Getting your first tattoo: choosing a design, finding an artist and what to expect

Choosing a design

• Live with the idea for a while. If you still want it after several months, that is a good sign.
• Collect references rather than one finished image: photos, styles, artists' work you like. A good artist will draw something original for you instead of copying another person's tattoo.
• Think about style. Fine line, traditional, blackwork, realism, illustrative and lettering all age differently. Bold lines and solid black generally hold up well over the years; very fine detail and tiny lettering can blur as ink settles under the skin.
• Size matters. Detail needs space. Very small designs with lots of detail are one of the most common regrets.
• Text: check spelling, and if it is in a language you do not speak, get it checked by a fluent speaker you trust.

Finding an artist through portfolios

• Look at their portfolio, usually on the studio website or social media. You want to see plenty of work in the style you want.
• Look for healed photos, not only fresh ones. Fresh tattoos always look sharp; healed work shows the real quality.
• Check that lines are clean and steady, shading is smooth, and colour is even.
• Read reviews and ask people with tattoos you admire who did theirs.
• Most artists offer a consultation, or answer questions by message. Pay attention to whether they listen and give honest advice, including telling you if an idea will not work.

Hygiene signs in the studio

• The studio is licensed or registered where your local rules require it.
• The work area is clean and uncluttered, with surfaces that can be wiped down.
• The artist washes their hands and wears fresh disposable gloves, changing them when they touch anything else.
• Needles and cartridges are new and single use, opened in front of you.
• Ink is poured into small single-use cups for your session only.
• Surfaces and equipment are covered with barriers such as plastic film.

Placement and pain

• Areas with more muscle or fat and fewer nerve endings, such as the outer arm or thigh, are often described as easier.
• Bony areas and thin skin, such as ribs, spine, feet, ankles, hands and the inner elbow, are often described as harder.

Before the appointment

• Sleep well, eat a proper meal beforehand and bring water and a snack.
• Do not drink alcohol beforehand. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take any medication that affects bleeding.
• Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area.
• Tell the artist about any skin conditions, allergies or health issues.
• Bring ID; reputable studios check age.

On the day