So you’re getting a tattoo.

It’s something you’ve wanted for years now.

You went back and forth for years, contemplating if it was for you. You weighed out the pros and cons. You thought of the social and professional repercussions that may arise from it.

But in the end, you have suppressed the urge not to get a tattoo for too damn long, and now you decide that you are ready.

With any tattoo, there are three key things that you must do research for: creating the right design, finding the right placement and working with the right artist for your visual piece of art to come alive (in the best way possible).

Let’s break down the process that occurs with each given component when getting a tattoo.

1. Design

Typically, if you want a tattoo, usually you have an idea of what you want to get. It could be something meaningful, such as a profound quote, symbol or personal design you’ve conjured up. It could be something that you just find aesthetically pleasing. With the physical art, you need to decide if you want it in black or color. You need to decide if you want it to look realistic or abstract. It is crucial that you not only love this design, but know the dimensions and coloring behind it.

2. Placement

Now that you have your designated design ready, you have to find a place where it will reside on your body. People find this to be a difficult part. You have to decide whether you care or not that it may be super visible. Find out how painful it is to get a tattoo in said location. You may want a more discreet location so that it’s not as noticeable (to your future bosses, parents etc.). If your tattoo design is large, you may want to pick a spot that has a large surface area (back/thigh/arm); if your tattoo design is small, you may choose a place that is smaller (wrist/finger/rib cage). You control whether you want this piece of art to be exposed or subtle. Remember it’s your choice.

3. Artist

This is arguably the most important part. All this work and prior research you’ve done for your aspired tattoo will be wasted if you have a shoddy tattoo artist. Look up places. Read the reviews (more than Yelp! please). Schedule a consultation. Make sure you’re comfortable talking to them and say exactly what you want. Don’t be intimidated. You’re the one getting inked. Discuss pricing in advanced and compare with prospective artists. In the case of tattoos, spending a little extra money now will pay off when your tattoo looks dope. (It’s also permanently on your body).

If you follow these guidelines, you should feel a little more at ease with getting your first tattoo. Remember, planning and being explicit about what you want are the two key points. Good luck!