How to decide if you should get a tattoo

If you're thinking of getting a tattoo, you should think about a few things first.

1. Why do you want one?
    Figure out the reason behind wanting a tattoo. If you're getting one because a friend has one, that's the wrong reason. Do it because you really like the design and feel you are ready for it.

2. Are you even old enough?
    A lot of states will allow minors to get tattooed with a parents consent. Personally, I don't think this is a good idea. Wait until you are at least 18. You'll be more mature and can make better decisions.

3. Do research.
    If you want a tattoo you're going to have to know how to take care of it. You need to avoid certain things a couple of days before you go in to get it. Avoid sun, alcohol and anything that can harm your skin. The tattoo artist should go over with you how to take care of it, but he can't tell you what to do before.

There are tons of things to think about before getting a tattoo and these are just a few. You want to make sure it's really what you want and where you want it; otherwise, you will regret it.

What not to do in a tattoo shop

Tattoo shops and tattoo artists can be foreign to some people, actually they can be quite scary. Some of them really are, but for the most part, they're not. The thing is, tattoo artists have to stand their ground, if they don't customers will try to talk down prices, disrespect them and the shop, and all sorts of rude things people do when they take advantage of others. If you want to be treated with respect when you go to a tattoo shop, take the advice that follows.

Don't go into one shop and talk about another one. Telling artists what another shop charges or speaking ill of them won't go very well. So, just don't say anything about other shops and you'll be fine.
If you go to a tattoo shop, don't interrupt an artist for any reason. If they don't speak to you right away, there is a reason.
A very big mistake a lot of people make is taking pictures of flash. If you try this, you'll likely be told to leave. Told, not asked. It doesn't matter why you're taking the picture. The artist either drew that flash or had to pay for it, and it doesn't come cheap.
A big no-no: never ever go into an artist's station without permission and especially not if they're in there.

There are many, many things you shouldn't do in a tattoo shop, but these are big ones. I'll later post an article on what you should do, but for now this should suffice.