Getting your first tattoo ? A guide from tattoo artists in Warrington
Getting Your First Tattoo? A Guide from Tattoo Artists in Warrington
Thinking about getting your first tattoo can be exciting, but it can also come with a lot of questions. What should you get? Where should you put it? How do you choose the right tattoo artist? And what actually happens when you book?
At Black Bones Custom Tattoos in Warrington, we speak to people about these things every day. So, if you’re considering your first tattoo, here’s our straightforward guide to help you feel more prepared.
You don’t need to have everything figured out
One of the biggest misconceptions about getting a tattoo is that you need to arrive with a finished design.
You don’t.
You might have a photograph, a piece of artwork, a favourite subject, a phrase, or simply an idea you’ve had in your head for years. That’s enough to start a conversation.
Your tattoo artist can help you develop that idea, considering the style, size, placement and shape of the tattoo so that it works properly on your body.
Sometimes the best tattoos come from starting with a simple idea and allowing the artist to develop it into something custom.
Choosing the right tattoo artist
Choosing an artist shouldn’t just be about finding someone nearby or choosing the cheapest price.
Look at their actual tattoo work and make sure their style and quality match what you’re looking for.
Different artists specialise in different things. Some might concentrate on traditional tattoos, others on realism, Japanese tattooing, lettering, fine line or colour work.
At Black Bones Custom Tattoos, Joe and Molly have different areas of interest, allowing us to work across a range of styles.
Joe has been tattooing since 2000 and specialises in custom lettering and colour realism, while Molly (@ambergris.tattoos), who has been tattooing since 2016, particularly enjoys traditional and illustrative Japanese work.
If you’re unsure which style or artist would be best for your idea, that’s something we can discuss when you enquire.
Think carefully about placement
Where you put your first tattoo is worth considering just as much as the design itself.
Think about how the design will sit with the natural shape of your body and whether you want it to be visible every day.
Your artist can also advise you on the size and positioning needed for the design to work properly.
A design that looks great on a piece of paper doesn’t necessarily translate perfectly onto every part of the body. Good tattoo design considers the skin it’s going onto.
What should you do before your appointment?
You don’t need to do anything complicated.
Get a good night’s sleep, eat properly before your appointment and stay hydrated.
Wear something comfortable that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed. If you’re getting a tattoo somewhere that requires specific clothing or positioning, your artist can advise you beforehand.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions.
If you’re nervous because it’s your first tattoo, tell your artist. There’s nothing unusual about being a little apprehensive before your first appointment.
What happens during the tattoo?
Once you’re happy with the design, size and placement, your artist will prepare the area and position the stencil.
You’ll have the opportunity to check the placement before the tattoo begins.
Then it’s time to get tattooed.
How long this takes depends entirely on the design. A small tattoo might be relatively quick, while a large custom piece could take several hours or require multiple sessions.
Throughout the process, communication is important. If you need to ask something or you’re uncomfortable, speak up.
Don’t rush into a tattoo just because you’re excited
This might be the most important piece of advice we can give.
If you’re not sure about a design, take your time.
A tattoo is permanent, so there’s no reason to rush a decision simply because you’ve found an appointment available.
If you have an idea but aren’t sure how to turn it into a tattoo, talk to your artist first. A good consultation can help you work out what will look best and whether the idea needs changing before you commit.
Looking for a tattoo artist in Warrington?
Black Bones Custom Tattoos has been open in Warrington since 2014. Between Joe and Molly, we have years of experience working with both first-time clients and people building larger collections of tattoos.
Whether you’re looking for custom lettering, colour realism, traditional Japanese, illustrative Japanese or another style of tattoo, we’d be happy to hear what you’re thinking about.
You don’t need to have the perfect idea before you contact us.
Have an idea for your first tattoo?
Get in touch with Black Bones Custom Tattoos in Warrington to discuss your idea and find out how we can turn it into a tattoo you’re proud to wear.