* How did you know you wouldn't regret it?
Truly, I don't think you can ever really say FOR SURE that you never will. I'm a 'go with the flow' kinda girl so I figured provided it wasn't in a spot that might get damaged by weight gain/stretchmarks, or hinder me getting a job, I just went with it

* Does anyone regret theirs?
Honestly, sometimes, yes. Regret about not choosing the right artist (needs touch-ups and it shouldn't), regret about where I put it (as I now have ideas about a better tatt that would go in that spot), regret about the design and WHY I got it (there are days when I look at it and go, 'Umm, just wtf were you THINKING?!' lol)... but I still love each and every one of my tattoos for their own reasons and despite the regrets. They tell a story and even when I think 'Yeah that was a dumb idea', I still adore my ink and enjoy remembering just what I *was* thinking when I decided to get it

* Visible tattoos & job prospects - does anyone feel its prevented you from getting a job?
I've thought about investing in a full sleeve because I'm planning on being a SAHM for a few more years yet. But then I do think about future career options and I know it's not the smartest idea. I also really want to get a tattoo on the inside of my forearm, just below the crease of my elbow, but I worry about, eg, what it's going to look like at my 20-year high school reunion, or my daughter's spring wedding, when I want to wear a glamorous dress or short sleeves and it's just BANG like an ugly mark in full view. That concerns me more than any job prospects, tbh So far I've been quite careful with my ink placement and the only one I have a bit of trouble keeping covered (especially in QLD where it's HOT all year round) is the one on my leg (just below the knee, on the outside of my leg) - I prefer to wear shorter skirts or shorts, so I attempt to cover it with stockings. That doesn't cover it completely but it does make it a bit less in-your-face, kwim?

* How do you find a reputable artist? Clean equipment etc. What to look for in a studio?
Visit the studio several times to get a 'feel' for the place. Your gut is the best indicator. Ask the staff about their practices, read up a bit about what they SHOULD be doing (there are a few sites out there that give you all the right questions to ask). Ask to see each artists' portfolio if they have one, talk to friends, family and anybody you see with a tatt and ask them where they got it and which artist did the job. Just because a particular STUDIO comes highly recommended, does not mean the artist you make an appt with is. I'm spewing because I have found an amazing artist but he's recently moved back to the Gold Coast, and I won't go back to the studio now because the other two artists aren't that great and were pretty much riding his coattails.
Also, different artists have different styles they are comfy with, so by looking at their portfolio you can determine who will best suit the artwork you have in mind - eg, some artists are great with Japanese-style art, others are amazing at doing portrait work, there are some who are great at drawing flowers/nature-themed stuff. Keep that in mind when you start shopping around

* How does weight gain & weight loss affect it?
This is the reason why I have chosen to put my tattoos where they are - to avoid areas that are prone to weight gain. I will say that my chest piece has been slightly affected by the skin sagging/stretching, the butts of the pistols appear to have slightly lengthened, but only I would notice that because I spend so much time inspecting my ink It's not noticeable and easily fixed (wear a push-up bra lol so everything sits where it's meant to!) but it is something to keep in mind.

* Where can i find inspiration for designs?
Google, check out tattoo/body mod ezines/sites with pictures, get a talented friend onside to help out or talk to a tattoo artist you're thinking about seeing. They should be able to help take your ideas and turn it into something you love

* How do you think tattoos look on pale skin?
AMAZING! I have milky, milky skin on my body (face, not so much, it's exposed to the sun too much) and black tattoos. They look great! The lines are clean and crisp, the colour stands out really well against pale skin and it's a lot clearer than on darker skin. Coloured tattoos look best on pale skin, as they 'pop' more and are sharper. Just make sure to take good care of your ink and either keep it covered or slathered in sunscreen - they don't like being exposed to too much sun

* Pain factor - how much did it hurt?
They say it depends on where you get it. I've had a few supposedly really painful spots tattooed (wrists, near the knee, chest - places where the skin is thinner are apparently notorious for being more painful), and it hasn't bothered me much. Your endorphins recognise an 'injury' and pump you up so that the area goes numb after about 15 minutes and you don't feel it so much any more. To me, getting a tattoo feels a bit like scraping yourself with a pin, then sunburn later on. I don't need to use pain relief before, during or after but I have a pretty high pain threshold.


HTH Good luck with it! I hope you get something you love!