Should I Get a Tattoo?

So, you just caught a glimpse of your favorite artist’s new tattoo in her latest music video, and you’re excited.

“Should I get a tattoo?” you wondered, thinking about how amazing and inspirational it looked.

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to get a tattoo, keep reading because we have some advice for you.

But, first and foremost, you must consider why you want to be inked in the first place.

The Purpose of Getting Tattoos

To get tattoos, you must have a compelling purpose for doing so, says Spiritus Tattoo’s Artist in Columbus, Ohio.

Yes, like most others, there has to be a good cause you want it on your body.

Some people get a tattoo because they have an admiration for body art. Others get tattoos because it holds a symbolic meaning.

And some individuals may get tattoos because they believe they are cool and trendy.

Whatever the case, please bear in mind that getting a tattoo is a lifelong commitment, especially when it’s a big one.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo

  1. Personality

A tattoo can be a reflection of the wearer’s personality. Think of it as a visual depiction of your personality that lets others know what you like and dislike without you having to say anything.

Tattoos can also act as a time capsule by preserving memories. It’s a wonderful way to keep the memories of a loved one alive. Because tattoos are permanent, you can always reminisce about the wonderful memories attached to them.

Make a list of things that interest you, and use that list to help you choose a design that fits your personality.

One of them could be a fantastic idea for a tattoo design.

  1. Education

The most important thing in getting a tattoo for a juvenile is to know the minimum age requirement enforced by the state.

And for those under the legal age, getting one is still possible as long as it’s done with parental consent. By the way, if you’re a university student, the campus probably has little to nothing to say about this subject.

That being said, it’s better to keep it appropriate so as not to offend someone.

Some designs or symbols can cause an uproar because they have negative connotations or are considered sacred identity markers. Getting such a polarizing tattoo is a big deal as it can result in conflicts with other people.

Remember that there’s still a long way to go in your life. You wouldn’t want to make mistakes that might derail your career. Tattoos aren’t bad per se; just be patient because there’s plenty of time for them in the future.

  1. Employment

Some companies have a relaxed attitude towards tattoos, but others are more conservative in that area.

Hence, it’s better to research the company’s culture where you want to apply. This way, you can rest assured that there are restrictions in place regarding body piercings and tattoos.

Why don’t companies accept tattoos, though?

They probably just want to put customers first. There’s still a lingering view that customers could react negatively to this body art. They’d rather play it safe than take a risk.

Of course, not all clients echo the same sentiment. Others are totally unbothered by the sight of tattoos, even the striking ones. Another possible explanation is that companies want to maintain a professional atmosphere.

Coming into work with messy hair and an untidy outfit is a sign of disrespect. And for some reason, tattoos also give a similar impression.

Imagine seeing coworkers all with tattoos peeking out from their sleeves; isn’t it rather unprofessional?

  1. Location

Tattoos are a form of self-expression. Therefore, you’re in charge of every aspect, including the design and location.

Selecting a place on your body can be difficult when there are things you need to ponder.

It could be related to your chances of securing a job, especially if it’s too visible. Or you may want one that doesn’t cause too much pain.

For the record, nearly every part of the body can be adorned with tattoos. The forearm, shoulder, ankle, chest, hip, thigh all make good candidates for a tattoo.

They all vary in pain and visibility. Some are easier to hide, while others need extra effort to cover up.

Take your time because this will be a once-in-a-lifetime decision. Once the ink is deposited into the skin, it will stay there for years unless there’s an effort to eliminate it.

  1. Risks

Since tattooing exposes the needle to blood, it’s reasonable that this procedure risks transmitting infectious diseases. That’s why it should be done in a totally sterile environment.

Every licensed practitioner is urged to adhere to all safety protocols, including cleaning tattoo instruments and disinfecting other areas in the room.

That’s not the only risk that clients have to face. Ink is recognized as a foreign object by the body, so the risk of an allergic reaction is present.

It may not be astronomically high, but it could still happen even with ink that’s already FDA-approved. Performing tattoo work in an unsanitary setting can also lead to infection.

This is another concern you can’t overlook, as the punctured skin is basically a fresh wound. Failure to protect it during the healing process may cause bacteria to colonize and cause infection.

Wrap up: Should I Get a Tattoo

So, should I get a tattoo?

Well, that’s really a personal decision. This is a question that nobody but you can answer.

If you’re still having considerations, you also might want to check costs. Tattoos are permanent but there may be times that you might want to get rid of them so you’d also check how much does tattoo removal cost for future reference.

A tattoo can change someone’s appearance dramatically; part of it is due to the widely-held belief that tattoos are an aberration. But even if we see them in a good light, tattoos can still surprise people since they’re conspicuous in nature.

Not everyone is on the same page on this matter. Some are down for it, while others still hold to the notion that tattoos are rather trashy.

For this reason, don’t ever rush to get a tattoo before you clear your doubts about the impact it may have on your life.

Finally, remember that once the ink has been injected into the skin, it will remain there forever. So think twice before you go ahead and get some.

Good luck with your choice, whatever that may be!