Getting your first tattoo can be both exciting and terrifying. After all, a tattoo is a lifelong decision—one that you cannot just erase whenever you feel the need to. It will be a permanent mark on your body, which is why it’s so important that you do your homework and keep in mind certain factors before choosing the piece of art that will stay with you forever.

Choosing a tattoo is like choosing the person you are going to marry. If you choose correctly, you will be happy with your decision for a very long time. If you choose something on the spur-of-the-moment, however, you might end up regretting the move.

To help you make the right choice and potentially save you from unnecessary expenses and pain, here are three things you need to know before getting inked.

1 Getting a tattoo can be painful

Although some tattoos cause nothing more than discomfort, you have to prepare for the possibility that getting your tattoo will cause some pain. While it probably won’t be a deep, stabbing pain, it may be a throbbing discomfort that still lingers even after the session. Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably lying or only has tiny tattoos on their wrist. Tattooing involves needles puncturing through your skin, so that the design and ink will be absorbed.

If you choose a bigger tattoo with a more elaborate design, expect more pain. The location of your tattoo is also a factor when it comes to the level of pain you will experience. There is no doubt that getting a tattoo will hurt big time, plus there will be blood. If you are afraid of blood or needles or have low pain tolerance, it would be wise to think your decision through again.

2 You need to do research on the shop and artist

The reputation and cleanliness of the tattoo shop are other important factors to consider. Just because a certain tattoo shop is within walking distance from your place doesn’t mean that it is a quality shop. Take the time to personally visit the place, check online reviews, and verify the artist’s licenses and credibility. Tattooing laws vary by state, so make sure you do your research on New York’s guidelines regarding tattooing. The shop has to have the proper documents and licensing, which will give show that they adhere to the rules mandated by the state.

It is highly important that you choose among tattoo shops in Buffalo NY that put cleanliness and safety at the top of their priority. Ask the artist certain questions to make you feel comfortable, such as:

• How often do you clean the shop?
• What are the cleaning methods done on the tools and equipment?
• What do you do to clean in-between sessions?

3 Remember to consider why you wanted a tattoo in the first place

Every person has a different reason for getting their body inked. Some get tattoos because they consider them a form of art, some to show love and affection, and others as a form of rebellion. In some cases, people get a tattoo simply because they think it’s cool and they want to be a part of the cool crowd. Before going through the ordeal, think of your reason why you want (or need) one. Whatever your reasons are, make sure you stand by it. Never let others make the decision for you. They can be an inspiration, but at the end of the day, the final decision lies in your hands alone.

Overall, getting a tattoo is an exciting adventure. Once you have prepared yourself—physically, mentally, and financially—you can now go ahead and scout for the best tattoo shops in Buffalo NY has to offer.

If you want a tattoo designed by award-winning artists in Buffalo NY, get in touch with us to see how we can help.