Tattoos as a part of personal expression

Margaret from "Painted Lady Tattoos and Piercings" 

How many times have you walked pass someone with a tattoo and then gave a double-take? Did you look back because you found the tattoo interesting? Did you look back in judgement of the person? Or maybe you looked back because you too sport a tattoo and have a fond appreciation for another's work. 

Tattoos are not the first thing you think of when you hear "personal style," yet it's one of the most personal ways to express one's self. These days, tattoos are as common and as much a fashion statement as shoes, printed tees, earrings or an exotic haircut. When most people get tattoos, they choose an image or words that have real meaning to them; the tattoo is literally and figuratively a part of who they are. Tattoos tell stories. They may represent the love of one's life; they may represent a love lost; they may represent one's spiritual belief; or, it could be a symbol of that wild and crazy time in Vegas. 

When choosing to get a tattoo as a part of personal expression, one needs to keep in mind a few things:

• Try not to get a tattoo on a whim - Give it serious consideration because tattoos are a lifetime commitment. Recently, there have been advancements in removing tattoos, but this processes are not guaranteed.
• Choose a tattoo that has personal meaning - Remember, when people see your tattoo, it will tell a story about you. What kind of story do you want your tattoo to tell?
• Consider your skin color - Not all ink colors will show on darker skin. Likewise, not all lighter ink colors will show on lighter skin. There have been some advancements in the ink used and red ink, for example, now show much better on darker skin. When in doubt, ask the tattoo artist. That brings me to the next point.
• Choose your tattoo artist carefully - Ask to see their body of work. If possible, ask others that used the tattoo artist to get their perspective. Don't be afraid to ask the artist questions about their skills (be tactful though). For example, during normal conversation, casually ask how long they've been giving tattoos. Would you allow a doctor in which you know nothing about to perform surgery on you? Locally, Bethesda Tattoo Company come up many conversations regarding a great place for a tattoo. 
• Find a tattoo artist that is skilled in drawing - if the tattoo artist is going to draw your tattoo, the quality of your tattoo rest in the hands of their drawing skills. The tattoo process has become more advanced, and some tattoo parlors have a process where they can take an already drawn picture, copy it on special paper, and apply it to your body to create the outline. 
• Seek a tattoo consultation - If getting your first tattoo, it's sometimes good to go for a consultation first and come back for your tattoo (unless you're 100% certain of what you want and comfortable with the tattoo artist).
• Follow instructions - After getting a tattoo, ALWAYS follow the tattoo parlor's instructions for taking care of the tattoo. This is not the time to skip steps.

Artwork and tattoo by "Painted Lady Tattoos and Piercings"

• NEVER pick at the scabs, if they form - Picking the scabs may remove some of the ink coloring. Instead, apply the ointment given or suggested by the tattoo parlor. 
• Shop around for the best price - the DC metro area has plenty of tattoo parlors. However, don't be afraid to travel (within reason) for the right tattoo artist and the right price. There is a great tattoo parlor just two hours away from the DC metro area in Harrisonburg, VA by the name of "Painted Lady Tattoos and Piercings." They have very reasonable prices (more reasonable than the DC area) and an excellent tattoo artist by the name of Margaret. Check them out if you're up for the ride. 
• Be mindful of your profession - If you're in a customer service environment, getting a tattoo of vampire teeth dripping with blood on your forehead is probably not the best career move.

There are tons of websites out there with sample tattoos. Do a google search and find a tattoo that represents you and expresses who you are. Better yet, keep your eye open for a picture, image, or words with personal meaning and take it in to the tattoo artist. Do you have a tattoo? If so, lets hear about the story that your tattoo tells in the comments section. Alternatively, if you do not have a tattoo or think tattoos are taboo, let's hear from you as well.