DavidResearch, Research Research
Take the time to think hard about what it is that you are wanting to put on your body forever. This is a lifelong commitment and one that can’t be easily altered. Research the subject matter you are wanting to get and make sure you understand the meaning behind it. Then, figure out if that is something that you have a close, personal bond with and something you are willing to have on you from now until the end of time.
Poll Those You Trust
Choosing to get a tattoo can be a hard decision for a single person to make. You can spend years going back and forth on whether to get it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family to see what they think. Tell them the ideas you are playing around with as well as the locations you are considering putting it. They may have some ideas on what kind of image will look best on you and places you may not have considered. Just make sure to not ask someone who you know is adamantly against getting one. They will be biased and cannot give you an honest answer.
Find the Style
So, you’ve chosen to get one and already have an idea of what you want. Now, you must figure out what kind of style or design you’d like. You can choose from Realism, American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Minimalism, and Traditional Japanese. These are the most popular styles but not the only ones out there. Look at artists’ doodles or photos of already finished tattoos. Even if you don’t find the exact thing you are looking for, make sure to show the samples to the artist so they can use it to influence what they make.
Black & White vs. Color
The coloring of the tattoo is just as important as figuring out what to get. Do you want something very bright and colorful? Or are you looking for something that would look better in monotone? With the proper skill in shading, a tattoo artist can make your image look as real as if it was truly on you even when you limit the palate to two colors. The same can be done with color. However, keep in mind that colors will cost more as they require more products to use and will also take longer to apply if you want the color to be very rich in your design.
Consult with your Artist
Take the time to sit down with your tattoo artist to go over what it is you want, where you want it, and what kind of vibe you are wanting to get from it. They do this for a living and may have more ideas that only a professional would be able to bring to the table. They can also help to pick a better spot than what you may have originally planned. Use them as the valuable resource they are and establish that relationship should this be the first of many tattoos to come.