After having gained popularity and social acceptance in the last few years, it seems these days that everyone from A List celebrities to sweet faced grannies is sporting a tattoo.

While opinions may vary concerning what is and is not art or if tattoos even qualify, a beautiful, well placed tattoo can be a permanent personal statement that will bring its wearer years of enjoyment.

To help ensure you’ll be one of those people who is still proud of their tattoo 10, 20, even 50 years down the road, there are a few things to consider before you jump right in and take the permanent (and horribly painful to remove) plunge.

First things first, and this may sound horribly obvious, but be sure.

Unless you’re fully covered from head to toe in tattoos, and the chances of anyone noticing a small blunder are slim to none, getting a tattoo on a whim is rarely a good idea – especially when it comes to names or band logos, political statements, cartoons or anything trendy at the moment. Try living with a tattoo before you commit, especially if it’s your first one. Pin the design you’re considering to a bedroom wall or bathroom mirror – somewhere you’ll have to look at it every day – and if in six months, you’re still in love with it, then go for it.

Consider placement – it’s more important than you may think.

Tattoos in high exposure areas like wrists, hands, lower arms, face, etc., do have a social impact. They can affect your ability to find a job, be accepted by certain social groups and leave you with a massive headache after a few years of people constantly asking you about it. If you’re dead set on having something on your wrist or forearm, and that’s the only place you want your tattoo, it’s certainly better to make sure it goes exactly where you want it. But do consider the social implications when making that decision.

Don’t go with the first artist you stumble across.

Even if he or she has worked on friends of yours or you’ve seen their work and know you like it, check out other artists as well. You may find one you like better. If not, at least you can be sure your artist is for you. You not only want someone who has great artistic skill, but someone whose “chair-side manner” is pleasing to you as well. After all, this person is going to be inflicting a great deal of pain on you – might as well be someone you can tolerate.

Make sure the artist is reputable and following health and safety procedures.

Make sure you see the needle, and that it’s new and that there is a functioning autoclave on the premises which has been recently tested to ensure it’s working within proper specifications. Make sure there are no drugs or alcohol present and that the artist is wearing gloves, protecting his or her work station with plastic, and above all, use common sense. If something doesn’t seem right, wait until you can be sure. Also, when you do settle on an artist or a shop, a call to the BBB never hurts.

Know that it is going to hurt, and once you start there is no going back.

Some artists will do what’s called a “dry run” for a small fee, which basically means they tattoo you without any ink so you can have an idea of what it’s going to feel like. Some areas, even on the same tattoo, will hurt worse than others and no matter what anyone says it's going to feel like, the experience is different for everyone. Pain is definitely something to consider when planning a tattoo, especially a first tattoo, when the placement and size come into question…no one wants a half-finished tattoo.

Speak up if you’re unhappy.

If you don’t like the drawing your artist did, or exactly where he or she placed it on you, make yourself heard! This is your tattoo and it's your artist’s responsibility to make sure you’re not just happy, but thrilled with the end result. Artists will often make suggestions on size, color, shading and placement – some you may like and some you may not. Make sure you’re very clear about what you like and what you don’t so that your artist can have a better idea of where you’re coming from. Another thing to keep an eye on are the inks or pigments being used. If you see a color you’re unhappy with or don’t want used, let the artist know. He or she knows how those colors are going to react once they’re under the skin, so they may have a very good reason for them, which they should be happy to explain. Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask questions if you’re unsure about anything before, during or after the procedure. Also, be realistic. There are some things that even the best artist just can't do.

When you do go in, make sure you’ve had something light to eat (to help keep your blood sugar regulated), that you don’t drink anything alcoholic or take a bunch of over-the-counter pain killers (which can thin the blood and make it harder on your artist, and you, when you bleed more and push the inks back out) and that you’re wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will allow easy access to the area being tattooed.

And, because ink can often splatter or be transferred to you by your artist, and since you’re probably going to bleed when everything is said and done, don’t wear anything too nice. Ink or blood stains on your favorite pair of white pants will probably leave a less than favorable impression of the experience.

Know what your aftercare will be – and follow it religiously!

The first few days after getting your tattoo are crucial to the way it heals. Different artists have different methods of care, and after being tattooed several times, you’ll figure out what works best for you. But, until then, follow your artist’s instructions to the letter – even if a previous artist has told you something different. Most reputable artists will guarantee their work, to a point, but not following their aftercare instructions can blow that guarantee right out of the water. The one exception is any artist who tells you to use any kind of antibiotic ointment (which states on the product that it’s not to be used with puncture wounds). These can over moisturize and aggravate a fresh tattoo.

If you experience any problems, or have any questions while healing your tattoo, especially involving your tattoo not healing, becoming more painful, redness, inflammation, irritation or infection, go back to your artist!

Most doctors and hospitals are not trained in how to respond to a tattoo that’s behaving badly, and can often make the problem worse through their lack of knowledge. Because tattoos have become more popular, more and more doctors are brushing up on their knowledge of them. But, your artist should always be your first stop when it comes to any questions. The artist can usually help you solve the problem without the need for a costly doctor visit and can tell you if you do need more aggressive medical treatment, what exactly to tell your doctor is going on so they can more effectively treat you. If for any reason you’re uncomfortable asking the artist who did the tattoo (for example, you were unhappy with the end result and never want to see this person’s face again) find a different artist and explain the situation to them. Most are happy to help, even if they didn’t tattoo you, to keep you safe and to prevent the practice of tattooing from getting any more negative press. Besides, they’re hoping to make you their canvas now that you’ve expressed your dissatisfaction with your previous artist.

Tip your artist well, especially if you think you may go back to them in the future.

20% is industry standard for tipping a tattoo artist, so when you’re quoted your price for your tattoo, make sure you factor that extra 20% into the total. Naturally, the amount should be adjusted to reflect your satisfaction, and on very large, expensive pieces 20% is not always expected. And, while tips in general are not expected, they are appreciated and deserved. Artists put a lot of time and effort into making your tattoo exactly what you want, especially on custom or hand drawn pieces. Not to mention, by tipping well, your artist is more likely to remember you if or when you do return for more ink and will be more willing to make sure you’re taken care of in the future.

No two tattoos are ever the same, and while there’s no way to be 100% prepared for the inking experience, by being as prepared as humanly possible you can make the experience a pleasant one for you and your artist and walk away with the artwork of your dreams.

*Photos from foundshit.com, great-tattoo-designs.blogspot.com, health.howstuffworks.com, pricksofthetrade.com, flickr.com (user jacobdavid).