I received my first tattoo, a medium-sized Canadian flag, when I was 20 years old. It was supposed to ward off confusion with our American neighbors during a planned backpacking expedition to Europe.

Alas, I never traveled overseas. But I still have the tattoo. And I have since added a colorful Chinese spirit dragon, a sensational Haida sun design, and a truly awful bison skull.

I don't know what possessed me to buy into the skull thing. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But I regret it now — and bad tattoos are the kinds of decisions that you spend a lifetime regretting.

So…

Choose Wisely, Grasshopper
Strong, bold, simple designs make for the best tattoos. If you've got a fancy, airbrushed poster or album cover in mind, think again. It might not look so hot once it's on your skin. And by that time, it's too late for second thoughts.

Remember: The pre-drawn design (called a "flash") put on by an accomplished artist will always be better than a custom design put on by a half-wit.

Keep it Dark
Look for solid colors; dark tones like navy, black, or grey don't fade in the sun. Watch also for crisp, clean lines and an expert sense of design.

Stay Healthy
Everything that's used during a tattoo should be sterilised or disposable. Needles should always be new.

Vaseline and ointments should be taken from their containers with a disposable sterile spreader. The artist should throw the spreader away after a single use.

The tattoo artist should wear disposable rubber gloves.

Equipment should be sterilised after each use with a steam pressured autoclave, not an ultrasonic cleaner.

Always get a tattoo when you're sober and in a responsible state of mind.

Consider Your Skin
Don't place your tattoo in an area that stretches regularly (knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, or Mr. Johnson). This may cause your tattoo to blur faster than one that's on your upper arm.

Skin that has been exposed to heavy doses of sunshine over the years will not take to tattooing as well as "virgin" skin. So place your tat where the sun don't shine — if you get my meaning.

Heal Well
Aftercare is the best way to ensure that your tattoo looks great for years to come. Most artists give you a little card after you get tattooed. The card details their way of healing out a tattoo.

Methods differ from artist to artist. So follow your artist's instructions to the letter!

Even after the tattoo heals, it's always a good idea to use a moisturizing skin cream on the artwork. This will soften scar tissue and keep your tat in showroom condition.