Getting inked is a life commitment

Well I am finally doing it. No, I'm not getting a career or settling down with someone, I'm doing something far more permanent and scary…getting my first tattoo. For many years, I have had the urge to be inked, but two things stood in my way. First, is that my decision in what to get changes almost every two weeks. This indecisiveness is actually a blessing, as I think back to that Aerosmith tattoo my friend was getting and I was almost caught up in the moment. The second reason is fear of the artist screwing up. Perhaps I am a control freak, but it has happened to a couple of friends. However, with adequate research, I feel I'm ready for it! Therefore, if you're planning to get a tattoo as well, here are key things to do before you are stamped.

Be aware of the risks
You may be exposed to blood-borne infections if the equipment used is contaminated with blood from an infected person. This could result in contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. Skin infections are also a risk as bacteria thrive on the skins surface. Tattooing breaks this protective barrier, which could result in serious infection, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ask around
Tattoos are a walking billboard for an artist and the shop they work in. If you like someone's tattoo, ask if they recommend you go there. The same goes with anything that looks horrendous. I know never to step foot in one place after the artist wanted to add some “cool shading” to my friend's tattoo...the outcome wasn't pretty.

Be a cyber snob
Yes, I judge a store by their website. If there is little mention of safety practices or it lacks artist bios with thumbnails of their work, I suggest you move on. Go with your gut because there are many clean, reputable shops that put effort into advertising.

Go for a consultation
Before you set an appointment, go in and discuss what you would like. From there, you can get a better idea of which artist's style you prefer by looking through their portfolio and how much it will cost. While you may be tempted to save a few bucks and have an apprentice do your tattoo, keep in mind they have less experience. If you are lucky to know someone with Photoshop skills, you can see the different placement options, sizes and fonts even before you go in. Spell-check never hurts either.

Key things a tattoo parlour should have
- Latex gloves.
- Sterile, disposable cloths or towels for cleaning tattoos.
- Virus-killing disinfectant for cleaning the workspace...and the workspace should look clean as well.
- Antibacterial hand wash for the artist and sterilizing soap for the client's tattoo.
- An FDA-approved autoclave, that uses steam, pressure and heat to sterilize the tattoo equipment to hospital sterilization standards.
- Sterile disposable needles, individually packaged sealed and dated.
- You should be allowed to watch the autoclave being used and see the new, packaged needle and tube set be opened in front of you.
- Frequent inspections by the local health unit.

Questions to ask your tattoo artist
I know, this really isn't the “fun” part, but remember a tattoo is permanent, expensive to remove and there are health risks. Remember, it is there professional responsibility to disclose full information. You're the client, they need to sell themselves to you. If the shop has all the above safety and hygiene amenities, you should then ask the following:

- Does the artist have a license along with references?
- Does the shop follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations Universal Precautions for blood disposal?
- Does each artist wash his/her hands with antibacterial soap before and after each client?
- What papers need to be signed and depending on your age, if you need adult consent.
- How much will it cost? Most places charge by the hour, so the artist should be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long your tattoo should take.
- What is the aftercare procedure and if any aftercare product is included with your tattoo?

Go with your gut
Google Images is a great resource for tattoo ideas. However, it can also be overwhelming. I started out with a small, simple tattoo and soon found myself wanting the most intricate collage of every darn thing you could imagine. I mean, who wouldn't want a gigantic peacock feather going up their back? But it's best to stick to your original plan because you can always add on later…and that'll be half the fun. Good luck!

For further information and ideas, check out these sites:

new.myfonts.com
If you are getting a word tattooed such as “Mom,” you can see it written in an array of fonts

www.healthunit.com/article.aspx?ID=10700 and tattoo.about.com/cs/beginners/a/blchecklist.htm
For a detailed safety checklist and list of explanations

ugliesttattoos.com
For sheer amusement and a good lesson about proofreading and second opinions