How to prepare for your first tattoo.

So you have been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while now. You have probably seen some impressive design options and found a shop close by. Now you might be thinking there is no need to prepare any further. Should be as easy as ordering an Uber. Well, clearly that is just not the case. Getting your first tattoo can be as awkward as other first time experiences. Rushing in can lead to a bunch of sloppy, unforeseen, and regrettable decisions. This is a tattoo we are talking about; this piece of art is with you for life, there are no take back-sies here. So let’s get this right!

WarmArt Tattoo & BodyPiercing has you covered with a quick pre-planning check list for your first tattoo experience.

• DON’T RUSH – The design is quite possibly the most important step, followed closely by where you get it. Questions such as “where is the best place for a Betty Page tattoo?” or “are tramp stamps still a thing?” may be some of the questions swirling one’s mind initially. Good news is; you are on the right track.

• INVESTIGATE – Don’t just pick the first tattoo shop you find. This is not a blind date; a tattoo is a lifelong relationship. Researching the appropriate artist and shop that will have the privilege of housing the ink job is key to a successful and comforting experience. Start with the shop’s background. Look up reviews, go to their Facebook or website. Once satisfied with identifying the right shop it’s time to make sure the right artist is available. An important tip when picking your artist is to make sure you are utilizing their key specialty in his or her craft.

• INTERROGATE- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, questions, and more questions. This is the best time to ask about pricing & those design options you were wondering about from step one. Or whether the size of the tattoo you were thinking about is appropriate. A good tattoo artist will answer every single one and take the time to make sure you’re comfortable before they start inking you. Additionally, these conversations can indicate important considerations that you may not have thought about, such as “What can be done to add more to this piece in the future?”.

At this point, your appointment should be set and it is time to mentally prepare. It’s going to hurt a little, maybe more than that, and there will be a little blood. But if you asked the right questions, then there should be no surprises.

Our next blog will be about how to prepare the night before and day of the appointment but in the meantime we would love to hear about some of your first time experiences. So go ahead and start commenting!