Tattoos pre-date history.  It has always been a part of human nature to want to modify the body.  For some it's the feeling of power over their body, and for others it's a way to express themselves.  There are many reasons to want to get a tattoo.   There are just as many ways to get a tattoo as there are for reasons wanting one.  Do not let a friend tattoo you with a homemade prison machine.  YOU MUST CHOOSE YOUR ARTIST AND STUDIO CAREFULLY!  Make sure that all equipment is clean and sterilized.  Ask to see the sterilization area and ask questions about their procedures.  Watch as the artist removes a NEW needle and tube from their sterilized packages.  Remember, it's your body that is being tattooed.  You have the right to ask about the process.  The tattoo artist is used to answering questions about the process.  If you're not comfortable with their answers or don't think the studio and equipment are clean, don't let them tattoo you.  There are health risks involved.  Most studios take great care in preventing any possible cross contamination thereby reducing the risk of infections such as Hepatitis B, HIV, TB, and others.

Once you're satisfied with the artist and studio, it's time to saddle up.  You will be placed in a chair or table depending on the location of the tattoo and the artist will prepare for the procedure.  He or she will first clean and shave the area to be tattooed.  They will then apply a stencil or draw directly onto the skin depending on the type of tattoo you are getting.  Once you are happy with the placement of the stencil the artist will begin by outlining the tattoo with a fine needle.  This is usually done with black ink, but there are other ways of outlining without using any ink.  "Blood lining" is the art of outlining a tattoo with no ink in the machine.  This is used for smoke effects and areas where you don't want a hard black outline around the image.  After the outline is completed, he or she will begin shading the tattoo.  Shading is what can make or break the tattoo.  If your tattoo is getting colored, that will happen after the shading is finished.  During this whole process, the Tattooist may change machines and needles.  They usually use one machine set up for lining and one for shading and coloring, but sometimes use a single machine for the whole tattoo.  When the tattoo is completed, the artist will apply a thin coating of ointment to the area and then bandage it.

That's it.  You're done.  Now pay close attention to the aftercare instructions given to you by the Tattooist.  If not followed closely, you run the risk of damaging your new tattoo and nobody wants that.