My Tattoo 25 years from now?

I have been wanting a tattoo on my back for a few years now, but just the other night my husband expressed concern about what it would look like in 20-30 years, pretending my body stayed the same, I'm talking just the colors, lines, etc.. Can anyone give us some insight on what it would do over the years, ways to keep it looking good, etc. This would be my first tattoo, and I am just trying to get some questions answered. Thank you.

things that are under your control to get and keep a good looking tattoo: Find an experianced tattoo artist who will do the tattoo technically well. Heal off the tattoo well. Keep your skin healty (skin lotion) Keep your skin out of the sun and/or use lots of high powered sunblock. In the end, your skin is just that, skin. Chances are you will either not care about the freshness of your tattoo in 20 years or you will get it worked on again (which will make it look new again!).

Thank you for the informative reply. I just have two comments to make on that note: 1. In your opinion, do I follow my individual artist for after care, or do I research the internet? Like mentioned on this forum before, everyone seems to have a different opinion on aftercare. 2. To keep the tattoo looking fresh and beautiful, is there a rule of thumb for how often it would need to have the colors touched up, etc.? It probably all depends on the initial application, I'm guessing. Depends on how good the artist is..? I guess my concern is keeping it looking good as I get older.. Thanks for the input!

1. In your opinion, do I follow my individual artist for after care, or do I research the internet? Like mentioned on this forum before, everyone seems to have a different opinion on aftercare. You make sure you are getting work done from an experianced talented artist that you trust to give you the best instructions. Dont trust the internet. 2. To keep the tattoo looking fresh and beautiful, is there a rule of thumb for how often it would need to have the colors touched up, etc.? It probably all depends on the initial application, I'm guessing. Depends on how good the artist is..? I dunno, every ten years or so? Im only 30 and Im covering/removing my oldest tattoos. I have some parrots that are 7-8 years old that could use refreshing. They were well done, though, and dont *really* need it. though, I have a new flamingo that kicks serious ass, so they really do need it. I guess it really depends on how well the artist does their job, how well you keep care of your skin, and how fresh you really want to keep it (and your budget). If you get the best artist and take really good care of your tattoo it will last as well as it can. I guess my concern is keeping it looking good as I get older.. Thanks for the input! No problem. The best thing you can do for your concerns is research a really talented and experianced artist. They will do the best job possible, the rest is up to you and your preferences. For the sake of argument you can say you will need a "re-freshing" in 10 to 20 to 30 years. :-) Where are you located? What type of tattoo are you looking to get?

IT GONNA SAG BIAAATCH TO THE FLOOR.

Gabe, I am in Utah. I have been getting good referals for some artists, but I haven't had the chance to actually meet with any of them. I am getting a lily, nothing fancy at this point.

Are you going to like how most of your body looks in 20 or 30 years??? Chances are probably not. I think your tattoo will be the least of your worries once gravity starts to take its tole on your body. :) thats my opinion :)

when i was young all my friends were getting tattood and i told them "look out man your gonna need a job and with those tattoos i dont see you President of a company" and most dont have high jobs I finished college and got my masters and am now retired at age 44 and in this year i started my tattoo phase. I dont have a job to impress and i dont care what others think. Its my body and the art I have is one of a kind. They say you cant take your money with you when you die but i can take my art work with lol.