How do you make sure your first or next tattoo comes out just like the design you chose? One word; STENCIL! Behind every amazing tattoo is a stencil of the design. The tattoo artist will turn your stencil that you bring in and transfer it onto your skin. With the drawing now on your skin, the artist will use a "liner" to permanently apply the outline to your skin. Make sure you really want this design, because there's no turning back from here!

Once the outline is applied, you can either leave it black and white or return with a color scheme you want and the artist will add color to the outlines. Color makes your tattoo really stand out like it should; you got it done so might as well make it look complete. Shading takes a little while longer than outlining, but it really completes the design and makes it something you want to show off for years to come.

Once you are done with shading, you will look at your tattoo and be pleasantly surprised that it looks just like how you planned! And you know why? You started with a good stencil! A perfect tattoo from the design you picked. If you are choosing your design from the internet galleries of tattoo designs, MAKE SURE that you have a high-quality stencil print out to take to your artist. Without this crucial piece, you may be rather disappointed that your idea didn't come out exactly as expected.