Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal experience and however big or small it is, it’s a lifelong commitment. If you decide to get tattooed for the first time, we understand that it can be an overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start, what design to go for, and which artist to choose. In this blog, we offer a few pointers to help you have the best experience possible for your first tattoo.
Research is key when it comes to deciding what tattoo to get and which artist you choose to do it. It may feel like there are hundreds of artists and styles to choose from (and you would be right!) so we recommend doing your research first. Consider your interests and passions, as well as browsing social media for different styles and artists. This will give you an idea of what sparks your interest and what speaks to you most. Searching specific hashtags on social media related to the style you like can help give you an idea of what you are looking for. Alongside social media, browsing the internet for relevant searches that relate to your tattoo idea is a great way to find highly-rated artists and studios. Searches such as ‘Best UK tattoo artists’ or ‘tattoo design ideas’ are great starting points for any tattoo research.
Alternatively, the No Regrets website is a great place to start, as it allows you to browse our artists by tattoo studio and by tattoo styles which will help to narrow down your search.
It is important to choose an artist that works in a similar style to what you are looking for and once you have found them, take the time to look through their portfolio so you can see a selection of their work. Don’t just look at their fresh work, find examples of their healed designs to get an idea of how your tattoo will look in years to come, remember, a tattoo is permanent so you want the quality to stand up against time.
Once you have contacted the artist you would like to get tattooed by, book a face-to-face consultation with them so you can explain your idea to them, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have. This is the perfect opportunity to gauge the artist’s personality and whether you are likely to get on with them or not as this will also help you to enjoy your experience more. At No Regrets, we have a friendly team of tattoo consultants who are on hand to help you every step of your tattoo journey, from your initial enquiry to any follow-up appointments or aftercare advice you may need.
One big thing to remember is don’t go with just any artist/studio because they are the cheapest you have found, as this usually tends to reflect the quality of work. Check them out beforehand, what is their social media like, do they have examples of their latest work and do they have any client reviews?
So, you’ve settled on the tattoo design, but have you considered where you’d like it placed on your body? Visibility is an important factor when deciding the placement. Does your workplace allow tattoos? If so, do you want your tattoo on show, or do you want it hidden so it’s something only you can see?
Keep in mind that many artists avoid tattooing hands, necks, or faces unless you already have significant tattoos. So, if your artist decides not to tattoo these areas immediately, please don’t take offence.
As we have already mentioned, it is important not to choose the cheapest artist you find as this usually reflects the quality of their work but you also want to know that you can afford to pay for your tattoo. Before booking, your artist or tattoo consultant will advise you on how long your tattoo will take and how much it will roughly cost. You will need to pay a non-refundable chair rental fee to secure your booking, which the studio will typically deduct from your final payment.
If you are worrying about how you will pay for your tattoo, No Regrets offer 0% interest finance so you can split your payments out across 12 or 18 months and not have the stress of having to pay for your appointment in one go.
Ensure you get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment as this will help with how you feel on the day. It is also important not to drink alcohol the night before your tattoo either as this will thin your blood and make it more difficult for your skin to absorb the ink, plus it is important to remain hydrated during your appointment. Make sure you have eaten and drunk before your appointment as this will stop you from feeling lightheaded (it’s completely fine to bring snacks with you to keep your blood sugar levels up). You will want to wear appropriate and comfortable clothing so that your artist can access the area without difficulty while still feeling comfortable. (For example, a short-sleeved/sleeveless top if you are getting your arm tattooed, shorts if you are getting your thigh tattooed, etc).
Most artists don’t tend to share designs before the day of your appointment but this should not concern you. You will have plenty of time to make any small adjustments or changes to the placement on the day of your appointment to make sure you are happy with your final design.
Remember to listen to any advice your artist may give you, they will have many years of experience and will be able to offer advice on placement or what will look best for your design. If you do have any questions, your artist should be able to answer them, as, like you, they want your tattoo to look as good as possible.
Your artist will direct you on how they want you to sit for your tattoo, but always ensure that you feel comfortable, especially if you are likely to be sitting for a long time. During your appointment, it is crucial to communicate openly with your artist about your comfort levels, pain is subjective so if you need to take a break, let them know.
Once your session is complete, your artist will provide advice on tattoo aftercare and how to achieve the best possible results. Make sure to listen to them! As your tattoo begins to heal, it may form scabs. Avoid picking or scratching them, as this could impact the final quality of your healed tattoo.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid any skin irritation and refrain from swimming or long baths during the healing process as over-exposure to water can pull ink from your skin and damage your tattoo.
If you have any concerns about how your tattoo is healing, get in contact with your artist or studio immediately and they will offer their professional advice on the next steps for you.
Once your tattoo has healed, you can now enjoy your new body art and start exploring ideas for your next project!
If you have any further questions, check out our FAQ page to see if we have the answers, or if you are ready to book a consultation with one of the No Regrets artists, fill out our consultation form here.
The pinnacle of next generation tattooing
