First Tattoo Tips For Beginners: Read This Before You Get Inked

You have a million tattoo ideas bookmarked on Instagram and Pinterest. You have spent a long time—years maybe—thinking about this tattoo. And now, you are finally going to go through with it and get inked. Before you do, there are a few first tattoo tips for beginners that you need to know. After all, there is more to getting a tattoo than you might believe, even if you have done your research.

There are some things that first-timers are not prepared for, so be sure to read this guide before you get inked:

Know What You Want

Okay, first thing’s first: the design. When you book your appointment, there is no real hemming and hawing about the design. The tattoo artist is going to want to know, and you should be certain of what you are getting. A tattoo is one of the most permanent decisions you will make in your lifetime, so you need to like what you are getting.

Be sure to keep in mind the following:

• Your skin. The tone of your skin, as well as the condition of it, will dictate some of the colors your artist can use. Brighter colors use pigments that may not show up. Similarly, you could be allergic to some of those pigments. If you are worried about that, have the artist test the inks for a reaction first.
• The reason. Your tattoo should have some kind of meaning, and it should mesh with your personality. Avoid getting a tattoo “just because.”
• Tattoo meaning. Society’s perception of tattoos might be changing, but there are still some places where they have a negative connotation, regardless of the design. Therefore, consider your workplace and profession when choosing the design and the location.

Find an Artist You Trust

In case you do not have an artist in mind, start looking for tattoo shops near you online or through social media (follow Oracle Tattoo Gallery while you’re at it). You can find dozens of tattoo artists online, right in your area, and sneak a peek at their portfolios at the same time. Look for artists who are experienced in a style you love. Plus, following those artists gives you a sense of their personality and who they are, which is important when you are together for hours during your session.

If you are having trouble finding artists online, ask a few of your inked friends. They will be able to point you in the right direction.

Prepare Properly For Your Appointment

Going to the tattoo shop is not like a visit to the hairdresser. You need to do some work beforehand—and this is where a lot of people mess up their experience. Walking into a shop and getting a tattoo with zero preparation will make things worse for you. It is better to choose a day and prepare for it.

Preparation includes:

• Make sure that the skin to be inked is not sunburned or marked with scars, bruises, or other blemishes. Injuries to the skin will make it harder for the ink to take and for the tattoo to heal.
• Moisturize your skin routinely for at least a week before the appointment.
• Avoid alcohol, as it will thin your blood, causing you to bleed more under the needle. Also, tattoo artists cannot legally ink you while you are intoxicated.
• Getting plenty of sleep. You are going to be sitting in a chair for a long session and must stay awake. Plus, sleep deprivation lowers your pain threshold.
• Eating a balanced meal. Pain and blood loss can cause your blood sugar levels to bottom out, causing nausea and dizziness that could make you lose consciousness. Yes, people passing out happens often—and you won’t be able to finish your tattoo on the same day if so.
• Pack some essentials for your session. A sugary snack or beverage, water, and some kind of distraction will keep you awake, and aware, and also dull the pain.

Finalizing Design and Placement

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to fill out some consent forms and answer a couple of questions. Afterward, your artist will show you a mockup of the design, sometimes in a variety of sizes, for your input. If you don’t like something about the mock-up, do not be afraid to tell them. Just remember to be polite about it and to trust in their vision. Also, some tattoos, particularly those with writing, will need to be enlarged.

Remember that, regardless of the size of your tattoo, it is still going to hurt. A lot of first-timers tend to think a small tattoo will decrease their pain, but the experience is the same!

 

 

Once you give your OK for the design, a stencil is placed on your body. The placement, too, can be altered, and your tattoo artist might insist on doing the placement again and again. Consider moving around with the stencil on so you can see how real-life movement is going to look with a tattoo.

Tipping Your Artist

At the end of the session, your tattoo artist will walk you through the aftercare details, wrap your fresh tattoo, and lead you to the register. At this point, you should give them a tip. There is no standard price for a tattoo, and every shop has its own idea of a minimum rate. But there is a standard for tipping the tattoo artist—around 20-30% of the price.

Why do you have to tip? Because the artist is often the one stocking their own supplies and renting their place in the shop. Having gotten their artwork permanently etched into your skin, a tip is the best way to show your gratitude.

Looking For a Philadelphia Tattoo Shop?

Now that you have read through these first tattoo tips for beginners, you should feel more confident about getting a tattoo. Yes, it can be scary, but every tattoo is a worthwhile investment. If you are in the Philadelphia area and are looking for your first tattoo, consider Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Our experienced artists are skilled in a wide variety of tattoo styles. Call us at 215-638-1601 or fill out the contact form for more information or to book your appointment today.