by Rachel Tucker
Booking made, deposit paid, design ready. But are you really prepared for your first tattoo?
Getting your first tattoo is not a decision that should be taken lightly. My first tattoo came after years debate. Then when I reached the legal age of 18, I spent another year thinking over my design, placement and artist. You can read more about my experience here.
Ink & Devotion have teamed up with tattoo artists to create a list of top things to remember when preparing for your first tattoo:
1. Research your artist.
Tattoo artists aren’t hard to come by, just Google “tattoo shops” in your area and I’m sure it will find you a list of at least five. But look at their portfolio. It is incredibly important to know their style is something you are comfortable with.
Apprentice, Ryan Lucas says: “Not all artists are flexible and can do a realistic portrait of your grandmother, for example. Find someone who suits you. Good artists are worth looking for, waiting for and paying for.”
Custom tattoo design by Jordan Baker. Image courtesy of Jordan Baker.
2. Give your artist good reference.
“The best reference an artist can be given is a high quality photo to work from. It becomes difficult to draw up a design and make a tattoo when what you’re working from is blurry or pixelated,” says tattoo artist, Jordan Baker.
High quality reference is important for your artist. Photo courtesy of Jordan Baker.
3. If you aren’t happy with your design, say so.
“A good tattoo artist will draw up your design custom for you, keeping in mind what you have asked for, the size and the placement. Small adjustments can be made to make the design exactly as you want, don’t be afraid to ask. We’d rather a happy client who comes back than an unhappy client and a bad reputation,” says Tunbridge Wells tattooist Karl Cooper.
Tattoo shops often offer “flash” which are pre-drawn designs which may be used more than once. Sailor Jerry tattoos are the most common example of this, dating back to the early 1900’s.
Shop tattoo flash. Photo courtesy of Gavin Clarke.
4. Make sure the shop is safe.
In order for a tattoo shop to operate legally, it must meet certain health and safety requirements. Equipment must be sterilised to the appropriate standard, they must have a licence and be registered with the local council to perform tattoos from the shop and premises must be clean. All health and safety certificates should be displayed in the shop and some will ask you to fill a consent and information form before you get tattooed. Read more about UK tattooing law here.
Legal age shop sign. Photo courtesy of Rachel Tucker.
5. Prepare properly.
This is our most important tip. Getting a tattoo can take a long time and be very physically draining. Jordan Baker says: “Be sure to eat well before you start your tattoo and have some high sugar snacks and drinks with you to keep your energy up. Passing out happens to the best of us if we aren’t prepared.”
Wear appropriate clothing, if you’re getting your thigh tattooed for example, take shorts to change into.
And don’t drink alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood which means you bleed more, making the tattoo more difficult to complete.
Eat well before starting your tattoo session. Photo courtesy of Rachel Tucker.
Below you can look at a map we put together of some of the best tattooists in Kent.
You can also watch our tattoo time lapse video below.
How do you prepare for a tattoo? Let us know by commenting below or Tweeting us.
Ink & Devotion 