Six Steps to the Perfect Tattoo - Sin On Skin

STEP 1: Frame of Mind. (Never get tattooed under pressure)
Modern techniques have brought tattooing to incredible levels. There is no good reason for anyone to get a bad tattoo. However, unsatisfied customers occur every day. One reason for this is customers getting tattooed under pressure. Sometimes it’s great to be impulsive, but tattoos are permanent. Avoid the "spur-of-the-moment tattoo." Quick decisions often lead to a lifetime of regret. Step one is simple. Make sure you are emotionally ready to get tattooed.

Step 2: Selecting Your Design.
The first decision you will make is selecting a design. Make sure this is your choice and not that of a friend, spouse or tattooist. Never compromise on your tattoo design. It should be something you absolutely love. Some customers feel they must select a design from the tattoo studio. This is not true. Professional tattooists will appreciate you being prepared with a quality design.

Step 3: Adjust for Size and Placement
Now that you found your favourite design, it's time to figure out the exact size and placement of your tattoo. It is not uncommon for a person to wish they had their tattoo a bit bigger, smaller or a little to the left or the right. Take the time to find the perfect tattoo design, size and placement!

Step 4: Finding the Right Artist.
Most of today's tattoo professionals are far more skilled and highly trained than ever. It is your responsibility to make sure you are working with one of these quality professionals. Getting tattooed is intimate and personal. So how do you know who is right for you? There are three basic elements to consider when choosing: Experience, portfolio and attitude. It's always good to find an artist who has a few years of experience and is seasoned with the style of artwork you have chosen. Ask to see their portfolio of finished tattoos. Reputable tattoo artists will have a portfolio. If portfolios are not available, this is a bad sign. Look carefully at the pictures. Check for the quality of the black outlines. Are these lines clean and crisp, or are they shaky and irregular? Also, look at the colour or shading. Are the colours bright and solid or are they dull, with missing patches? Do the colours blend smoothly? Is the image easy to understand? Do the tattoos contour properly to the body? If the portfolio meets your requirements, you will want to get to know the artist. Because tattoos are personal and somewhat painful, it is good to work with someone whose chair-side manner gives you great confidence. The artists are open to answering your questions. They should share in your ideas and enthusiasm for your tattoo. If the artist does not like your ideas but they also have the artistic license to tell you what will look better for you, just as a hairdresser does the same.  Stay true to your instincts. Not all tattoo artists are the same and it might take several trips to different tattoo studios before you find the right one. No tattoo artist is perfect, but there is a tattoo artist PERFECT for you!

Step 5: Appointment Day. (The better you sit, the better your tattoo.)
The big day has arrived. It’s important to show up rested and well nourished. Don't go out late the night before your tattoo. You want to be well rested so you can relax and sit still. It's also helpful to have eaten a good breakfast or lunch. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach can be difficult and lead to problems. When you sit quietly and relaxed, your tattoo artist can concentrate on doing a good job. It has been said that there are two kinds of tattoos, one for people who sit still and one for people who don't. An edgy or restless tattoo customer takes valuable time and energy away from their own tattoo. Make sure you help your tattooist by being still and relaxed. Tensing up and complaining does not make the tattoo hurt any less, and is likely to have a negative effect on your tattoo. If you sit still and cooperate with your tattooist, you will be proud to know you did your part to make your tattoo come out PERFECT!

Step 6: Caring For Your New Tattoo.
No tattoo is finished until the healing is complete. After the tattooist has done his or her job, it's time for you to do yours. Your tattoo will take close to a month before it is completely healed. During the first stage of healing (approximately 4 to 5 days), you might experience soreness, discomfort, swelling, irritation and redness. During this time, it's important to keep your tattoo clean. Most tattoo artists will agree that you should wash your new tattoo at least 4 or 5 times a day with a mild soap. Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. It is often recommended that you apply a very thin layer of ointment after each wash.  The second and final stage (3 - 4 weeks) will have a large effect on the rest of your tattoo's life. A healing tattoo tends to dry out. At this point it's important to keep your tattoo moist. A good after care product will help prevent excess scabbing and infection, which can leave your tattoo blemished or scarred. Although some tattooists will recommend different approaches to healing, most will agree on three basic things: keep your tattoo clean, moist and protected from direct sunlight.

Tip: Avoid creams and lotions that contain fragrances, artificial colours and other unnecessary ingredients that can irritate a healing tattoo.
Tip: If you love the sun, make sure you give your tattoo plenty of time to heal before exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight as this can cause the tattoo to fade.