There are over 20,000 tattoo parlors in the United States, and 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo. While some workplaces still frown on visible tattoos on their employees, it’s no longer as taboo as it once was.

While there’s nothing wrong with getting a tattoo, you should still take it seriously. Tattoos are permanent and should not be rushed. Here are six things to consider before booking your tattoo appointment:

Your Tattoo’s Design

Far and away, the most important thing to consider is your tattoo design. Some people take months to decide what they want to put on their skin. Some even commission artists to create a unique design for them. It’s important to take the time to think about why you must have this design on your skin.

Whether it’s your first or seventh tattoo, you should have a personal connection with its design. This is something that will be on your skin for decades to come. While tattoos can be erased by laser or covered up with a fresh design, you still need to choose wisely.

Most tattoo artists will appreciate it if you walk into your appointment with the exact design you want. If you’re going to give them some measure of artistic freedom, you should still give them references and specific requirements.

Your Pain Tolerance and Tattoo Placement

Once you’ve decided on a design, you should think about size and placement. This is where your pain tolerance comes in. If you want to cover a large surface area, more ink will be injected into your skin, and the procedure will take much longer.

People’s pain tolerance levels are vastly different, but you can look up a pain level chart for different body parts for reference. Generally, the more fat and muscle in the area, the less pain you’ll have to endure. The arms, back, and outer thighs are some of the least painful tattoo locations. In contrast, areas over bone and thin skin will hurt the most, such as the sternum, feet, and along the ribs. Some articles online border on scaremongering about pain when it’s your first tattoo. The truth is, if you really want to get a tattoo, you will be able to sit through any amount of pain to get it.

When thinking about tattoo placement, consider future employment prospects. While many employers are open-minded about creative expression, some may reject you because of your ink.

Your Preferred Tattoo Artist

It can be challenging to find the perfect tattoo shop and tattoo artist for you. If you prefer a specific tattoo style, you can browse social media and local shop listings to find an artist you can trust with your design. Ask friends and acquaintances for personal recommendations.

When you find your preferred artist and shop, take note of their booking policies and try to find photos of their studio. Pick a shop that looks clean and takes all safety precautions to heart.

Your Tattoo Appointment

Tattoo aftercare is crucial to the longevity of your tattoo, so you should time your appointment carefully. A new tattoo should be protected from the sun, and you should try your best not to sweat too much during the first few days. So if you’re about to travel to the beach for a week, you should schedule your appointment after the trip. Additionally, if your immune system is compromised in some way, wait until you’re fully recovered.

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo has a strong impact in your life so you need to consider these four important things before booking an appointment. When you have your design and placement down, you should take the time to do your due diligence on your local tattoo artists and shops.

If you need a tattoo shop in Buffalo to get your first or seventh tattoo, Lucky Deville Tattoo Co. is the best choice for you. We specialize in state-of-the-art tattooing, no matter what style you prefer. You can visit our artists to get a feel for what they do. We accept walk-ins and reservations!