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Getting a Tattoo That You'll Love Forever

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How to Make Sure You Get a Tattoo You'll Love Forever

Getting a new tattoo can be a daunting process, but there are a few things that you should consider before getting inked to ensure you'll love it forever. 

  • Avoid rookie first-tattoo mistakes.
  • Research, design, and decide exactly what you want (with links for inspiration).
  • Learn the proper terms to describe the type of tattoo you want.
  • Consider a list of questions to ask yourself before you get a tattoo.
  • Find the best tattoo artist.
  • Prepare your skin for the big day (and take care of it afterwards).
  • Calm yourself and control the pain while you're getting tattooed.

 tattoo image

Step 1: Avoid These Common Tattoo Mistakes

  • Don't get a tattoo when you're too young. Getting a tattoo before turning 18 is almost always a mistake. With one thing, a professional tattooist is unlikely to do it, so you'll have to settle for an amateur. Waiting is worthwhile. There's no need to rush.
  • Don't be cheap and don't go to just any tattoo shop. If you don't do your research, you may end up with an artist who does poor work.
  • Don't get a tattoo from a random tattooist, even if the tattooist is on the beach and you're on vacation. This is not a good idea.
  • Don't get a tattoo if you're drunk.  You'll be regretful if you take anything that will cloud your judgement or delay your healing.
  • Never tell the tattooist to do whatever they want. You are the one who will wear it, so think for yourself. If you see something you don't like while they're working, don't wait to say something.
  • Most tattoo artists can help you cover up or modify a tattoo that you don't like.

Step 2: Know Exactly What You Want!

Here's my best suggestion if this is your first tattoo: Take your time to figure out what you genuinely enjoy. It makes no difference how much it costs, how much it pains, or how quickly it can be completed. If you want to get a tattoo, don't ask your friends for opinion unless you want something they like.

Start brainstorming ideas for your first tattoo by sitting down with a pencil and paper and drawing out concepts. Nobody can do this for you, but it's an important first step. You must do this challenge on your own, relying on your own abilities. You'll start to acquire a better idea of what you actually want while you're at it.

Questions to ask yourself before you get a tattoo:

  • Why do I want a tattoo? (Don't skip this question: It's important!)
  • How far am I willing to go and how much am I willing to pay?
  • Do I want a unique tattoo?
  • Does the tattoo have to mean anything and if yes, then what?
  • Where is the best place for me to have it? Do I want it visible or easy-to-hide?

Step 3: Research and Design Carefully

Once you have ideas about what you want, the next step is research. Create a file or folder full of things you like.

How do I search for and research tattoo design ideas?

Instagram and Pinterest are good places to start. You can also look for a design in the tattoo shop; it could be something from the artist's portfolio, flash designs, or online. Maybe even print it up, cut it out, and place them where you want the tattoo. See how the design fits on your body, how it really might look, and if it's all good.

instagram logo

You're almost there! Take your research seriously, because the more thought and time you devote to it, the more unique your tattoo will feel. Think about what you desire rather than what you should have. You should get the tattoo for yourself, not for your parents or friends, no matter how old you are.

Tattooists all have their own distinct style. Tattoo artists usually favour one style over another. If you choose a tattoo artist based upon their style, then the best thing is to let them do what they like the most. However, you will still need to know what you want and give guidelines to your artist.

 

Step 4: Find the Right Artist

This is the most important time. Take your time with this one, and keep in mind that the artist and the shop are not the same thing. An artist is a human being. If someone recommends a certain store, inquire about the name of the artist they enjoy. 

Word of mouth is the best way to find a tattoo artist you like. If you find a tattoo you like, don't be afraid to inquire about it. The second best place to look for an artist is on the Internet. A professional artist will definitely show their work online. The easiest way to recognise a great artist is by the "wow" factor. If the work is not impressive, then don't expect miracles.

 

 

In the artist's portfolio, look for pictures of healed tattoos. If all of the photographs are of new tattoos and none of them are of healed tattoos, it's possible that they didn't heal properly and only appear great when they're new.

Take a time to notice how you feel when you're around an artist. Do you have faith in them? Do you feel at ease? Are they paying attention to you? If not, you should leave. Do yourself a favour and don't go against your intuition. Intuition is the most reliable source of information. Make an appointment for a consultation if you believe you are in the right place.

tattoo shop

Step 5: Share Your Ideas With Your Artist

Avoid asking questions like:

  • "How much does it hurt?" (No one can tell you exactly how much something is going to hurt.)
  • "Can you give me a cheaper tattoo?"

You should have a fairly clear sense of what you want before speaking with the artist. You'll need to bring several examples of photographs with you so that you can show what you like and don't like.

What should you discuss with your tattoo artist?

Discuss the concept, size, location, colour, and style. Inquire about the amount of time and money your project will take. Inquire with the tattooist if they are comfortable creating the tattoo design for you: They might suggest someone else who is more suited for the job. Before you begin, you should ask as many questions as possible.

Listen to your tattoo artist's advice, as they are the expert who knows best what is possible.

Don't ask as to what tattoo you should get from your tattoo artist. Because it is your own body, you must make your own choice. If you have to choose between a few designs, you can get professional help and criticism on which one would work best. The size of the tattoo will also need to be discussed, as it is determined by its detail and location on your body!

Once you agree on the details, make an appointment. This gives you another chance to rethink and get ready. If the chosen artist has a waiting list and you're willing to wait, that is a good sign.

Ask your artist about tattoo aftercare. Every artist has their own instructions, based upon experience with what works. Not every shop sells healing cream, so you may need to get it yourself (from our website). If you get it before the session, you will not need to worry about it afterwards.

tattoo studio wall

 

Step 6: Prepare Your Skin

The better the canvas, the better the drawing. That means if you have dry, flaky, or damaged skin, the quality of your tattoo will suffer.

Condition your skin for a couple of weeks before your appointment by using moisturizers, lotions, and body butter. This way your skin will be softer, more elastic, and more likely to heal smoothly

Sunburned skin cannot be tattooed, so allow enough time for your skin to heal after your holiday in the sun. If you have a lot of hair, shaving the region before meeting your artist is a good suggestion.

Step 7: Remain Calm During the Tattooing Session

Stay calm and relaxed. It will hurt, but the intensity of the pain is less if you are relaxed. Getting a good night's sleep and eating a big meal right before the tattoo session will also make it easier.

There is no point in thinking too much about what it's going to feel like. Worrying too much about pain will leave you drained before it is even started. If you know that you want it, go for it. You will see that it is not as bad as you imagine.

Stay away from alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you consume alcohol, you will bleed a lot. Alcohol thins the blood and it makes it more difficult for the tattooist to put the ink into your skin. Your healing may be complicated.

How can you control tattooing pain?

Staying relaxed and being prepared will help, but It is also worth investing in a numbing cream if you know that you have a low pain threshold. Dab it on, cover the spot with cling film, and seal it with tape. It usually works well for about 1-2 hours before wearing off.

cling film tattoo aftercare

Step 8: Follow Aftercare Advice

Listen to your tattooist as they know best. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

  • Your tattoo will be covered with cling film and secured with micropore tape.
  • Be gentle; do not rub. Pat dry with the towel and wait for a few minutes until it dries completely.
  • Apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream. Make sure to remove any excess with a tissue. It should not be white once the cream is applied.
  • Put another layer of cling film on, fix with the tape, and keep on until the next morning.
  • If it's comfortable to do so, repeat these steps again one more day. If it gets too irritating or hot, do not recover it for the third time.
  • The tattoo will peel like sunburned skin. Just let it heal. Do not pick or scratch.
  • Do not soak in water. No baths, no steam rooms, and no swimming until it heals. Quick showers are fine, as are daily washings.
  • One of the biggest mistakes people make is putting too much cream on their new tattoos for too long, as this delays healing.
  • Follow your tattooist's advice thoroughlybepanthen aftercare

 

 Blog Inspiration - Tatring

 

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  • Caitlin Moore
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