What do you want?
Just because you see a chest piece on Tumblr that looks great on a 250 pound muscle-man does not mean the tattoo will look the same on your body. Ask yourself: Do I really want this? Are there other pieces that look similar and will I like those better? Where do I want to put it? How big/small do I want it? Do I want to add/take away anything from it? How much am I willing to pay for it?
Know you want it!
Most people who go in to get their first tattoo have wanted the piece for awhile. The age old, warn out piece of advice is necessary to restate. This tattoo will be a part of you forever. If you know it isn’t the best decision to be making right now, then wait. If you can’t imagine your future employers being impressed by a sleeve of art, wait until you’re in a secure place. Waiting will allow you to spend time with the tattoo on your mind so that you’ll be able to think clearly about placement, artist, and exactly what you are going to get.
Carry around the picture of your tattoo in your wallet for awhile. You can pull it out after a couple months and decide if you still want it. This is a really good technique if you have commitment issues. Another thing you can do is tape it on the wall next to your bed or on the ceiling above so that you’ll see it every night before you fall asleep. If you don’t grow tired of the image, you know you’ve found the perfect tattoo for you!
Consult Others!
Another important step to take before you get you first tattoo is to research artists. If you want a portrait of your grandfather, a few lines of your favorite Paramore song, or a basic tribal design, pick an artist that has a lot of experience working on pieces similar to what you want. Most tattoo businesses have several artists working together and there is a good bet that each has strengths in different techniques. Go to local tattoo shops’ websites and skim through their online photo albums. Don’t stop at just one tattoo shop either. Keep looking.
Schedule time with an artist so that you can ask them any questions you might have. Get an idea of their price range. Give them your ideas and have them draw up the design you had in mind. Take recommendations from them. If an artist says that you’ll need to size up the tattoo to make every detail fit, listen to what they say. If you don’t like it, consult another artist or consider making it work. Don’t rush into getting the work done before you are happy with the art.
People who have sat through hours of needle-stabbing sessions are great to consult with, too. Ask them questions to calm your nerves and to explain what the process is like. When I got my first tattoo, I was excited and anxious. Because my emotions were all over the place, I had enough adrenaline to keep it from hurting that badly. When I went in to get my second one, the pain was significantly more real because my guard was down from already having the experience. Others will have a lot more to say about getting a tattoo, so ask a friend!
The Final Countdown!
You are finally prepared to get your first tattoo. Before you walk in those doors, ask a friend to come along for support. It will be nice having someone with you to distract you from the pain. Also, make sure you are wearing suitable clothing. If you are getting work done on your shoulder, consider going strapless or wearing a very loose fitting top. If you are tattooing your thigh, wear a pair of shorts. The weight of clothing might not seem like something to worry about, but it can ease the ache once the tattoo is finished.
After it’s over and you are one with your new body art, take notes from your tattooist about the proper care. Ask what not to do immediately after. Don’t pick your scabs. Ask if there are specific types of lotions to use.
Now, show it off! Upload pictures to Instagram and Facebook to show to your friends. Wear an outfit that compliments the art and show up to class feeling like a badass!