Tattoos are becoming a normal part of life in a world that has become more accepting and appreciative of beautiful body art. Not so long ago, it was considered taboo in the U.S. and downright shameful in places like Oklahoma where the process of applying a tattoo was illegal.That law has since changed and employers are no longer threatened by the chance a customer will see a tattoo on an employee and be displeased. This has allowed many people to choose to express themselves through custom skin art.

The process of getting a tattoo can be an adventure to many people that do things on a whim or are very spontaneous. I've heard the stories and have seen the results of many and let's just say that some are nightmarish, story and tattoo wise, tales of drunkenness and shady characters. Leaving out the spirits and choosing a good artist based on careful research is vital and can leave you a very happy canvas when completed. One of the keys to finding a good artist is to critique his work. You care more about the work they are performing than anyone on earth and you should research as such. I like to pick artists brains about their past art work or whether they are just serviceable tattoo artists or is sketching from scratch a staple of their skill. Finally, make sure the artist isn't working from home or with sterilized needles and so on. A good reputable artist will work in a clean environment in a space that is usually rented.

The actual application of a tattoo is done using a tattoo machine which has its roots in a machine called an "electric pen" invented by Thomas Edison. Samuel O'Reilly actually modified Edisons machine to apply ink into the skin in 1891. Todays tattoo machines have advanced since that time and can be adjusted for needle depth and speed. This has led to a more precise craft based more on detail leading to limitless ideas as to what can and cant be done.

Getting a tattoo can be a painful ordeal depending on placement and your pain threshold. Placement on highly sensitive areas like under your arm will be more painful than on your bicep. Be prepared for an extended period of time sitting and being stabbed with a needle over and over again which is really not a very painful process. The worst part of the process is the wait, which can be hours or broken into hours of sessions for very large tattoo.

New tattoo care is pivotal because how it heals affects the finished product. All established tattoo artists will tell you exactly how to care for your new tattoo from the moment you walk out of the door. Most will tell you to wash the tattoo with anti-bacterial or anti-microbial soap with no fragrance or dye. The process of washing should be done with water and your hand because cloth towels can disturb the setting of the ink within your skin. Moisturizing varies from artist to artist but the consensus is a no fragrance and no dye lotion.

In closing I would say that if you want one, get one. If you follow what was outlined in this article, your new tattoo will most likely be one of your favorite pieces of artwork by far. Listening to your artist would've kept it out of the sun or submerged in water for at least 3 weeks to a month, leading to beautiful piece of work that is ready to show off.