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Original poster

First-time tattoo! Tips please?

32 replies

Twonewcats · 05/08/2023 12:32

So I have a big birthday coming up and am full-on midlife crisis, and would like to get my first ever tattoo.

I know zero about the process - can any of you give me advice on how it works, eg do I need an appointment to choose a design etc, or is that all done on the day?

What sort of thing works well so it won't fade/blur over time?

How do I decide where on the body? 😬

OP posts:
SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 05/08/2023 12:47

First thing I'd do is choose your tattooist. The better ones are booked a long time in advance.

Sweetladyjane · 05/08/2023 12:50

Research your artist really carefully - instagram is really good for this. As pp said the good ones will have a waitlist.

Think of some designs you’d like and email a few across and asked to be booked in or call them.

You’ll need to pay a deposit for your appointment and good tattooists aren’t cheap (mine charges £500 for a day session and that’s with a reduction for being a friend).

Once you’re in the chair relax and try not to tense up. I download some stuff on my phone to watch which helps.

hairypaws · 05/08/2023 12:56

Please don't just pick out a book or Google. Choose a tattooist who you like their style of work. Do you want black, colour, line work, portrait etc. speak to them about what sort of design you want and they will create something unique to you. Be realistic with size. They do hurt and as it's a first tattoo you don't want to have to tap out leaving it half done. Any good artist will have a waiting list but don't be tempted by a walk in place, not saying they are bad but really good ones don't work that way.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Beauty
SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 05/08/2023 13:12

Just to give you some idea of timing, DDs DF is a Tattoo Artist and has just opened her books for September to December 2024.

Neodymium · 05/08/2023 13:19

😂 must be a thing. I got my first tattoo as a 40th bday present.

I researched and found some similar to what I wanted and then got the tattoo artist to customise a design based off that.

Anontocomment · 05/08/2023 13:20

As PP have said, research your artist thoroughly. Look at their work too. Decide on where - places where bones are closer to the surface will hurt more. And know your budget. My first cost £50 for 45 minutes - and that was only because the artist does all my brother's tattoos so I had a major discount.

Make sure you have something to eat - a bar of chocolate or something - in case
you need a boost. Topical painkiller cream can help if you put it on a couple of hours beforehand. And make sure you invest in the proper cream for aftercare. Even Tesco sells it now.

As to design, think of something you like. My current two have real meaning, as will the 3rd that I'm planning, and are unique to me. A good artist will be able to help visualise what you want.

Good luck!

PinkiOcelot · 05/08/2023 13:24

Like everyone says, choose your artist. I send mine a photo of what I’d like and she goes with that. She shows me what she’s done, asks if I like it, want it altered etc. she’s great.

I got my first last year at 54. I’ve gone on to have 3 more. The one that hurt the most was my foot but I love it.

Stressfordays · 05/08/2023 13:39

Have you not booked yet? Because tattoo wait lists are months in advance for a good tattooist! They usually ask you in advance what you are looking for, and draw it up beforehand.

However, if you're not really arsed on quality and just want a tattoo, you can get to a seaside town/abroad and do a walk in. I have a few of those and whilst I still love them as they have memories attached, the quality is nowhere near my uniquely designed tattoos from reputable tattoo artists.

yellowsmileyface · 05/08/2023 14:23

You've already got some good advice regarding the process.

A few extra tips... I'd recommend getting something small for your first one, to make sure you don't find it too painful. Thighs, forearm, and back are supposedly the least painful areas if that's a concern of yours.

Be aware that during the healing process, you won't be able to get it too wet. Showers are fine, but baths and swimming pools are a no-no. So if you have any holidays coming up that might involve swimming, wait until after. Also new tattoos shouldn't get too much direct sunlight (not much of an issue with the current weather though!)

Definitely have something to eat about half an hour beforehand, otherwise you may get light headed.

Ask the tattooist about aftercare and follow their instructions.

Strictlyfanoftenyears · 05/08/2023 14:38

Dont Do It!!!!!!!!!!!

RunningFromInsanity · 05/08/2023 15:05

You often won’t get to see the actual design until your appointment, and then you can ask for changes until you are happy with it.

Original poster
Twonewcats · 05/08/2023 15:50

Oh fab, thanks so much to all of you - some great advice here 😀
I'll start researching the local tattoo places x

@Stressfordays nope not booked yet as I didn't know where to start And had no idea they'd all be booked up for so long. I'm not in any urgency, though.

OP posts:
SadBut · 05/08/2023 18:20

Get bepanthen cream for after care.
Make sure you've had something proper to eat before you go and maybe a snack just before tattoo.
Check they play music and if you can request songs
Very important Grin

SadBut · 05/08/2023 18:21

Also no cheeky visit to pub beforehand

MadCatten · 05/08/2023 18:36
  • Hustle butter
  • water
  • no coffee or alcohol
  • fry up in the morning
  • take your time choosing your artist
Sewaccidentprone · 05/08/2023 18:44

I’ve a couple of small tattoos both from the same artist.

I spent ages looking at all the various tattoo places nearby. All of them had details about the artists who work there and pages with examples of their work, their style etc.

there are so many styles, designs, placements it took me ages to decide, then I had to wait 6 months and put down a deposit.

I saw a design and took a small part of that and asked her to expand on it.

I love my tattoos.

on the day I made sure I’d eaten and had some paracetamol. I took a coffee with me as you produce huge amounts of adrenaline when you’re having it done which can make you feel lightheaded etc.

I'd be lying if I said they didn’t hurt at the time, but it was just about manageable. I’d go for something smallish to start with. You can always expand on it later.

Jellycats4life · 05/08/2023 18:47

Instagram is a great place to see different artists’ work and get an idea of what you’d like. Then once you’ve found an artist you can contact them and find out more about how they work. It’s definitely worth travelling to see an artist you really like, rather than rocking up at your local parlour.

ShreddiesGirl · 05/08/2023 18:57

I have 2 artists that I only see now and found both on insta, it's great for finding good people.

It does hurt though, no point in us pretending it doesn't.

I highly recommend going for shoulder or forearm for your first one just to get a feel for what it's about. Don't go straight for the ankle or ribs! I said this to a friend, she scoffed at me and said it couldn't be that bad. Now she has an unfinished outline only on her ankle and refuses to ever try again.

WoolyMammoth55 · 05/08/2023 19:18

I've just found this lady, definitely the nicest tattoos I've ever seen! She does bespoke for every client so you won't meet your "tattoo twin" ever...
https://www.instagram.com/amanoo.arts/

She's Brazilian but I think has some London dates coming up, not sure if that's possible for you.

Best of luck!

underneaththeash · 05/08/2023 19:30

WoolyMammoth55 · 05/08/2023 19:18

I've just found this lady, definitely the nicest tattoos I've ever seen! She does bespoke for every client so you won't meet your "tattoo twin" ever...
https://www.instagram.com/amanoo.arts/

She's Brazilian but I think has some London dates coming up, not sure if that's possible for you.

Best of luck!

But that's going to go out of fashion.

Honestly OP. I'm almost 50 and only know people who regret tattoos. Your skin sags, the colour fades and they look shite after a few years.

Jellycats4life · 05/08/2023 19:40

If I’m lucky enough to live to a ripe old age, and the only thing I have to worry about is a shit looking tattoo on a bit of skin that gets covered with clothing, I’ll be doing alright.

underneaththeash · 05/08/2023 20:15

Jellycats4life · 05/08/2023 19:40

If I’m lucky enough to live to a ripe old age, and the only thing I have to worry about is a shit looking tattoo on a bit of skin that gets covered with clothing, I’ll be doing alright.

No, it will be another thing that looks saggy/faded/old-fashioned that you’ll have to cover up.

DueyCheatemAndHow · 05/08/2023 20:31

You could get hit by a bus next week. Go for it.

I echo all other advice though!

RumNotRun · 05/08/2023 21:11

Research. Research. Research. And don't shy away from travelling. Look at what styles you like, black & grey, new school, realism, old school, biomechanical, etc. Then start to look at artists who specialise in that style. I live in Cardiff and have travelled to Bournemouth, Exeter, Bristol (a lot!), Warsaw, Krakow for tattoos. I've also been fortunate to meet some amazing artists from Australia and Birmingham who have done guest spots in Bristol so got tattooed by them without having to travel much.

I've also been tattooed at conventions which was a great experience, especially when the finished piece has ended up in some big magazines (and in the convention competitions, sadly no wins yet though!)

I'm happy for you to PM for some suggestions if you find what style you like.

MadCattenz · 05/08/2023 21:12

Jellycats4life · 05/08/2023 19:40

If I’m lucky enough to live to a ripe old age, and the only thing I have to worry about is a shit looking tattoo on a bit of skin that gets covered with clothing, I’ll be doing alright.

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