How to Decide if You Should Get Inked: The Pros and Cons of Getting a Tattoo

The art of tattooing has been a practice for more than 5,000 years and is one of the most popular forms of self-expression today. If you have never been tattooed before, you're likely considering the pros and cons of getting a tattoo, which is an important process in making a well-informed decision. Below are some pros and cons of getting a Tattoo listed by Progression Tattoo Studio Adelaide.

Pro: Completely Unique Self-Expression 

Of course, the biggest pro to getting a tattoo is the fact that you are expressing yourself to the world. Tattoo designs are generally very personal, customized by talented artists to tell your unique story. Whether you want a traditionally feminine design, such as a butterfly or a Japanese tattoo, or you want something completely unique and modern, your imagination is your only limit when it comes to your design.

Pro: Meeting Other People Who Love Body Art

Tattooing your body, especially if you opt for one that is large or in a highly visible location, also opens you up to an entirely new subculture of people. From tattoo conventions to alternative art shows, you are very likely to find friends who come from all backgrounds but also share the love of body modification. You might even meet your new best friend on the street when they ask about your design!

Pro: Advances in Technology

Getting a tattoo is also a lot less painful and much more artistic thanks to advances in technology. New machines make the process go more quickly, cause less pain from the needle, and give you a wide range of color palettes, including many hues that weren't even available until recent years.

Con: The Social Stigma

Despite the fact that tattoo as an art form is thousands of years old, body modification still carries quite the stigma. Many people still view tattooed people as "bad eggs" in society and assume they are criminals, so you are likely to get some dirty looks or even an unsolicited opinion from time to time. Additionally, many employers still frown upon showing tattoos in the workplace, which can make finding a job or career harder for some people, especially if you have large designs.

Con: Draws Attention to Yourself 

If you are shy or tend to be introverted with strangers, you might find that your tattoo gets you some unwanted attention. People often want to comment on someone's body art, especially if it is particularly good, which could leave you in the awkward position of answering questions from people in restaurants, at the mall, or even simply passing you on the street. 

Con: The Health Risks 

Getting a body modification of any kind also carries a health risk. Although regulations are high in quality to avoid these types of issues, the truth is not every artist or shop is going to follow regulations. To avoid infections or even contracting HIV, it is vital that you check out the shop you use beforehand. Ensure every artist is licensed, that the shop has no negative feedback from the authorities or previous customers when it comes to cleanliness, and ask about their practices. If you ever feel uncomfortable during a process, do not be afraid to tell your artist to stop. Your beautiful design won't mean anything if you're sick because of it.

Think about what you want from your life to determine if a tattoo is right for you. If the pros outweigh the cons and you do decide to get inked, save up your money to hire a professional and high-quality artist. Remember, you get what you pay for!