Getting your first tattoo is exciting and fun. It can also be nerve-wracking and daunting, which is why a lot of people want their first tattoo and never get it. Finding the right person, deciding on a design, figuring out how to book… it’s all a lot. So, I made this post to answer some questions and also (I hope) illuminate what the process of getting your first ink with me might be like.
Booking process
I use a web form to receive inquiries. Depending on the project, I’ll either give you a few dates that I have available for you to come in to get the tattoo. If your design is very big, very complex, or needs to accommodate anatomical features (such as birth marks, moles, or other visible differences), I might recommend you come in for a consult so I can see the area you want to get tattooed in person.
Custom design process
This starts with you describing to me what you want and sending visual references if you have them (written description is also fine). It can be especially helpful if you explain any meaning behind the tattoo, as sometimes what you send to me visually can’t work as a tattoo — but if I understand the meaning, I can help make recommendations that capture the meaning in a way that translates into a tattoo.
After I understand what your idea is, I’ll create the design. I will often create a couple versions for you to choose from. I will also be able to give you a rough estimate of the amount of time it will take and how much it will cost. Then we’ll find a day for you to come in and get the tattoo!
My design fee is included in my rate. Because of this, I do not send digital images of the design in advance. That means you will see the design when you come in for your appointment to be tattooed. I know this can cause some anxiety with people, especially when getting your first tattoo, so I wanted to add:
- Even though I don’t send digital images of the design in advance, you are welcome to come in to the studio to see the design in person. You can do this any time that I’m in the studio, even if I have another appointment, so if you would like to see the design in advance, just let me know and I’ll give you a few times/dates that I’ll be in that you can drop by.
- If you come in on the day of your appointment and you do not like the design, you don’t have to get it tattooed. If you don’t like the design, or want some changes, let’s discuss it and decide whether you want to continue working with me, or if you would like to see some revisions before tattooing.
- Sometimes revisions can happen on the day of your tattoo. Depending on the scope of the revisions, I can perform some of the changes on the day of your appointment. If the revisions are extensive, I’ll probably ask you to reschedule the appointment so I have time to do the revisions.
Day of the tattoo
On the day of the tattoo, dress in comfortable clothes that can either be easily removed around the area you are getting tattooed, or bring a change of clothing that will allow me to access the area.
- You do not need to shave the area — I will shave the area if needed — but if it’s easy for you to do so (and especially if it’s an area with a lot of body hair) it can speed up the process if you shave at home. If you do, shave broadly with a good 5-6″ around the area if you can.
- Don’t wear perfume/body spray/cologne or strongly scented body lotions to your appointment. Deodorant is fine.
- Eat something before you come in. Even if you don’t have a history of fainting, it makes a big difference. Bring a water bottle if you can (I have water at the studio).
- If you need earbuds or a fidget spinner, a book or an audiobook, bring them. However, please don’t bring any blankets/pillows/plushies as they are porous and not hygienic in a tattoo environment.
- Please don’t use numbing cream.
When you arrive, you’ll fill out and sign a consent and disclosure form and I will make a copy of your ID. I’ll show you the design and if it looks good, we’ll start by prepping the area (clean and shave), and printing a stencil that will be applied on your skin where the tattoo will go. This will help you see what the tattoo will look like on the body as it moves. The stencil can be repositioned and a tattoo can’t — don’t stress if we take some time getting the stencil right.
Once we’re happy with the stencil, you’ll hop in the chair and we’ll begin the tattoo!
For first-timers, I can dry needle you before we begin the tattoo. Just ask. Dry needling is where I draw a line on the skin without any ink loaded into the cartridge. This will let you experience the sensation of getting tattooed without any ink being put in the skin; you may have slight redness or a small scratch-like mark in the area for a few days after, but nothing permanent. If you’re worried about being able to tolerate the pain, I’m happy to do this for you so you can predict the sensation without the stakes of beginning the tattoo.
If you need to cancel the appointment, cancel the tattoo, take a break, or tap out, you can do so at any time. No judgment. Just note that I may keep your deposit or charge a partial fee to cover tray fees and time spent tattooing (if we’re in the middle of a session).
After the tattoo is done, I’ll ask to take some photos, and then I’ll bandage you up. I’ll go over aftercare with you and send you home with a little goodie bag that will help you take care of your tattoo during the healing process.
First time tattoo FAQ
How much will it cost?
I answer this on my home page under policies.
Does it hurt? How much?
Yes, tattoos hurt. How much depends on your pain tolerance, the location of the tattoo, and the style of tattoo. However, pain is all subjective. If you are pain-sensitive or worried about the pain, then I recommend starting with something small in a more neutral location. I can help you decide if you need help.
I have a design but I don’t know where I want to put it, can you help?
Yes. When you show me the design, let me know that you don’t have a location in mind and we can discuss before I design it.
What are good designs/areas for first tattoos?
Generally I recommend something smaller for your first tattoo (3″ or smaller), both for pain experience tolerance as well as the fact that if you have regrets later they are easier to cover up. I do not recommend designs on the hands/fingers or above the collar for first tattoos. Designs that are meaningful but symbolic (in other words, not literal like a name or face) also tend to be better as tattoos, since the imagery is long-lasting while the personal meaning/impact may change over time.
Can I send a design I have and will you tattoo it?
As long as you have permission to use the design (i.e. it wasn’t created by another tattoo artist or AI-generated) I will consider it. I can help you convert the design into a tattoo design and can usually tattoo it for you.