Make Sure you Pick the Right Tattoo

People get tattoos for a myriad of reasons, ranging from honoring a special person or memory to expressing themselves artistically or even because they lost a bet. Regardless, getting a tattoo is often a life-changing choice – after all, tattoos stay on the skin forever except when intentionally removed through painful, costly laser surgery.

Although etching a name or date that holds sentimental value on the skin may keep a tattoo relevant for many years, there are plenty of factors to consider when getting a more creative tattoo. For those aspiring to get a tattoo in the foreseeable future but have no clue where to start, here are answers to some commonly asked tattoo questions.

Common Tattoo Locations on the Body

While there is not much stopping anyone from getting tattooed anywhere they like, some parts of the body are traditionally more ideal for tattoos. Different locations on the body stretch and warp at varying rates as we age, making some tattoos more likely to become disfigured over time. Some of the most common locations on the body for optimal tattoo longevity include:

• Outer Collarbone - The outer collarbone is a perfect location for anyone who wishes to get ink on the upper chest. Thanks to clothing, it hardly receives direct sunlight, and even when exposed, it is not as vulnerable as the inner chest. Ergo, outer collarbone tattoos rarely fade.
• Inner Arm - Although outer arm tattoos tend to look great, they may not be as hidden from the sun as inner arm tattoos. The inner arm is virtually immune to sun exposure, making tattoos in this location look fresh for years to come.
• Back - Like the outer collarbone, the back barely gets any sun exposure thanks to clothing. Also, the back’s skin stays relatively tight during old age. This combination makes the back a prime location for huge, artistic tattoos.
• Calves And Shoulders - Unlike abdominal skin which tends to stretch easily, e.g., during pregnancy and weight gain, the skin on the calves and shoulders does not stretch too drastically.

Sleeve Tattoos

As suggested by the name, a sleeve tattoo is a collection of small tattoos or one large tattoo that covers most of the arm. Although sleeve tattoos are not for everybody, they could open a new world of possibilities if done correctly.

Getting tattoos on large areas with adequate space gives people plenty of freedom when selecting designs. However, given how prominent the arms are, it is necessary to pick evergreen designs and have them drawn in the right size.

Most sleeve tattoos come in quarter, half or full sizes, starting from any part of the arm and covering any segment. After choosing a suitable design, artists can help their clients pick the best placement and flow for their sleeve tattoos. Planning out the sleeve design in advance can help avoid interrupting the flow when incorporating new tattoos.

Choosing a Tattoo Artist

Although many people can get away with trusting random artists, especially when getting tiny tattoos, it is not advisable. Choosing the right artist who understands your vision ranks high on the list of factors to consider before getting a tattoo. That said, here are the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a tattoo artist.

• Cleanliness - Regardless of the artist’s creativity, affordability or popularity, they must have high hygiene standards as a bare minimum. Clean tattoo artists store their needles in sealed containers and use new disposable gloves and pigment trays on each client to minimize the risk of contamination. They also use sterilization machines to clean relatively expensive equipment that is too valuable to throw away.
• Style - Many artists are jacks of all trade, capable of drawing different tattoos in multiple styles. While such diversity can come in handy, choosing an artist that specializes in a few styles can yield better results. For instance, someone looking to get a Japanese dragon is better off working with a Japanese-style artist than an artist who dabbles in everything, from realism to portraiture.
• Price - Even though tattoos are generally expensive, they can be worth every penny if done well. Recommendations and extensive online research are great ways of discovering competent yet relatively affordable artists.

Picking the right tattoo should be a well thought out and deliberate process. Remember, body art could last a lifetime with the right placement and care, so choose wisely.