Before anyone makes the appointment for a piece of lifelong art, they sit with anxiety, thrill, and a fear of the unknown in anticipation of what’s to come. The good news is that preparing for your first tattoo is not as difficult as it seems. Once you get past the initial nerves, you’ll be more than eager to sit in that chair. Below, we offer four important things to know before getting your first tattoo to help you feel more excitement than angst.
Choose a Reputable Studio
Choosing a reputable studio allows you to gain confidence and feel excitement about your first tattoo. However, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming, even if you’re trusting friends’ and family’s opinions.
A reputable studio has the time and expertise to walk you through a consultation, perfect your artwork, and make you feel welcome and appreciated. After all, you are a customer. High-quality studios also adhere to public health and safety guidelines, and finding a studio with health certifications is a big step in the right direction.
Evaluate Your Pain Tolerance
Understanding your pain tolerance might help you make the most suitable decision for artwork placement. Many feel that the feet and ribs are the most painful areas, so if you know you’re sensitive to pain, consider choosing other locations. Alternatively, if you have a high pain tolerance and are committed to the location of choice, understand that the pain is temporary, and you can work through it in sessions.
Ask for Breaks During Your Session
Asking for breaks is essential, and your trusted artist should honor this as you wish. It will prolong the process as a whole, but if you’re struggling with pain or need to grab a drink of water, ask the artist for a brief pause. Many first-timers will skip asking for breaks due to stigma or pressure, only to realize later on that they would have benefited. Don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s your body and your art.
Mind Your Clothing Selection
Clothing selection can easily go overlooked on your first tattoo because you’re not sure about the process entirely. That’s OK. But choosing the right clothing is an important thing to know before getting your first tattoo, as your clothing will affect your comfort during and after your session. You also need to ensure your chosen location is easily accessible. If you choose a thigh piece and decide to wear skinny jeans, your clothing might become an issue when it’s time to leave.
Inked Shop is the leading tattoo studio in NYC with a world-class reputation and a knack for excellence. When you’re ready for your first tattoo, choose us as your go-to source for everything you need to know, from preparation and post-tattoo care to future artwork. We look forward to working with you as you begin your tattoo journey!