Preparing for Your First Tattoo: What You Need to Know

4-6 min read

When you're getting your first tattoo, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options, the pain factor, and the long-term commitment.

I’ve had plenty of conversations with clients who are unsure where to start. Here’s my take on a few important points that I often discuss with clients in consultations, especially those new to tattoos.

1. Reflect on What You Want

Tattoos are more than just art—they represent who you are, whether you intend them to or not. The designs you choose and the placement say something about you before you even open your mouth. Think about what kind of image you want to project and why.

The meaning behind a tattoo can develop over time, and sometimes it’s more about the memories tied to the moment you got it rather than the specific meaning of the image itself. Don’t stress over giving it too much meaning; sometimes the meaning is simply the experience and the moment.

While it’s understandable that people often seek deeper meanings, it’s not only about the meaning itself. Remember, an ugly tattoo may carry a lot of meaning, but you’ll always remember that it’s ugly over its meaning.

Conversely, a beautiful tattoo, even if it lacks deep meaning, can leave you and others amazed, happy, and proud to have it.

2. Choose Images That Matter to You

A tattoo is personal. It’s something only you should decide on—nobody else should pick it for you.

I often get clients asking me to choose something for them, but in the end, it has to come from you. Your tattoo is an extension of your personality, and only you can decide what feels right.

It’s important to take the time to think through what kind of image you want, what it means to you, and how it will represent you moving forward.

You’ll wear it for life, so it’s worth putting in the thought.

3. Explore Tattoo Styles, but Focus on What Suits You

There are so many tattoo styles out there, and it’s worth exploring a few before you decide.

From illustrative to realism, traditional to abstract, every style has its own beauty. It’s important to choose something that resonates with you, not just what you’ve seen on friends or the internet.

Even within a style, different artists bring their own techniques and personal touches, so don’t hesitate to explore multiple approaches before settling on one.

4. Consider Placement Wisely

Placement is key. I’ve seen plenty of people go for random small tattoos in prime spaces, only to regret it later when they want a bigger piece.

It’s like parking a compact car in a spot meant for an SUV—you’re wasting valuable real estate. Whether it’s a large piece or a patchy collection of smaller ones, every tattoo should follow the natural flow of the body.

Patchwork tattoos aren’t wrong, but even the smallest pieces need to fit the body’s curves and movement. It’s not just about the size, it’s about how the design works with your body as a whole and with other tattoos we might add later on.

5. Understand Healing: Learn as You Go

With each tattoo, you’ll get a better understanding of how your body heals and how to take care of your skin.

The first time, you’ll rely on your artist’s advice—and you should. Don’t try to do your own thing right away. Each artist knows the standard ways to heal tattoos and can guide you through the first stages. Over time, though, you’ll learn what works best for your skin.

Everyone’s body is different, but the basics are pretty universal, so listen to your artist, especially when you're starting out.

6. Pain: It’s a Mental Game

Pain comes with the territory, but it’s not a competition. It’s different for everyone, and whether your tattoo is small or large, the discomfort is something you’ll have to face.

That said, some of my longer sessions with clients have been described as cathartic. There’s something about going through the pain and coming out the other side that creates a mental adventure.

You have conversations with yourself, you learn to sit with discomfort, and in the end, it becomes part of the experience.

7. Regret: Avoid It by Thinking Things Through

Regret usually happens when you didn’t put enough thought into your tattoo or tried to cut corners.

Cheap work often leads to bad results, and that’s where regret can set in. Regret’s a complicated thing, though. It’s not always about the tattoo itself—sometimes it’s just a shock seeing something new on your body.

That initial reaction can feel like regret, but give it time. Tattoos can grow on you, and that feeling often fades. But if you went too fast, didn’t think it through, or ignored your artist’s advice, regret might stick around.

The key is to make smart choices from the start, and that comes down to having a good conversation with your artist.

8. Consult Your Artist: Trust Their Expertise

Your tattoo artist knows what will look good and last.

Sometimes clients try to take over the design, but we’re here to help guide the process, not just follow orders. Trust your artist’s input on placement, size, and composition.

Too many details or forcing every idea into one piece usually doesn’t work. It’s about making the tattoo fit your body, flow with your movement, and hold up over time.

Let the artist do their job—just like you’d trust a professional in any other field. We’re here to make sure you get something that looks great now and years down the line.

Conclusion: Take It or Leave It, It’s Just My Opinion

At the end of the day, this is what I tell my clients in person when they ask for advice.

We’re not here to push anything on you, but I do think it’s worth giving these points some thought.

Tattoos are a big deal for some and not so much for others, but getting them right from the start can save you a lot of headaches. But hey, it’s your body, your decision, and your story.

Do what feels right, and I’ll be here to help make it happen.