Want to get a tattoo but would like advice...

[cassandra]

So I've decided I'm an adult and I can get a tatto if I want, dangit...most likely something snakey related.

Anywho, what advice can you give me on:
- body location: I was thinking on the ankle.
- how to shop for a tattoo artist/shop.
- best practice for looking for/creating a design: I kinda don't want a "cookie cutter" tattoo since I don't want to see someone else with the same thing but I'd like to hear best practices for working with the artist to get what I want.
- how much I should expect to pay: the design swimming in my head is, I think, pretty simple. Maybe 2" x 2" all black silhouette of a stylized snake. Thoughts?
- how should I prepare the skin or other physical attributes to prepare for the actual tattooing: wash/don't wash the skin, shave/don't shave, drink lots of water, take advil?

Thanks in advance!

[Reptile_Man]

So I've decided I'm an adult and I can get a tatto if I want, dangit...most likely something snakey related.

Anywho, what advice can you give me on:
- body location: I was thinking on the ankle.
- how to shop for a tattoo artist/shop.
- best practice for looking for/creating a design: I kinda don't want a "cookie cutter" tattoo since I don't want to see someone else with the same thing but I'd like to hear best practices for working with the artist to get what I want.
- how much I should expect to pay: the design swimming in my head is, I think, pretty simple. Maybe 2" x 2" all black silhouette of a stylized snake. Thoughts?
- how should I prepare the skin or other physical attributes to prepare for the actual tattooing: wash/don't wash the skin, shave/don't shave, drink lots of water, take advil?

Thanks in advance!

Hey,the ankle can be a little more awkward to get a tattoo on as it has the bone there(doesnt hurt but you feel the vibrations of the needle)
The shoulder,belly area or the lower back are common areas to get a first tattoo on,and easy to get tattooed there.
as for finding an artist to do the tattoo for you,dont go for the first one you find or the cheapest.look around and find someone who has a good rep, and plenty of experience in the business.sometimes a cheap tattoo is a bad tattoo by someone who hasnt had enough practise.
as for preparing the skin for the tattoo, just keep it clean as you usually do.the tattooist will shave/clean the area before the tattoo is done anyway so really you dont have anything to worry about there.
take your time in looking for an artist,and ask to see some of his work before you commit to getting them to do one for you.
ohyeah,,dont take any painkillers unless the artist advises you to,some of them can make you bleed more making it harder for the artist to do the tattoo for you.as for working with the artist,all you have to do is make it clear to him/her about what you want,but be prepared for them wanting to make changes to the design if they feel it will look better.

Hope this helps.

[juddb]

Well when you found the artist you want to tattoo you, the best thing about having a tattoo artist is he is an artist. What most people do and the artist usually prefers is you give the artist the idea so he can blow it up for you. Usually works out for the best. As far as prepping your self, just make sure you have the money ready is all. The artist will explain everything else.

Judd

[Broseph]

Only thing i can add to this is to take your time and really think about what you want and were you want it. and look through ALL the artist portfolios that they have, it really gives up a good idea as to what there good at tattooing.

Hey,the ankle can be a little more awkward to get a tattoo on as it has the bone there(doesnt hurt but you feel the vibrations of the needle)
The shoulder,belly area or the lower back are common areas to get a first tattoo on,and easy to get tattooed there.
as for finding an artist to do the tattoo for you,dont go for the first one you find or the cheapest.look around and find someone who has a good rep, and plenty of experience in the business.sometimes a cheap tattoo is a bad tattoo by someone who hasnt had enough practise.
as for preparing the skin for the tattoo, just keep it clean as you usually do.the tattooist will shave/clean the area before the tattoo is done anyway so really you dont have anything to worry about there.
take your time in looking for an artist,and ask to see some of his work before you commit to getting them to do one for you.

Hope this helps.

[juddb]

One more thing ALL TATTOOS HURT. Ive been getting tattooed for years and every tattoo i have hurt.

[Freakie_frog]

So I've decided I'm an adult and I can get a tatto if I want, dangit...most likely something snakey related.

Anywho, what advice can you give me on:
- body location: I was thinking on the ankle.

Will hurt thin skin close to the bone will you live through it yes. places that don't hurt arms, shoulder, calves chest.

- how to shop for a tattoo artist/shop.

find a place that is clean and friendly. Most places will talk with you and even let you look around. They want you to be comfortable they want your business.

- best practice for looking for/creating a design: I kinda don't want a "cookie cutter" tattoo since I don't want to see someone else with the same thing but I'd like to hear best practices for working with the artist to get what I want.

take pics of patterns colors and body positions of how you would want it to look. Then get one of the artist to draw it out. Might cost a little more than a wall flash tat but it'll be your and no one else's

- how much I should expect to pay: the design swimming in my head is, I think, pretty simple. Maybe 2" x 2" all black silhouette of a stylized snake. Thoughts?

black and grays run around 60-100 depending on how complex. remember the smaller the tat the less detail you'll be able to get.

- how should I prepare the skin or other physical attributes to prepare for the actual tattooing: wash/don't wash the skin, shave/don't shave, drink lots of water, take advil?

NO! pain killers or alcohol they thin the blood and will cause more bleeding and will lessen the amount of ink that stays under the skin.

Shower good first, shave the area the artist might do it again to remove any minute hair that might get in the way. After your done get "drum roll please"
Preparation H to put on it for the first day or two. Hint in removes swelling in skin and allows the ink to hold it place better. Then just triple antibiotic ointment. They'll give you an after care sheet.

[juddb]

Will hurt thin skin close to the bone will you live through it yes. places that don't hurt arms, shoulder, calves chest.
.

The chest was a terrible pain, remember all tattoos hurt but man did the chest hurt. Of course i have my whole chest done. It still hurts real bad the ribs too.

[Broseph]

LOL..i never heard of that. the place i went to this last time just recommends plain sentless body lotion. they wrap the tatt in plastic wrap and say to leave it on for the first 2 days. but my brother in law is a tattoo artist out of arizona he did all but one of mine, said to use that triple antiboitic ointment you mentioned..just goes to show everyplace is different i guess...i think if my tatt guy told me that i'd laugh....but hey it just might work..

After your done get "drum roll please"
Preparation H to put on it for the first day or two.

[juddb]

PREPERATION H????? wow i wouldnt personally but i guess all artists give differnet advice....

[Freakie_frog]

The chest was a terrible pain, remember all tattoos hurt but man did the chest hurt. Of course i have my whole chest done. It still hurts real bad the ribs too.

I was meaning more in the pectoral muscle area. The ribs were bad my worst one was on the under side of arm close to the pit. :eek:

And thats where my Artist/friend started the outline...:eek::eek::eek: