Tattoos are for life, so you wanna get them right...
I got my first tattoo when I was 15. A friend had just been given a tattoo gun from China as a birthday present (from his mum believe it or not!) and was pretty keen to test it out on the rest of us.
While everyone else was getting crude smiley faces and cannabis leaves, I opted for something a bit more traditional; an old-school Sailor Jerry-esque anchor.
It didn’t come out great (proof below).
But even though I now have a far more professional collection I’ve still got love for the wonky anchor on my leg, because as first tattoos go it’s not actually that bad.
Getting a tattoo is a big decision and it’s best to not take it too lightly or else you might up with something terrible (I seriously considered a Breaking Bad tattoo at one point).
Here’s a couple things to consider when getting your first piece...
1. Check out the artist on Instagram first
Assuming you know what you want, where you want it and how you want it done, now you've got to find an artist - which can be pretty daunting. This is where Instagram is your best friend. The majority of tattoo artists nowadays have a strong Instagram presence, which makes it way easier to figure out who's going to gift you with a piece of beautiful artwork and who's going to ruin your life. If an artist doesn't have Insta they are either an OG purist who has built up such respect and an outstanding reputation that they don't need it... or they're shit. So choose wisely.
2. Don't stress if you don't know what you want
If you know you want a tattoo, but have no idea what you want, don't stress. A lot of artists have drawings (known as flash sheets) that you can pick from, and (depending on who it is) a flash is usually slightly cheaper than a customers original design. Getting a flash is in no way a cop out - in fact it's actually a really great way to get the artist's personality into the piece. Also, BIG TIP - if an artist doesn't have any flash sheets, turn around and walk out, they are NOT legit.
3. Don't get ripped off
Tattoos aren't really something you want to try and get done on the cheap. That being said, a rose tattoo on your forearm shouldn't cost £600. An average tattoo (i.e. not a huge back piece) will cost around £80-£200 ,so keep that in mind when it comes to getting a quote. For reference, the tattoo above cost me £170, which is very reasonable considering how long I was there.
4. But definitely don't try and haggle
Do not be that person, it's not a good look and although no professional artist will admit it, they'll definitely make the tattoo hurt more. Most tattoo artists have to give the store a cut of the money and pay for their own supplies, so don't be a dick.
5. Don't bring loads of people with you
Turning up with a P-Diddy style entourage is the number one thing you can do to brand yourself 'customer from hell.' Not only will they get in the way, but they'll be bored the entire time.
6. Don't, for the love of god, take a design from one artist to someone cheaper
This is just a dick move and you deserve the terrible tattoo you'll get, because anyone who agrees to do that will not do a good job.
7. Prepare for the pain
No matter what your mate with a 'Zante 2016' tattoo says, it's gunna hurt. So prepare for the pain, make sure you eat something before hand, and stay hydrated. In my experience, a bottle of Coke and a Snickers will sort you the fuck out during a particularly painful session.
8. Don't ask for a sleeve in one sitting
First of all that's basically impossible, and second, any artist that will agree to attempt it will not do a good job. Fact.
9. Don't be vague
This is especially important when talking to an artist through email or Insta - tell them what you want, where, how big, and when you wanna get it. It'll save you and the artist a lot of time.
10. Get something that will age well
By this I don't mean physically (although please look after your tattoos properly for goodness sake) I mean don't get a trend tattoo, because trends will fade, but a butterfly on your lower back will not. Basically just make sure it's something you'll want to show your kids, as it will be pretty awkward trying to explain a Breaking Bad tattoo to your future children.
11. Don't get a 'tribal style' tattoo
In many cultures 'tribal style' tattoos are considered an important and sacred rite of passage, so don't just get one for the aesthetic. The 90's are over.
