If you're here it's because you're determined to get your first tattoo. The first few times of almost anything are incredible and you will feel a mixture of emotions and hundreds of ideas running through your head.
You may feel agitated, happy, impatient, and even a little nervous. We want to help you clear all this up with 11 tips that are sure to make your first tattoo experience go smoothly.
Choosing the perfect design is probably the most important step, followed by the location. If you're not sure you're completely happy with the look of the preliminary sketches, discuss it with your tattoo artist. He or she can make some modifications to the drawing and clarify all your doubts.
If you can, read reviews on the Internet and visit the studio in person to verify that it meets health standards, and see some of the tattooists' previous work. It's important to make sure they have satisfied customers, so do some research to avoid problems in the future. You must spend some time to find the best tattoo shops in Las Vegas, and get your first tattoo!
Research the design ideas you like ahead of time and gather the necessary reference material to describe well how you want your tattoo. The tattoo artist will use the description you give them as a guide to create the sketch.
If you want a portrait of yourself or someone else tattooed, it is best to give the tattoo artist a large, clear image (preferably 8x10) so that they can see the small details perfectly.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, questions, and more questions. A good tattoo artist will answer every one of them and will take the time to make sure you are comfortable before they begin the tattooing process. If you don't feel satisfied with their answers, don't understand them, or if they seem suspicious, walk away.
Your first tattoo is a special experience and you may not want to choose something too big or an extremely visible place (like your face/neck/hands). After all, it's a big commitment and could complicate your chances of getting a job depending on your field.
Be very careful on this point because choosing a very visible area can make you come to hate your tattoo in a few years.
We are sure you don't want your first tattoo to end up shared by millions of people on Facebook. Go to several studios and compare prices. In these cases, it is best to choose a shop giving prevalence to the skills of their tattooists, their experience, and compliance with health standards, rather than price.
There are cases where diseases have been transmitted by using the same needles. In the end, cheap can be expensive.
Don't go to the studio drunk (alcohol and the tattoo studio are a bad relationship), and make sure you eat well and drink plenty of water beforehand.
The tattooing process is going to hurt and you're going to bleed a little, but it never hurts to know what you're getting into when it comes to tattoo machines. Trust the professional because it's worth it and it doesn't hurt that much.
Depending on where you're getting tattooed, you'll want to wear clothes that allow easy access to that part of your body (if you're tattooing your leg, don't wear tight jeans).
Likewise, if the tattoo is large, you will be on the stretcher or chair for a long time, so for your well-being, wear something comfortable.
This is an important point. Healing your tattoo is as important as the process itself, so pay attention and follow the advice the tattooist gives you. Buy a good lotion/cream, after all, you and your design depend on it being well cared for.
No one has ever died getting a tattoo so enjoy the experience as much as you can. Relax because we are sure it will be a great story to tell your children in the future. Have fun!