Getting tattoos is not as easy as just giving the tattoo artist permission to poke you with their tattoo gun. Tattoos are a permanent marking on you skin that will be there for the rest of your life. Of course you can have it removed in the future if you are not happy with it but you don't want to go through that. Getting a tattoo removed will be costly and painful. More so than getting the tattoo in the first place. So really think it through before you go get it done and make sure you will have no regrets. Here are some things to keep in mind before you get that tattoo.

1. What is the reason you want this tattoo? Is there any emotional meaning behind it or do you just want to look cool? Remember what is cool today may not be cool a couple years from now.

2. Are you old enough to get a tattoo? In most states you have to be at least 18 to get a tattoo although there are a couple states that you can get a tattoo at the age of 17 with parents writen consent.

3. Make sure you check out the tattoo shop to make sure it is clean and sterile. Make sure they use new needles afters each person they tattoo. Hygene is very important when it comes to where you get a tattoo from. You don't want to end up with a disease or infection.

4. Can you afford to get a tattoo. Some tattoos can cost quite a bit. My most expensive one was $500. Make sure you don't have to dip into bill money just to get a tattoo.

5. Where on your body do you want a tattoo? Tattoo placement is important. There are more painful places than others when it comes to getting a tattoo. Or maybe you want to keep your new tattoo hiden and only show it off when you feel like.

6. Get an experienced tattoo artist to do the work. Like everything else, practice makes perfect. Having someone do your tattoo that has a lot of experience will just make your tattoo look that much better. They will know what they are doing and how to do it.

7. Find the best tattoo design. There are millions and millions of tattoo designs. Find one that has meaning or something that defines yourself. Take your time and done rush trying to find a tattoo design. You may regret it later.

Keep these tips in mind before you get your tattoo and you will have no regrets down the road. Tattoos are forever so make you take the time to think about what you want and where you want it.