Tattoos with tragic endings are a source of morbid curiosity. Both for the grotesque errors in Portuguese and for the artwork of dubious taste. Everyone loves these pearls, but deep down we battle with the terror that, in one of these, we could become a living example. A few slip-ups and there we are, with a "Decase In Peace" or a doodle that looks like it came out of MS Paint.
But there's no need to despair! We've prepared a step-by-step guide that will immunize you against permanent ink disasters. Just follow these tips and your tattoo dream will come true, check it out!
Research your tattoo artist
The most essential tip for anyone who wants to get into tattooing is to research the artists' work properly. Take a close look at their portfolios to get a good idea of what your skin will look like once it's healed.
If your idea is large or complex, a face-to-face consultation with the tattoo artist is essential to hammer out the final result. Consider a red flag if he doesn't suggest it or doesn't show any commitment to understanding what you really want.
Find the sweet spot between quality and cost
It's that old saying: "cheap work is expensive". In tattooing, then, this truth is non-negotiable. Professional work is never cheap. Even simple designs can easily exceed 500 reais. At the end of the day, your skin is eternal. Is it worth saving up for something you'll have to carry around forever if it goes wrong? If in doubt, roll up your sleeves and get some money together to do something really dreamy.
Check and recheck your design
Every good tattoo artist should let you know if there are any grotesque spelling or drawing mistakes. But it never hurts to proofread it yourself first. And don't be fooled, it's not just spelling that can be tricky - quotes, famous monuments, anything can come out wrong if you don't pay attention. For your own peace of mind, it's worth going over the drawing with a trusted circle to make sure everything is in order.
Stay away from controversy
We don't want to be the annoying ones who ruin the joke, but think about it: what you thought was funny 20 years ago may have become anachronistic today. So when in doubt, it's best to avoid anything that could be seen as offensive or controversial by others.
Dress cool
It sounds silly, but it's very important to go prepared for your tattoo session. This includes wearing comfortable clothes that won't get in the way of the tattooist's work.
Tight pants if you're getting your leg tattooed? No way! Long sleeves if you're getting a sleeve? You're crazy! Your comfort (and the healing of your tattoo) will thank you for choosing the right clothes.
Don't forget aftercare
Finally, it doesn't matter how good your tattoo artist is - once you've crossed the threshold of the studio, the care of the tattoo is entirely up to you.
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