Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo? Some feel strongly about not getting them and think its stupid for people to mark their bodies with ink. Others find it addicting. I hope to help someone who is thinking about having work done. I’ve spent over 25-years in the field. Our family owned two professional studios and I’ve probably have done over 5000 tattoos.

The video is Jason Duir, an apprentice at Expressions Ink. While at the studio for CNN's economy project we talked some about safety.

If you’re thinking about getting one, please take your time. I use to see people come into the shop and be in such a hurry that they did not care what the design was. They’d have an idea but would pick the first design seen. If you find yourself doing this STOP.

Do your research on where you are going to get your tattoo. Look on the internet, talk to friends, and learn as much as you can about the procedure. Walk into different shops and talk to the artists. If the shop is busy, be patient. Look around the studio in the mean time. Is it clean? Are people friendly and are you greeted with a nice hello? Your about to mark your body, for the rest of your life, so pay attention to what your instincts tell you.

Ask about their sterilizing equipment and ask to see it. Most shops use autoclave sterilization. The same equipment hospitals and dentist offices use to clean their utensils. Ask about needles and see where they are disposed. Many studios keep these things out in the open. They want customers to see things are being done safe. In the video, In Wisconsin, tattooists and the shops are county and state licensed. If your state has laws like this ask to see them. There is nothing wrong with asking any of these questions. The shop will know that you have done your homework.

What about the type of design you want? Do you pick something off the wall or bring your own design in? When you pick a design off the wall beware that many probably have the same tattoo. This is called a “flash” design. I remember when the Tasmanian devil was a popular tattoo. If you pick a flash design I recommend having it changed some. Make it more personal. Look on the internet for designs. Bring it into the studio and have it drawn up. Better yet have an artist at the shop custom design your tattoo. This way you’re guaranteed to never see another one like it.

Think about where you want the tattoo at on your body. This is a big decision. Do you want something that will hold its color longer then consider the amount of sun the area gets. Sun will darken the skin and lighter colors won’t stand out as vibrantly. Talk to your artist about your concerns. If you deal with the public all day think about placement of the tattoo. There is still a lot of stereo typing from some. Beware of where you have the tattoo placed on your body. Did a tattoo of a cute dolphin on the side of a young woman’s stomach once. When she was pregnant it looked like Willie the whale. The skin stretch’s and so will your ink. As we grow gravity seems to hit some different than others.

When you’ve made your decision and feel comfortable set-up an appointment. Sometimes shops can do it right away. If your still not sure then I recommend paying to get a stencil made and have it put on first for a week. A stencil is the outline of your tattoo. It washes off and leaves no trace. Some shops will do this for free, others may charge a few bucks. Better to be sure you want it and where you want it and a stencil helps. I’ve seen some people do this and come back in and change their minds. They didn’t like how it looked over a period of a few days.

When your ready and in the chair sit still. Expect a little stinging sensation. Don’t wiggle or pull away. If you feel light-headed let your artist know. What’s taking place is a rush of endorphins. The body is freaking out a little bit and is sending signals that something is taking place. Most are mild and no big deal. Relax, take a few deep breaths, and let the artist know when you are ready. Keep in mind that some breaks are fine with the artist. If they happen every 5-minutes your work may cost you more. Many studios base their costs on the size and how long a tattoo is expected to take. If a 45-minute tattoo ends up lasting 3-hours the artist probably won’t be happy. After a few moments the endorphins usually help numb the stinging sensation. Not always but most of the time.

I use to talk to my clients while working on their art. Some read, listen to their ipods or watch the procedure. The main thing is to just sit as still as you can. Don’t sneeze, wiggle, jump, or slug your tattooist! Everybody feels different so just be ready for a small degree of pain. Some say that it’s a lot of pain. I guess this would depend on a persons body and their threshold of pain. Have heard some say that it was very painful. Where you get the tattoo on you will be a factor in how bad it hurts. I ask people to take a rubber band and snap it about 3-inches away from the spot you want the tattoo. Snap it about 5 times and that will help you decide. I’ve never once started a tattoo and had someone tell me to stop because it hurt to much.

Aftercare is critical after getting your tattoo. Listen to what the shop tells you! Your friends mean well in what worked for them but it doesn’t mean your body will do the same thing. Most shops will put some type of dressing over the finish work. When you get home take it off and wash it gently with warm soap water. Do it quickly and pat dry it with a clean towel. Don’t scrub hard or leave it submerged in water for long periods of time when its fresh. Don’t go in the ocean or in hot tubes. Your tattoo should heal up within 3 to 7 days, depending where the work is at on your body. Wash it 2 to 3 times a day and DON’T pick at the top of it. Don’t panic and try to keep fresh air on it. Bacteria loves the dark so the fresh air on it will speed healing. Try to not scratch it. When it's healing it will probably itch.

Hopefully viewers will share their experience with getting a tattoo. Is it addicting? How many do you have? It’s certainly not for everyone. Have a great day and think ink! If you have any questions please feel free to send us a PM message.

Do you have a tattoo? What was your experience like?

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