Getting a tattoo is a unique and exciting experience, but it’s essential to approach it with the right knowledge and etiquette. Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’re adding to an existing collection, understanding tattoo etiquette can make the process smoother for both you and the artist. Here’s a guide to finding the right tattoo artist, preparing for your tattoo session, knowing what to expect, and taking care of your new tattoo afterward.
1. Finding a Good Tattoo Artist
Choosing the right artist is crucial. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when searching for your ideal tattoo artist:
Research Their Portfolio: Each tattoo artist has a unique style, and not every artist will excel in every design. Look through portfolios to find an artist with expertise in the style you want, whether it’s realism, traditional, neo-traditional, black and gray, or another style. Most artists share their work on social media, making it easier to get a sense of their strengths.
Read Reviews and Recommendations: Reviews from other clients can provide insights into an artist’s professionalism, cleanliness, and customer service. Good word of mouth and testimonials can give you a sense of whether an artist’s style and personality will be a good match.
Check Artist's Healed Tattoo Photos: Many tattoo artists post photos of their healed work on social media, which gives you a chance to see how their tattoos look over time. Seeing how their work heals is a huge plus—it helps you know what to expect for your own tattoo, ensuring it will look good not just when it’s fresh but in the long run too.
Visit the Studio: A reputable tattoo studio should be clean, well-organized, and comfortable. Take a trip to the studio, if possible, to see the environment for yourself. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the workspace and ensure that the studio follows proper health and safety protocols.
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about the artist’s experience, process, and previous work with similar designs. A professional artist will welcome your questions and help you understand the process. Most artist will be willing to give you a free consultation before you decide to work with them.
2. What to Do Before Your Tattoo Appointment
Proper preparation can make a significant difference in your tattoo experience. Here’s how to get ready for your session:
Hydrate and Rest: Staying hydrated and well-rested is essential for a positive tattoo experience. Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of your appointment, as they can thin the blood, which can affect the tattoo process. Moisturizing your skin where you want the tattoo to be from a week before would help prepping the skin to be softer and easier to work with during the appointment.
Eat a Good Meal: Getting a tattoo can take time, and your body will need energy. A good meal before your appointment can help prevent fatigue and keep your blood sugar stable.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning: Freshly sunburned or tanned skin isn’t ideal for tattooing and can impact the healing process. Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least a week before your appointment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose clothing that gives easy access to the area you’re getting tattooed and allows you to sit comfortably for an extended period.
Bring Supplies and Entertainment: Long tattoo sessions can be tiring. Bring headphones, snacks, and a water bottle to help pass the time and stay comfortable. Just be sure to ask your artist what’s allowed during the session.
Tattoo process
3. What to Expect During Your Tattoo Session
Knowing what happens during the tattoo session can help you feel more comfortable and confident:
Design Consultation: Before starting, you’ll review the final design with the artist. Make sure you’re happy with the placement, size, and details. Don’t be afraid to ask for minor adjustments if needed. Worst come to worst, if you aren't happy with he design at all, it's always safer to reschedule and do it another time, you won't be able to back out once you're on the chair, well, without the consequences. Make sure to check with your artist about their policies.
Stenciling and Placement: The artist will apply a stencil of your design on your skin to show you the exact placement. This is your last chance to confirm the placement, so double-check that it’s where you want it.
Tattooing Process: Once the tattooing starts, expect some discomfort, but remember that pain varies depending on the placement, size, and style of the tattoo. Take deep breaths and try to relax. Many artists encourage breaks during longer sessions, so communicate if you need a moment to rest.
Follow the Artist’s Directions: During the session, follow any instructions from your artist to ensure the process goes smoothly. If you need a break, let them know, but avoid sudden movements that could disrupt their work.
4. Aftercare: What to Do Once You Have Your New Tattoo
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure that your tattoo heals well and maintains its quality. Here’s how to care for your fresh ink:
Follow the Aftercare Instructions: Each artist may have specific aftercare guidelines. Listen carefully to their instructions and follow them closely to prevent infection and promote the best heal for your tattoo.
Keep It Clean: Wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid soaking it in water or using harsh scrubbing techniques. Make sure to take a break from the gym/any vigorous activities and keep your new tattoo away from your pets!
Avoid Sun and Water Exposure: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid swimming or soaking for at least two weeks. The sun can cause fading, and prolonged water exposure could increase the chance of infection.
Moisturize Regularly: Use a tattoo-safe, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your tattoo hydrated without clogging pores or irritating the skin.
Avoid Picking or Scratching: As your tattoo heals, it may scab or itch, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at it. This can damage the tattoo and slow the healing process.
Conclusion: Respect the Process and Your Artist
Getting a tattoo is a personal and memorable experience, and following tattoo etiquette can make it even more positive. Respecting your artist’s time, environment, and advice will help build a good relationship and ensure you’re happy with the final result. By carefully selecting your artist, preparing well, understanding the process, and following aftercare guidelines, you’re setting yourself up for a beautiful, lasting piece of art that you can enjoy for years to come.