Chapter 9, "Decision Making", makes quite a few valid points about modern decision making.
Namely, the massive influx of information and options that our brain must sort through in order to make the most optimal purchasing choice.
The process in choosing a tattoo is no different.
In fact, you can argue that it is easily one of the most intense decision-making processes you can undertake.
An Idea Is Born
Maybe you saw a tattoo on a friend, celebrity, or musician. Perhaps you passed by a shop and your curiosity was stirred. Whatever the case, you have made the conscious (and sober) decision to have ink permanently placed on your skin.
But, what to get? How do you get it?
With the explosion of visual-heavy social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pintrest, you are bombarded with a plethora of styles, designs, and artists. It can be enough to drive anyone crazy. Where do you start?
For one, make sure you set down some basic rules for yourself.
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
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| Nate Dogg and Warren G were proficient in the art of regulating. |
Regulation is key.
Do you have an allergies? Dermatological issues? Maybe your profession doesn't allow tattoos. Or are you concerned with what your friends and family think (though you shouldn't)? What is your budget? Color or grey and black scale?
You should be sure to address these and other questions well before finalizing your design or choosing one. .
The Decision Making Process
You know you want a tattoo. And now that you have performed some self-regulation, you are finally ready to commit to it.
Information Search, Evaluation, & Product Choice
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| So much information. What a time to be alive. |
You can't just let anyone stab you with a needle. It is an art form and should be treated as such. Utilize social media and review sites to find the most suitable artist for your piece.
You should make an effort to not only research artists, but the kind of tattoo you'll be getting. There are a variety of styles to choose from, and whether you decide to go with a pre-made flash sheet design or opt for an all original piece, there are for the most part, no rules in deciding what to get.
Some examples:
Japanese
Traditional
Chicano Style
Neo-Traditional
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Don't let the cliche of a tattoo needing to be symbolic fool you, either:
Post-Purchase Evaluation
If you made this far, congrats. You are now part of a great, expressive subculture. At this point your thoughts are either
A) I am the proud owner of a beautiful piece of artwork that I will carry with me forever
or
B) Why. Just why.
I hope that this short guide will have led you to A rather than B, though I want to say you should still find something about your new ink to be proud of. After all, you just sacrificed both time and intense pain for it.
And always remember, no matter what:
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