Tattoos have become a popular form of self-expression.

The decision to get a tattoo is personal, yet many factors contribute to the choice.

First, where on your body do you want the tattoo? It may be hidden from public view, or open, such as on your lower arm or ankle.

Secondly, what career do you wish to obtain?

An office job or teaching position may be less lenient than a career as a personal trainer or a creative writer.

Lastly, can you stand to look at your ink for the rest of your life?

A 2012 Harris survey shows that only 14 percent of participants regret their tattoos, a number that has declined in recent years.

Tattoo removal is an option, though it is expensive. Fredrick, Md, Cosmetic and Skin Surgery Center provides tattoo laser removal starting at $300.

Also, tattoos can be covered with more ink to transform the image on your body.

Shows like Spike TV’s “Tattoo Nightmares” document the process, which usually involves a large cover up over the original tattoo.

Another problem that plagues the tattooed is a question of rebellion.

Tattoos have been associated with deviants and rebels, but as more people get inked, fewer people judge the form of expression.

The Harris survey also said that “adults aged 30-39 are most likely to have a tattoo (38 percent) compared to both those younger (30 percent of those 25-29 and 22 percent of those 18-24).”

I have three tattoos; one on my foot, one on my finger and one just below my elbow.

Each was planned carefully and because of their size can easily be hidden.

All of my tattoos are black for a reason. Color tattoos fade and I think they are just too much.
Face and neck tattoos are also too much. When a tattoo is in one of those places, a person loses his or her identity.

People who have ink on their faces cannot be taken seriously and I think they are trying too hard to appear tough.

I also hate tattoos that have an association with drug use.

When someone gets inked in between his or her pointer finger and thumb, I automatically think of shooting up.

Even though this is probably untrue, something about this location has an extremely negative connotation.

Unoriginal tattoos also do not impress me. I am over seeing tattoos of stars, butterflies, tribal symbols and your own name.

A tattoo must have meaning, symbolic or personal, and be done well.

Body art done at tattoo parties, (where a tattoo artist, professional or not, inks in someone’s home at discounted prices) usually does not yield high-quality tattoo results.

Consider a tattoo before you get one.

Make sure it will not prohibit a future career choice or someone’s perception of you. Even today, people will judge your ink.

Let it reflect your personality but make it worthwhile; it is permanent.

It is a commitment, make sure you are willing to have a lifelong realtionship with it.

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