Getting a Tattoo or not...need Some Advice

Updated on May 11, 2009
K.B. asks from West Jordan, UT
5 answers

I have been contemplating getting a tattoo for a couple of years, but I am fairly conservative and then think to myself..."Why do I want a tattoo?" Plus, how do I decide what to get and where to have it placed. I have some ideas, but I am really scared about who does the Tattoo so I need some referrals of really good, unique tattoo artists in the Salt Lake area. Also, do they charge you for the design even if you decide not to go through with it? Thanks so much...K.

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A.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

here's how I'd go about deciding. try doing henna tat's for a while- like re-applying them on a regular basis and see how you like them after you've had it for a year. I personally think that if you can be 110% sure that you'll NEVER gain or lose any weight, and that you'll NEVER be embarassed to show it, and you'll NEVER regret it- go for it. just make sure the place you go ensures the medical saftety standards so you don't get a serious disease or infection. As a side note, henna tatoos can be just as ornate and beautiful as a real tatoo but they don't damage the skin and they fade after several weeks and sometimes months. hope this helps :)

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L.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Tattoos are seriously personal. I have heard the "what will it look like when you are old" argument, and I am not sure ANYTHING is going to look good - natural or not - at that point! I have a tattoo because I liked the art. I, too, am very conservative and wanted to make sure I could get something that I could cover in my professional life. I also didn't want it to sag. So, I got it on my upper arm. I rarely wear things without sleeves anyway, so this works for me. I am contemplating my other arm for my next tattoo! However, if you are not sure if you want it, I would wait until you are sure one way or another. They are forever, and you don't want to regret it later. I love mine, but they aren't for everyone. I also agree with the other poster to check out the art of someone you are interested in getting it done from. I didn't do this with my first and it could have gone fairly wrong. Sorry, however, I didn't get it done around here, so no advice on that front. Something else to keep in mind is that there are going to be people who label you if you get one, no matter how tasteful it is. Some people just think they are trashy. So, again, be sure you want it for yourself. Good luck!

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

I have two small tattoos on the side of each calf. When I first decided to get the tattoos I had to think about getting them where the skin was not as likely to sag as I aged. One is a bumblebee and the other is a lady bug. They were each done by different artists in Las Vegas. My lady bug had to be retouched by the man who did the bumblebee because I had grown scar tissue over it and it was pink instead of red. I got the scar tissue because I did not realize that I had sensitive skin and it scarred. I had to put neo-sporin on it to get it to heal. Not really a big deal, but it is something to remember. My sister had one done on her ankle and she said that it really hurt. I have heard from different people that it really hurts when you get it over bone. Since I got mine in Vegas, I don't know any artists in Salt Lake but I would suggest that you just go in and ask questions and ask to see their artwork. My daughter is a fantastic artist and she may do this in Oregon for some extra money.

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J.S.

answers from Provo on

I have a cousin who has a tattoo. We discuss the various things we have done as kids. Her advice to anyone who will listen, in hind site, is...do you really want that when you are 90 years old. She has done many "wild and crazy" things as a teenager, but the older she gets, she wonders what all the piercings and tattoo's are teaching her kids, and how will she explain it to her Grandkids.

Just a thought.

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J.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I have tattoos and to be honest I sometimes regret them and I sometimes love them... It really is a personal choice. Thinking about it I guess what I regret is the placement of some of my tattoos... not necessarily getting them. If you do I would say get something small and something that you have wanted for a long time and make sure it is in a place that you can easily hide... ankles, legs, arms not easy to hide (from experience). I love Jake from 11th street gallery he is amazing. You might have to make an appointment a couple weeks out. He will help you with a design and if you don't like what he does he will change it until you do. Good luck!

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