My first tat on my upper right arm has such deep significance to me that I don't even bother explaining it to people anymore... I just say 'it's a cool celtic symbol and I just turned 18'...
My second is on my left calf, and isthe initials and date for one of my best friends over the last 12 years who took her life in March.
Just some things you shoul dknow about tattoos (that have already been mentioned). In reference to point 4, the arm one didn't hurt as much as the one on my calf did.
1. It's with you for LIFE. Unless you're willing to fork over some sweet dough, that sucker is staying.
2. If the tattoo doesn't really mean anything to you, don't get it. Simple as that. Unless you're a metalhead who has nothing better to do with your time and money, keep your skin relatively clean.
3. Don't get a tattoo anywhere that is extremely visible when wearing pants and a t-shirt. A lot of employers look negatively on visible tattoos (ie sleeves).
4. It will hurt. It may even hurt for a week after. A lot.
5. They cost a lot. A simple circle about 2 inches in diameter (outline about 1/4 cm thick) is probably gonna ring you up about 60+ bucks.
6. Think about what you want. And I really mean think about it. Get it sketched up prior to actually getting it (by a tattoo artist, or a friend). A couple tattoo artists I know have been willing to draw up sketches for me and friends, fully knowing that we may not get them done.
6a. Look at said sketch. Put it away for a month (I prefer 2-3, but most people say a month) and then look at it again. If your opinion has changed even SLIGHTLY, don't get it. Get the artist to rework it, if you notice something doesn't appeal anymore.
7. This isn't really a problem if you go to a place with a good reputation, but you should always make sure they are clean. The last thing you want after getting a tattoo is some sort of incurable disease.
If anyone would like to add to this, maybe we can have a tattoo post with a bunch of numbers and such.. Kind of like 'rules for getting tattoos' but not really rules... guidelines I suppose? Tattoos seem to be on a lot more younger people these days than even 2-3 years ago..
