The thought of getting a tattoo has surely passed the minds of many individuals at some point in their lives, and it is often a rite of passage for the brave souls that push through. The thought of inking your body with a permanent reminder can be exhilarating, but while people have their own reasons, it’s best to take some time to consider several factors before getting under the needle.

The permanent art is now a go-to and socially accepted form of self-expression, but a tattoo isn’t something you should decide out of impulse. Doing your homework can benefit you in the long run as you will ensure quality outputs after your first visit.

Here are three tips to consider before having your first tattoo:

1. Do your research when picking a tattoo design

Choosing a tattoo design is often the trickiest part, especially if it will be your first mark. Although people have the freedom to ink whatever they feel at the moment, keep in mind that a tattoo is an image that will remain on your skin for a lifetime.

With that in mind, it’s best to take the time to consider what you want to capture and stay with you for the rest of your life. Many people go for meaningful designs – be it Bible verses, names of loved ones, personal mantras, or even illustrations that represent a significant moment in one’s life.

Others go for the looks, which should also have plenty of thought behind the concept. You can search online for visual prompts, but one of the best ways to create the best tattoo design is to consult with your chosen tattoo artist first. With a professional by your side, both your minds can create a concept that is sure to be tailor-made for you.

2. Be selective about the parlor and the tattoo artist

You may have settled on a stunning design that is sure to impress, but the quality of the output all falls on the hands of the tattoo artist. That’s why you cannot skimp out on research and drop by the first parlor you see.

Keep in mind that it’s not just about the quality of the art. A needle is involved throughout the process, so you need to make sure to pick a reputable parlor that is reliable for their work ethics. Cool designs are nothing if it comes with a plethora of infections, so do your research and ask around for renowned recommended artists until you find the best one of the bunch.

3. Avoid alcohol before the procedure

Some people like to take a shot of alcohol to take the edge of their first-time jitters, but being intoxicated under the needle can actually do you more harm than good. For one, alcohol makes the blood thin, which means that you will bleed more throughout the process.

This will make it challenging to push the ink in, which could leave you and the artist stuck in a blood-mess. It’s best to go for your appointment sober so that your desired designs will not come out looking like it was done by a beginner artist.

Wrapping up

Getting your first tattoo can be intimidating, but it’s a rewarding experience that can leave you with a piece of art that lasts a lifetime. Experiencing pain during the procedure is inevitable, though the intensity varies from the person’s pain threshold. Either way, drop by a trustworthy parlor with an open mind and following the tips above to ease your worries and help you get started on the right foot on your initial inking adventure.

We’re rated as one of the best tattoo places in buffalo NY, get in touch with us to see how we can help.