While I'm sure the owners are flattered that you like their tattoo, let
me remind you of one very important fact:
Tattoos are deeply personal.
If you get someone else's tattoo, you will be wearing a tattoo that says,
"Hey, look at me! I'm so lame I couldn't even get my own tattoo -- I
have nothing to say about myself." In addition, you'll be stealing.
A good tattoo artist can tattoo anything you'd like. Anything at all, based
on any source material you provide. If you want to have a good tattoo,
follow these steps and you'll wear something you can be proud of for the
rest of your life:
1. Decide roughly what you want tattooed on you. Draw some sketches
(even if you're not an artist; the tattoo artist you go to will redraw them
anyway, but it'll give them an idea of what you'd like). Find photographs
and drawings in books and magazines that are along the lines of what you'd
like. If you want a tiger, find some photos of tigers that you like. Note that
they can be photos out of a nature book -- they don't have to be photos of
tattoos. If you
want tribal work, maybe print out some of the photos from BME -- not to
copy, but simply to say "Something a little like this."
(A side warning note: If you are planning on getting
"Chinese writing" (ie. kanji) or "tribal" tattoos or any other tattoos
that carry a cultural meaning that you don't understand, please be aware
that the odds are very high that you'll look like a jackass to anyone
who actually does know the meaning.)
2. Browse online portfolios and websites of artists in your area,
but most importantly, visit every tattoo artist in your area and
look through their portfolios (photo albums of their work -- ignore the
flash on the walls) -- don't just go to the first studio you find or the
one your buddy went to. Choose the best artist you can find, and don't shop
for price. If you can't afford it, wait. Remember, this is an investment
that will last the rest of your life.
3. Make an appointment for a consultation with the artist. Bring in
all of your artwork and ideas, and work with the artist to make a perfect
custom tattoo for you. Again, don't shop for price. Good tattoos
are expensive, and if you do something like make your perfect tattoo "a
little smaller" to cut the price, you will regret it. By following this advice
you guarantee that your tattoo will be
unique to you, and will mean something very special.
Good luck, and thank you for reading this.
Shannon
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