About a third of the people we tattoo each month are getting their first. Nearly all of them arrive with the same questions and the same nerves. Here is everything we tell them, in order.
Start with the artist, not the studio
Tattooers specialise. Someone who does superb Japanese sleeves may be an average portrait artist. Look at healed work in the style you want, not just fresh photos under studio lights, and choose the person whose portfolio already contains tattoos you would be happy to wear.
Use the consultation
A consultation is free and takes twenty minutes. Bring references, including examples of what you do not like. Your artist will talk about size, placement and how the design will age, and will often suggest going a little larger than you planned. That is not upselling. Detail needs room.
You will get a firm price and a session length. If you are happy, you leave a deposit and the drawing begins.
Choosing a placement
For a first tattoo, the outer forearm, upper arm, shoulder and calf are kind places to start: they hurt less, heal easily and are simple to cover for work. Ribs, hands, neck and feet are better saved for later.
Think about how the piece will sit with future tattoos. A small design in the middle of a forearm can make a later sleeve awkward. Tell your artist if you think you will want more.
The day before
Sleep. Eat properly. Drink water. Skip alcohol for 24 hours, because it thins the blood and makes the work harder. Do not arrive sunburnt, and do not take painkillers such as aspirin unless a doctor has prescribed them.
On the day
Bring photo ID, a snack, a charged phone and headphones. Wear something loose that leaves the area accessible. You will check the stencil in a mirror before anything permanent happens, and you can ask to move it as many times as you like. Ten minutes of fussing now is worth it.
The first few minutes are the worst, mostly because of anticipation. After that your body settles. Ask for a break when you need one.
What it costs
Our studio minimum is ₹3,500, and most first tattoos fall between ₹6,000 and ₹15,000. Good tattoos are not cheap and cheap tattoos are rarely good. If the budget is tight, go smaller or wait, rather than hunting for a lower price.
Afterwards
Follow the aftercare card exactly, even if a friend swears by something else. Come back for your check-up at four to six weeks. And expect to start planning the second one sooner than you think.