When you see a tattooed person, what do you initially see? What do you feel? If you are an old-fashioned individual, I'm sure you eyed him with alarming disapproval. I bet you felt formidable disgust and disdain, too. If you are someone who thinks tattoos are the next big thing since chocolates (at least to me, that is) then you surely are full of envy as well as praises for him. To think that he was able to withstand all the pain!

Tattoos and tattooing have been in existence as long as man has. During ancient times, they have been regarded as social symbols of tribes, primeval kings and queens, priests and priestesses. In this day and age, anyone can get a tattoo. Lovers permanently imprint each other's names on their own bodies to prove their love, friends choose identical designs as symbols of their friendship, and rock stars get tattoos to show how hard core they can be. You can get one, too!

Health Risks

Before you everlastingly mark yourself however, you need to think about it a million times. Tattoos, after all are permanent and will not vanish on their own. It will fade in time if not rightly cared for but it will always be visible on your skin. The first thing you need to do is to find a tattoo shop and a tattoo artist that you truly put your trust into. Make sure the shop is clean. Don't be embarrassed to ask questions. You are entitled to know that there will be no complications whatsoever as after effects. Is the place approved by the health board? This is primarily the question you need to address before you have yourself inked.

Design

There are several varieties of designs and styles to choose from depending on your choice. You can even design your own. The important thing is you are aimed on using that particular symbol and embraced the idea that it will forever be imprinted on your body. Make careful deliberation. Do you really want to infinitely etch your present girlfriend's face on your chest? What if you eventually break up? Think about it. Don't go for the design just because it's cute. Tattoos are ways of expressing yourself so make sure that you choose one that depicts you and not some cartoon character.

The PAIN

Pain is subjective. It depends on your own tolerance. The toughest man on the planet might feel the most excruciating pain of the needle jabbing into his body part while there might be some who will feel less pain or none at all. Some may even compare it to how being shot by a stun gun or a TASER feels like. The intensity of the pain depends on several factors such as the area of the body where you would like to get the tattoo on, and the intricacies of the design, among others. Bodily areas that have larger concentrations of nerves and bone are inclined to be the most sensitive for tattooing. People get tattoos on their upper arms due to the fact that the muscle tissues are thicker in this area.

To express yourself through this art form means that you are ready to endure the pain that goes with the process. Getting a tattoo should not be a half-hearted decision.