BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Body Art Where to start?

I have been wanting to get tattooed since I was a little kid (I'm 47 now, hope that's not too late!). I have not clue how to go about "shopping" for the right artist, but after looking at what seems like a million tattoos, I arrived at a style I like. I would want to start with my upper arms/upper chest/upper back so I could cover them pretty easily until I get the courage to show them off. I would really like to start with the end result in mind...pretty much coverage (except the hands/face/etc.) I would like to get some advice on how to begin the design/tattoo process. I would also want a woman to do the art...I think the touch is more elegant and I really have no desire to have a guys hands all over me.

Any advice?

<img src="/images/graemlins/wall.gif" alt="" />

talk to some people you know who have tattooes already and see where they got it and what they thought. Are you a man or woman? Also, what type of clothing do you feel comfortable in? That has a lot to do with it. For example, if you are a woman who likes spaghetti strings, you could get one on your upper back and just wear something with little to no back when you want to show it off. If you are a man and comfortable with sleeveless shirts, I'd go with the upper arm. That way, all you have to is wear a sleeveless or no shirt if you want to show it off. (You could wear a wifebeater or something similar). Be sure you know what you want and don't be afraid to try to get some background info on your artist if you want to. good luck

Ezaire,

There are a lot of artists listed in the resources for the tattooists. Don't be afraid to call or email tattooists to chat with them a bit about a potential design. Or go to their shop and look through their book of designs, most often binders full of pictures of finished tattoos. If you really like what you see, that person might be right. Try to visit three or four artists before picking one you like.

If this could help, I found an artist on internet who design tattoo on photo. I send my picture and he create a design. That was cool because I could see what is going to look before going to a tatooist.
If you are interested I could give you is web site address.
Sorry for my english

word of mouth is the best advertisment in this area. A friend recommended her artist to me. Also the look and cleanliness of the establishment meant a lot to me, it was very clean and private, they showed me their autoclaves ect. the artist sat down discussed the proceedure, we designed what I wanted...then wala ala ink.

And its never too late I was 39 <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />