Tattoos are one of the best forms of self expression. Whether it’s song lyrics, a quote or a piece of art, it can be a great way to showcase you as a person. Tattoos have become more widely accepted by society and more and more people are getting them. If you have never gotten a tattoo, there are some things you need to know before getting that ink.
1. It hurts.
Duh. I had to get this out of the way just in case there are people that don’t realize that a tattoo is a needle repeatedly going in and out of your skin. Keep in mind that some places on the body are more painful than others, such as the ribs, head, top of the foot, neck, hands/wrist and behind the knee. However, don’t let this discourage you. I have a tattoo on my ribs and while it did hurt like hell, it was worth it.
2. It can be expensive.
Being a tattoo artist requires an insane amount of talent and precision and artists will be paid for showing it. Some shops have a minimum amount that they charge and no matter how small your tattoo is, you will pay that minimum amount. Payments may also vary from artist to artist; some charge by the hour, some charge by the piece, make sure you know what your artist’s deal is before diving in. Large pieces can cost hundreds of dollars, even smaller pieces or quotes/words can be in the triple digits. The cost depends on how much time it takes your artist and how much detail is in the piece. Sometimes artists will charge you more if you weren’t a good skin, like if you moved a lot or needed a lot of breaks. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
3. Choose your artist carefully.
A tattoo is something that will be on your body forever; don’t get it in your best friend’s basement by her stepbrother who bought a kit off Amazon. I know people who have done this, and it really didn’t work out well for them. Do your research on the artists in the area and find one that suits your style. Read reviews online, ask around about artists, look at portfolios, even visit the shops and talk to the artists about what you want. Make sure the artist you choose is trustworthy and knowledgeable.
4. Your artist might have some say in your tattoo.
When you go to your appointment and haven’t previously discussed your tattoo with your artist, keep an open mind. Your artist is a professional who will have opinions to ensure that your tattoo will keep well over time. They may have opinions on font, placement, colors and more. For example, artists will typically recommend a cursive style font if it’s going on a certain part of the body because over time any fonts that contain a lot of straight lines on skin may sag and distort whereas with cursive type fonts it already looks more whimsical. Your artist knows best, trust their judgment but make sure they don’t completely change your design to the point where it’s not what you want.
5. Some pieces may take several sessions.
If you want to go big on your first tattoo, don’t expect it all to be done in one sitting. Tattoos can take hours to do and there will come a point where your skin will be so sensitive that trying to pack more ink in will not work. Typically, artists like to do at least two sessions for larger pieces. At the first session, they will discuss what you want (if this hasn’t been done already) and will draw up a stencil and place it on whatever body part you choose. Then they will do the outline: basically all the heavier black lines that define the parts of your tattoo. This process alone can take several hours depending on the size of the piece, and will need to heal before the artist can move ahead to shading and adding color. Usually a month or so later, you will go in for a second session where they will add in the colors and grays that you want. Sometimes the artist will be done after two sessions, sometimes they will want you to come in again to add finishing touches or clean up areas they hadn’t seen before. Again, this all depends on the size of the tattoo and your artist’s preferences.
6. Don’t bring in something off Pinterest and say it’s exactly what you want.
Tattoo artists do not want you pulling up someone else’s tattoo on Pinterest or Google and saying that is what you want. It is an insult to their craft, you don’t see painters or sculptors creating an exact replica of what has already been done and being proud of it, it’s the same thing. It is okay to like elements from someone else’s tattoo but try and put a twist on it to make it your own; tattoos are supposed to be original. Do you really want to walk around with the same tattoo as 400 other people? Get something you will really be proud of and flaunt it.
7. It takes time to heal, and the aftercare instructions aren’t suggestions.
A tattoo is a wound of a sort. A sharp object is penetrating your skin, creating an opening where bacteria can grow and live. It is extremely important to follow the care instructions given to you by your artist. Most will recommend using an unscented antibacterial hand soap several times a day for possibly a few weeks depending on the size. This will ensure that no bacteria is able to harvest in your tattoo which would otherwise lead to infection. However, all the washing will dry out the skin and keeping it moisturized is another key component to the lifespan of your tattoo. Using unscented lotion will usually be the call but for bigger pieces, Aquaphor is a great product that will keep the area moisturized and clean. Keeping bacteria out and keeping moisture in are two of the main components that aid in your tattoo’s healing process, so take them seriously.
8. BE CREATIVE!
This may seem like it relates to #6 but it’s a different point. Tattoos are permanent pieces of art going onto your body, have fun with it! Show off your style by getting pieces that show the world who you are. I am a firm believer in tattoos not necessarily having to mean anything so if you just really like pineapples or boats or whatever it may be for no reason, you go and get that tattoo because it is not for the world, it is for you and if anyone ever judges you for a tattoo that you get you can tell them to screw right off because it is none of their damn business.