Rush for Tattoos

People have been getting tattoos for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. However, in our society they're just beginning to be widely accepted. In the past, people have seen tattoos as a sign of rebellion; the mark of a trouble-maker. Now that people are, generally, okay with others having tattoos, many more people seem to be getting them. All too often, these people get their tattoos with little to no thought about whether or not it's worth it. If you are one of the many who are thinking about a tattoo, here's some things you should always consider before getting ink done.

1: Will it affect your life in the work place?

     Many employers are less likely to hire someone with a tattoo. Tattoos are considered to make people look less professional; more rebellious. While this might fit some businesses, such as an auto body shop, it'd be unacceptable in others, such as a store manager. When deciding on a new tattoo, make sure that your boss will find it reasonable, or get it in a place that's easy to conceal at work.

2: Will it affect your personal life?

     Many people, particularly those with no tattoos, think that people who have ink are less attractive. However, the same can be said in reverse; people who have tattoos are generally more inclined to find someone else with a tattoo attractive. If you're single, you need to ask yourself if you're okay with narrowing down who will find you attractive. If you have a significant other, especially if you're already married to that person, it's definitely good to consult that person and see what they think before you go out and find a tattoo parlor.

3: Will you regret it?

     If you often change your mind about things, you might not want to get a tattoo. They are, after all, permanent and just because there's technology to get rid of tattoos doesn't mean that (a) you can afford it, (b) you can and will be able to handle the pain, and (c) it'll be gone completely afterwards. Consider that, though you might have beautifully taught skin now, in a few years your skin will be old and wrinkly. Ladies, consider that at some point in life you may be pregnant and that can cause stretch marks over your tattoo. Just because it'll be pretty when you get it, doesn't mean it can't fade, stretch, and generally become much uglier over time. Not to mention if the artist doesn't do it well you're sorta stuck with it and, in a manner of speaking, SOL.

4: Do you want it for the right reasons?

     Many people think there's nothing wrong to get their lover's name tattoo'd somewhere. They are wrong. Even getting the name of someone you're married to can turn out badly, with divorce rates as high as they are. Usually, when people go through a bad breakup they want no reminder of their failed love. Not to mention, how would that look to the next person you call your own? If you absolutely insist on having a name forever inked into your flesh, make it your last name (especially if you're a girl, and it'll become your maiden name) or the name of a close family member - someone who's passed away, a child, that sort of thing.



     Another bad reason people get tattoos is because they know somebody who will give them a free one. If the fact that it's free is the sole reason you'll be getting that tattoo, don't do it. Especially since people who do free tattoos often don't do things correctly. They don't always use sterile needles, or know what you need to do for the aftercare of the new tattoo. Not to mention people often do it as practice and free tattoos are often badly done ones.

   
 Obviously, you should also avoid getting a tattoo when you're drunk. Under the effects of alcohol, no one is in the right state of mind to be making such permanent decisions spur of the moment.

5: Is it compatible with your life style?

     If you're someone who will donate blood at every given chance, it might not be a good idea to get a tattoo as you can't do this within about a year of getting one. You also shouldn't be getting tattoos if you're pregnant. If part of your job or a hobby includes swimming, it'll most likely ruin your tattoo. All these things and more should come long before a new tattoo if it's part of your daily life.

   





There's absolutely nothing wrong with getting a tattoo as long as you'll be able to live with it your entire life. If you've considered the things listed above and have decided it's still a good idea, the next step is to find a place. The only advice I have to give on this is to do your research. Make sure you find an artist with a good reputation and reasonable prices; a good tattoo doesn't have to break your bank.



Happy tattoo hunting :)