Tattoos are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to permanently modify the appearance of skin. The downside of tattooing is, of course, that whatever work is done it is permanent – it is there for life.
Certainly, laser tattoo removal is an option for those who wish to reverse whatever ‘damage’ is made by the needle and ink, but it is a painful and expensive process. Thus, the decision to get a specific tattoo is not one to take lightly. Tattoo removal creams are definitely cheaper than laser tattoo removal, but it is a buyer-beware world out there. Do your homework to find the best product for the job.
It might seem easy to choose a design from the flash board at your local tattoo shop, but do you really want to etch a symbol onto your body permanently on a whim? Taking the time to deeply consider what you want to express with your tattoo will help prevent moments of regret in the future.
First, consider your reasons for getting a tattoo. Maybe you want a tattoo to display your individuality. Perhaps you want a tattoo to honor or pay tribute to a loved one that has passed. Or, maybe you simply want a tattoo because you think it looks cool. Any reason you have for wanting to be tattooed is valid, but it is important that you understand your reasons, so you know how to proceed with the design process.
If your desire for being tattooed is impulsive, the simple act of thinking about the tattoo you want may cause you to consider deeper reasons and meaning behind your urge.
Next, think about how your reasons for wanting a tattoo can be best reflected in the tattoo design. What images, words, and symbols best represent your intent? Then, create a mental sketch of your idea of the perfect tattoo.
Imagine the way your perfect design would rest on your skin. Where would you place the tattoo? How large would it be? Would it be vividly-colored or just black and white?
Remember that nothing your imagination creates is concrete. Let your imagination go wild with the possibilities.
Once you have a mental image of your ideal tattoo, sketch it out. If you feel your artistic abilities are poor, consult with an artistic friend or a professional tattoo artist to create an initial sketch of your dream tattoo. This initial sketch is important for several reasons. It enables you, or the hired artist, to scale the image to the part of the body it will be inked on.
The initial sketch also allows you to modify the image if it does not fully meet your satisfaction. If you do not like what the artist has rendered, do not feel that you need to commit to it – it is your body and you deserve to have a tattoo that you are proud of.
After creating a satisfactory initial sketch of your ideal tattoo, take it to a professional tattoo artist, so that it can be converted into a template that the artist will follow when applying ink to your body. Research local artists online before visiting them; chances are the artist you have design the tattoo will be the one that actually inks you, thus you want to find a reputable one.
If you are already consulting with a professional artist at this step, the initial sketch itself may end up being the template, with only a few modifications.
Inquire about the price of the final custom tattoo. Large jobs are often done in several sittings and the price for them is generally paid on a session by session basis.
Once you have a final tattoo design and have determined how much the actual inking will cost, you are ready to be adorned with a unique and very personal tattoo.
You can be proud of your ink because you took the time to deeply consider the type of image you wanted on your body, instead of choosing a stock image from the selection of flash on a drunken whim. Allowing yourself time to choose the art you want to permanently ink onto your body will prevent numerous regrets in the future.
Editor’s Note: This article previously published here.
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If you have a tattoo that needs to be removed, you can spend 1000′s on laser tattoo removal treatments, OR you can explore the Nuviderm Home Tattoo Removal System, which can remove your tattoo without emptying your wallet. Visit http://nuviderm.com/ today to learn more about the Nuviderm solution for removing tattoos. Bree Levine is a full-time, freelance writer.
Read more articles written by Bree Levine
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