What to do to avoid getting a crappy tattoo

When thinking about the beautiful art you'll add to your body, there are some major do's and dont's you need to keep in mind to avoid getting a crappy tattoo.

Don't rush into it
-Just because it's all the rage among your friends about the great art that they got on their skin doesn't necessarily mean you should rush out to get inked. You should really think about what you want to get before going under the needle. Most studios do not tattoo people for shallow reasons. And sometimes, if they ask what the inspiration is for the tattoo, go ahead and tell them. That's what usually makes for a good tattoo-names of important people in your life, your likes/interests, passions/hobbies, career maybe, etc. Plus, they're probably curious about the inspiration of the tattoo

Visit tattoo events
-This is the greatest thing ever. This is perfect for networking and meeting artists and seeing who can handle the type of tattoo you want to get. And also, at these events, tattoo shops will be around and at least 1-2 of the artists from those shops will be there, so you can ask away and get the answers to the questions you need

Conduct background research
-It's always good to conduct research into tattoo shops in your area. Check the Better Business Bureau site and see if they are on there. Check out review sites and see what happens. You may want to check the level of expertise for the artists there. Most reputable shops will have portfolio books out front to check out some of the tattoos that the resident artists have done and in the back, they may include their license to do tattoos, which is always a reassuring sign. Things that you will need to think about when planning a tattoo include: 1.) the area in which you want your tattoo, 2.) how much color/detail is going to be in it, 3.) the size. And as for the shop, each shop charges different fees for tattoos based on color used, size, amount of detail, etc.

Choose an artist who can help you decide
-Tattoo artists only want to help you get a good tattoo. What some people fail to realize is that the tattoo chooses you, not the other way around. Tattoos were once the mark of sailors and criminals, but nowadays, these things are as common as you and me. Do some research into tattoo artists in your area at your local shops and see what kind of work they do. See if one of them matches what you're looking to get.