Getting a tattoo is a super exciting process. Whether it's your first or seventeenth tattoo, getting a permanent piece of art on your body is exhilirating. But, it's also a delicate process that should be taken extremely seriously!
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One major mistake of getting tattooed is taking the whole process too lightly. Think about it: this is a piece of art you're going to have on you for the rest of your life, don't you want it to be something you'll like forever?
This is a mistake critically acclaimed tattoo artist Zoe Taylor sees far too often. "There's a variety of very common mistakes that people make when getting tattooed, and most of these mistakes have one thing in common: lack of thought," says Taylor. "Whether that's lack of research, lack of planning, or just the failure to take our choices seriously. The tattoo we chose at 14 to impress our friends, might not represent us twenty years later. The guy down the street that said he would do the whole sleeve for $300 probably isn't as experienced as the guy charging $300 an hour."
Don't let your impulse and lack of planning ruin a part of your body forever. Instead, follow Taylor's tip: "Do your research, find the right artist for you, don't be afraid to travel to get to them, don't hesitate to pay good money, put some thought into your choices, take your time. It'll be there forever." Doing otherwise can end up in the worst tattoo experience possible, which can lead to an expensive tattoo removal bill!
If you just recently got the tattoo of your dreams, don't let your hygiene ruin it! Make sure you follow a very cautious aftercare routine for the next few weeks to make sure your tattoo stays as perfect as when you got it. Taylor has two very important rules to follow: keep it clean and don't touch it! "Hot water, soap, and clean hands are key," she says. "Rubbing ointments on it constantly feels very helpful, but is usually unnecessary - and can be harmful if done with dirty hands. Don't touch it. Keep it clean. Leave it alone." Failure to follow this along with your tattoo artist's specific instructions could lead to infection that can ruin your tattoo and your skin!
