Trust is key in getting a tattoo.

Most people who walk into a tattoo parlor have no idea of what they want, just that they want a tattoo.  Other's have a vague idea, others have an elaborate vision, other's might even bring in a picture.  But do you really know what you want?  Are you an artist? If so, are you confident enough of your skills in designing a tattoo?  Do you care if other people share the same tattoo as yours?  The key to deciding what tattoo to get is to decide why you want one.  The earliest evidence we have of tattoos in our world date back to a time when tattoos weren't cool, they were connections to the Gods or therapeutic practice.  We marked ourselves believing that the areas marked would be healed, or the evil spirits of the world would be warded off in fear of the markings, or the Gods would be pleased to know of our dedication to them.  What ever the reason, tattoos have filled our conscious bodies with images within our minds.  Where do you want it?  To most people a tattoo is their idea of who they are and they show it on the outside.  To others it's still taboo and they hide it.  Regardless of where you choose to place it, it may not be the best place for that specific tattoo.  I don't mean that getting an image of human genitalia on you face is wrong...but it may not fit area to best show the details...Who will do it?  This is the biggest and most important factor and the reason behind these words you read.  In our past the persons who performed some of the most complicated and elaborate markings were the tribe shamans, priests or chieftains.  Now we are but mere slaves to the needles, artists, tattoers, amateur or pro we are your chosen artistic avatar; we are no longer emissaries to the Gods.  However we ARE the ones you will come to to get a tattoo of the vision you have in your mind.  As with everything in this world, nothing happens without it affecting something else.  Nothing happens for no reason.  You were attracted to the artist, by recommendation, own knowledge, or sheer luck.  If you "feel" he/she is the one then you must "listen" to the feelings you'll get once you describe what you want and the artist draws up his sketch.  If the tooist is attuned to you, he/she will show you exactly what you saw in your mind.  It may not be as big as you thought, or bigger than you imagined, maybe not as detailed, maybe not as colorful or lacking of color, but you will like it and that means it's yours.  The artist has made a subconscious connection to you and has seen your vision in his own mind.  Be careful not to confuse "liking" with "being polite" if you don't agree with it completely don't go through with it.  Make the artist fix it.  This is a process that unless you have the money to remove it, it is permanent.  Not everyone who tattoos will please your vision, so visit several artists until you "feel" what you saw in your mind.  As an artist I have tattooed many people, looking back I have grown in my skill as much as I have in my soul.  I can recall the persons' feelings towards my work and their gratitude for it.  Whether the artist is a pro or not, if you like his work you like his work and that's all that really matters.  Grab a hold of those feelings of gratitude for seeing your vision come to life.  Let them guide you to your feelings of harmony because those are the markings that will connect you to your "God."