Finding the Perfect Design

So you know that you want a tattoo, you know you are ready for the whole commitment of it being on your skin for the rest of your life. Question is... what are you going to get?
For some people it can take up to 2 or 3 years -sometimes longer- to finally decide on the 'perfect' design. It took me about 4 years to determine what I really wanted. Now I'm planning out a whole sleeve and other things! In my opinion, once you get theta first tattoo, its easier to decide what you will be okay with inked into your skin. Its just getting over that first hump.

Things to take into Consideration while Choosing a Design..
1. This piece of art represents YOU as a person. In other words, if you don't relate to this piece of art.. chances are its not the best choice.
2. Size. Some people like to start out small just to see if they can handle the whole tattooing process. On the other hand, other people like myself, go in head first and get a large piece. It just depends on your pain tolerance.
3. Job. Yes I'm on the Pro-Tattoo side of things and I don't see anything wrong with having tattoos in a workplace. Unfortunately, some people of the older generations do. If you are a 'behind the desk' kind of person and hold an upstanding job, and work under white collar prudes... you probably don't want to get anything on your neck or from your elbows down.
4. Translations and Symbols. Make sure that any kind of translations are correct. You don't want to go around thinking that you have 'Only God Will Judge Me' in Latin Inked across your chest, when in reality it you have something like 'I Wear Women's Panties'. Get a reliable translator. Don't go second rate for your tattoo. Its on your body for the rest of your life.
5. Do not get something that you like. Get something you love.
6. Any tattoo artist should be able to work with you and modify any design to fit your vision and even more. If an artist will not draw something up for you... get the hell out of there.

Online Sources for Designs:
Tattoo Finder
Bulls Eye Tattoos
Tattoos By Design
Tattoo Johnny
Tattoo Spot

You can also go to your local bookstore and browse through their tattoo magazines. Don't buy one of each, look through them and buy the magazines that have pictures that interest you.
Don't forget that its your tattoo and your body. You own it, you can change it.
<3me>