How to Choose a Tattoo Design

How to Choose a Tattoo Design

Many people struggle with the design of a new tattoo. This is understandably so since having a tattoo is a lifelong and permanent commitment (removal is always painful). There are 2 aspects to choosing the design of your tattoo, the logical aspect and the emotional aspect.

Logical Aspect of choosing a tattoo design
The logical aspect is the simpler part. In order to ensure you choose the right design, ensure the follow steps are taken

• See as many tattoo designs as possible: read books, check out templates at your artist etc
• Ensure the design and your skin tone matches
• Think of yourself 5 years into the future and imagine if you will still like the same design
• Give yourself at least 2 weeks cooling off time after choosing a design before you get the tattoo done

 Emotive Aspect of choosing a tattoo design
Understand why you want to get a tattoo in the first place. Is it because

• You want to express your free spirit
• You love the design
• You want to honour someone
• You want it as a symbol of status
• You want it as a reminder of certain events

The reasons may be even more than the above. Your design should then reflect why you choose the design. For example, tattoo artist generally do not encourage cartoon characters as tattoos as people tend to like them for a period in their lives and live and regret the tattoo. However, if the cartoon is meant to say mark the death of a spouse, it may well be worth the effort.

Finally, always remember that you can come out with your own designs. If you can't design your own, you can always ask your tattoo artist for help.

Tattoo Care: Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo Care: Tattoo Aftercare

 

You have gone through the process of getting your tattoo and you want to prudly show your tattoo. The first week right after tattoing is the most crucial period. Because tattooing involves micro-trauma to your skin, the first week is the period where the skin undergoes healing and recovery. Any problem with healing can lead to a loss of pigmentation or even scarring.

Tips for tattoo aftercare:

• Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo. There may be formation of scab, but scartching the healing skin may cause infection which will cause scarring.
• Bath as usual, but use a gentle soap and not strong "antiseptic soaps". Your skin needs plenty of natural moisturiser during this period and stong soaps will dry the skin too much for good healing.
• If you can, avoid wearing abrasive clothes that will rub agaist the wound. I advise all people to treat the tattoo as though it is a burn, treat it gently and with lots of respect.
• Use a water base moisturiser to help with the healing. Avoid oil based moisturiser as they may cause clogged pores and in rare instances, "wash off" the dye used in the tattoo.
• Avoid sun exposure the first 2 weeks after the tattoo. Too much sun can cause further damage to the skin when it causes sun burn. Allow your skin to heal without the damage from UV rays.
• If the skin becomes red, inflamed and persistently painful, see a doctor for advice. An infection can occur an treatment may be needed before further damage is done

Tattoo Care: During the Tattoo

Tattoo Care: During the Tattoo

You have made the big decision and is just about to get your tattoo. The fear itself is usually more scary then the tattoo process itself. Most people will realise getting tattooed is not as painful as it may seem after their first.
That being said, tattooing does involve pain, and you can do a few things to make it more comfortable.

1) Do not make any sudden movements. That doesn't mean you cannot move at all. You just have to let your tattooist know that you are going to move/scratch/ yawn etc.

2) Go when the weather is cool. Don't go there during a hot summer day where you are sweaty and uncomfortable. You may have to sit there for a long time depending on the size of the tattoo.

3) Choose smaller designs for your first tattoo. It means it can be done in a shorter time. If you are going for bigger designs, you may request for breaks in between. Most tattooist are happy to allow a few minute breaks in between.

4) Pee before starting. You wouldn't really want to be rushing off to the loo in between the tattoo process

5) Get an experienced tattooist. This cannot be emphasized enough. The skill of the tattooist is likely to decide on how long you will be sitting there and also how painful it will be.

Good luck