Hey guys.
If you have read my introduction you will know I have several tattoos including a full sleeve. I had my first one done back in 2005 and it's true what they say they are ADDICTIVE! over a couple of years I had another three nothing that big. But I had been considering having a full sleeve done for some time and after years of consideration I decided to go for it!
I had already decided what it was going to be based on. I love Japanese mythology and have always been fascinated with the story of the Koi dragon. So that was my theme sorted then came the research. It's important to seriously look into what ever you decide on, remember you will have this forever! Look at images, what other people may have had. Once your happy with that it's time to................
Research the artist.... This is just as important as deciding what you want. You could have the best ideas but if the artist isn't up to the job you will be left with a piece your not happy with and it's not like you can wash it off and start again. So don't rush it look into different artist, check out there portfolios and if you can go and check out the studio and see them in action. I believe that with tattoos you get what you pay for, if an artist is super cheap there is probably a reason for it. Also if they have a waiting list this can only be a good thing, if people are willing to wait months/ years to have a piece done by this artist then they have to be pretty good.
Before any artist starts to tattoo you, you should first be asked to go in for a consultation. In the consultation you will be asked about your ideas and where you want to go with it. I'd advise taken in images you have found that you like so the artist has a good idea of the style/ look you are going for. You should also be made aware of the time and money that's involved, a sleeve isn't a small job and is certainly not cheap. My outline alone took eight hours and cost around £1,360! I started having it done in 2010 and still haven't finished! Then there is the issue of work...Where do you work? will they be accepting of you tattoo? Are you going to be changing jobs? I know that it's your decision and that you should be able to do to your body what you like but it's worth considering. Any good artist will point all of this out to you and won't do the work until they are happy that you know what your doing.
The last thing is consider the long term... You will one day be old, Yep it happens to the best of us. Are you ok with being old and covered in tattoos? If so cool :) Also tattoos will probably need to be touched up about every ten years are you prepared for that?
I hope this helped somebody out, If you have any questions I'd be happy to help if I can.
I'd also love to hear about tattoos you have/want and also your views on tattoos and the people that have them.
Thanks for reading :)
xoxoxoxo
