10 MOST COMMON MISTAKES:

1. Getting tattoo too early in life. First tattoos that people get even before they are 18 are most likely regretted later. If you are young and want a cartoon character think about how your dad would look with Yoshi tattoo.
2. Wrong choice of design due to rush.
3. Wrong choice of tattooist due lack of research. Often choice of design is good but quality of work is poor.
4. Tattoo of a name of a person, that is not your kid.
5. Starting tattoo and not finishing it due to financial troubles. (It is not cool to be walking around with unfinished tattoo for a year...)
6. Leaving tattoos that need attention (reworking/cover up) for way too long. It is such a relief when you sort it out.
7. Getting tattoo aftercare advice from friends rather your tattooist.
8. Getting tattoos by friends and family especially on forearms (mums and drummers are the worst of what I have seen so far).
9. Letting somebody drunk or on drugs to scar you for life or being drunk yourself when approaching tattooist. Some tattooist do not care and are willing to do something stupid on you as long as you pay.
10. Letting tattooist to do what he/she wants rather what you want. You are the one that is responsible for yourself so do your own thinking.

If you are first timer, best tattoo advice- take your time.

It is most important that you choose something that you love. It doesn't really matter how much it cost or how much it hurts, how soon it can be done when you know that tattoo lasts for life. (I will let you in a secret: only tattoo virgins believe that it's really painful, once you try, you know, that it's all right!) Only thing that matters is that your tattoo is successful and you avoid making mistakes, that are not so easy to fix.

If you want your tattoo to stand out, do not go for easiest and obvious choices like your own name, initials of your own or boyfriend/girlfriend, or something like a Star. Yes, I know, we all like stars, but that is a fashion, and fashions go. Tattoos stay. These are 3 things that are most popular for a first timer and if you want something unique my advice- think again!

If you have tattoos already have a close look at them. Are you completely and totally happy with what you have already? Could you benefit from reworking or covering something that is looking old and tired, maybe done not so well? Before starting on a new tattoo fix that what can be improved and that will feel 10 times better. At the same time you will get rid of something that you are not so happy about!

If you find yourself thinking -"I want at tattoo, but I do not know what to have" then sit down with a pencil and paper and think of what you want. Sketch the idea or write it down. Nobody can do that for you, you have to do this task yourself using your own brain power. Do not ask for tattoo advice of your friends unless you want to have something they like or you getting tattoo for them.

Good place to start is to find the answer to a question WHY? It may lead to an answer of what to have. Other questions that might help are:

Do I want it fast or do I want it good?
Do I want a unique tattoo?
Do I want to design it myself?
Do I want my selected artist to design something special for me?
Does it matter that somebody else have the same image already?
Does it have to mean anything and if yes, then what?
Where is the best place for me to have it?
Do I want it visible or easy to hide?
What is the size I imagine it to be?
Do I want the best for myself or I do not mind that my tattoo is not successful?

Have a look at cover up tattoos to learn from other people mistakes and remember, not all mistakes can be covered up! Some tattoos are beyond repair. Make sure it is not yours!

Once you have an idea, next step is research. I find that the best tool for search is Google Images.

You can type keywords together with the word tattoo. Let say it is a dragon, that you decide to have then type "dragon tattoo". You will get pages with tattoo flash, photos of existing tattoos and other designs that most likely somebody got on their body.

If you type just a word Dragon into Google Images , for example, you will get much wider choice of what can become your unique tattoo. You can try different keywords like: Dragon artwork, statues, figurines, jewelery, fantasy galleries etc.
Let's say you want flowers. It would be too wide keyword to look, so try rose, red rose, yellow rose, rose bud, etc.

If you want different, think different. Be specific then you have better chance to find exactly what you are looking for.
Another simple rule, that helps to decide is: If it's not Yes, then it's No. If it's yes, then take action! It works every time when you have to make a choice. Listen to your gut.

Print the images that you like, cut them out, get creative. See if you like to mix them up, get some of this to go with some of that! If it is writing that you like, print the words in different fonts and sizes, place it where you want it tattooed. see how it feel and if it's all good, you are getting closer!

Take your research seriously, as the more thought and time you put in it, the more pleasure you will get out, the more special your tattoo will feel to you. Do not think of what you should have, but rather what you want.

Other places to look would be tattoo magazines. You will find them in the shops and also on line.There you will find up to date tattoos and artists directories.

Style is also important, as we, tattooists each have our own. Like handwriting. Often tattoo artists prefer one style to another. If you choose your tattoo style by a person, who you want to tattoo you, then the best thing is to let them do what they like the most. You will still need to know, what to see in your tattoo and give guidelines to your artist.

Another way would be to find an image and ask the artist if he is happy to do it. You can look for a design in the tattoo shop, it could be something from the artist portfolio, flash designs, tattoo magazines or online.

Tattoo Designs for Men and Women
Tattoo Me Now
Chopper Tattoo
Tattoo Idea
Chinease Symbols
Find Your Tattoo

Online design websites are very good for ideas and there is a chance, that you may find your dream tattoo there. They often give their own tattoo advice as well so you may read that too. You may find something that you like to use as a base for your unique tattoo. Either way, seeing a lot of different tattoo ideas will open eyes to more possibilities. If you find a design that is exactly that you want, congratulations! You are one step closer!

Remember, if you like the design as it is, do not just print the thumbnail and ask your tattooist to work from that. Most of the time the quality of picture is too blurry and the detail will be lost.
If you do something- do it proper!

MAIN TATTOO STYLES:

Black and Grey/ shaded
Old School,
New School,
Japanese/Oriental,
Tribal,
Celtic,
Writing,
Realistic,
Portraits,
Biomechanical,
Fantasy and some other.

Remember one thing: Artist is not the same as the shop. It is a person. If somebody recommends you a particular shop, ask for the name of the artist. It happens, that some times people go to the recommended place and get tattooed by apprentice or a guest artist that only works there for a week and get disappointed by the shop. If tattooist hasn't got a portfolio and says that he/she is tattooing for 6 years- do your thinking!

Look through photos of tattoos already done, see if the style of the artist is exactly what you are looking for. Somebody who loves doing tribal may not be perfect for a portrait job, for example.

I believe that the best place to look for an artist is the Internet. A respectful artist will definitely have his work on a website. Set an intention for yourself to find the very best person to do your tattoo for you. Demand the best for yourself. If you need to travel, do so. "I want a tattoo now" often ends up in disappointment.

Do not always trust your friends tattoo advice, see for yourself. And please do not trust your friend with a tattoo machine looking to practice on you. Sometimes tattoos done by friends are beyond repair and often that ends the friendship.

When you meet the artist, first thing to become aware is are you feeling comfortable? If not- leave! Do yourself a favor, do not go against your gut feeling. Intuition knows the best. If you feel that you are at the right place, make time for a consultation.

"I have my own design at home, how much is it?"- That is the worst question to ask.
"How much is an angel 4X8?" - I do not know what to say here either.
"How much does it hurt?" - No one can tell you how much is going to hurt You. Be brave and get ready. It is not that bad.

Before talking to the artist you should have a more or less clear picture of what you want your tattoo to be. It helps if you have some examples to show. So your artist can see more clearly and there will be less guessing.

There is a good chance, that you got everything wrong. Listen to your tattoo artist's advice as he/she knows the best.

The things to discuss generally are idea, size, place, time required, style, price etc. You should ask all the questions that you want to know the answers to before sitting in the chair. Ask the tattooist if he/she feels comfortable doing this tattoo for you he/she could recommend you somebody else more suitable for the job.

Do not ask you tattooist what you should have. It is your own body, so it is your own idea. No one knows you better than yourself. You can ask for professional tattoo advice what would work better if you have to make a choice between few designs. Also size of tattoo is more or less up to tattooists decision, as it depends on the detail of the picture and place of your body. If you want your tattoo to sit well, you would not like it to be too small for the area.

Once you agree on the details the appointment will be made. Of course, you can get it done right there and then, if you artist has time and you have made up your mind, but if you make a time to come back that gives you a chance to rethink and get ready. If the chosen artist is waiting list- wait happily as that is a good sign.

Most of my customers bring their own ideas and I enjoy working with them.

Stay calm and relaxed. It will hurt, but intensity of the pain can be reduced if you are relaxed. Big meal right before tattoo session also makes it easier. Same as a good night sleep.

There is no point in thinking too much about what it's going to be like if you never had a tattoo. Worry too much about pain will drain you out before it is even happening. If you know that you want it- go for it and you will see that it is not as bad as you imagine.

Stay of alcohol for at least 24 hours. If you consume alcohol, that would thin the blood and it would make it more difficult to put the ink into your skin, as the blood would be pushing it out. In that case tattoo and the healing would take longer and there is a chance that it will need to be touched up.

Bring a bottle of coca cola, chocolate, lolly pop or something else sweet. Remember, the more you're relaxed the easier it goes. If you are too tense or too afraid, and had no food before tattoo there is a chance that you may pass out!

Listen to your tattooist as he/she knows the best what works for his/her customers.

General guide:

After removing the cover wash your tattoo with warm soapy water. Any shower gel is fine. Be gentle, do not rub it. Pat it dry with the towel and wait until it dries completely.

Apply a thin layer of BEPANTHEN or the recommended cream. Vaseline is not good for it . If you are not sure, ask.

You need a very thin layer of the cream, something like a face cream. If you put too much, that can prolong healing. You should keep it between dry and moist.

Apply the cream 2 times a day until tattoo is healed. Morning and evening. If it feels dry, apply a thin layer in the afternoon.

Do not scratch, pick or do anything to it. If you pick a scab, ink comes out and the tattoo becomes patchy.

No soaking in a water, no bath, steam rooms, swimming etc. until healed. Quick showers are fine and you need to wash your tattoo daily.

Do not expose new tattoo to UV rays for as long as 4-6 weeks. Sun would make it fade. Later if you go on the sun, apply sun block cream over it.

Follow your tattooist's advice thoroughly and do not listen to your friends. Any questions- do not hesitate to ask your artist.