[Fishie]

How exciting!!! I remember how excited I was when I started out looking into shops for my first tattoo. Make sure you stop in and check out at least two tattoo parlors that way you get a feel for different shops and which atmosphere you like better. While visiting the shop make it a point to look around most of the shop, make sure it's clean, well lit, and a place you feel comfortable in. Ask the artists some questions and tell them your idea and where you want it. They should talk to you and even draw it up that day if not busy. Once you find a shop you like set up an appointment if necessary and find what date and time work best for you. After you are in the shop and have found the artist you want (always ask to look at portfolios) make sure to ask if they use an auto-clave (it sterilizes needles) and ask if they test it regularly. This is a sanitary question as is asking if the needles they use are Brand New. After all that is set up and you are sitting on pins and needles for the appointment date to roll around buy yourself some non scented dye free lotion like Lubriderm or Eucercin, this is to use for after care. If the place tells you to use neosporin, do not listen as it will clog your pores and your tattoo will not heal right.The day of your tattoo you will be nervous, excited, and full of adrenaline. Be sure to eat a big meal and to eat a banana or something to keep your potassium levels up. Bring a regular pop/soda with you and some hard candy just in case you feel faint and get low blood sugar during the session. The artist most likely will talk to you and take you through step by step of the process but I'll tell you anyways. The artist will clean your shoulder area with some soap that is wet and cold. Then your artist will shave the area to make sure no hair gets in the way, you will be wiped down again with cold liquid. Then the stencil will be placed on your skin. At this point the artsit should ask you to take a look in the mirror to see if you are happy with the placement, if you are not do not be afraid to tell them to move it. Once you are all set up the artist will pour ink into ink caps and start up the "gun" (tattoo machine) to ensure it is working properly. Then youll get something like vasaline rubbed over the stencil. This helps it to stay on the skin and glides the needle in easier. The artist will let you know when s/he is about to start. This is very crucial at this point DO NOT move and MAKE SURE to breathe. It will be loud/noisy but the pain is not unbearable. The artist will start with a small line and see how you are doing. If at any point you need a break let your tattooist know and they will stop for you. Good luck and If you have any questions at all please let us know. That is a smart idea to get a temporary tattoo first to see if you like it. Best of luck!!!