Getting your first tattoo is a milestone event in your life. It is both meaningful and exciting. However, it is also a permanent decision (unless you want to go through a pricey removal procedure). That’s why it is crucial that you take time to make sure it’s exactly what you want and to prepare for it properly.
First-timers in today’s world can just jump on their phone or computer and type something like “tattoo artist near me” or “tattoo shops close by” to find the nearest body ink provider. But there is much more that goes into the process of finding a qualified, reputable artist.
To help make sure that you not only end up with the tattoo that you want but also the best person to do it, we came up with 4 simple steps to take in preparation:
- Research the Artist and Your Design
Before you ever set foot inside a tattoo shop, take some time to review the artists who work there. Research the local providers to see what they specialize in and what style most appeals to you.
Think about what the meaning or motivation for this piece is and how you would like it to reflect your life experiences or your personality. Visit online tattoo forums, browse through website galleries, and follow various artists on social media to get an idea of what’s out there.
- Decide on the Proper Placement
Where you place your tattoo on your body is just as important as the design itself. Carefully consider where you want it to be located, whether you want it to be visible at all times, your level of pain tolerance (some locations hurt worse than others), and any other relevant factors.
Also, take into account how your tattoo will interact with everyday activities and clothing. For example, getting a tattoo on your forearm may require that you wear long sleeves at work.
- Clearly Articulate Your Preferences to Your Artist
Finding an ink provider with a “tattoo artist near me” search is easy, but finding one who listens carefully to your wishes and is also able to capture them on your skin is an entirely different story. Discuss your placement preferences, design ideas, as well as any specific requests with your artist prior to beginning any work.
During the process, don’t hesitate to let them know if you’re experiencing pain or if you’d like to take a break. This is a collaborative effort between you and your provider and keeping the lines of communication open makes it much more likely you’ll be satisfied with the final results.
- Mental and Physical Preparation
For some people, getting a tattoo is more physically and emotionally intense than for others. Since you don’t know exactly how you will react, it’s best to thoroughly prepare. Make sure that you get a full night’s sleep, stay hydrated, and eat a healthy meal before your appointment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
To get your mind right before and during your inking, practice a few relaxation techniques, take deep breaths, and focus on the end result to help with any discomfort or anxiety.
Don’t Limit Your Search to Simply Any “Tattoo Artist Near Me”
With the explosion of body art and modifications in the last two decades, the number of tattoo artists has also skyrocketed. While this doesn’t mean that there aren’t still plenty of properly trained and qualified providers available, it does mean that there are more disreputable or inexperienced ones than there used to be.
By following the tips provided in this article and doing your due diligence, you can avoid working with an under-skilled artist and ending up with a piece of lesser quality or poor detail.
