How To Find The Best Tattoo Artist For Your First Tattoo

Take Your Time

If you’re reading this then I must assume this is your first time getting a tattoo. Having lived a half of a lifetime and gotten a few tattoos over the years myself, I can tell you that finding a great tattoo artist for your first tattoo is a must. Getting my first tattoo was an amazing experience. I remember I was not even 18. I had forged my mom’s signature saying that it was ok for me to get a tattoo. The tattoo artist didn’t care. I’m sure he knew. I remember exactly the background music. It was Axel Rose from Guns N Roses singing Welcome to the Jungle. I have never regretted getting tattoos.

Obviously, the place to start, like when you want to find anything else in life, is ask family and friends for referral. See your friends tattoos and ask them where and when they got it and what their experience was like. If you don’t have anyone then you can look online, read some reviews, and visit a few places. Check out the tattoo artist’s portfolio. Cleanliness and hygiene are a must. Look around and see if there is any tissue laying around.

Cleanliness Is Godliness

Obviously, if the artist looks drunk or high then that is not the place you want to be. There are a few things you want to remember before you get your tattoo. If this is your first tattoo, then you might want to make sure it’s in an area on your body where you can hide it if you want to, somewhere inconspicuous. Getting a big heart on your wrist with mom written in the middle may not be the greatest idea for your first tattoo. If this is your first tattoo, then get anything that has a positive meaning. Don’t get a tattoo on a day that you feel like crap or are in a bad mood. Remember tattoos are forever. Maybe create your own design. Something you can look back at 20 years from now and be ok with it. Getting your spouse’s name tattooed on your chest or back is definitely a no no. Some say it is the best way to break up a great relationship. It is almost like a curse. Somehow you end up not being with that person anymore.

Another thing to remember is that your skin will eventually sag a bit, so the position you lay or open your arm while you’re getting your tattoo will determine how it will look like 10 years from now. If you’re getting a tattoo on your ribs, then be sure not to stretch too much cause you’re usually not stretching. I remember getting my sparrow on my rib and the tattoo artist made me lay on my side and sort of lean to one side and slightly stretch. It made it easier for him to tattoo but that was not how I normally sit or stand. So, it has been 10 years since I got it and it looks a bit funky. Here are a few bullet points to remember: