The tattoo decision making process challenges people since it involves a decision that will literally mark your body for life. This same challenge compels people to submit themselves to the ever daunting tattooing process and dare themselves to live up with the consequences of their actions whether the outcome is good or bad.

In reality, the hardest obstacle to a first timer would be the one to make or break the experience; that is the tattooing process itself. This is the point when there is no turning back. The tattoo gun which consists of the ink holder, ink tube and the needle, will inject the ink to the deep layer of the skin called the dermis.

It is always recommended that you do your research first to ensure that you will end up with a design you will be able to live with for a long time. Your research should include your design, the tattoo artist, the cost, and the tattoo parlor where it will all happen. You should establish a good connection with your artist so that  you are able to express your concerns, needs and expectations prior to the tattooing itself. Discuss your design and maintain an open mind for suggestions made by your artist. Bear in mind that this person knows what looks best on your skin so his or her advice is valuable. On the other hand, if you don’t have a design in mind, don’t hesitate to ask your artist for assistance. Make decisions with your tattoo artist regarding the color and size of your chosen design.

Once a design is agreed upon, your artist will make a stencil of the tattoo. This is, more or less what your tattoo should look like. If you don’t have any problems with it, the stencil will be traced directly to your skin and the tattooing process using the tattoo gun should begin from here. The client will be asked to sit still for the whole duration of the procedure which can be rather uncomfortable when your design takes time to complete. Small and simple designs are easily accomplished in an hour or less but larger, intricately designed artwork will require huge amounts of time and could even take several sessions to complete.

Prices depend on many factors such as the location of the tattoo studio, the service rendered, difficulty of the design and color variations. Generally, tattoo parlors charge $40-$150 per hour and more but sometimes the artist will set a flat-rate or fixed-price for the whole process. Instructions for care are given by the artist after tattooing.

You’ve considered the pros and cons that come with the lifelong commitment of having a permanent mark on your body, as well as the implications of the procedures you will have to go through if and when the need for tattoo removal arises. Now that you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a tattoo, the next step is to find the perfect tattoo artist to make your vision happen.

To find the perfect tattoo artist for you, you will need to do some research by asking friends and family for referrals. This way, you will have an idea how it’s done and their experiences during and after the tattooing process. Inquire about the cleanliness of the tattoo studio and if their planned designs turned out to be as exactly what they wanted it to be. If a particular tattoo artist is talented, experienced, and reputable, their name will come up.

You can also join online tattoo forums and chat rooms to get names of artists that you can contact. If possible, get their studio addresses and personally visit them so you can see the area they work in and take a peek at their portfolio in person. Ask any and all questions you might have and more importantly, check out if their studio follows the necessary sanitary procedures. Most tattoo parlors are more than willing to show you around to ensure safety and cleanliness of the place. If, upon your visit, you witnessed something that bothers you then it is best to take your business elsewhere.

More often than not, tattoo artists are friendly, accommodating people, especially if you are interested in their craft and how they work. If you feel uncomfortable with the artist, it’s a good idea to just move on and find another one. You must be comfortable working with the artist to make your vision come to life in a tattoo design that you are happy with for the rest of your life. Communication is the key to a perfect tattoo that will leave you satisfied for years to come.

Also, do take note that every tattoo studio has their own expertise when it comes to design and color. It is common practice of every tattoo artist to take pictures of their work and include them in their portfolio. Some of them mastered the art of color mixing while others are greatly noted for black-and-gray shadings and renditions. Then there is the tribal design and pin-ups and other specialties like portraits.  If you already have a design in mind, be sure you are in the right place by checking the studio’s portfolio and making sure that they have the right artist to do the design for you. Remember, once it’s inked, there’s no turning back.

Your satisfaction greatly depends on the tattoo artist’s capabilities and how well he tattooed the design for you. If you overlooked important things during your initial meetings, it could lead to undesirable results which unfortunately, you will have to live with for the rest of your life. Tattoo is permanent, which is why it should be carefully thought of and well-planned.