Tattoos have been around for centuries. Once used to indicate status, now they are used to show off style based on your interests. With teenagers most especially, they’re finding more ways to express themselves, especially getting tattoos early. I got my first two (two different designs that were connected) at the age of 16, and most recently got three more added onto the same arm.

The main issue parents have with them is they’re a permanent mark and they need to have meaning. One major thing you should know is that your tattoo(s) only need to have meaning to you. If others don’t understand it, that’s okay.

My first two represent different key moments in my life. The first is the Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil, an idea brought by the original image with monkeys. I chose this one because I’m a huge horror fan, with Ghostface being my favorite, but it speaks deep. The second one says “Trust No One”, and well, I chose this one because I grew up with trust issues. It became hard to make friends and I was turned against. This tattoo represents control of oneself, as well as you’re always being watched, physically and spiritually.

My most recent tattoos include an Eminem quote from his song Mockingbird that says “Stand up little soldier,” which is for the song having value of what I grew up with and that you have to keep getting up even when constantly being put down. The second is a 999-tattoo located inside my arm with the words “Legends Never Die.” This is obviously a nod to Juice WRLD and the meaning of 999 as it relates to turning the bad into good. The final one I’ve gotten as of now is a bobby pin with a semi-colon, meaning I chose to continue life for someone dear to me, even when life has brought me down. Tattoos only have to make sense to the person who’s skin it belongs on.

Another thing parents worry about is the size, saying that your first tattoo should be a small one. This is not true. My first one is a half sleeve. I wouldn’t do an entire arm tattoo or a whole back piece as your first, your artist will tell you the same thing. I’d recommend your placement be on your arm or shoulder, but this also depends on your pain tolerance. I was able to do a bigger piece due to my pain tolerance being able to handle it. A few other notes are you can be given numbing cream to help. Your tattoo artist will help you with the whole process. They will give their own opinion, but they’re not going to be mad if you go with another option, they want you to be happy, because it’s going to be on your body anyways.

I would also recommend getting a full night rest the prior night to your appointment, having a meal beforehand, bring snacks and drinks, ask for music or bring your own, and please ask for breaks if you need them. The longer it takes for your tattoo isn’t going to increase price, and you can take multiple sessions to get it complete. I was told not to worry about the price nor my father’s reaction to it (as my mother took me). Just worry about the design you wish for. Also, be prepared beforehand, make sure you have the design on your phone or drawn, don’t take hours to pick a design while you’re at the parlor. It took me an hour to pick my latest designs as it was a surprise gift for my birthday.

Another thing to think about is the spots that will hurt the most on your body. Tattoo artists call these hot spots because they give off a burning-like feeling: located behind your knees, wrists, inside your arms, and neck. A nbote about about colorful tattoos: depending on your artist, they may not be a huge fan of them, but some love to do multi-color tats. Most artists will only do between 2-3 colors, usually red and black are the most prominent used colors.

The worst thing for me about getting a tattoo wasn’t being nervous beforehand or even in the process of getting it. Instead it was the healing of the tattoo. Depending on the size, it takes between 2-5 weeks to heal. The first few days it will be sore, and you’ll have plastic wrap on it. You’ll be given ointment/cream that will need to be placed on it every day during the healing process. Anti-bacterial soap can help as well. Depending on the area you get the tattoo, you may be required to not bend that body part for a few days, unless you want part of the tattoo redone. Fun fact, most tattoo artists will redo parts of the tattoo that need darkened, don’t meet your needs, etc., for free.

A final note is don’t let this article scare you about your upcoming appointments and ideas. Tattoos are honestly not that scary to get. It’s a feeling described as either bee stings with less pain, or how I’d describe it, when your foot goes asleep, the numb and tingly feeling. That’s how it felt for me getting a tattoo.