BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Body Art Want to get a tatto!

BUT.....i'm not sure! I think tattoes are beautiful and have been wanting to get one for a little under a year now. I know i'll like it now, but i don't know if 10 years from now i'll like it or not. I have various ideas about what i want and where.

So are there any kind of questions you should ask yourself before you make the committment? Also, how much does it hurt? Are they any techniques for it not hurting? And if i do decide to get one, what are the tell-tale signs of a good or bad tattoing shop?

Any input would be fabulous!! TIA.

The Body Art section of Bella has a lot of tattoo articles, some of which I've linked to below.

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Hi Jasmine,

I dont have as many tat's as Rae, and i am definately not an expert on the subject but i do have 4 tattoos and one more planned. My advice to anyone who tells me they want a tattoo, is to pick one out and then leave the idea alone for a while, (months if you can). go back and look at that same tattoo later on. do you still LOVE it? or is it just okay? If you still love it after say 6 months, you most likely will like it for quite some time. Never ever rush into a tat parlor and just pick one that strikes you that day. I have both followed my own advice and rushed in, and you guessed it, the one i rushed on, i regret getting. I was young and couldnt wait i guess *sigh* and now i'm stuck with it until/if i get it lasered off. it's such a huge decision. i also chose places that i can cover. thats another thing, where are you going to put it? i limited myself on dresses/skirts/shorts because i have a big angel on my calf. i love the tat, but can't really show it at work so i can only wear long dresses or pants. i've got one on my back and now i have to take that into consideration for my sisters wedding, what will i wear for a dress? (i'm in it) so choose wisely, and take your time.

Thanks Rae and allyson. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Your input is much appreciated. And Rae.....all your articles about body art are totally awesome!! I've read a lot of them and now understand better the process and pros/cons. So i would just like to say a personal thank you to all the work you've done. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

allyson: Yes, i have thought about what i want and where i want them. I want two tattoos; both on my stomach region. One will be the japanese (or chinese) symbol for "sword" which i am very attached to since it's my maiden name! It wouldn't be very big, maybe an inch by an inch (it depends), and it would be close to my left hip bone (about 2 or 3 inches away from the hip bone; centered in between the hip bone and the bottom of my navel). The other one i want is the prism symbol from Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side of the Moon". Pink Floyd is my favorite band and is, like, my religion (i'm hugely obsessed with them ). It would also be in my stomach region, either an inch above my navel or in the middle of where my navel and chest are. That one would be a little bigger about 2 to 3 inches or so. However, the only problem is when/if i get pregnant and if i get stretch marks, it wouldn't look so pretty, BUT i think i will take your advice allyson. I'm going on a cruise July 26, so i wouldn't be able to get one right now anyways. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you are ever going to be in vegas I highly recommend a guy Victor who is appointment only.

Paradox Studios Tattoos and Art

If you want a dolphin, barbedwire arm band, or butterfly on your back. You are probably going to the wrong guy. His work is custom and meaningful to the tattooee<is that a word?> No offense to those who have the previously mentioned but a tatoo is going to be with you forever... why not something original and memorable?

In any case. He is incredible. Of course I have a too by him though surely not his finest work (or this the best picture) I've seen some amazing stuff that he does.

He has been doing it for many years and of course uses all the proper equipment and safety precautions. He has done several celebs if that matters, i won't mention them you can ask him about that if you go see him.