Let me paint you a picture. May 19th, 2015. I board a red-eye flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to London Heathrow. I land in a country I have literally only dreamt about and seen on TV. The next three months are spent learning about British ales in a multitude of pubs, strolling across Westminster Bridge with the Houses of Parliament’s nighttime reflection rippling in the Thames, and making friendships that span cities, states, countries and continents. While in London, I wanted a tattoo but never felt brave enough. Two years later and I still regret my inaction.

With the regret fresh on my mind, I knew I was going to get a tattoo on my trip to Australia and I must say, it’s been a month since I got my first ink and I love it more every day. Here’s the process I went through for planning my tattoo and advice I have for anyone else who is knew to the tattoo world.