Top 5 Tips To Get A Great First Tattoo: Before Your Appointment
Are you ready to get your first tattoo? Before the appointment, you can be nervous and excited. If you want great results for your new ink, you can do a couple of things to make the process easier for you and the tattoo artist. Here are five tips for getting a great tattoo.
#1 – Always Do Your Research
Tattoos come in a wide range of styles and designs. You could just pick a random tattoo and have it inked on your skin. However, you will not be happy with it. Finding the right style and artist for the job is very important. A first tattoo should represent something relevant to you or reflect your personality. You will want to look at your ink in a few years and be pleased with it. With that, you may want to avoid those trendy tattoos that everyone seems to have and often regret. When you find the right artist, they can even create a customized design for your first ink. Once you have several tattoos, you may choose something on a whim. For those first ones, it is better when the tattoo has special meaning to you. Take your time to do the proper research for your initial inking session.
#2 – Choose the Right Placement
You also need to think about where you want your first tattoo. Do you want it somewhere hidden or visible on your body? You will have to live with your tattoo on a daily basis. While tattoos are becoming accepted in most workplaces, some employers are still biased against those who have ink. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to have a full sleeve and find work, especially in corporate environments. You want to make sure the tattoo does not limit your career choices or impact how others will see you. Some spots on the body still receive negative reactions from others, such as the face, neck, and hands. If you work with an open-minded employer, that is great. However, remember that someone might be put off by your ink. Working with an artist can give you a better idea about the best placement for your first tattoo. They will know what design is best for certain parts of the body. Along with that, you also want to factor in the pain. Some areas on the body are sensitive, leading to a more painful experience in the tattoo parlor.
#3 – Work With an Experienced Artist
Many tattoo artists will use websites and social media to promote their work. You might browse the artist’s profile or take a look at the shop’s website. You want to make sure your first tattoo is from someone who wants to deliver high-quality results. Plus, you need to love their style and artwork. For example, if you love graffiti-style art, search for an artist with a portfolio collection of those designs. Some people want to have a tattoo of a pet or loved one. In those situations, you may want to choose an artist who creates photo-realistic gray shaded ink. There are plenty of Philadelphia tattoo shops. You just need to find the right artist who can bring your ideas to life.
#4 – Ask Plenty of Questions
When you call or meet a tattoo artist, it is not the time to be shy. The key to a good relationship is communication. Your artist should be happy to answer all of your questions and concerns. If the artist hesitates or acts unfriendly, you may want to find someone else. Professional artists will listen to you and come up with tattoo recommendations based on your ideas. A good artist will be interested in your thoughts and want to create an exceptional piece of art for your body.
#5 – Pay Your Deposit
If you want an artist to come up with a design, you should be prepared to schedule your appointment and pay the deposit. Some artists can come up with a quick design in a few minutes. However, if you want an intricate mockup of the tattoo, make sure you are serious about the ink. These artists will create a unique piece of art based on your personality and interests. That process takes time and technical skills. When you are happy with the results, please don’t leave them hanging. You can show a bit of respect by compensating the artist for their time. It will also create a good relationship between you and the artist. Sometimes, the artist doesn’t capture what you want with the first drawing. You can always ask for changes before the actual tattoo appointment.
What You Should Not Do After a Tattoo
Now that you know a few tips about what to do before the appointment, what are things to avoid after a session? First, you always want to follow the aftercare instructions from the artist. You can read care instructions online, but the artist has real-world experience. They want your ink to look great in the days, weeks, and months after the session. You need to give your body a chance to recover during the healing time. Never leave the new ink unprotected from the sun or use harsh products on your skin. There are plenty more “don’ts” concerning aftercare and tattoos. Always reach out to your tattoo artist for the best advice.
Choose the Best Gallery for Your First Tattoo
With these five tips, you can get a great first tattoo. You want to make the whole process a memorable experience. Working with an experienced and professional artist is the key to the process, especially for those first-timers.
If you are ready to talk to an artist about your first ink, reach out to Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Since 2020, we have highly trained and experienced artists from the Philadelphia area. Our shop offers a wide range of tattoo styles, meaning you can find the right one to match your personality and interests. If you are ready to go beyond “thinking” about a first tattoo to scheduling the appointment, call the shop at 215-638-1601.
