OK,
So you're thinking of your first tattoo. There's a ton of knowledge and you're overwhelmed. Well, my soon to be inked friend, this guide is for you.
Stage 1: Do you want a tattoo?
This is probably the second most important stage in tattoo planning. It's also the stage with maximum groans. "Course I wanna get a tattoo. It's why I'm reading this guide", is probably what you're thinking. Well, the reason you need to really decide if you want a tattoo is that (a) there is a decent amount of money involved. If you are on the fence, then that is money down the drain. (b) It is kind of forever. Even with removal technology, it is super expensive and not great, as it can leave scars.
Stage 2: Will the tattoo work with my lifestyle and where to put it
If you work in the corporate world, a crazy over the top tattoo probably isn't the best idea. Yes, they are liberal nowadays, read
this article about the US army easing its restrictions. But note, even then visible tattoos are not permitted. Therefore, if you want a sleeve make sure you can safely hide it from view. If you are an athlete, or in a creative field then it is easier.
Ever career has its own standpoints. As a rule of thumb, if it is covered by your shirt and trousers it's fine. Essentially, avoid hands, neck, face etc. It's different for your style of clothing. If you want to hide your tattoos and wear a t-shirt and shorts all day long, a sleeve isn't a great idea.
A few good ideas where you can easily hide your tattoo include the chest region, upper arms and upper legs. However, like I've said multiple times now, it comes down to your lifestyle. So make sure the tattoo will fit your lifestyle.
Stage 3: Design!
Well, now that stages 1 and 2 are down, here's the fun bit: coming up with a design. Personally, I like to condense an idea and then Google. Find referral images and create an idea in my head. Referral images are great so that your artist can get an idea of what you want, too. If you're an artist, you could sketch it out; although do remember your artist will probably make a few changes to help the tattoo stay on your skin, and/or to make it their artwork. They are artists too and don't want to just copy someone else's design. This would be something to talk to your artist about in the consultation phase.
Inspiration can really come from anywhere. Music, video games, someone else's tattoo! Best thing is to just find what you want and go for that.
Stage 4: Research
Hope you had fun in Stage 3 because we are back in a grind now. It's time to use your, hopefully, good friend Google again. Start looking at artists and parlours. A good starting point are review sites such as Yelp, TimeOut etc. Word of mouth is another great way to get recommendations. Do intensive research. Figure out if the place and artist are qualified, and if they have licenses etc. Personally, I like to read the "about me" section a lot of artists have with/before their portfolio. It helps me see what kind of person they are and if I feel I can trust them.
Portfolios are quite important to look at. If the artist specialises in watercolour tattoos, asking them to do a piece with a Japanese style may not work, if only because they don't feel comfortable. And we want the best tattoo ever. So take a look at the online portfolio, even if they don't have a tattoo similar to yours, check the art style and if it matches what you want. If they don't have one, it's often a good idea to move on.
This stage is often the longest and most dull. However, in my eyes, it's the most important. It can often be the difference between a tattoo you love, or hate.
Stage 5: Consultation
Well, you have found an artist/parlour. Woohoo! Now get down there and talk to them. If you have a specific artist in mind, try to talk to them, or get their email and send them a line. It's important to consult with your artist so that both sides understand what is expected. Remember to carry your reference photographs, or send them to the artist ASAP. Then have a discussion. If it's a smaller, relatively stock piece, you may not need a consult beyond sending your reference images, but if it's a more complex piece, such as a sleeve, or having a lot of detail, most artists will have a one-on-one consult.
During this time, you can talk to them about pricing. Do not, and I repeat, do NOT haggle. It's ok to say "Sorry, can't raise that much cash at the moment, can I come back later?". Haggling isn't right to the artist, as they spend hours designing tattoos and haggling is rude in that case. Further, it may seem like a lot of cash to you, but factor in the artist needs to pay for ink, the machine, a "shop fee" to the parlour etc.
This is also the time to let your artist know if you have any medication, just for their reference. And ask what they feel about getting a friend over. Some may say yes to the friend in the tattoo region, others say no.
Also, I would recommend avoiding low ball offers. Tattoos cost a sum of money because a good artist is looking after your health too. If the price is too low, something is being skimped on.
Stage 6: Tattoo Day!
Well, it's been a long journey and we are nearly at its end. It's Tattoo Day. You're probably going to be nervous, and that's OK! Tell your artist if you are overly nervous; they've dealt with it and will be able to calm you down.
It's important that you eat before the tattoo. 30ish minutes before the appointment try to get some food in, ideally high sugar. Cookies are great options here. Eating is important to be able to deal with the pain of getting a tattoo. Yes they do hurt. Further, your body needs the energy to deal with the trauma of a tattoo. The multiple holes being pierced cause your adrenaline system to kick in and that leads to fatigue. I will link some further reading which will provide more detail.
Make sure you've not had drugs (illegal ones) or alcohol 24 hours before the appointment (some artists say 36), as good artists will not tattoo you if you're under the influence.
During the tattoo process, just relax. See how the artist responds to small talk, some (like mine!) enjoy it, and others don't. Chances are, if it's your first tattoo, the artist will try to chat. Just relax and enjoy it.
Yes, tattoos will hurt. Some regions, those with high fat and/or muscle, such as your thigh, upper arms etc do not hurt as much as regions with bone, such as shins, or collarbones. Try to avoid flinching. If you must move, because of a sneeze or something, let your artist know.
About company. 1 friend is typically OK, beyond that is a NO. The spaces for tattoo artists to work are often quite small. Plus, another person can be distracting. Hopefully, this is something you spoke to your artist about like mentioned in the last stage. In the same breath, children in the parlour are a big NO. Some artists may allow children to sit in a waiting room, but most of the research I have done has suggested this isn't allowed. It will just be easier to have a sitter for your kids.
Also, do remember that bigger tattoos may need multiple sessions. This is something that your tattoo artist should've spoken to you about during the consult stage. So don't expect to have that full arm flaming dragon sleeve done in one sitting. It can take a number, and some artists may ask you to come back after a few weeks, to allow the tattoo to heal.
Otherwise, sit back and enjoy.
Stage 7: Aftercare
This is the last stage. You made it and are proudly inked. Now what you need to do is make sure that you follow what the artist says to the letter. Apply the ointment as and when recommended. Remove the bandage/plastic as told (generally after 2-3 hours). Also, wash your tattoo, but don't scrub it. The scabs peeling naturally is great, but if scrubbed off, it can result in ink coming out. Your artist should provide detailed instructions, and you should follow them.
In general though, you want to keep the tattoo clean. Don't overdo it, but just keep it clean. Also, like any wound, let the tattoo breathe. This means the bandage is off after a few hours and skin tight clothing is not a good idea. A tattoo on the chest or leg can be allowed to breathe by wearing looser clothes. Also, apply the tattoo cream you have been given/bought. It'll help the healing, plus it eases the itch during the scab phase!
Also, after 3-6 weeks (it's a range because of everyone's unique healing rate), go for your free touch up. Some lines etc may have been inked in a bit light to avoid smudging and a touch up will fix it. This is something you should talk to your artist about beforehand. The readings I did suggested that it will be free (and my experiences back this) but always just ask and check.
Well, here we are. You have a killer tattoo! Well done!
Further Reading:
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
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