Before you get all bent out of shape (I'm sure this is going to upset
some people), please know I'm not claiming to be tattoo queen or
anything. I just HATE seeing
bad tattoos all the time. I know some people are going to be mad about
this and that's okay. To each their own. I just see so many people who have terrible tattoos that were done by a terrible tattoo "artist" that gave it to them for free/really cheap. Cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap.
My tips for not having a sucky tattoo...
1. Does the artist have a portfolio? Do you like what you see? Awesome. If you don't like what you see or if they don't have one, then there's a problem. Don't go to someone just because they offer you a cheap tattoo, you get what you pay for.
2. If you have an idea for your next tattoo, put it somewhere you can see it every day. Keep it there for a few months and see if you still like it. Again, getting a tattoo is a forever thing unless you wanna pay for a coverup (which isn't always even possible) or pay to have it laser removed and that leaves a scar. Find an artist who you like their work or who specializes in the design you want + have them draw it up for you. I'm not saying that spur of the moment tattoos aren't going to be GREAT tattoos that you love, but waiting and thinking about the idea isn't ever going to hurt you.
3. Don't copy another tattoo. Just don't do it. With the world of the internet, so many people are getting ideas for tattoos on Tumblr or Pinterest. It's fine to be inspired by someones tattoo but don't just copy it. I won't lie, I've seen a lot of tattoos I've used for inspiration, I've really liked tattoo ideas I've seen online but I would NEVER straight up COPY another tattoo. You know how movies make it seem all awkward when you have the same dress as someone, well think about having the same TATTOO as someone you don't even know. Totally awkward. Be inspired by them but don't copy another persons tattoo. Tattoos are art and you should want to make yours as unique as possible... or at least that's how I see it.
4. On that note, no reputable tattoo artist is going to copy a tattoo to a T. I remember when I brought fonts in for my first tattoo and showed them to the artist. He was straight up honest with me and said he would NOT be doing a tattoo with one of the fonts I picked out because it just looked bad. I'm so thankful for that now because I would have had a nasty tattoo on my body forever. At time time, my feelings were hurt but I ended up happy with the tattoo I have now. I see so many of the "I refuse to sink" or "Take these broken wings and learn to fly"/bird tattoos and I get so bummed about it, be original.
5 Don't start out with a big tattoo that's visible if you're unsure if you can handle it. My first tattoo was on my foot and it's words. I can show it off if I want too and I can keep it hidden if I want too. So many people want get big visible tattoos at first but many regret that later. The sad truth about it is that there are still negative thoughts that come with having tattoos and if you can't handle that, go with something small and hidden. Not only that but tattoos are painful and it's best to start off small to know what you're getting into. (though different parts of your body hurt worse.)
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| I saw this on Tumblr and I haven't stopped laughing since. For some crazy reason, people keep getting tattoos with the words "I refuse to sink" and an anchor. The whole purpose of an anchor IS to sink so someone went in and edited the photos to have life jackets or floating devices OVER the anchors because it's more appropriate. |
These are my personal opinions. If you don't like it/agree with it, that's fine. I encourage you to leave your thoughts below in the comment section. Let me know some your tips to not having a sucky tattoo. My friend, Cheltee wrote a post about things to think about before you get a tattoo. Give that a read too.
Hahaha So funny, I can not stop laughing now xD I agree with all the reasons abou tattoo .. I want a tattoo so bad, but I can not decide what to get .. hard decision .. but that's the thing about tattooing, you can not rush into it.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I'm a very impatient person and I want what I want when I want it but I've totally thought about my tattoos for a while before I just go and get them. I'm also a very decisiveness person so I want to make sure I'm making the best choice.
DeleteLoooool I saw a picture that was at a tattoo shop that was a sign that said "sorry we are fresh out of these tattoos!" and had ALL the stereotypical "trendy" tattoos right now , so funny
ReplyDeletehahah this is funny...love tattoos but I agree, the girl Pinterest power tats are a bit ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteAll of these points are completely valid. I also find it's beneficial to go to an artist who's work you have seen on a person in real life. Because portfolio pictures are often taken before the piece has healed and that makes it hard to tell how the artists line and shading quality is. It's also important to ask when the portfolio was last updated, because a good artist grows as they tattoo more. I also always stress shopping around in shop, meet the artists. Even if you like what one artist does you may like another artist at a different shop better. Be informed, think stuff through, and ALWAYS take care of your tattoos. Even after they have healed.
ReplyDeleteAll good points. When choosing an artist is helps to have seen the artists work long after it's healed as portfolio pictures are often taken right after the sitting. And you can't tell much about line and shading quality until it's healed. Always ask when the portfolio was last updated as good artists improve over time. It's important to shop around in shop, meet the artist before you schedule an appointment with them. Don't pick an artist till you have gone to all the shops, one artist might be good at what you're looking for, but another might be better. And Always take care of your tattoos for your entire life, you want to keep them looking awesome of course
ReplyDeleteI think these are awesome pointers! I'm considering getting a tattoo in December as a Christmas gift to myself, but I want to be 100% sure that it's what I want and in a place that I like.
ReplyDeleteIt took be two years to decide exactly where I wanted my tattoo. I put a lot of thought into it and I couldn't be happier. (Its been two years) I think you are right. Please see something on the internet and they are out that night getting it on their body forever.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that picture is hilarious.
I agree with every single thing you said! (Great idea for a post, btw! I don't think I've ever read anything similar!!) I have 10 tattoos. I was VERY rebellious when I was younger and to be honest, I wanted tattoos because everyone around me said that I SHOULDN'T get them. I turned 18 in November of 2005 and by March of 2006, I had 5 tattoos. I put NO thought into them. I literally walked in the shop, looked at a couple pages in the portfolio and practically chose them at random. They are definitely done VERY well, but they have no meaning to me at all. In June of 2006, I got married and had my wedding flowers tattooed on my hip. On my one year anniversary, I had his zodiac sign tattooed on my foot. And on my 2 year anniversary, I filed for divorce. SO- I was stuck with 7 tattoos, all of which I HATED, and 2 of which are a painful reminder of how stupid I was to get married so young and fast. I didn't get another tattoo for about 4 more years and I did a LOT of thinking before I made an appointment. I got 3 more over the past few years and I love them SO much that they ALMOST make up for the ones that I hate so bad!! If you don't have any tattoos and are reading this, take what this blog post says seriously!!! Don't make the same mistakes I did. Tattoos are such a fun and expressive way to decorate yourself and they can be SO meaningful! (oh, and before I go, DON'T put your significant other's name/birthday/zodiac sign on your body. It's just plain 'ol bad luck!)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have tattoos you hate. but I'm SO GLAD you pointed out the name tattoos. I was going to mention it in this post but I feel like some people get all sassy about that too. My parents have been divorced for like 12 years now and my papa bear STILL has a tattoo with my moms name on his chest/over his heart and she has a tattoo for him.
DeleteGreat post. I got 8 tattoos in 8 months from an apprentice artist. It was the lowest point of my life and I was just being stupid (had just ended an engagement).
ReplyDeleteNow I am paying for it, literally, every 6 weeks at the laser surgeon! I do have two tattoo ideas that I want and have thought about for a long time, but I promised myself I would get the old ones removed before I get a new one!
I am so sorry to hear that. I don't want people reading this to knock apprentice tattoos though. I've seen a lot of GOOD artists working as an apprentice. I know a lot of people are worried about going to one but not all are bad, just new.
DeleteI really hope you get everything fixed and get awesome tattoos you LOVE