Where to get tattoo

[KingKitty]

I wanted a particular type of a tattoo for some time. I am not going to write it here in case other people will argue against it. It's something I really really do want.

So earlier today I was walking by a tattoo artist shop and I went in and I booked myself an appointment for April.

So this is happening for me.

I am somewhat undecided between arm or leg tattoo location. It will be a smallest to medium tattoo. I would love it on my arm so that I could have it close to me. I don't like my upper arms because they are fat. I would like it on my inside arm. I am really drawn to this location. However I am apprehensive in case I experience work problems later on down the line and in case I would be unable to cover it if I need to. So I am thinking on the front or side of my lower leg. That would be easier to cover up.

What do you guys think?

I really want it on my arm but I am thinking my leg would be better.

Anyone?

I think I might do leg so that I can cover it up if I need to but I would really love it on my arm to keept it close to me.

Have you done much research on the studio/artist? Or did you just walk in and book?

I'd have a look to see if there are examples of the artist's work online, just to check your styles are a match etc.

If you want it on your arm then get it done on your arm 😊 Easily covered with a long sleeve if necessary?

I wouldn't worry about tattoos and work anymore - I work in finance in London and nobody would bat an eyelid at an inner arm tattoo. I know plenty of middle class professionals who have lovely ones, all mid-forties, seems to be a bit of a thing.

April is very soon for them to have an appoitment
A good shop will have a very long wait list

In my area, you wait atleast a year or so

Research the tattoo parlour and the artist and examples of their work that they have done

When they do the drawing on you first, make sure you are completely happy with it, because thats what your tattoo will look like

I did no research whatsoever. I was walking by a tattoo shop and walked in. They could she even taken me today. I am not in a big city and there are many tattoo places so they likely wouldn't be too busy anyways.

I checked online and I like their work.

The tattoo I am looking for is not very personal.

If I am not happy with it, what then? Do I cancel or go back another day or do they try a different placement?

Happy with the drawing ?
If they can redo it great, if not to your liking Then you say no thank you and you walk away

Do your research, look at reviews
Post on your local facebook group asking for recommendations of a tattooist

Why did you book without doing your research?

A tattoo is basically a permanent work of art on your body.

I would do intensive research to find a really high quality artist if I we’re going to get one.

See it would depend on what it is for me. Something that people can get offended about then leg or just something pretty arm. Just wear long sleeve if you wanted to cover up

Is there just one tattooist there?

You need to be very happy with the art quality of the tattoo artist who will be doing your particular tattoo. You need to study their work.

You see so many people with really quite low quality art tattooed on their bodies. I just don’t understand the lax attitude to getting art permanently inked on your body. I’d put more thought and effort to a buying a picture going on my wall than many people seem to put into art going forever on their body!

This.

i have a few tattoos and I'm itching for another one but I will spend months, could even be a year, trawling Pinterest collecting ideas. I have a few tattoo groups I follow on FB and certain Artists I follow on Instagram. I know what I want in my head but until I see it or find an artist who specialises in the style then I’m not budging because it has to be right.
I would definitely look around and research more because each artist has their own unique style.

Ger on Instagram. I spent a while (as in, a couple of months) following tattooists in my area to get a feeling for their work and whose style I liked before I took the plunge.

Saying that, I knew what I wanted in terms of what I wanted a tattoo of, but I wanted the tattooist to design it - I'm not arty myself so really needed the creative input. If you don't need this, if the tattoo is either very specific with no scope for the tattooist's own style, or if you have basically drawn it yourself, you might not need this to such a degree.

I'd go for the location you love, I wouldn't worry about judgement.

Getting tattoos are amongst my favourite things I've done - don't feel the need to rush it, enjoy the process!

I have several tattoos, all on my arms. I work in a professional setting and noone cares about them showing, they are all on the smaller side and tasteful. Arm can easily be covered with a long sleeve top. By front lower leg I presume you mean your shin, that's going to hurt.

Tattoos are so common nowadays, don't worry about it. Everyone has them! I'm a secondary school teacher and seem to be the only member of staff without a visible tattoo!
Just take your time, as people have said. Get recommendations. There are tattooists on every street where I live, they do walk ins or have loads of appointments, so you could probably shop around.
However, you do indicate that your tattoo might be unpopular for some reason? Just be careful what you have done.

No, it won't be unpopular at all. It will be pretty. It will be a generic but I will get it in a rich vibrant colour that I love. I don't want to write it here in case people argue against it. That is all.

I am a secondary school teacher with a vibrant tattoo all around my wrist . A large number of my colleagues have a lot more tattoos. I have never even attempted, or indeed been asked to , cover it .
Just one thing - if you feel like to you so t want to tell total strangers what it is , will you feel self conscious showing it off to friend and family ?

The pictures in the tattoo shop window appealed to me when I was walking through a street in my local city

Ok, I'm sure people won't, but your choice. If someone's art work in a window is appealing, check them out.

One of our Deputy Heads has full sleeves and brightly coloured tattoos on her legs! It's hardly an issue nowadays.

I paid a small deposit. I wonder if iwnas to cancel in plenty of time, would that be refunded. I don't know what their refund policy is.

I found another tattoo artist whose work looks incredible.

A deposit is non-refundable. The whole point is to ensure the company does not wholly lose out if you cancel.

Research, research research. I agree April is quick. I've waited almost 12 months in the past.
Also, local isn't always the best. If you can travel for an artist who does what you need then do it.
Deposits are generally non refundable.

Get on to Instagram, Google images and look through images of the kind of thing you want. Full colour artists don't usually enjoy black and white and vice versa from my experience. You will find someone who specialises in what you want if you look.

You haven't said what you do, work-wise. But these days, in most professional settings, a well executed non-offensive/controversial tattoo isn't an issue (other than on the face. Some places are weird about necks and the backs of hands too).
It's possible to change jobs. Tattoos are permanent (laser is painful, expensive and not very effective).
Research your artist carefully. Look at examples of their work (on skin, not just drawings) - does their work, in the style you want, look good? Do you know people with good tattoos in your preferred style? Ask them where they got them done and whether they'd recommend the artist!
As for tattoo placement - once you have an artist you like, ask their advice about where your preferred design would work best with your anatomy.
I live in a town with loads of tattoo shops. I could probably get a walk in tattoo in most of them tomorrow or Tuesday. I have a lot of tattoos, and go to an artist a few towns over. Their waiting list is a few months, and they also charge more than other local artists. That's fine - their artwork is phenomenal, I enjoy spending time with them, and I always feel safe.