If you want to get your first tattoo, you undoubtedly have questions like what’s the pain level? How long does it take? and What should I even get? before you’re ready for your appointment. However, before I give those answers, I want to stress that tattoos are permanent and it’s a commitment you should reserve time to think about. You should research your artist to make sure they can do what you’re looking for. Browse their portfolio and read some reviews from previous clients online if you can. After all, tattoos literally become a part of you.

The Pain

Now, people tend to ask, “Does it hurt?” and scrunch their faces up in obvious trepidation when we reach the topic of tattoos. They stare at your beautiful design, inspiring words or an ode to your mother, and you can see this query in their wide eyes and unsure smile. I can assure you, as I do them, that it hurts infinitely less than you’d think. Of course, it depends on the intricacy of your design, but the point is: your brain is lying to you.

Let’s empathize, shall we? I remember sitting in my tattoo parlor’s chair, clenching and unclenching my fist, as the tattooist sterilized his equipment. I was braced and ready for onslaughts of sharp pain and torrents of tears at the first buzz of the needle. “Are you ready?” he asked and I offered one last prayer to the universe. Nervously, I replied, “Yes,” and dug my nails into the palm of my hand.

I was 17, my mother was with me, and those crescent moons were more traumatizing than the 1,000+ punctures per minute.

“Oh,” I’d said to my mother, all tension leaving my body. “It’s really not as bad as I was expecting.” It felt just like poking yourself with thumbtacks.

I was getting a small, seven-lettered phrase on the side of my right arm. (And no, it was not an ode to my mother). There was no shading, and it was filled in with black. I was done in under 15 minutes. I recommend not jumping into large projects your first time, because of the uncertainty and inexperience you currently possess, but thinking about it in the future is a great idea if you’re interested. These larger projects, however, can require a greater tolerance to pain.

All in all, yes, it will hurt, but it’s nothing you can’t handle (especially if it’s for your mom).

How Long?

The entire process could end in a few minutes with only one sitting, or take hours with multiple visits, and it’s all contingent upon you and the details of your design. Take into consideration size, placement, color, your personal pain tolerance, and even the experience of your tattooist. Don’t forget that tattoos are a work of art and art requires time, skill, and sacrifice.

For an accurate estimate, it’s a good idea to evaluate what your tattoo will be, where, how big, and then call your tattoo parlor. If not the actual tattooist, the receptionist can offer insight into the question of time and amount of sittings you’ll need. While you’re at it, you may as well inquire about the price; it can vary between artists, and you’ll want the bigger bang for your buck.

So, how long indeed. While my first tattoo only took about 15 minutes, yours could take much longer or even shorter. Just don’t forget to keep your options open.

What Do I Get?

Great question! I don’t know, that’s all up to you. Do you have an inspirational quote? A very cool design that screams ‘I live life on the edge?' How about an impressively detailed portrait of your cat?

Of course, you can always get Mom written in a loopy cursive inside of a pretty, red heart. That’s everyone’s favorite.

But, in all seriousness, do think about what you want and what would still be a good idea decades down the road. It doesn’t have to be symbolic or inherently meaningful; there’s nothing wrong with doing it for the aesthetic. It is, after all, your body and your choice and art is beautiful no matter its form.

Personally, I have my favorite poem“lighght” by Aram Saroyan (it's a one-word poem) as a tattoo because I love how it looks, the history behind it, and the controversy over it. I had a history teacher who got a tattoo regarding almost every place he traveled to because those were significant moments for him. I’ve also known a handful of people who have beautiful commemorations to family members and friends because those people are just so important to them.

Then I see tattoos of funky patterns, decorations, and original creations, and find them just as inspirational. They’re also just as meaningful, as they’ve become a part of who you are. Welcome to the “Oh my God, you have a tattoo?” club, where people will now find you a bit more interesting.

It’s Over

Give yourself a pat on the back, because you’ve done it. You sat in the chair, you clenched your fist so hard, and you realized your brain was lying to you all along. All of that pain, time, and pensive thinking has paid off. You are now the brand new owner of a tattoo!

Congratulations, you now have to keep your bandage on for a few hours to a day, depending on your tattooist’s instructions, and let it heal for at least two weeks. When you take the bandage off, gently wash the irritated area with warm water and unscented soap before letting it air dry. In the next week, there will be gross skin as you heal, so you must apply cream at least three times a day.

When the healing process is finally over, you can proudly show the world the blood, sweat, and tears that you’ve suffered through. In the chance you’ve gone and gotten that ode to your mother, then unabashedly present that absolute work of art to everyone around you. You’ve done something amazing.

You and your new tattoo look great together.