[custom_adv] Thinking about getting your first tattoo? Start small:If you're new to tattooing, there's no shame in starting small. Give yourself a chance to learn the process, how your skin takes ink, and how your body heals. [custom_adv] Now your pain tolerance: Nothing wrong with pushing yourself, but on a first tattoo it's more than fine to respect your body's limits. If you're very sensitive, avoid choosing ribs, backs of knees, elbows, or groin areas for your first tattoo. [custom_adv] Consider timing: Sun exposure and water submersion can damage a new tattoo, so beach bums in particular will want to avoid getting a new tat in the summer. Spring and early autumn are the most practical. You won't burn, but you can also leave any arm or leg tattoos exposed rather than covering them up with irritating fabric while they heal. [custom_adv] Don't do it on the cheap: Unless you have several trusted friends who can vouch for a suspiciously cheap tattoo parlour, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You're altering your body for life. If that's not worth a decent investment, I don't know what is. [custom_adv] Research your artist: Look into who you’re trusting your body with. Choose an artist at least a week in advance, and look over their portfolio before committing. Make sure you’re happy with their work and that their style fits yours. Shots of their work should be available in the parlour and online, and reading reviews of parlours and artists on Facebook, Yelp, etc. will help you determine if you’re comfortable. [custom_adv] Ask questions: It’s your body, so take control and get all the information. If you’re not sure what an instrument is, or if any cream or ointment is being applied to your skin, don’t be afraid to ask what’s happening! [custom_adv] ] Flash sheets are prominently displayed in many tattoo parlors for the purpose of providing both inspiration and ready-made tattoo images to customers. [custom_adv] The Japanese word irezumi means "insertion of ink" and can mean tattoos using tebori, the traditional Japanese hand method, a Western-style machine or any method of tattooing using insertion of ink. The most common word used for traditional Japanese tattoo designs is horimono.
