Tattoo Do's & Don'ts 🖤
This all comes from my UN-professional opinion. However I have been getting tattooed for 5 years now & decided to share some things I wish I knew sooner for anyone thinking about starting to collect tattoos. In total i have 10 tattoos and sat for 14 separate sessions; some experiences and artists having been better than others...
1) DONT be afraid to walk away. This is something i wish i had done with my cat tattoo. The artist was unprofessional, unprepared for my booked appointment, & over charged for a tiny 3 inch tattoo that took only 30 minutes. Do not feel like you have to stay and wait around for someone who doesn't value your time as the client. Had i gone to my current shop the quality, size, and artwork would have been 10x better imo.
2) DO Find artist(s) that tattoo in the style you want! If you want a fine line tattoo, make sure they specialize in the style as these can fade quickly when done wrong. I have several fine line tattoos, as it's my style of choice. My blue butterfly & surrounding flowers quickly diminished in quality from the first 2 sessions 3 years ago and have since needed to be entirely redone. I love this tattoo despite the shortcomings.
3) DO speak up! Ask your artist to adjust the placement or even tweak part of the design. If you know its bothering you now, its definitely going to bother you down the line.
4) please DONT get a couples tattoo. I mean really do what you want but most of these end up covered up in the long run! If you must, get it in red or extremely small. Future you will thank you.
5) DO Come prepared with an idea of what you want, placements you like, how big, any color, art style, and reference photos to all help your vision come to life. Also consider if you want a lot or some tattoos. This can all define the direction of an eventual finished sleeve. Also consider what your artisit may suggest. theyre going to know whats best in the end.
6) DONT FEAR. You can also just wing it and pick a pre drawn design from an artist's flash designs! This is a fun way to just pop into the shop, sit down if theres availablily and get a sick tattoo. Not all tattoos need a need meaningful thought behind them. Sometimes life and tattoos are about also being spontaneous!
7) DO BE AWARE! All tattoos hurt, especially the bigger and longer the session. A small tattoo probably wont be as painful. Know your pain tolerance and look up pain charts for tattoos. EAT a GOOD MEAL the day before and the day OF you appointment so your body isnt as overwhelmed by the trauma of your skin being blasted over with a needle!!!
All in all it's your body and your tattoo journey! This is a LIFESTYLE not a TREND! Goodluck baddie 🖤🌞
Before getting inked, it's important to research your tattoo artist and their style to ensure quality. Start by checking online portfolios and customer reviews, as this will help you understand the artist's proficiency in the style you want, whether it's American traditional, fine line, or realism. Consider discussing your ideas with the artist thoroughly before your appointment to help them visualize your vision. It's also worth noting that while spontaneous tattoos can be fun, it’s usually best to have a clear idea of what you want to prevent future regret. If you're leaning toward a couple's tattoo, think twice, as many end up being covered up. Instead, you can opt for small designs or personal symbols that represent your relationship without being overly obvious. Moreover, understanding pain levels associated with tattooing is crucial. Larger tattoos generally mean longer sessions and more discomfort. Consult various pain charts available online to gauge what you might expect during the tattoo process. Always eat a good meal before your appointment to maintain energy levels. Finally, remember that tattooing is an art form, and each piece tells a personal story. Enjoy your journey into body art, and let your tattoos reflect your unique style and personality.
be hydrated when your appt starts and keep a water bottle handy. if it's a long session, take Gatorade. take Tylenol etc about 20 min before appt.