One of the first things you should do before getting a tattoo is talking to the artist that you\’re going to be working with. You want to be asking him everything you have on your mind about your new tattoo, so everything is clear and explained. You should also find out about the artist himself, his experience and style, and anything that could affect the end results.

Don\’t forget to also check into the parlor or shop itself. You want to know how long they have been in business, and what kinds of items they traditionally work on. What is their reputation in the community? With so many online communities these days, it\’s easy to check up on a local business and find out what their customers think about them, and the Better Business Bureau is another potential resource.

You should also find out about his qualifications as well. Experience is a must here, as infections and other diseases can easily be contracted if the equipment isn\’t clean. Tattoo artists deal with needles on a daily basis, making experience very important. Finding out how much experience and qualifications a tattoo artists has will tell you quite a bit about what you can expect from them.

You\’ll also want to find out if the tattoo studio guarantees their work. In the unlikely event that you don\’t like the outcome of the tattoo, you\’ll obviously want it to be fixed. The better studios will fix it without requiring any money. Refund policies are also important, especially if you don\’t like the quality or the workmanship of the tattoo.

Tattoos are very expensive in some cases, although this can vary greatly depending on what you\’re getting. Colors, intricate details and size all add cost to the final price tag. Talk about the price before you begin, and get a final or total cost, so that they can\’t try to charge you more later on, or surprise you with any additional fees or charges.

You should also find out some information about infection and how you could deal with post-tattoo issues. Friendly tattoo parlors will be more than happy to talk to you about how you can treat your tattoo, prevent and stop an infection, and more. They should also assure you that they do everything they can in terms of cleanliness and the environment to prevent these issues before they arise as well.

If you\’re like many people out there, you might be afraid of needles. Obviously this a problem for someone getting a tattoo, because they are done with needles. Don\’t be shy about talking with your artist about this. They could setup a screen or work from a position so as to minimize your exposure, and they will know whether or not they need to take breaks so you can relax a bit.

The more questions you ask, the happier you are going to be with the final product, and the more that everyone involved will be on the same page. Never be afraid to ask anything at all, and your artist should always be there and willing to help answer your concerns or any other questions. So ask away, and keep asking, until you\’re 100% sure that you will be happy with the tattoo and that you know you want it and what to expect.