So you want to get a tattoo. Well here are some things to keep in mind.

First of all, Yes a tattoo does hurt, but not enough to not ever want another one.
Always look into who you get to put it on you. Now days there is no telling what diseases could be spread through a tattoo done by someone who 
doesn't know what they are doing. Including, but not limited to, HIV and AIDS.
Look for lisences and certifications, sanitation records, and such.

If the artist seems to get annoyed by all the questions, chances are, they have something to hide.
You know you have found one of the few who are still true to the art if they don't seem to mind you asking. Depending on the artist, you may get 
more respect as a true collector for seeming so interested in their qualifications.

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Before you walk into a parlor, you may want to have a few things on your mind.

1.  Think about what you are wanting before looking through the flash on the walls. This tattoo will be on your body for the rest of your life.
 The artist may not want to take the time (or may be too busy) to walk you through every detail of choosing a peice right for you. Think of it 
 this way; the artist does not know you or your personal preferences (uless the person happens to be a friend of yours.).

2.  Take your time in choosing your design. Don't rush into an "impulse tattoo". I can't say enough how important this is. You don't want to think 
of in ten or fifteen years as a "dumb idea".

3.  Always take care of your tattoo the way your artist tells you, not from what you friends have "experienced". Especially if your friend's 
tattoo has faded or become patchy.

4.  DO NOT walk into a tattoo parlor after you have been drinking. Alchohol dose not ease the pain of a tattoo. It makes you bleed more from the
 thinning effects and the artist may get annoyed trying to tattoo a drunk person.

5.  Only take ibuprophen beforehand. Don't use asprin. It also has a thinning effect on the blood. It is always better to not take anything before 
getting a tattoo. If you don't want the pain of a tattoo, you probably don't need one.

6.  Tip your artist. Most artists out there are still apprenticing or working on a commission. Not all of the cost of the tattoo goes to them. A 
percentage of the money goes to the owner of the parlor. If you think the artist has dne a good job, tip him or her.

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If you want to know somewhat of the commitment a tattoo calls for, here are some do's and don't's to go by.


Don't expose your new tattoo to sunlight. The UV rays are harmfull and can fade the fresh tattoo. No tanning beds for at least two weeks. Your 
artist may consider elongating the time period.

Don't shave over the tattoo until it is fully healed.

Don't listen to your friends, your cousin, your signifigant other about how to care for you tattoo. The only person who knows how is your artist.

Don't leave your bandage on longer than your artist tells you to.

Don't use Neosporine, Vasoline, or peroxide on your new tattoo. These will fade you tattoo and you will be disapointed after it heals.

Don't put an exsessive amount of lubrication on your tattoo.

Don't pick or scratch your tattoo while it is healing. It will itch. This is just part of the healing process.

Don't soak the tattoo for at least two weeks. Water will cause the top layer of skin to weaken and separate from the fresh tattoo.

Don't let your pets lick or rub on your tattoo. If they happen to come in contact with it, wash it immediatly.

Don't get drunk or high before getting a tattoo. This effects your judgement, and you end up looking like an idiot. this will irritate the artist.

Don't bring children to a tattoo studio. This is not the environment for children. Artists work with needles. Point said. 	Do use sunblock on 
your tattoo. Not only for the duration of the two weeks. UV rays can harm the color of a tatto after it has healed, also.

Do listen to your tattoo artist when your tattoo is completed. He or she will tell you the best way to care for your tattoo.

Do leave the bandage on for as long as your artist tells you to. It will keep it from sticking to clothing, sheets or other tattoo enemies.

Do use the lubrication your artist tells you to use, and follow directions to the letter.

Do wash your tattoo gently with mild soap and water before applying the lotion. Use your hands to do so. Never use a wash cloth.

Do wash your hands before applying lotion or ointment to the tattoo.

Do elevate your leg if you got an ankle tattoo. This will help speed up the healing process.

Do tip your artist. If you feel they did a good job, tip him or her. Most work is done on commission.

Do try and be patient when waiting to get your tattoo. The artist will not rush through the present costomer just to get to you. A rushed tattoo 
is an awful tattoo. You wouldn't want the artist to rush through yours.

Do get research on the tattoo and the artist you want. Make sure you know what yu are getting. Remember, this will be on your body for the rest of
 your life.

Do listen to your artist. I can't stress this enough.


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If you don't respect the tattoo, you will be visiting a removal intitute. The tattoo itself doesn't cost near what removing one does. It's a much 
more painful process, also. Almost never does it take one session to remove a tattoo, meaning, you pay that much more.

Remember, a tattoo is permanent. If you listen to exactly what your artist says, you should have no complications from yur tattoo. Keep it clean
 and care for it properly and you will have artwork that will be vibrant and beautiful for the rest of your life. 

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Piercing anyone?

    Piercing doesn't have near the commitment tattoos do. A piercing is considered as temporary. This is because it can be removed in time and 
	there is little to even tell it was there in the beginning.

    You still have to care for a piercing, though. Just because it's temporary, doesn't mean there is no risk involved. you should still look for 
	qualifications. Risks of blood-born pathogens are still present because it also requires the use of needles. Most of the same care is taken in 
	piercing as in tattoos. Most of the same things apply.

    Tip your artist. They also work on commission.

    Because a piercing doesn't take as long to accomplish, you don't nessesarily have to know exactly what you want when you walk in the door. If 
	you are serious about a piercing, look through their portfolio. You may find something you want more a than simple ear, nose, or eyebrow 
	piercing. Believe me, there is loads more.

    You Should know about how to care for a piercing in the healing process, also. The best thing to use on a piercing is Sea Salt. If you can't 
	come across that, Bactine will be fine. Anything that is specified for puncture wounds. Do not use Vasoline or any other oil based ointment. 
	More air is always better. Try not to touch the fresh piercing. The germs on your hands can cause it to get infected.

    Just because a piercing is infected, doesn't nessessarily mean it's your fault. It also can come from a eaction to the metal in the jewelry. 
	Alot of people have problems with being allergic to nickle based metals. Try to stick to surgical steel, silver, or gold when choosing jewelry.

    You don't have to worry about who or when or how much to remove a piercing. It only requires one hole at a time.

    Gauging a peircing is different than just the initial process. YOu get the hole and wait until it heals; it's best to wait at least three to 
	six weeks. Return to the studio you got your piercing from to have it stretched. Continue this process until you have achieved desired results.

    If you take out a gauge, depending on how extreme, it will shrink back to a smaller size. But sometimes it depends on the healing rate, and 
	whether it had been ripped. If there is alot of scarring involved, you may not get the smallest size possible.