Artistic Ink

Should I get a Tattoo?

Getting a Tattoo is a HUGE step and a lifetime investment. A tattoo isn't a spur of the moment thing you should get done.

Things you should consider BEFORE getting a tattoo:

  1. Consider whatever kind of tattoo you are getting very carefully before getting it because it is permanent. You should not just get a tattoo because you are in the mood to get one. The tattoo should have some type of meaning to you before you get it. The decision to get a tattoo should be taken very seriously. Think about how you will feel about the tattoo you have chosen to get in 15 years. Will you still like it or is it something that is just popular right now? Think long term… Sure, we can cover up almost anything but often getting something covered up really limits your choices for the “new” tattoo.
  2. Another issue to seriously consider is the placement of the tattoo. While it is true that tattoos have exploded in the past several years and are now more widely accepted across the country than ever before, it is also true that tattoos are not always welcomed in the professional world. So, if you are not sure of what industry your career will be in or if you are unsure of your current job’s security, perhaps placing a tattoo in a visible part of your body may not be the best decision for you.
  3. Also, if you are a female and think that one day you might want to have a child, perhaps placing a tattoo on your stomach, hip, breast, or bottom is not the best choice for you. Another scenario, if you are a female and have not gotten married but think that one day you might, perhaps placing a tattoo on your shoulder or arm is not the best choice for you. You might really like a strapless wedding gown but covering the tattoo on the back of your shoulder will prove to be quiet difficult. You want the tattoo to be something enjoyable for you forever. You never want the tattoo to become a burden or problem. That is not the purpose of tattoos.
  4. Individuals under the age of 18: Alabama state law, at this time, does not have a minimum age requirement for tattoos or piercing of minors with parents consent. However, Artistic Ink DOES. We do not feel that anyone under the age of 14 with or without a parents consent is mature enough to truly know what tattoo they will want in 5 years, much less 15 years. Also, we have found that individuals under the age of 14, typically, do not properly care for their tattoos and piercing during the healing process. Therefore, Artistic Ink will not tattoo or pierce any individuals under the age of 14. The ONLY exception to this is when the individual has already made a “poor” choice and gotten a tattoo that needs to be covered up or repaired. In these situations only, Artistic Ink, with parents consent will perform the cover up or repair on the individual that is under the age of 14. Otherwise, you must be 14 year old with a parent’s consent. Anyone over the age of 18 does not require a parent’s consent.
  5. Lastly, we strongly discourage putting anyone’s name on you as a tattoo UNLESS it is your children, a deceased person or an “in memory” piece. The number of cover ups we have done on husbands, wives, girlfriends and boyfriends is unbelievable. Your children are your children forever and deceased people can’t do anything to make you change the way you feel about them but spouses and significant others can. Please think very carefully about this before you do it.

After reading our suggestions on tattoos, if you are still interested, please take a few minutes to look through each artist’s work. Each artist has their own unique style and can offer many creative ideas to your tattoo.
Jeff's Tattoos
Kao's Tattoos