As ink steadily sneaks into mainstream culture, more and more
people are jumping on the bandwagon. This makes for a more colorful and
accepting society, but it also means that there are more parlors and
tattoo artists than ever. If you've decided to get your first tattoo,
make sure you follow these 10 steps to get the ink of your dreams while
being both savvy and healthy.
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So you've officially caught a case of
ink envy. You've eyeballed the women with gorgeous floral half-sleeves
or fallen in love a delicate back-of-the-neck tattoo. Maybe you just can't pass on that Harry Potter ink
any longer or you want to truly wear your feminist ideals on your
sleeve. You've decided that you want to get inked and you know what
you'd like to get. Now what?
We've
compiled a list of steps to take before taking the plunge for the first
time. We recommend you take it all into account, but generally you only
need these three pieces of advice: do your research, follow directions,
and don't do anything you're uncomfortable with.
1. Decide on a design that you actually want.
Don't get a tattoo just to get one. Wait until you have an idea for ink
that's as unique and special as you are! But do keep in mind that not
all ideas are created equal. Most artists recommend starting small and avoiding sensitive areas like your ribs, elbows, the backs of your knees, groin areas, and feet. And always avoid getting the name of your significant other. It rarely ends well.
If you have particularly fair skin, consider making an appointment in
the spring or early fall. You're less likely to burn it in the sun, but
can also let it breathe a bit.
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2. Research artists and parlors.
Research doesn't sound like it would be a big part of getting your
first piece, but it is arguably the most important. Take the time to ask
around about high-quality shops in your area. Be suspicious of cheap
parlors. In most cases, you get what you pay for. If you have a friend
with art that you admire, ask him or her where they got it done and what
they thought of the artist. Read reviews, research artists within the
shop, and check out their Instagram or online portfolios. Then, and only
then, make a decision on where you'd like to get your work done.
3. Sleep on it, but then commit.
Obviously, getting a tattoo is a decision that will have permanent
consequences, so don't take it lightly. But once you've decided on an
idea and an artist, make an appointment, mark your calendar, and don't
back out. If you've done your research and considered your idea
carefully, your art is sure to be something you love.
And
remember this, even if you fall out of love with your ink at some point
down the road, it will still serve as a symbol of who you were when you
got it. Look back on it fondly, like that one time you tried blunt
bangs in college.
4. Prep your body before your appointment.
You're going to want to make sure you're in good health: get plenty of
sleep, hydrate adequately, and eat a full meal before your appointment.
People may get drunk and inked in the movies, but actually it's illegal
to tattoo an intoxicated person. So definitely skip the pre-appointment
buzz, but also avoid drinking the night before. Both will thin out your
blood which will cause you to bleed more during the process. Coffee will
have a similar affect on your blood, while also making it difficult to
sit still throughout the appointment. And please, for the love of your
artist, shower.
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5. Pack some supplies for the big day.
It's important to keep your blood sugar up throughout the appointment
so pack some high-carb snacks like granola bars and a bottle of water to
stay hydrated. Bring a sweatshirt along as well, getting cold during
the process is common, even in the summer. And, of course, don't forget
your wallet, reference material for your tattoo idea, and your fully
charged cell phone.
6. Ask questions throughout the procedure.
Tell me about your experience as an artist. What's that tool for? What
are you doing now? Your artist won't expect you to know everything, so
if you're curious, ask! If you think you'll be a nervous customer, tell
your artist! They deal with nervous people all the time and will know
how to make you comfortable with the process. And remember, if you're
uncomfortable with anything, including the artist, the cleanliness of the shop, or the price, you can always back out.
7. Keep an open mind about your idea.
Chances are, you will have a pretty good idea of what you want your
artwork to look like in your head. Find pictures that help illustrate
that idea—print them off so you can give them to your artist. But
understand that your artist will know better when it comes to executing
your idea so that it looks best on the day that you get it and beyond.
If they have concerns about placement or style, listen to them.
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8. Relax.
A lot of first time customers worry about pain. You should know that it
will sting, but it will not be unbearable. The feeling is often
described as being slowly scratched by a cat or poking at sunburned
skin. Breathe, relax, don't stress, and it will all be fine. The pain is
part of the process. If you're particularly worried about pain, bring a
friend along, especially one who has been tatted before.
9. Tip your artist 15 to 30 percent.
This is important, especially if you liked your artist. Let them know
that you appreciated their craft and conversation, and be sure to
recommend them to other potential customers. They'll appreciate you
right back!
10. Take care of your new ink.
Different shops will tell you different ways to take care of your new
piece. Follow their instructions carefully. Note: Healing ink can look
pretty crazy. It will usually develop an itchy multi-colored scab that
will cause the work to look a little faded, but that's all a part of the
process. This is a helpful guide for keeping up with your tattoo's healing process.
