoming Tattooist

Tattoo Books (US)
Tattoo Books (UK)
Tattoo Designs

Tattoo Home
Site Contents
Send Email

Getting A Tattoo -- An Overview

Deciding to get a tattoo isn't at all simple. At least, not if you're doing it right. It's all too easy to get inked in haste and regret it for the rest of your life. If you're serious about getting a tattoo and getting the tattoo that you really want, you need to give yourself some time to think it through.

The first thing to think about is if you really want something etched in to your skin for the rest of you life. There is no getting away from it, even if you end up hating it. Having a tattoo removed is a painful, expensive business and one that you should do everything you can to avoid.

Once you're absolutely certain, you'll need to consider what design you want and where you want to have it. This is really important; not only will your tattoo be with you for life but, if you have it somewhere that's difficult to cover up, it'll be visible to the world for the rest of your life.

When you're 100% sure and you have a good idea of what and where, you'll need to find a reputable tattooist to do the job. This isn't as easy as walking down the high street and going in to the first place you see. Or it shouldn't be. Be prepared to take your time, meet and talk to a few tattooists and make an educated decision based on what they say and what you've learned from this site and other sources.

Actually walking in to the tattoo shop on the big day can be terrifying. If you're certain that you're doing the right think it's a lot easier but even then it can be daunting. Take your time, talk to the tattooist and accept that your nerves are a natural part of the process. It's a lot quicker and a lot less painful than you'll probably be expecting so don't worry.

Once the job is done, take note of what the tattooist tells you about aftercare and walk out of the shop with a spring in your step. Don't get complacent though; the process isn't over yet. Take good care of your tattoo as it heals and you'll have a much better experience all round. Remember, that tattoo is going to be with you for a long time so look after it.

This is just a brief overview of the whole process, the following pages include all the information you need to go from thinking about getting a tattoo to becoming a tattooed person and beyond.

Go to Deciding To Get A Tattoo