So... I was thinking of getting a tattoo.... Any advice? I've never gotten one before I was hopefully going to get one on my back

My brother wants one too, but hes only 15, so we've been arguing about it XD

I recommend the Hannah Montanna 8 and Up temporary lower back tattoo. You know, to get a feel.

Oh, sorry, El Linkage

My advice is make sure that you get a look at actual work done by your tattoo artist before getting the tat. Most of them take pics of their work, so that shouldn't be hard. Better yet, see if any of the other clients had theirs done by the guy who's doing yours. A friend of mine got a tattoo from someone who wasn't as good as he claimed to be and it turned out oooogly.

Just remember how that tattoo is going to look when you're 70

Be careful, this could get lengthy.

I say go for it, of course. I've been tattooed and have quite a few piercings, being an avid supporter of body art (but of course, needing MONEY to continue with it.)

Choosing an artist is a pain in the rear, but don't dog independent artists and jump for a big name, flashy signed tattoo shop. The best art I've seen has come out of private, licensed artist's homes, and usually comes cheaper as well as just as safe. Look to make sure they're using brand new needles, not pouring unused ink from the cups back into the bottles, and that they use proper sanitation, change gloves, don't smoke while using the needle, etc. If you choose to go to a professional parlor, ask for the owning artist, or most experienced artist. If you're going in for your first tattoo, or coming of as unknowing of tattoo practices, they may try to stick you with their 'new guy' or apprentice artists, and you're going to be stuck with that for the rest of your life. Make sure you ask to see their licenses too, which should be posted visibly in the shop, and you may want to note if they've been suspended for unsafe practices before. No need to pick up a nasty life-threatening virus or two on the way.

As far as care is concerned, remember, if you're getting a lower back tattoo, you're going to have to wear low-waist sweatpants and no tight shirts or corsets for a week or two, depending on how fast it heals. Rubbing and abrasive scratching will pull the ink out, and you'll get a faded or patchy effect to the tattoo. You want to be extraordinarily careful if it is a coloured tattoo as well, because coloured inks will fade and scratch out easier than black inks. If you're looking for something on the upper back, (fairy wings, etc) between the shoulderblades, remember that you will have to wear big baggy shirts and WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WEAR A BRA FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. Bras are the bane of wing and back tattoos, as the constant rubbing of the straps is going to make the scabbing worse, the tattoo far itchier, and rub the hell out of the ink. Yes, it's going to scab up a bit, for the love of God don't pick at it. Most tattoo artists give you a sample of Tattoo Goo, which is great, but they're wanting you to buy more of it from them for the constant care of the thing over the first few weeks. I suggest going to the skincare and lotion aisle of the grocery store and finding something called AQUAPHOR by Eucerin. It's an awesome ointment that works just as well as Tattoo Goo. Most of my piercers and artists and heavily tattooed friends scream DO NOT USE LUBRIDERM OR VASOLINE. I never tried it, I use Aquaphor, and mine turned out pretty good. Of course, almost all tattoos require some touchups or multiple visits, dependent on how detailed and coloured it is, so I wouldn't panic if you find a spot or two at first that might seem missed. Most artists will touch-up for free or cheap, if you ask nicely and don't run into the parlour screaming, "YOU SCREWED IT UP!"

Also, on a side note, if you get nervous about how it's going to look and it being permanent, a lot of parlours will use a type of tracing paper that they can transfer the design on you when they go to tattoo it. If you ask, many of them will be willing to trace the design on exactly where it's going to be, and fill it in with permanent marker. You can wear it around for a few days and see if you like it or if you want something changed or desire to have it re-sized. Again, asking nicely goes a very long way, and most artists will be accommodating if you are polite and not too naggy.

And if you do get it done, I DEMAND TO SEE PICTURES!

Huh. So, you couldn't wear tight corsets for a few days? Whatever did you do?

LOL

Dork alert!

This reminds me...

Weren't we going to get pics of Eventrus leg? tattoo

Over here, legit artists are stamped by the Health Dept. Ensure they are there. Ask around, look up scandals.