5 Golden Rules on Choosing Your First Tattoo

Choosing first tattoo is a very serious affair and you need to think with a clear mind what you are going to ink on your body. We have heard of many people who have acted on impulse, walking into any parlor and choosing the first design that took their fancy. Well, let me assure you, that you will have regrets later. Tattooing is a permanent modification of your skin and you have to follow the five golden rules while choosing first tattoo.

Golden Rule One: Do not ever make the mistake of inking your partner’s name on your body. There can be no bigger folly than that. Let us hope that with God’s grace a marriage or a partnership lasts forever, BUT if something goes awry than it is just not fair to ask your subsequent partner to put up with a tattoo which reminds him/her of your previous partner. Nor is it fair to you. So let us not be hypocrites and let us be more practical. Hence a little thinking before inking will help you in choosing first tattoo.

Golden Rule Two: If you plan to ink a tattoo with foreign language lettering, then be very careful. If you are sure of your decision then get someone who knows the language to help you. For example if you are trying for Chinese lettering, then find a tattoo artist who knows the language and double check with another translator. No, this is not “much ado about nothing”. Let me recite an experience. A lady who wanted the freedom symbol in Chinese did not get her lettering right and instead inked a tattoo symbol which meant “free”. Imagine what mortification you will face if something like this happens. So while choosing first tattoo do be extra careful while choosing foreign symbols or lettering.

Golden Rule Three: The reason for tattooing is as important as the tattoo itself. If you are just following a trend or if it is just a passing fancy, then you will do well to get a temporary tattoo. Temporary tattoos and Mehendi art are beautiful art work but fade with time. This helps you to have a tattoo and yet get a new one as often as you like. Permanent tattoos are a kind of life style and should be inked only if you like body modification. Tattoos are also a representation of your character and values.

Golden Rule Four: Choosing first tattoo should be done with care, patience and involvement. Do not allow anyone to influence you. Introspect on your qualities and what you want the tattoo to depict before choosing the right design, color and size of your tattoo.

Golden Rule Five: However much you are tempted to get a tattoo inked for free by your friend, restrain yourself. Tattooing is done by insertion of needles in your body and it has to be done hygienically and properly if the tattoo has to look good forever and for the safety of your skin. So while choosing first tattoo, make it a point to choose a good professional tattooist.