You might already have a tattoo or a few. You may have never gotten a tattoo before. Well either way, these articles and links are worth a look. They are very informative and helpful. These links that I have listed will help you get a meaningful, well thought out tattoo. One that you will cherish forever without regret.
Cool Nurse: Tattoos - Gear toward teenagers, this is still a good informative article about tattooing technique, possible complications, tattoo after care instructions, etc.
Tattoo Johnny: My First Tattoo - Another good tattoo article with tips.
So you've decided to get your tattoo. Now it's time to think about the design you want and the symbolism you may want to represent want. This isn't necessary, you could if you wanted just go and look at their collection of design sheets. But if you want something unique, these two web sites will help you a lot. For example; Let's say you had a miscarriage, and the baby was too young to get an ink blot of their hand or foot prints. You decide you want to get a tattoo of a flower that represents your child. Let's say the flower is a daisy. Well, daisies (and the color white) are symbols of innocence, and purity. Please don't go to a tattoo shop and say "I want a tattoo but I don't know what I want". You have to give them something to work with. You can bring objects in that are meaningful, a special quote, pictures for reference, your baby's hand prints, footprints, etc.
Tattoo Symbol - Provides the tattooed and the soon-to-be tattooed with important information about their tattoo design choices.
Vanishing Tattoo - *Excellent* Provides tattoo meanings, overviews and explanations of some of the most popular tattoo designs in the world today. Our list of Tattoo Designs & Symbols is continually updated and we always welcome your comments and suggestions for new meanings of tattoos.
Still don't know what to get? Well take a look at these web sites. You'll find some pictures of tattoos that other people have gotten, and some tattoo flash.
Tattoo Artists.org - A free online photo gallery where tattoo artists can display photos of their art. Create your very own online portfolio gallery to display photos of your artwork. I suggest this site because you can search through the portfolio galleries for examples of artwork. This is something that I do before I get a tattoo, and get a better idea of what I want.
The tattoo shop will (should) always give you instructions on how to care for your tattoo. They usually have a sheet of paper with the instructions on them, but sometimes they will just tell you what to do. If you forget don't be afraid to go back or call and ask.
After care is extremely important, especially the first days. Tattoos can take two to three weeks to heal, and another two to settle. It's up to you to care for your tattoo. However, if you are at all concerned about your tattoo, suspect you are getting an infection or rash, go back to the tattoo shop where you got your tattoo. They can take a look and see if it is something to worry about and give you suggestions on what you should do, or should not be doing.
Here are three things to remember:
Tattoo Aftercare Contradictions - Why does one artist say to use one product and the next has completely different advice? Discover why there is controversy over what aftercare products are best.
* I am not responsiblle for the content of any of the websites listed on this page.