So, you've decided to get your first tattoo? Congratulations, the tattoo experience can be an amazing one. That is, when done right. Tattoos are everywhere these days; men, women and all over different parts of the body. Heck, we even have glow in the dark tattoos now! There are things to consider though. Selecting the right design, placement and artist are essential to ensuring quality work and a result you won't be ashamed to show people. For all tattoos, a great amount of thought should be given to all things mentioned previously. I repeat that because tattoos are 100% PERMANENT.

The first thing to consider is your reasoning for getting a tattoo. Is it because they have become popular recently? Is it because all your friends have tattoos, and you, naturally should get one too? Or is it because you have a design in mind and are passionate about having it immortalized on your body forever? If you chose either of the first two, please, rethink your decision to permanently scar your body.

Next, is your design and it's placement. There are as many designs and styles as there are artists to ink them. Many of these will be posted in frames on the walls of the shops. The reasons for these specific tattoos hung being there vary depending on who put them up, but one thing I can tell you is; you won't be the only one with the tattoo you choose if you get it from one of these frames. Ask to see the artist's portfolios. Most shops have multiple artists with varying styles, that way they can accommodate the different designs and ideas people have. (Hint: Artists love to draw their own stuff. Ask any one of them, and they'll say they would rather ink their own design than someone else's any day.) The bottom line though, whatever you choose, make it mean something to you. Think long and hard about what you're getting, and where you are putting it. Remember, in 20 years, it will still be there.

The next step is choosing the right artist. Nowadays, everybody and their brother own a tattoo gun. Choosing the right person for you is perhaps even more important than choosing the right design. I've seen too many people, friends and random alike, have a great design (or idea for a design) mutilated by an inexperienced or unenthusiastic artist. This is where portfolios come in handy. An artist's only testament to the quality of his work is his portfolio. For those who don't know, a portfolio is a visual catalog of previous tattoos done by the artist. This is primarily how most people choose their artists. If their past work reflects the attitude and feel for your idea, approach the artist personally and let them know what you plan on getting done, the placement and the general feel you want the tattoo to have. Also, I find it helpful to ask what styles they prefer to tattoo in. As mentioned before, there are many styles, and one artist may have a penchant for drawing colourful, cartoony tattoos, while another may prefer to do more black and grey demonic themed work. You wouldn't want the former drawing a skull unless you're looking for something campy. Just as the latter might not be as skilled at drawing that bumblebee and daisy you've always wanted.

One more thing that I feel I should touch on when choosing the right artist/studio is cleanliness. Now, there's a reason this gets it's own paragraph. Cleanliness is paramount when choosing an artist and shop to have work done in. If your tattoo gets infected, it's not going to feel very good at all. Tattoo and piercing infection is fairly common in the industry, as there aren't any real rules for tattoo shops except common sense. When choosing your shop, look everywhere. Detail is key here. Are there any signs posted around the shop promoting cleanliness? How do they sterilize their needles? (You'll most likely have to ask for that one.) What is the artist's hygiene like? Is he clean looking? Does he smell bad? All things you should be looking for when surveying your potential shop. Some parlours may have decorative accents around the shop like chain-link fencing, this is to promote the style they are going for, but in no way means the shop isn't clean. Inspect to protect. Remember that.

Alright, so you got your first tattoo. Once again, congratulations. If you followed the steps above, you've done all you could to ensure that your new ink will be a positive reminder of your first experience. (With many more to come, hopefully.) Are we done there? No. There's one more thing to discuss, aftercare. Aftercare is just as important to your tattoos outcome as everything we've discussed so far. Most artists will give you printed and verbal instructions once they've completed the tattoo. After they finish the design, most will wrap it in a medical gauze pad and tape to protect it from the sun and germs. Keep this on for approximately 24 hours, as the first 24 are the most important. Once you've taken the bandaging off, wash your tattoo gently in warm water with non-scented antibacterial soap. I repeat, non-scented antibacterial soap. If you don't know of any, ask your artist. Some shops even have products in-store that they recommend. Wash your art two times a day for a week or two after getting it done. Important note: Your tattoo will itch. Do NOT scratch it. The ink is still very fresh, and in the external layers of skin. Scratching causes your skin to become irritated and in turn, you will flake and lose colour in your tattoo. You will flake anyways, this is normal and healthy. Your body's minimal shedding will not disturb the colour of tattoo, but irritating it will. A friend of mine gave me a tip; when the itching gets unbearable, smack the area with your fingertips. The light pain will relieve the itch without disturbing the ink. (You can see the difference in some of mine since receiving this knowledge.)

Well folks, we've covered everything for your first tattoo from inception to aftercare. If you follow this guide, your result will be the highest quality skin art possible. A big thank you to the many people who have helped write this article, knowingly or not, friends and artists alike. Your skin is truly their canvass, and they are this generation's DaVinci's and Picasso's. Help them create their masterpieces