Now that you have decided to get a tattoo, the next thing to consider is what design you want and where you want to put it. There are several things to consider when deciding on design and location and sometimes the two go hand-in-hand.

The pain factor: One of the first questions that people who don't have tattoos ask people who do is whether or not it will hurt. There are some parts of the body that are more sensitive than others. The small of the back, for instance is one area that's not very painful. The ankle, although a popular area, is very bony and can cause slight pain on occasion. The thigh and stomach areas are also not as painful s other areas that contain more nerves, mostly because they tend to have more flesh.

The pain issue: People always want to know whether or not getting a tattoo hurts. There are actually some parts of the body that hurt more than others. For instance, even though the ankle is a popular body part to get tattooed, the amount of bones in that area can cause pain. The back and thighs, however, tend to be less sensitive because they are fleshier.

Design and location: You should always consider the kind of design you want versus the location that you want it to go. A small flower, for instance, would fit nicely on an ankle. An extensive, complicated sketch, however, might look better on the back or more expansive area. If you know the design that you want, then you should consider which body part it would look best on. Likewise, if you know you want a tattoo on a certain body part, you should really consider which design would fit there easily.

Tattoos are forever: Even though tattoos can be removed (it's painful and expensive) or altered if need be, you should really think of them as being permanent. With that being said, try to choose a design that you're fairly certain you will be able to live with forever. For that reason, try not to pick something on the spur of the moment and make sure you put some thought into it. A couple of beer cans on your arm when you're young and in college might sound fine at the time, but how will you feel when you're 40? Also, keep in mind that your body will change and as your body changes, your tattoo will change as well.

Your personality: Above all, your tattoo design should be a reflection of your personality. Picking something just because it is pretty and it speaks to you is fine. But try to refrain from picking something just because it's popular. Body art in general can be a form of expression and the permanency of tattoos is one of the best forms of expression there is.

Choosing a design: You can find inspiration for tattoo designs just about everywhere. Try looking in magazines, on the internet, and even make a visit to your local tattoo parlor to go through their books. You can also get ideas from cartoons, advertisements, and comic strips. If you're an artist yourself you should talk to the tattoo artist about recreating one of your own personal designs.

Remember that when picking your design, it is up to you what you get and where you put it. You're the one that has to live with it and despite where your friends put theirs, and what they choose, it's ultimately your decision.