Since my teenage years, I’ve always wanted a tattoo. Luckily, my mom has a tattoo and overall my family is pretty accepting of them. So, a few weeks after I turned eighteen, I bit the bullet and got my first tattoo on the back of my neck. I was super nervous about it, and despite my research, I still felt like I wasn’t prepared. Everything went fine, of course, and not even a month later, I got a second tattoo on my ribs. So be warned: they are addicting.
1. Find a Reliable Shop (Cheaper Is NOT Better!)
I know we always want to save money, but when it comes to a piece of art that’s going permanently on your body, don’t be a cheapskate. Don’t barter with your artist or “price check” other shops. If you like the artist’s work and the shop, that’s all that should matter. You shouldn’t be that concerned about the price anyways, you’re paying for something that lasts a lifetime. Personally, I heard about my shop by word of mouth. I found one of the artist’s Instagram, liked his work, and sent him an email describing what I had in mind.
2. Find References/a Style You Like
I remember during one of my sessions, a man walked in for his consultation with another artist there. He was trying to explain his ideas, but in doing so, he was totally contradicting himself. I could tell the artist was getting frustrated, and asked if the guy had any references. A reference doesn’t have to be exactly what you want – when I came in for my firs tattoo, I brought multiple different pictures and showed him what I liked about each. This helps the artist pinpoint exactly what you want. If you have an artistic friend, it even might be a good idea to have them draw something up for you if you can’t find anything else. Don’t “settle”, this is going to last forever, so think long and hard about what you truly want.
3. Location, location, location
Just like real estate, your location of your tattoo is extremely important. Ask yourself how visible you want this tattoo to be. Do you want people to see it all the time (think hands, face, wrist, etc), or would you rather be able to easily cover it up (back, legs, ribs etc)? The location also matters on the size and shape of your tattoo. Obviously, some shapes and sizes are going look better on certain parts of your body than others. Don’t worry, once your artist draws up your tattoo, you can ask for them to place it on different parts to see what you like best.
4. On the Day of Your Tattoo...
Eat something! Getting tattooed is extremely draining and if you do not eat, you will get light headed. Eat as if you were going to work out or go on a long hike. Also, if you want to bring a friend, make sure you check your shops policies. Most will only allow one person back with you. To be honest, though, I brought my friend to my first session, but it wasn’t necessary. Of course, if you have a super long session, it might be nice to have a friend there for at least a little bit of time. Remember your ID and cash. Tip well! Again, don’t be a cheapskate.
