Once you have decided what you want permanently inked into your skin, you get to start the preparation for creating a tattoo. This procedure is done by the tattooist and involves getting the customer into the chair and getting the area to be tattooed ready to receive the ink. This will involve the cleansing of the area and the removal of any hair. Then the artist will apply the picture to the area to be tattooed by putting an image transference paper known as flash with the outline of the image to be tattooed onto the skin.

Deciding on getting a tattoo itself involves several steps and a person's reason for getting a tattoo is as varied as the people who want them.  About 34% of Americans with tattoos say they feel sexier and more attractive. When getting a tattoo, the client can work with the tattoo artist to create a custom tattoo design or they can choose the image they want from ready made flash pictures. These are standard designs that are displayed in the tattoo shop for your perusal. Most tattoo shops display a large collection of flash.