First tattoo advice can make the whole experience feel much less overwhelming.
Getting your first tattoo is exciting, but it can also feel a little nerve-wracking when you don’t know what to expect. At Tabula Rasa Tattoo Studio in Chesterfield, we regularly welcome first-time clients and understand that it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous.
To help you feel prepared, here are some tips and a guide to what you can expect when getting your first tattoo.
Research Your Artist
One of the most valuable pieces of first tattoo advice is to spend time researching the artist you choose.
Look through their portfolio, follow them on social media and get a feel for both their artwork and their personality. Choosing an artist whose style you love and who makes you feel comfortable is one of the most important parts of the process.
The more confidence you have in your chosen artist, the more relaxed you’ll feel on the day of your appointment.
Look at Fresh and Healed Work
When viewing an artist’s portfolio, don’t just look at fresh tattoos.
Fresh tattoos often look brighter and more defined than healed tattoos, especially black and grey work. Looking at healed examples gives you a much better idea of how the tattoo will look long term.
A good artist should be proud to show both fresh and healed results.
Booking Your Tattoo
Every artist has their own preferred booking process. Some may ask you to book through social media, while others use websites or dedicated enquiry forms.
When making an enquiry, try to include as much information as possible, including:
- Your tattoo idea or design
- Placement on the body
- Approximate size
- Style preference
- Availability
- Skin tone
- Any allergies, skin conditions, medical considerations or medications that may affect your appointment
Providing clear information helps your artist understand your requirements and makes the booking process much smoother.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Preparation can make a big difference to your tattoo experience.
The night before your appointment, try to:
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol
- Eat a proper meal before your appointment
Even if you’re only having a small tattoo, your body will still be working hard during the process, so being well-rested and properly fed helps a lot.
If you have conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, make sure you let your artist know. If you are experiencing a flare-up, your appointment may need to be delayed until the skin has settled.
It’s also important to avoid sunburn, cuts or injuries in the area that will be tattooed.
Do Tattoos Hurt?
This is probably the most common question we hear.
The honest answer is yes, tattoos can be uncomfortable, but they are rarely as painful as people imagine.
Tattoo needles are very different from medical injection needles. The sensation is often described as a scratching, vibrating or warm stinging feeling rather than a sharp injection.
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different and every tattoo experience is unique. Some clients find certain areas uncomfortable, while others are surprised by how manageable the process feels.
Many people even find getting tattooed relaxing once they settle into the session.
Tattoo Placement and Pain Levels
Some areas of the body tend to be more sensitive than others.
Generally speaking:
Less Sensitive Areas
- Outer forearm
- Upper arm
- Outer thigh
Moderately Sensitive Areas
- Inner forearm
- Ankle
- Shoulder
- Shin
More Sensitive Areas
- Calf
- Hips
- Spine
- Upper thigh
Areas Often Considered Most Sensitive
- Ribs
- Sternum
- Stomach
- Throat
- Behind the knee
- Feet
- Inner wrist
- Inner ankle
- Inner bicep
Remember, everybody is different. Some people find traditionally painful areas easy, while others struggle with areas that are usually considered comfortable.
Arriving at the Studio
When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll be asked to complete a consent form and provide identification.
We’ll go through your forms, answer any final questions and make sure everything is ready before starting your tattoo.
Our goal is always to make you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
The Design and Stencil Process
Before any tattooing begins, we’ll show you the design and prepare the stencil.
This is your opportunity to check:
- The design itself
- The size
- The placement
- The overall look
Don’t worry about asking for changes.
You can adjust the size or placement as many times as needed until you’re completely happy.
During Your Tattoo
Once you’re happy with everything, it’s time to start tattooing.
All equipment used at Tabula Rasa Tattoo Studio is single-use and pre-sterilised. Everything is opened fresh for each client and safely disposed of afterwards.
We follow strict hygiene procedures and licensing requirements to ensure every tattoo is completed in a safe and professional environment.
You’re welcome to take breaks whenever you need them. If you feel tired, uncomfortable, light-headed or simply want a moment to relax, just let your artist know.
Nothing is too much trouble.
After Your Tattoo
Once your tattoo is finished, we’ll cover it appropriately and explain how to care for it during the healing process.
Your aftercare instructions may vary slightly depending on the style, placement and size of your tattoo.
For detailed guidance, you can also visit our Tattoo Aftercare page and read our article on 5 Essential Tattoo Aftercare Tips.
We’re Here Throughout the Healing Process
Getting your first tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the studio.
If you have any questions during healing, we’re always happy to help. No question is silly and we’d much rather you ask than worry unnecessarily.
Our artists are always available to offer guidance and advice throughout the healing process.
Ready for Your First Tattoo?
Getting your first tattoo can feel exciting, overwhelming and a little scary all at the same time.
That’s completely normal.
At Tabula Rasa Tattoo Studio in Chesterfield, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the process, from your first enquiry through to a fully healed tattoo you’ll be proud of for years to come.
If you’re considering your first tattoo, we’d love to hear from you.