by Kareen Rose

Created on: January 09, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

In my early 40's I discovered the addiction that is tattoos. Now I find myself walking up to complete strangers to comment on their tats, always eager to talk about mine as well. It wasn't always that way for me.

For the first 40 years of my life, I really disliked tattoos. My older son and I argued about tattoos for many yearsuntil he turned 18. It was then that I not only reconsidered my position, but fell in love with the art itself.

My decision to get my first tattoo was in honor of my son with whom I had argued about tattoos. It seemed a fitting memorial. With that decision came the problem of where and who to do the tat? I asked my daughter-in-law and she walked me through the maze of tattoos.

Most importantly, find a place that is clean and where you feel comfortable. Tattoo parlors do not have to be sleazy looking, dark and foreboding. My tattoo parlor of choice has an elegant feel to it and is bright and airy. Secondly, find out if you even like the artist's work. More than likely he/she will have pictures of his/her tattoo work as well as drawing and/or paintings of other artwork done. I f you don't like the artist's style, better not get a tat done by him/her.

A quality tattoo artist will show you the needle still in the packaging and open it up in front of you so you can feel safe in regards to its sanitation. If the artist refuses to show you the new, sealed needle and let you watch him/her open itleave. Don't worry about hurting the artist's feelings. After all, it is your health at risk.

Once you have determined that the artist is the one you want and you feel secure in the sanitation of the parlor, prepare yourself for the pain. Yes, it hurts like crazy. However, do not take pain relievers that thin the blood (this includes alcohol). There is a small amount of bleeding that occurs with a tat, blood thinners will only cause problems. Your artist may have an idea or two to help you cope with the pain, but chances are you will just have to bite the bullet and sit it out.

I tell people who are contemplating a tattoo for the first time that they should have a strong reason for getting oneit shouldn't be done on a whim or out of rebellion. The location of the tattoo will need to be well thought out taking gravity and aging into consideration as well.

Be very careful, you may find that body art is very appealing, and just like the potato chipyou can't stop at just one!

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