What will it be
Deciding to get your first tattoo can be an intimidating experience. After all, tattoos are basically forever, so you have to be absolutely sure of your decision.
Further complicating things is the fact that there are a ton of factors to consider before your final decision is made. These factors include who is going to do the tattoo, where on your body it will go, what style of art you will choose, etc.
Doing this on your own can be quite daunting, so I’m going to give you a hand in case you happen to be stuck and can’t decide what tattoos to get.
Choose Your Design
I’ve heard people say that you can leave this for last because it is the most difficult and personal part of the whole process. However, to those people, I say choose your design first for the very same reasons.
Choosing a design can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
Most people have, at the very least, a faint idea of what they want to get as their first tattoo. These people usually focus on their hobbies, passions, memories, experiences in life, etc. If you happen to have no idea whatsoever, it can be helpful to view tattoo galleries online.
Choose something that resonates with you on a personal level. Don’t make the mistake of getting a tattoo based on what’s trending at the moment or based on somebody else’s expectations.
Placement And Size
There are a few things to consider when deciding where on your body your new tattoo will go. For example, you should consider your pain threshold. A large tattoo can take several hours to complete, and some designs may even take several sessions. Thus, if you choose to get your tattoo in sensitive areas of the body such as the ribs or inner thigh, and your pain threshold is low, you may end up in a world of hurt.
If your chosen design is complex and has lots of intricate details, you want to get it on a large area of the body such as the back, chest, or outer leg
Choose Your Tattoo Artist and Style
Some tattoo artists are versatile and can tackle any design you throw at them. Some artists, however, truly do specialize in a single style. Therefore, it is really important that you do some research and make the most informed choice possible.
The most popular styles include Traditional Tattoos, photorealistic tattoos, tribal tattoos, watercolor tattoos, Japanese Tattoos , new school tattoos, geometric tattoos, dotwork tattoos, fine line tattoos, micro tattoos, etc. So, if you have a penchant for a particular style it would behoove you find an artist that specializes in that style if you want worthy results.
Don’t let fame blind your judgment. These days some tattoo artists have reached celebrity levels of fame thanks to tv shows and Instagram accounts. However, fame is not always a guarantee of quality.
Start your research well in advance and make sure that your chosen artist matches your vision.
Prep
On the day of your appointment, you should probably dress in comfortable clothing. If your chosen design is big, eat a good meal beforehand because you will likely be sitting for a long time.
If you are squeamish and not a fan of needles, I recommend that you take a friend for moral support and a bit of distraction. You can always listen to music on your headphones while the artist does his thing.
Never drink alcohol or take recreational drugs that may cloud your judgment before getting your tattoo. It’s a recipe for disaster and disappointment.
Aftercare
Your tattoo artist will give you detailed recommendations and you must follow these to the letter. Remember that your brand new tattoo is technically an open wound, so proper aftercare is important to ensure rapid healing.
Expect your skin to redden and peel. You will develop scabs after a short while.
Use an aftercare cream or ointment and wash regularly with clean water and mild antibacterial soap.
Do You Still Need Help Deciding What Tattoo To Get?
Answer the following questions honestly with a yes or no answer to help us help you decide your perfect tattoo.
Are you an outgoing person? Do you like to show off?
Do you learn quickly from life experiences?
Do you have a high pain tolerance?
Do you rarely regret the decisions you make in life?
Are you able to bear the consequences of your actions?
Do you often reminisce on your path through life?
Do you place a low value on the opinions of others?
If most of your answers were negative it may mean that, perhaps, you are not yet ready to get a tattoo. Remember that while tattoos fade over the years, the ink will be in your skin for the rest of your life.
If you are not too sure but are certainly interested enough in tattoos to consider getting one, you may want to start with something very small and discreet. Something with a neutral style, like a word or phrase, or perhaps a significant date, might be a good first tattoo for you.
If you have mostly affirmative answers, you have a healthy predisposition to get a tattoo. This means that you are aware of their significance and can handle the consequences and responsibility of getting a tattoo.
Consider getting symbolic tattoos that represent an important aspect of your personality and life experience. Symbolism is always a good idea because it can protect you from getting designs that are too explicit and on the nose.
If you answered yes to every question, it is likely that you are ready to go. You are not afraid of tattoos and would not mind getting a large, distinct, and attention-calling piece of art on your body.
You are ready for a tattoo artist to inspire you and set you on a lifelong path of artistic expression
Perhaps the most important advice anyone can give you regarding getting a tattoo is that you should enjoy the process from beginning to end. Each step is a vital link in a transformative event that will stay with you until the day you die.
OK Still Stuck ? Just Ask Us
Above All Tattoo
1142 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
