DO heed your artist’s advice. Aftercare instructions vary from artist to artist, some may insist on special creams, others on no cream. Whatever YOUR artist says, listen. They know what is best to preserve their technique. If you have your own ideas on what to do for the tattoo, consult your artist first. Avoid assessing the tattoo’s needs on your own especially if it’s your first tattoo. A remedy that seems logical to you can actually turn out to be quite disastrous. For example applying Vaseline to sooth and protect a new tattoo may seem natural, but in fact the Vaseline will fade most tattoo inks and dull your design. Generally speaking one technique works for most people, which is to tape clear plastic wrap over the tattoo when it is first done to avoid contact with garments, your hands, sweat, etc.

DO get a tattoo in the winter. Summertime may seem like an ideal season to get one, but the season’s activities, such as tanning and swimming, are the worst aggravators for a tattoo. Even if you are careful about avoiding these activities, you will likely be annoyed at having to miss out on them. Winter is the best time to get a tattoo, by the time summer rolls around it will be 100% ready to show off and be exposed to intense sunlight, chlorine, etc.

DO look past trendy spots for a tattoo. So many young college girls now have lower back tattoos that it’s become quite conventional and boring. Upper arm and ankle tattoos can get tiresome as well. Though these spots are very popular, they are oddly enough not a good choice for many people (from a physically appealing point of view). Here are some other spots you may have not considered, but are universally flattering: Front of the upper thigh, hip area, toes, upper back, back of neck, inner forearm ,stomach, front of foot

DO keep the design timeless and sophisticated. You don’t think a tattoo can be sophisticated? You have probably seen too many roses or snakes (though these designs can turn out well too). Tattoo artists really are artists. They have extensive abilities and creativity. The design’s limits are only your imagination (and your wallet). Tattoo artists love to help develop and/or pick a design, so don’t feel pressured to have a choice made already. Be open to any thoughts your artist may have on a design you present to them drawn by a friend or found in a magazine, they may improve on it greatly (as a tattoo at least). Culturally significant designs such as traditional Celtic or tribal symbols often make for original and appealing results. Very simple shapes such as stars, hearts, various flowers, and silhouettes or outlines of more complex ideas turn out better than other concepts. One great way to start brainstorming is to think about a piece of jewelry that you like, and take the main style or shapes in it for a design.