So you're ready for your very first tattoo? If you're like most people I've met (myself included) then you've just turned 18 and think it will be the perfect way to stand out and look cool and rebellious.
The very first thing you should remember is that (and yes, everyone says this) tattoos are PERMANENT. You can say this all day long and not understand, until you get one.
There is nothing at all wrong with getting tattooed. It seems to be becoming more commonplace these days for people to have at least one tattoo. It's a growing trend, no doubt.
The second thing you should remember is to do it for yourself, not for a friend or family member or to prove anything to anyone. It's something you have to live with.
With that being said, as a person with both arms fully tattooed, I have heard this since I started getting tattooed :"Your tattoos should have a meaning behind them!"
I strongly disagree, at least for the first one. You have to go into it headfirst and full throttle, without thinking. Let's be honest, it's more fun that way.
I will at least offer a few tips on what not to do for your first tattoo (mostly based of personal experience).
1. Don't let the spaced-out looking guy who just got out of prison and is currently working at the pizza restaurant do your first tattoo. The sewing needle that he puts in his handmade tattoo machine (machine, not a GUN) is probably going to draw more than a little blood.
2. Don't let your roommate tattoo you and then slap rubbing alcohol on it for sterilization purposes. That's just sadistic. Even if he has a real tattoo machine, tattooing you on your kitchen table is not sanitary.
3. It may be comfortable to lay on your couch and get your tattoo done, but if your friendly neighborhood tattoo scratcher is tattooing you while drinking a brewski, it's PROBABLY not going to turn out too well.
Go to a legitimate tattoo shop, tell them what you want, and get the damn thing! It's simple. Don't drag it out, don't think about it, but don't be stupid about it either. I spend my day off from work usually at the local tattoo shop and the only place I will get tattooed, because they are people I can trust now. I see all sorts of terrible tattoos that people want to have covered up and it's pretty hilarious. Scratchers and ex-convicts may tattoo you in the trailer park for cheaper but you get what you pay for.
And always, ALWAYS...tip your tattooer...it makes it hurt less!