I’ve gotten over 60 hours’ worth of tattoos. Here are 6 things you should know before getting your next one.

I have tattoos all over my body and some hurt more than others. Anni IrishI’ve gotten dozens of tattoos since I was 18 years old and I have advice for others getting inked. Your design doesn’t have to mean anything, but consider your artist’s opinion on placement.

 You often get what you pay for — and elbow tattoos hurt way more than thigh ones. Getting a tattoo can be a huge step, whether it’s your first or your 200th. I’m a heavily tattooed person who has spent over 60 hours getting inked, so I’ve learned a lot about the tattooing process.

Here are some things I think people should know before getting inked. Do a lot of research if you want to find someone best suited for your tattooing needsWhen looking for an artist, familiarize yourself with their portfolio, which you can usually find on their social media or their tattoo shop’s website. Look at their aesthetic and the styles they specialize in — you’ll want to pick someone familiar with the type of design you’re looking to get.

Also, look at photos of just-completed tattoos and fully healed ones to get get a picture of their final designs and better conceptualize the healing process. It’s also good to find a shop you are excited about — that might mean specifically choosing an LGBTQ- or BIPOC-owned business. Choose a tattoo shop you feel comfortable with.

Mikhaila Friel/InsiderPrepare for your consultation — but be flexibleAfter finding your artist, you’ll book a consultation with them to work out your tattoo design. Bring as many images and source material as you can to help your artist create your design. Come armed with questions and be open to your artist’s advice about placement or tweaks.

They’re professionals and want to help you get the best tattoo possible. Sometimes an artist won’t agree with your placement. iStockGood tattoos are often expensiveIn my opinion, the phrase “You get what you pay for” is especially true for tattoos.

Tattoos are meant to be on you forever so it’s worth paying more for a talented artist you feel comfortable with instead of trying to save a few dollars. Also, keep in mind the costs typically start when you book an appointment. Many shops or artists require a deposit, which is sometimes the minimum price for a tattoo or the artist’s hourly rate.

The deposit goes toward the tattoo’s overall cost. For context, my regular artist charges $250 per hour for tattoos, and most deposits I’ve paid have been at least $80. Also, be sure to budget for a tip — 20% of the total is a good general rule of thumb.

Trying to save up for your tattoo in advance like any large expense is always a good idea. ShutterstockEveryone’s pain tolerance is different and some areas hurt more to get inked than othersPain is considered a subjective experience — and there are factors that contribute to this, including how an individual perceives it and the circumstances surrounding the pain. The area you choose to get tattooed also plays a huge role when it comes to pain.

Getting my ditches, the inside part of your arm where it bends, is some of the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. It was also very painful to get my chest, tops of feet, and elbow inked because of how close those spots are to bone. On the other hand, getting full pieces on my thighs didn’t hurt much because the area was fattier and not close to bone.

If you’re worried about the pain, ask if your artist has numbing cream. There’s no shame in it if it helps you get through the inking process. Having a tattoo with a deeper meaning isn’t as important as you thinkI got my first tattoo at 18 and really overthought it.

At the time, my older sisters said they’d get it with me so I spent months looking for a design all three of us agreed on. But when the big day arrived, I was the only one to get inked. Fortunately, it’s my smallest tattoo (about the size of a quarter) and it’s now a funny story to tell, but I was mad at them for a long time.

After that, I realized that having a deep meaning behind a tattoo doesn’t really matter. Now, I just choose images that look beautiful or are by artists I love. A tattoo is for the person who is getting it — what it means or doesn’t mean is your business only.

Take breaks and bring snacksWhen the big day arrives, eat a decent meal a few hours beforehand, bring snacks, and stay hydrated. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your artist to take a break if you need one during a session. Getting a tattoo can be hard on your body, and taking care of yourself is important.

Listen to your body in the process and do what feels right for you. Read the original article on Insider.