This is just a little list of helpful hints when getting your first tattoo. I included everything I could think of, but please use common sense as well. There is a lot of time and effort involved in the process, and keeping these things in mind should help to make everything go smoothly. A lot of this assumes that you will be getting a custom piece and making an appointment, but most of it is applicable for a walk-ins as well.
At A Glance Author axiom Contact [email protected] IAM axiom When N/A The Planning Stage:
-Figure out your design. While artists are usually more than happy to work with your ideas, planning them out so that they work wonderfully on your skin, they need material to work with. It's extremely frustrating to have someone walk in, say they know exactly what they want but can't show or describe what it is. It may seem obvious to you, but there are thousands of variations on even the simplest things. Bringing in lots of reference photos and being able to point out exactly what you like and don't like provides them with a lot of information and makes the whole process go faster. Don't be afraid to bring in rough sketches (stick figures are fine!) to show how you want the piece laid out. Every little bit helps.
-Research the artists and shops in your area. You can find out tons of information from your friends and on the Internet- looking at shop web sites and such, but nothing beats walking around (Be sure to bring your drawings/photos with you!). If you don't feel comfortable there, leave. Nothing says that you have to be tattooed at the first place you walk in. If you want to feel less guilty, go on a day that you know you can't be tattooed (because of time constraints, or because you know you're going to the beach the next day). That way you'll have an excuse if you feel pressured. Take your time to look through portfolios. Firstly, are the tattoos well done? Assuming they are, are there any artists there whose style is similar to what you want? Also, is the shop an environment you'd like to be tattooed in? Different shops cater to different clientele, and the shop down the street may have a radically different feeling. If you like what you see, ask for a consultation with the artist you liked best. You may have to come back another day, or they may be able to see you right away. This way you can show them your drawings, hear their feedback, get a general price quote and time estimate. This gives you time to get to know the artist a little. If you don't like them or their attitude, then leave. It's ok to meet multiple tattoo artists before you decide. It's also ok to get multiple price quotes, but remember that you get what you pay for. If everything is great, ask about sterilization techniques and ask to see their spore tests for their autoclaves. While you might not know everything they're talking about, they should be able to explain things to you and be very willing to talk about all of it. If they're not willing to boast about how clean they are, it's a bad sign. After your consult, you should be able to make an appointment. Most places have you leave a small deposit for your appointment, so be prepared. Also, leave your phone number so they can be in touch. If they have a drawing ready, they may want you to "\�w�� come check it out before your appointment.
-Make an appointment for a day when you have as much free time as possible. Give yourself plenty of time to get there (or even early!) and plenty of time for the tattoo. A time crunch will just make you feel more stressed out than you need to be, and sometimes things take longer than planned.
-Between your consult and appointment, (or a week beforehand), keep your skin nice and moisturized (this will make it easier to be tattooed). Also, drink lots of water. Well-hydrated skin is easier for the tattoo artist to work with. Taking a multivitamin is great too, as your immune system will need to be in top shape.
Day of the Tattoo:
-If it's a small custom piece that's already ready or easy to draw (or if you want flash), give the shop of your choice a call beforehand to make sure it's not totally booked up or really busy.
-If you need to cancel or will be late, PLEASE call the shop. Even if you've decided that you don't want to be tattooed at all, call them beforehand and your deposit may be refundable. If you need to reschedule, it's much easier to do so before you've stood the artist up. If you're going to be late, letting the artist know gives you a much greater likelihood of keeping the appointment open, instead of them just thinking you flaked.
-Get plenty of rest the night before and eat well that day. (Just like standardized testing!) Don't drink alcohol or lots of caffeine that day or take any aspirin, as they all thin the blood. (The thinner the blood, the more you bleed, the more ink your body pushes out.) If you're in for a long session, pack a drink and a snack with you too, just in case.
-Take a shower. Not only do you want to be nice-smelling for your tattoo artist, it gives you a good opportunity to shave your tattoo area, if possible. Your tattoo artist can/will shave you, but shaving in the shower softens the hair and decreases the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Also, it's nice for the artist.
-Bring something to do. If you have to wait, a book or a magazine can make you feel less stressed out than if you were just sitting there twiddling your thumbs. If the position you're in allows you to hold something, a book or video game can be nice and distracting. Bring some music too. A lot of artists have CD players in their tattoo rooms and will let you play whatever you want. If they don't or won't, you can listen to your headphones to help you zone out. Personally, I like to chew gum. Keeps my breath fresh and gets kind of meditative.
-Make sure you've got adequate payment. Ask beforehand what kind of payment they take. Everybody takes cash, but not everybody accepts credit cards (or even all credit cards). Better safe than sorry.
The Tattoo:
-Bring ID, even if you're way over the legal age. If you're underage, but your state allows tattooing minors, make sure you know what paperwork is required. Some places need birth certificates or notarized forms. A phone call to your shop should answer those questions.
-When filling out paperwork, be very honest and thorough with allergies and health concerns. These questions are there to protect you. If you have a latex or shellfish allergy, these are particularly important. (A&D ointment, which many artists use, contains shellfish-derived ingredients) Write down anything pertinent on your form and then remind your artist once you get in the room. Better to be thorough.
-While waiting for set-up and the like, read your aftercare pamphlet thoroughly. That way, if you have questions, you can ask when you go in the room.
-When the stencil goes on, be vocal if you don't like where it goes. Tattoo artists have a lot of experience in placing tattoos, but it's your body and you're not going to hurt their feelings.
-If you're getting colors, make sure you take a look at them. If you can't really tell what the colors are in the ink cups, ask them to dab a little on their glove or a paper towel so that you can see them better. Don't feel bad for asking to see all the colors. It's your tattoo!
-Try to sit as still as possible. It's like being at the dentist, they know you're not having fun, but it'll go faster and easier if you cooperate. If you keep wiggling around, the tattoo artist will have a harder time working on you and won't be very happy.
-If you need a break, ask for one. It isn't a tough-guy competition, it's ok if you just need to stretch, get some water, or take a breather. If you have to pee, ask to go. It's really hard to sit still when you have to pee.
-KEEP BREATHING. People have a bad habit of holding their breath when things hurt. Holding your breath makes it really easy for you to pass out. Meditative breathing (in through your nose/out through your mouth) or deep, slow breathing can help you calm down and feel better too.
-If you feel sick, tell your artist! They don't want you throwing up or passing out any more than you do. Better to just take a break. It doesn't mean you're a sissy, just human.
Afterwards:
-Tip! If your experience was great, let them know (verbally and monetarily).
-Follow your aftercare instructions precisely. If you don't, and things don't heal properly (or you have problems along the way) it can be a problem for both you and your artist. Firstly, the artist knows what to look for when tattoos are healed using their method. When other methods are used, they can have problems diagnosing/addressing your problems. Also, not following their aftercare means they probably won't offer free touch ups. If you have healing questions, ask your artists, not your friends.
-Continue taking the multivitamin during the healing process. You may also want to take Vitamin C, Eccinachea, Garlic, or other things that boost your immune system.
-Feel free to stop in when your tattoo is healed to have your artist take a look at it. If you need a touch up, they'll be able to schedule an appointment for you or take care of you right then.
-If you're going in for multiple sessions, continue drinking lots of water, moisturizing the skin, and generally taking care of your body.
-Don't forget to put on sun block whenever your tattoo is exposed to sunlight and it will stay looking nice and bright.
Your tattoo will be a part of you forever, even if it gets covered up or lasered off, so do all you can make sure that your experience is a positive one. Remember that a good tattoo isn't cheap and a cheap tattoo isn't good!