First tattoo: advise, tips, etc?

SynGamer

SynGamer

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So I've finally decided (at the ripe old age of 29) to get my first tattoo. I know what I want for the design, though I still haven't found anyone to help with a mock-up that I can bring to the tattoo artist.

Any tips or advise before I go in for a consultation (or whatever you would call it)? If anyone is good with digital art + watercolor, please let me know!

 
http://www.offthemaptattoo.com/The-Perfect-Tattoo.pdf

Look long and in detail at an artist's previous work. Specifically in the style you want.

Don't forget the tip when budgeting for the expense. Typically 10-20% depending on how satisfied you are and how likely you think it would be that you might return to the shop or artist for another.

Bring a phone and charger. Don't bring a crowd. It gets boring very quickly.

http://blog.tattoodo.com/2015/02/10-ways-piss-tattoo-artist/

Both links are great advice.

Always, always look closely at the final design and stencil before allowing the tattoo. Check the lines, symmetry and size.
 
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Quite possibly the most sound advise I've ever received, on anything.

I've reached out to the artist as well as a friend (who does watercolor) to feel things out. Guy responded quickly, gave me a bit of backstory and essentially encouraged me to not settle on a design until I'm 100% happy.

EDIT: I sent a *rough* mock-up of what I had in mind to said friend to see what she can do with it.

 
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I really wish I had something of merit to contribute but sweetja really covered everything but I'll throw some things out as well. Definitely pay attention to all the post care instructions as every artist has different preferences. I know what works best for me but everyone is different. The tipping is something most people don't think of but it's definitely something to expense for like sweetja said. I've really enjoyed the work I've had done and the artist I use I've tipped well and sent people to him and the shop he works at so he's done some cheaper work for me after the fact.

 
I will give two pieces of advice. First go in ready to speak up! There are sooooo many reasons that you may have to speak up and tell an artist no, including some you may never think of. For example my last tattoo the artist loved the concept and it stirred up his artistic juices, problem was the more he got inspired the further my tattoo went from its original concept(I was letting him free hand it after he did a rough sketch, I trusted him because he did my last tat). Its easy to be in the moment and not speak up on something that you would regret later. The smallest thing may really bug you and never settle well. For instance my wife and I have matching Katamari tattoos and we love them....but I was not sure I liked the eyes, I didnt speak up even though it was not setting right with me and as a result my Katamari Prince looks slightly telle tubbyish. 

Which brings me to point two. Go in understanding that this forever represents who you are in THIS moment. Who gives a fuck if 10 years from now or 20 years from now you no longer are Christian so that cross tattoo seems out of place or you hate Final Fantasy and you got a Final Fantasy tattoo. If you go into your tattoo understanding this represents now and forever who you were at THIS point in your life, you become far less likely to regret it later. I have bad tattoos, bad enough I get made fun of for them(especially online) but I am proud of all of them except my first(which had no meaning to me and was a stupid decision). Even the tattoos I have outgrown I can look at and smile because I know they represented a different time, they represent growth, change and a different mask I once wore.

 
Been a bit busy lately but I just wanted to pop in and say thank you for all the tips and links to additional advice. I have reached out to a tattoo artist/shop nearby. He has been doing this for 20+ years, owns the shop, and seems like a genuinely nice guy.

I sent him a self-made mock-up of what I have in mind and provided a completed example (similar style to what I want). I also asked if he has done this style before and if so, does he have any pictures. We'll see what he says/sends back.

 
I met with the artist/owner on Saturday and after about 10 minutes, I essentially talked me out of getting getting a color tattoo tight now. He showed me plenty of samples and I was entirely fine with his work, but he could see I wasn't quite sure of what I wanted for the color. He broke it down into one simple question; what did I originally want to get?

I went back home and dug through some early tattoo idea's I had kicking around and found one that I was considering years ago. I'm going to go with my gut on and get it done on December 19th. Really excited and the guy was candid with his answers to my questions. Considering this is permanent (outside of expensive laser removal), I'm glad he walked me through the process and had me question what I really wanted.

I'll be sure to post a picture when it's all done. Any recommendations for lotion? I'm sure he'll recommend some but I like to pool my options.

 
Aquaphor is what I use after tattoos as well. Apply it liberally for two to three days giving tattoo time to breath a few times a day with little to no Aquaphor. Also recognize getting a non color tattoo that if you get more of them at some point they start to look "dirty".  Its not an issue with a few but unlike color that pops the more non colored tattoos you get the more they each stop standing out and instead of blending together into beautiful color just turn into a big ugly black inky mess. Soooo far from an issue for you right now, but good to keep in mind if after getting one tattoo you end up wanting more.

 
MSI Magus said:
Aquaphor is what I use after tattoos as well. Apply it liberally for two to three days giving tattoo time to breath a few times a day with little to no Aquaphor. Also recognize getting a non color tattoo that if you get more of them at some point they start to look "dirty". Its not an issue with a few but unlike color that pops the more non colored tattoos you get the more they each stop standing out and instead of blending together into beautiful color just turn into a big ugly black inky mess. Soooo far from an issue for you right now, but good to keep in mind if after getting one tattoo you end up wanting more.
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I definitely plan on getting color next, but I think this first one being only black is a good start. it's something I saw years ago and thought to myself "this is going to be my first tattoo". My next one will definitely be color, but I want to be 100% sure about it beforehand and I just wasn't there at this point in time.

 
Inked.

I learned I don't like needs or the sight of blood very much, and that I should have eaten something prior to the session. Thankfully I was able to grab an orange juice and blueberry muffin quickly. 10 minutes after eating those I was good. Hurt less than I thought, though still obviously a bit painful.

I ended up getting Trisan antibacterial skin cleanser and unscented Lubriderm for cleaning and lotion.

OK7kKpN.jpg


 
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Fear not guys, I've been eyeing this particular design/tattoo for a few years now. Quite happy with the end result. It's not a full body My Little Pony tattoo or a tramp stamp, but I still have time for those.

 
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I originally had two full sleeves planned out but then realized with my particular field of employment I would have to wear long sleeves year round in most companies. Wish I could have something that low on my arm.

 
JP said:
I originally had two full sleeves planned out but then realized with my particular field of employment I would have to wear long sleeves year round in most companies. Wish I could have something that low on my arm.
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I'm not sure what I want to get next, but this was a good icebreaker. I actually work for a corporation (but hopefully not much longer) and I'm required to wear long-sleeve dress shirts so it doesn't really matter what I get one my arms. Plus, life is too short to worry about that kind of shit.

 
MSI Magus said:
Being a huge Sony fan I approve!
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Thanks! As I mentioned on the previous page, this is something I've been thinking about getting for a while now. Just wasn't sure where, or how. I initially thought to do it in water color, but I just wasn't feeling the look/feel, compared to the calligraphy.

Now to let this heal and decide on the next design.

 
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