Before heading into a local tattoo parlor, it is imperative to get some sort of idea what you would like your arm tattoo to look like. Check out magazines for ideas. If you are artistic than make a sketch, take a photograph, bring a photograph with you, look at other tattoos, just to be able to narrow down your ideas. If you enter a tattoo shop and see hundreds of designs which usually encompass the walls and you don't have an idea, you will probably become totally overwhelmed. This may result in you possibly getting an arm tattoo that you don't particular like. It is always the best idea to enter a tattoo shop with a particular idea in mind. The tattoo artist can then work with you to possibly add or make changes to your idea so you will have your dream tattoo. Don't hesitate to do a little research online too. There are websites that show different tattoos and how they look after they were completed. Often you can get a glimpse of how a tattoo may look on your arm after seeing it on someone else's arm first. A tattoo is permanent, so take this decision seriously.
Another factor when getting a new arm tattoo, is the shop and the tattoo artists. Most tattoo shops have a few artists available, and they all have different degrees of experience. Some do more portraits, others abstracts, and others may be just apprentices. Before the first prick of the needle hits your arm, make sure that you ask questions. You want to know how long someone has been tattooing, what their specialty is, and even request to see pictures of prior work. Don't allow them to lead you in a room where everyone's tattoo work is displayed. You want to see work that they did, not the entire shop. If the answers to the questions and the photographs of the prior work do not look up to your standards, ask for someone else. Not only are arm tattoos not inexpensive, but they are as stated above permanent.
Getting a tattoo on your arm or anywhere on your body is a commitment. This is something that must be taken extremely seriously and maturely. Too many individuals are walking around with tattoos that they regret. It doesn't have to be that way. If you do a bit of due diligence, your tattoo does not have to be classified as a regret. It is something that can be shown proudly, and is a piece of you. Many times a tattoo is completed, others who are close to you look at the design and know exactly why you chose it. This is when you know you made the right decision. Do your research. Decide what you want your arm tattoo to signify, and find the perfect artist to do it for you. After it is done, you will never regret your reasons why you did it, or what it means. You'll absolutely love it.