Should I Get a Tattoo? - The Perfect Way to Decide

Picture this: You’re walking down the street, and you see a group of beautifully tattooed people, confidently walking and laughing together. You think to yourself, “Hey, those people look so cool”.

As you make your way home, you can’t help but have flashbacks of the intricate patterns and fascinating designs. You wonder what they all mean, how long they took to do, and wonder if they would suit you. You think about the pain that they must’ve felt and the compliments they get every day.

You start to think about your own tattoo designs, and how the people in your life would react to them. Then, you ask yourself the million-dollar question, “Should I get a tattoo?”

Should I Get A Tattoo? 5 Top Things to Consider 

Getting your first tattoo should never be something you do impulsively or on a whim. Just ask someone who got one in this manner - most of the time, they end up having it removed or covered with something else, or they end up hating it and being embarrassed about it their whole life.

If you’re considering becoming a tattoo artist someday, our guide on how to start your journey to become a tattoo artist has all of the tips and tricks you will need, including online options such as our tattooing course by artist Hugo Feist which covers everything you need to know about making stunning black and grey realism tattoos. 

There is a lot to consider before getting your first tattoo, but these 5 important things should be at the top of your list. 

Can I commit?

When you ask yourself “Should I get a tattoo?”, the first thing you should think about is your ability to commit.

What this refers to is the type of personality you have - some people are able to commit easily while others may remain uncertain of their decisions. The best way to know if you are able to commit is to think about if you get bored or tired of things easily, such as haircuts, piercings, or even your choice of frames for your glasses. If you are this type of person, you may regret your tattoo one day. 

Remember that a tattoo is a permanent alteration to your body that does need time and effort to remain looking good in the long term. Tattoo care doesn't stop the moment the tattoo artist is done giving you the tattoo. During the first few weeks, you will have to pay close attention to it to ensure it heals properly by following aftercare instructions. 

Long-term, you’ll have to avoid doing certain things that could affect your tattoo such as direct sun exposure for a long period of time, and you may need to get touch-ups every couple of years. Are you up for the challenge?  

And yes, you could always remove a tattoo, but the process is expensive and painful. You will also be left with a scar unless you decide to cover it up with something else.

What is my pain tolerance like?

Tattoos hurt. Even if you've never been to a tattoo shop, you have most likely seen someone getting a tattoo in a movie or a video online. Even the toughest of men sometimes shed a tear during the tattoo process. Certain areas of the body can be extremely painful and the size also plays a factor as larger tattoos will most likely hurt more. 

So, consider your pain tolerance. Do you think you will be able to sit through the session without wanting to leave? Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, so it is difficult to know if you will be able to manage the pain of a tattoo or not. A good indication would be if you are able to sit through getting your legs waxed, getting microblading done, or getting small injuries like cutting your finger accidentally or 

 The best way to explain the sensation of getting tattooed is to try and imagine being scratched or poked repeatedly by needles. It may also feel like a burning, stinging, or vibrating sensation - almost like a cat scratch on sunburnt skin.

If you know you have a low pain tolerance, you may want to consider sticking to a smaller design as large tattoos can take several sessions and be quite painful. Our advice is to ease yourself into the tattoo process and start small. 

There are alternatives if you are extremely worried about your pain tolerance, but still want to get a tattoo. Read all about our strategies for reducing tattoo pain, and everything you need to know about numbing cream. 

Will this affect my job/educational prospects?

We all know that having a tattoo, a funky haircut, or interesting clothing doesn't affect your ability to perform in your job. It doesn't make you any more or less competent, nor does it affect how professional you are. 

Unfortunately, certain conservative institutions and workplaces don’t see it that way. They have their own set of rules which restrict staff and students from expressing themselves creatively. This is especially true for religious institutions.

When it comes to job prospects, showing up for an interview covered in tattoos could be considered inappropriate depending on the interviewer’s opinion. But one small one on your arm should not be a problem at all. It all depends on the industry and how open-minded they are. 

Educational institutions, especially privately owned and religious institutions, can make policies that do not allow tattoos. You can easily get expelled or rejected for getting a visible tattoo.

“Should I still get a tattoo if my job/school prohibits it?” Well, in both cases, there is the option of covering the tattoo with clothing or makeup. You may also get your tattoo in a covered spot such as your ribs, sternum, back, or foot. 

Another thing you could do is reconsider the design. Some jobs will look past a small heart, your mom’s name, or a flower, but they'll have a hard time accepting images of guns, depictions of violence, obscenity, or expletives.

 Can You Get Tattoos While Pregnancy? Find out today!

What does my religion say about tattoos?

If you are religious, chances are, your religion has something to say about tattoos. While religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism welcome the practice of tattooing, many Christian denominations forbid it as do Muslims and Jewish ones. 

Chances are, if your religion looks down on any form of body modification such as piercings or plastic surgery, you can bet getting a tattoo is a no-no as well.

It is entirely up to you to decide if you are willing to go against their ancient traditions. It should be noted that many contemporary faiths are less strict in that regard and prefer to welcome people with open arms despite having tattoos or other body modifications. 

If you interpret the teachings of your religions in such a way that understand that your God’s love exceeds physical appearance, by all means, go ahead. However, if you feel guilt, and believe you will have to hide it from members of the faith in shame, then it’s probably not a good idea.

Do I have the budget for it?

While tattoo prices do vary, there is a general rule in life that the greater the quality of something the greater the price. 

We do not recommend choosing your tattoo based on price. It is better to save up before getting your tattoo and going to an experienced, professional artist. An experienced professional is generally in demand and their prices will reflect that but it is worth it for something that will be on your body for life. Tattoos start at around $100 and only go up from there, so think about your budget and if you will be able to afford it. 

Note that when choosing a tattoo artist, you don't have to automatically go for the very best of the best in your town who is booked up for months. You should research to find someone in your price range with good quality work. The prices will vary depending on where you live, but you have to have it in the back of your mind that you will have to shell out a fair amount of cash.

Decision Time

Once you answer all these questions, you can ask yourself that million-dollar question one last time, “Should I get a tattoo?”. But, this time, you should have an answer.

If you can commit to getting a tattoo, have a high pain tolerance, and have the money to do so, then yes, you should go for it!

If you are self-employed, out of school, or there are no policies at school/work that prevent you from getting the tattoo of your dreams, then there’s even more of a reason to take the leap!

Lastly, if your religious beliefs are not preventing you from getting a tattoo, call a tattoo shop and set up your appointment today.