Once one reaches the age of 18, the immediate validating acts are often to purchase a lottery ticket and get a tattoo! Tattoos are usually to express one’s character and artistic ability, memoirs to late family, symbols of religion, and practically anything a person can think of that can be drawn. However, adults today frequently question young adults rushing to get something so permanent on their bodies.

The time where the parents and grandparents of the current Cass class were growing up, tattoos were often seen as a very controversial addition to body modification. Today, tattoos are more popular than ever. They are a conversation starter and can easily indicate nature of a person, whether it be rebellion, self-expression, or “just because,” 45 million Americans (History of Tattoos) are wearing their favorite ink on their bodies.

Anyone looking to get a tattoo soon better plan far ahead! Tattoo shops have a tight schedule, and some artists often have multiple people wanting to get inked specifically by them. It is important to consider multiple shops in the area and check out every artists’ work. Some prefer to communicate with artists before putting a permanent symbol or group of words on their body.

However, with all these options, how can one even decide what to get? The most common tattoos, per surveys from women (POPSUGAR Inc.), are arrows, wings, anchors, breast cancer symbols, the word “hope,” infinity signs, crosses, and zodiac symbols. Getting a tattoo uniquely made to fit the individual will prevent them from regretting it in the long run. In the circumstance of finding a design online one wants tattooed, it is important to find the source of the artist behind the photo and politely pay commissions. Tattoo artists generally prefer to not copy another’s work, as it is fundamentally copyright. At most shops, there is a small fee for an artist to draw up a personal portrait of the customer’s choice.

Once the location and design are both decided on, all that is left is the placement! Common areas for first-time-tattoos include the forearm, thigh, calf, or wrist. Customers should be prepared for some pain, though. Pain tolerance ranges each person, as well as certain areas per man or woman. A person’s first tattoo will hurt, but they will acclimate to the strange, shocking sensation eventually. The most painful areas are the groin, elbow, armpits, spine area, inner arm, sternum, ankle, knee, thighs, and under breast area. Below is a picture of a pain body placement chart. (Wild Tattoo Art)

Personally, my first tattoo experience was moderate to very discomfort, as I chose a very large piece on the side of my thigh. Though I have practiced the Indian tradition of DIY tattoos (most known as “stick n’ pokes”), I did not prepare for pain and aftercare. Getting your first permanent ink on your body is a liberating experience, and is something to remember for the rest of your life.