by Alexandra Tooley

Created on: May 23, 2009   Last Updated: May 24, 2009

What not to do before getting a tattoo? Well, when I was younger, let's say high school age I was absolutely positive that I wanted a tattoo and I had my boyfriend copy this fish I found in an MC Escher book onto paper. We then went to the tattoo shop where the tattoo artist never checked my ID so I was all set to go. Then the tattoo artist said my drawing was too detailed but he would take out a few of the lines and do it anyway. So now years later I have this lovely blob of a fish on my lower stomach as the lines have blended together over time.

Right there in my story are a few things you should not do. First, I would not advise going when you are under eighteen, although I know it is hard to resist the impulse, chances are high that you will end up with something you really don't like years down the road.

Second, go to a GOOD tattoo artist. Research his work and look at his portfolio.Do not go by which tattoo artist is the cheapest! A good artist will tell you when he feels that the tattoo that you had in mind would not look right on your body. Obviously this means not getting any "home" tattoos in your friends kitchen at a party! You and your artist should be able to sit down together and create the perfect tattoo. Also it is generally best to wait a couple of weeks between the drawing of the design and the actual tattoo so you can be sure it is what you want

I would also advise to stay away from getting anyone's name tattooed on your body with the exception of immediate family members. This should seem the obvious thing to do, but it must not be because I see a lot of people walking around with the names of their past relationships permanently on their bodies!

If you are considering a tattoo on a visible part of you body such as your hand or neck, I would think twice about doing this because it may negatively affect your career in the future. Even though tattoos are a lot more commonplace now, people still have that instant judgement about people who have them, particularly if they are in areas like that. I would also say that you should never get a tattoo on your face!

Lastly, and this may seem like an obvious thing-don't show up at the tattoo shop too drunk to walk or talk and pick out a design there on impulse, You may be thinking twice about that design when you wake up the next morning with a hangover! Some tattoo artist do suggest that you take a muscle relaxer or pain killer before getting a tattoo so you can lie still if it is particularly painful, but please don't do this before you arrive at the shop and be sure you are safe to get home.

So all this said, I have ended up with the perfect tattoo after my bad first experience. It is a beautiful phoenix down the right side of my body done my a very good artist and is well worth the pain and the money I invested. I couldn't be happier and I hope you feel the same when you have your perfect tattoo!

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