Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don'ts

Summary

In this candid conversation, tattoo artists share insightful tips for first-time tattoo clients, covering everything from pain expectations to tattoo placement. They advise on choosing the right area for a first tattoo, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation, such as eating well and staying hydrated. The artists stress the value of communication and honesty with your tattoo artist, encouraging clients to express concerns or desired changes to designs. They also caution against letting friends influence tattoo decisions and explain how they work with clients to ensure the best possible outcome for each piece.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start small for your first tattoo; areas like the inner forearm are ideal for beginners.
• 😀 Be mindful of tattoo placement; avoid small designs in spots where future additions could be difficult.
• 😀 The pain is often less intense than anticipated; overthinking it can make it worse in your mind.
• 😀 Eating a solid meal and drinking something sugary (like soda or Gatorade) before your tattoo can help prevent dizziness.
• 😀 Tattoos on the hands and neck should be saved for later in your tattoo journey to avoid limiting future designs.
• 😀 Don't overthink the tattoo pain. Most people are surprised at how manageable it is once they start.
• 😀 Bring reference images to your tattoo artist to help communicate your design vision more clearly.
• 😀 Keep your tattoo consultation private; avoid bringing too many friends who might influence your decision.
• 😀 Always communicate openly with your artist; minor design changes are okay, but major changes may require a rebooking.
• 😀 Tattoos are a long-term decision, so choose designs and placement carefully to ensure they’re something you’ll love forever.
• 😀 Respect the artist's process. Be mindful of how you give feedback and avoid being overly critical about the work.

Q & A

What should you do if you're nervous before getting a tattoo?

It's normal to feel nervous before getting a tattoo. A good tip is to talk to someone experienced, like your tattoo artist or a friend. For example, the speaker in the script was nervous before getting a hand tattoo but reassured by a friend who pointed out that the artist's past work was consistently good.

How important is the size of a tattoo when selecting its location?

Size plays a crucial role in choosing the right location for a tattoo. It's recommended to select an area that suits the size of the design. For instance, small tattoos should be placed on areas where the design won't get crowded by other tattoos later, like the inner forearm.

What is a good starting point for a first tattoo?

The inner forearm is often recommended as a great starting place for a first tattoo. It's not too painful, and you can see the design, which helps ease anxiety. Additionally, it’s a spot where a tattoo won't interfere with adding more designs in the future.

What is a common mistake when getting hand or neck tattoos?

A common mistake is getting a hand or neck tattoo before completing a sleeve or full-body work. This can look awkward because the focus is placed on a highly visible area, leaving other parts of the body less developed. Traditionally, hands and necks were considered the last areas to tattoo.

How should you prepare for the pain during a tattoo session?

To prepare for tattoo pain, it’s advised to eat a good meal beforehand, bring sugary drinks (like soda or Gatorade) to help maintain blood sugar, and stay hydrated. This helps manage the pain and prevent fainting or feeling sick during the session.

What should you avoid drinking before getting a tattoo?

Avoid drinking too much caffeine before a tattoo session. Caffeine can make you jittery and potentially interfere with your blood circulation, which might affect your ability to sit still during the tattoo process.

What advice was given by the tattoo artist when the speaker was nervous about getting a rib tattoo?

The tattoo artist advised that getting a rib tattoo feels like a 'deep cat scratch.' This simple comparison helped ease the speaker's nerves and gave a better understanding of what to expect in terms of pain.

How can you help the tattoo artist understand your vision for a tattoo design?

If you have a design in mind, bring pictures of similar tattoos you like. This helps the tattoo artist understand your preferences and gives them a clearer idea of what you're looking for. It also allows for easier collaboration to refine the design to your liking.

What should you do if you want to change a small detail of the tattoo design during the appointment?

If you want to change a small detail of the design, it's perfectly fine to ask the artist. Most tattoo artists are willing to make minor adjustments without issue. However, if you want to change the entire concept, a new appointment might be necessary.

Is it okay to bring friends to your tattoo appointment?

It's generally okay to bring one friend for support, but it's not recommended to bring a large group. Their opinions might distract you or influence your decisions, and the tattoo session is about your vision for the design and your communication with the artist.