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Deciding to get a tattoo is a very personal choice. It should be considered as the commitment that it truly is. This piece of art will be with you for the rest of you life. That is, in most cases it will be. There are options for having them removed, but those options are often more painful than getting the tattoo was.

After you decide that you want a tattoo you may find yourself a bit jittery thinking about the process. Needles are used to insert ink into your skin. That sounds very painful and is the reason that some people never get one.

Here are some tips to help you survive your first tattoo:

The Truth About Pain

The thought of pain can make us cringe. Few people would go to a doctor asking for a shot. Why would anyone want to allow their body to given needles over and over again in one sitting? It is because they know the truth. Getting your first tattoo doesn't have to be that painful at all. You just have to know where to look and what body part is less likely to cause you pain.

Finding the Right Artist

Since the first tattoo is the hardest, you should look for someone that will be sensitive to that. You will want an artist that is light handed. You want someone that is skilled. Ask for recommendations from your friends and family who have gotten tattoos previous to you. They will generally give you great advice on who to go to and who to stay away from.

You should only go to a professional tattoo artist. Their studio should be clean along with their equipment.

Size Matters

Do not try to make your first tattoo a full back canvas. This type of work has to be done in several sessions and you will find yourself in a very painful position at times. Choose something small for your first tattoo. This is like a testing ground for you. A large percent of people that brave their first tattoo will find themselves addicted to the process. Your first tattoo may not be your last. There is time for the larger scale art later.

Take a Friend

You may stand a higher chance of actually coming out with a tattoo if someone goes with you. This person can be anyone you trust. A friend or family member is preferable. This person can hold your hand, that is, if that's not where the tattoo is going. They can laugh at you when you flinch and they can show you how proud they are of you when you go through with the final deal. Having someone with you gives you less of a chance of backing out. If you back out while they are there, you will never hear the end of it.

Don't Drink

It is not advisable that you drink before going for your first tattoo. Professional artists will generally not perform a tattoo on someone with alcohol in their system. The reason for this is that alcohol thins the blood and causes you to bleed more. Some blood is expected during the tattoo process but you don't want to cause excessive bleeding.

The first tattoo is always the hardest. It can be painful but if you go to a good artist, the end result will be worth it. Take a deep breath, let your muscles relax and be prepared to have an addiction when it's all said and done.

Learn more about this author, Dawn Hawkins.
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