What to expect and how to do it right
So you’ve decided to get a tattoo! Good for you.
But where to start?
With over 20 years as a tattooist I can set you on the right track, let you know what you need to do, and what to prepare for.
So why get tattooed anyway?
Whether your tattoo ideas have a deep meaning or are just pretty pictures, we all live in an ephemeral world where things come and go at an alarming pace. There is a lot of power in choosing to do something that will stay with you forever. It's worth taking time and effort to get it right!
So what do you need to do, and what can you expect?
Starting out
The days when you could walk in off the street and pick a design off the wall are, for the most part, long gone. The process of getting tattooed is generally a little more involved now, and requires you to do some research on what style of tattoo you are after, and pick an artist that will bring what you have in mind to life. But the first step is to narrow down your ideas.
A great way to zero in on your final design is to do some research on visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. These will give you a good idea of what style of tattoo you're after, and what can be done.
You can also create boards on these platforms where you can save your ideas and potentially show your chosen tattooist.
Which brings me on to the next part!
Picking the right artist
The next step is to find the right artist for the job.
I actually think that picking a good tattoo artist who already does work in your chosen style, will explain the tattooing process to you openly, and who will be excited to work on a custom tattoo design with you is more important than the actual subject matter of the work your getting.
Whoever you decide to go with should be open to discussing things like hourly rate, tattoo placement etc, before you commit to your tattoo appointment.
Spend as much time as you can on this step. If you find someone whose work and style you really like, you are far more likely to not only give them a brief that they will enjoy but love the drawing they come up with.
Often getting work from right tattoo artist involves a little travel. But believe me it's better to make a trip to see the right person than to settle for someone local who might not be right for the job.
Remember you only get one skin!
Reaching out
The next step is to contact the tattoo studio directly, or the tattoo shop where they work.
Often organizing a consultation through the studio is the best option, as not only will a cash deposit generally need to be made, but having a look at the studio will introduce you to where you'll be spending time getting tattooed.
The consultation
At this stage the studio or the artists will usually organise a consultation.
This is a chance to meet the artist, and have a sit down to discuss the finer details of your tattoo design.
Try to turn up to the consultation on time as they are often scheduled before the tattooist is due to work on their paying clients.
Also make sure that you have any reference photos for your ideas to hand.
There is no pressure to make an appointment to get tattooed at this stage, but it's worth bringing some cash along for the next part.
The deposit
Once you've discussed your ideas and are happy with the way the tattooist sees your ideas, you will work out when is a good time for you to get tattooed.
At this point a (usually) cash deposit will need to be handed over. So try to make sure to ask if you need to bring in cash for the deposit when organising the consultation.
The big day
So the day has arrived.
You've probably been getting plied with horror stories from cruel friends and disapproving family members (if indeed you've told them that you're getting tattooed). But let me set your mind at ease.
The first thing you need to know is that how you feel when getting tattooed will depend a great deal on how you prepare for it. Basically you want to turn up in good spirits, well rested and prepared for the job in hand.
This means:
Getting a good nights sleep
Having a decent (and somewhat carb heavy) breakfast
Bringing along a bottle of water if it's a long session
Bringing something sugary along with you like some soda or a chocolate bar. This will work wonders when you feel like a pick me up halfway through your session
So generally turn up in a fit state and not hung over or knackered and you'll be fine.
Tattoos hurt. There is no getting away from this. And besides, if they were easy then everyone would get them and not just us cool people.
I've found that one person's pain tolerance is different from another. But definitely the level of pain you experience will depend on the part of your body you're getting tattooed and how you're feeling on the day.
Having said that though where you are getting tattooed will play a large part in how it feels, and the level of pain involved.
Generally I feel like the places that your body values from a survival perspective hurt the most. But at the end of the day get your tattoo where you want it. The pain is only temporary.
Having said that though a lot of dealing with the pain is to do with relaxation and surrender. Believe me, the more relaxed and calm you are the better you will handle (and sit) for a tattoo. When you're getting a painful part of the body tattooed, keeping your breathing calm and steady, and staying relaxed can make a huge difference.
There will only ever be one first time. So approach the process with an open heart and relaxed mind.
Tattoo aftercare
Everybody has their own way of looking after their tattoos. And the more tattoos you have, the closer you'll get to discovering the secret sauce that works for you. But I'll tell you what I tell all my first time clients to help them through the healing process.
The general aftercare instructions are:
Keep your tattoo wrapped in the cling wrap covering that the tattooist will cover it with for at least 2 hours. If you're out and about for a more than a few hours that's fine, but no less than 2 hours.
After a couple of hours take the covering off and give your tattoo a gentle wash with a simple soap. I recommend an old school bar of soup as opposed to liquid soap, antibacterial soap or shower gel. FYI: At the point of taking the clingfilm off your tattoo will most likely be a bit slimy, and there way even be a bit of ink in there. This is totally normal and shouldn't worry you.
After you've washed your tattoo you should pat it dry with a clean towel.
Let your tattoo air dry for a few minutes then apply a very small amount of Bepanthen, or PawPaw cream. This stuff is very greasy so you will NOT need to use a lot. If you can see it on your skin you're using too much. Just a very fine layer is good.
For the first 24 hours your tattoo will still be a bit fresh and may sting very lightly. During this time you want to keep it clean, so maybe wash it a couple more times before the next day if there is anything coming through the surface of the skin. Apply a little cream on after each wash.
After the first day (or a little sooner usually), the tattoo should become smooth and dry to the touch. At this stage I usually recommend switching to a thinner moisturiser. I recommend using a very simple perfume free moisturiser. Bepanthen and PawPaw are good for the first 24 hours or so, as your tattoo is fairly new and will usually require a couple of washes. But for heavens sake, do not layer on loads of cream or use too much moisturiser throughout the healing period. I've had clients come in asking why their tattoos are all waxy and spotty, before telling me they've been layering huge amounts of greasy cream on constantly. The last thing you want to do is hinder your bodies natural healing process. Your tattoo may requite a little moisturiser if it feels a little dry and tight, but otherwise I would go very light on the cream. MORE MOISTURISER WILL NOT HELP YOUR TATTOO HEAL FASTER!
After a few days your tattoo will develop a thin layer of after sun burn type skin that will gentle flake away over the next few days. Just remember that the way in which you care for your tattoo for the first few days will effect how it will look for the rest of your life, so it's worth taking the time to look after it properly.
Tattoos usually take around 5 days to be well on their way to healing. It's not like an open wound or anything, but if you've had large areas of black or colour put in quite solidly you may have the odd little piece of dry skin that will be on there for a little longer.
Things NOT to do while your tattoo is healing
This is mostly common sense, but I'll run through the list.
Do not soak your tattoo in water for long periods. In the same way that a scab will go all weird when you've been in a swimming pool or in the bath for a while, so it will also happen to your tattoo. THIS IS BAD. Showering is fine, but you will want to avoid soaking in the bath or swimming for as long as it takes for the dry skin to come away. After that you're good to go.
Avoid heavy exercise. Sweat will also make your skin very wet, and sweating through a new tattoo is not a good idea.
Getting your new tattoo dirty. Avoid this like the plague. I once had a guy who had fallen into a canal the day after I tattooed him. Let's just say his tattoo didn't heal well and required a complete reworking after it eventually came good.
Exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight. Tattooed skin will be a little damaged for a few weeks and will burn extra fast. You don't want this to happen.
A new tattoo is pretty easy to look after. Wrapped for a few hours. Clean for 24 hours. And lightly moisturised for as long as it takes for the dry skin to come away. Easy peasy.
Once thing to add is that once the dry skin has come away, your tattoo may not look as bright and crisp as it will do in another few days. You'll probably get a very fine layer of milky, new skin on the tattoo which will come good in another few days.
And there you have it!
Getting tattooed is an interesting experience. I've had well over 40 hours worth of tattooing on my body, and every time I've been tattooed it's been very different. But I certainly remember my first time like it was yesterday.
I'm always aware that my first-time clients will often be very nervous, so am more than happy to talk them through the tattoo process and what to expect pain wise on a certain body part.
At the end of the day if it was that horrendous no-one would get tattooed and I wouldn't have a job! It just requites a little homework and commitment.
If you have any thoughts or questions I am very happy to answer any queries you have so please don't hesitate to shoot me a message.
H