Whether you’re looking for something profound and meaningful or want to get your favorite TV show character inked onto your arm forever, getting your first tattoo can be incredibly exciting. However, it’s also not a decision you should take lightly.
With that in mind, here are five things to think about when getting your first tattoo.
The artist. Finding the right artist is crucial when it comes to getting a tattoo. After all, this ensures that the work will be of an exceptionally high quality, meaning that you’re unlikely to notice imperfections in the future or deal with potential complications such as the ink bleeding. Beyond this, the right artist can ensure that the final product matches the vision in your head as closely as possible.
As such, you should make sure that you carefully research tattoo shops in your local area, alongside the specific artists who work there. Take a close look at their body of work, especially if you’re looking for something very specific, such as fine-line or color tattoos.
The design itself. Once you’ve found an artist that you can trust, it’s time to start thinking about the tattoo itself in a little more detail. This is something that the artist should cover in their initial consultation, but make sure you provide them with as much detail as possible. For example, you should show examples of other tattoos you like, or draw out a quick sketch yourself. You should also discuss how big you’d like the tattoo to be.
The placement. Once you’ve finalised the design of your tattoo, it’s time to decide where you’d like it to be placed. For example, you may want to hop on the latest trend by getting a thigh tattoo, or keep things simple by placing it on your back or arm.
If you have a low pain threshold, you may want to avoid places such as your inner wrist or ribs. This is because the “most painful places to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin.” If you are torn between two placement options, try not to rush the decision. Ask your artist to put together some templates, so that you can better visualise how the tattoo will look in each space.
The tattooing process. The tattooing process isn’t always as simple as picking out a design and hopping into the artist’s chair. For example, it could be that your tattoo will take several sessions to complete, or that your artist has a long waiting list. Keeping this in mind ahead of time will help you to manage your expectations and prepare for what lies ahead.
Aftercare. You should also make sure that you are fully informed about the tattoo healing process, including aftercare. This will ensure that your tattoo heals well without potential complications. Again, this is something that your tattooist will be able to discuss with you in a little more detail, especially as we all respond to getting tattoos in different ways.
