The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting a Tattoo

This is a great starter book if you're thinking about getting a tattoo, either for the first time or even if you've already gotten one. It goes over the science of tattooing, the different styles, ways to look for a skilled tattooist, and suggestions on how to choose your design. Now that the tattoo has lost a great deal of its taboo (their not just for sailors and criminals anymore!), the information in this book will help you ease into the chair at the tattoo parlor for your first tattoo. Knowing what this book teaches will take away some of the mystery of tattoos, and will help you learn what a professional would tell you before you get a tattoo. I don't necessarily agree with everything in this book. For example, in the section on design the author advises against getting tattoos with perfect circles or parallel lines. I'm glad I didn't know that before getting my first tattoo, as it was a design of almost nothing but parallel lines and perfect circles! The tattoo still turned out beautifully. Also, the author talks about using plastic wrap to "bandage" a tattoo. Now I'm not an expert, but I have heard from people who are tattoo experts that using plastic wrap to bandage a tattoo is a good way to turn it septic, and that it is something to be avoided. Despite these minor criticisms, I highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about getting a tattoo, or for anyone thinking about getting another tattoo.

This is a very thorough and well-researched introduction to tattoos. If you are considering your first tattoo or want to be a little better educated before you choose your next tattoo, I highly recommend this book.