First Tattoo: All your Questions Answered
Share:
When getting your first tattoo, so many questions and worries usually fill your mind. Ranging from job suitability to pain to choosing the right design, it’s not easy deciding whether to book or not to book. But worry not – after my first tattoo just yesterday, I have the answers to all of those first tattoo questions.
Pain
Usually the biggest question in everyone’s mind when getting their first tattoo is ‘will it hurt?’.
My tattoo is on my inner bicep, which is a place that everyone tells you really hurts. In all honesty, I didn’t feel in pain. At some times during the shading, it was a bit painful, but generally it didn’t hurt and the pain is overhyped. However, I do have a high pain threshold and so it is different for different people.
Pain is also in the mind a lot of the time. If you struggle with pain, you can always pracice breathing exercises, and even ask your tattoo artist to take a break.
Worries about covering your tattoo up
One of my main worries was making sure my tattoo could be covered up if it needed to be. You could choose a spot on your body, like your thigh, ribcage or stomach, that is not often seen for your tattoo.
However, I chose my inner bicep, stopping a few centimetres above the so-called elbow pit (the opposite side of my elbow). That way, even t-shirts could cover up the tattoo if work required me to do so.
My advice on covering up your tattoo would be to look at what kind of job you’re going into (or are in) and decide whether it’s necessary. I would also say if you’re terrified of it peaking out a little bit, don’t be. Once you get your tattoo you’ll love it, and you’ll be so proud of it you’ll want to show it off. For some people it’s a comfort to know it doesn’t always have to be on show, and that’s okay.
How to choose the right design
Your first tattoo is special, and it may be your last. So you want to ensure that it means something to you, or you just really love it. My tattoo is from my favourite book To Kill A Mockingbird and a photo from the film because it changed my life. You could do something similar, or choose a design inspired by a loved one, or a favourite quote.
It’s best to think about your design for a long time. My advice with any tattoo – not just your first – would be to only get one if you’re 100% sure of the design. If you keep changing your mind or are unsure about how much you like it, don’t book your appointment in. There’s no hurry.
Finding a good tattoo artist
It’s important to find a quality tattoo artist for your first tattoo. You need to make sure the studio is clean and the artists are experienced and good at what they do. Look at ratings, portfolios and reviews online. Word of mouth is also a good way to source a quality tattoo artist. Ask around and you will have choices too.
Make sure to get a number of different quotes for your first tattoo. Don’t choose the cheapest because it’s the cheapest, but don’t put faith in being ripped off. Bear in mind the quality of the work.
Good luck with your first tattoo. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.