Looking to get your first tattoo? It’s no secret that tattoos are more popular than ever. Whether you’re a first-timer, or you’ve already gotten a few and are looking to get more, here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge.
Why Should You Get A Tattoo?
Tattoos are a form of self-expression. They’re an opportunity for you to make an imprint on the world. Tattoos can also be used as memorials for loved ones who have passed away, or they can help us look back at our childhood and remember things we cherish from that time.
Tattoos are also a very personal way of showing off who we are as individuals, whether it’s our personality traits like kindness and humor, or simply what we do in our free time like playing video games or reading comics. Whatever inspires humans—music artists they love, places they’ve traveled—there’s a good chance someone has immortalized those experiences on their body for everyone else to see!
When’s The Right Time To Get Your First Tattoo?
Ah, the age-old question. When is the right time to get a tattoo? Well, for starters, it’s important to consider who you are as a person. Are you someone who’s always looking for new experiences? Maybe you’re a good fit for our Mystery Tattoo Machine! Not so spontaneous? Setup a consult and we’ll work through all the details of your piece to make sure it’s just how you envision it.Â
The truth is that there isn’t any one correct answer, but there are some key things to keep in mind before deciding the time’s right for you.
An important consideration is how having a tattoo or visible tattoo may affect your career in the future. It’s true that society and many employers are warming up to the idea of tattoos in the workplace. However, there are still some professions that frown upon visible tattoos. Be sure you’re not putting yourself out of any future opportunities by getting that face tattoo!
Another thing to think about, are you ready to commit to the art? Will this tattoo be something that will represent who I am or what I stand for? If your tattoo is something you’re a fan of, then be certain that you’ll still be a fan 50 years from now.
Where Do You Go For Ideas?
There are lots of places you can look for inspiration. You could:
- Look at other people’s tattoos.
- Look at flash art books and magazines, which show a variety of designs from different tattoo artists.
- Look at art galleries or museums that have collections of paintings featuring imagery that might be appropriate to use in your design (like flowers, animals, or landscapes). You may find some great images that could work as part of your tattoo!
- Browse the internet—there are tons of photos and videos online where people have done amazing things with their tattoos! A good starting point would be Google Images or Pintrest.
What Designs Work Best For A First Tattoo?
The first thing you should do is figure out what designs work best for you. Tattoos are personal, so they should be something that means something to you. You can use your tattoo as an outlet to express yourself, or it can serve as an accessory and showcase your interests. If a loved one has passed away, consider getting a tattoo in their honor or memory.
Tattooing is also great way of covering up scars or other marks on your body. Covering unwanted marks with a tattoo can still serve as a reminder of whatever happened to leave those marks there in the first place (e.g., injuries sustained during war, C-Section, etc.).
How Can I Find A Good Tattoo Artist?
Finding a good tattoo artist can be difficult. There are many factors to consider, including the reputation of the artist and their portfolio of work. A consultation is also important because you want an artist who will listen to your ideas and incorporate them into their design for your tattoo. If possible, try to look for past work online from the artists in your area; this will help you narrow down which ones are best suited for you!
How Long Does It Take To Get My Tattoo Done?
Getting your first tattoo can be a lengthy process, depending on the size and location of your design. The bigger and more complex the piece of art, the longer it takes for your artist to finish it. If you’ve decided to get a full sleeve tattoo, it will likely take several sessions for your artist to complete. The good news is that most artists have an estimate before starting on any piece so that you know what’s in store before going under their needle.
If you’re not sure how long getting your first tattoo will take, ask the artist beforehand! They’ll be able to give you an estimate based on their previous experience with similar pieces they’ve done. Your artist will also be able to offer tips and tricks on how to make sure everything goes smoothly during this new phase in life as well as how long certain things might take so there aren’t any sudden surprises along the way!
How Much Does A Custom Tattoo Cost?
If you’re getting a custom tattoo, then the price is going to depend on several factors. Generally speaking, it’s going to cost somewhere between $100 and $1000. The cost of any tattoo is going to be affected by the size and complexity of your design.
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Additionally, where you want your tattoo can drastically increase or decrease its cost as well. Some areas take more precision to work with, thus taking longer to finish the tattoo. Areas that are especially stretchy or tender require a professional hand and patience to avoid overworking the skin.
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It’s important to note that you usually get what you pay for. The best price down the street isn’t such a deal if you have to pay more money to have it covered up later!
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Well… it depends
If you’re getting something large like an arm sleeve or full back piece, that could easily run into thousands of dollars depending on how much detail is involved in your design. Not every tattoo costs that much, however. Here at The Mad Tatter, our shop minimum is $50, and we run $150 an hour for our standard tattoo rate. If your piece only takes an hour or two, you can expect to pay somewhere in the $150-$300 range. If you’re seeking a larger piece, then you’ll want to check out our half-day and full-day Tap Out sessions!
The price will also vary based on style. If you choose certain types of tattoos, like portraits or realism, then they will naturally take much longer to add in all of the details. A simpler design that is mostly solid fills or minimalistic line-work will be completed in a shorter time resulting in a lower cost for you!
Are You Ready?
- Tattoos are permanent. They don’t wash off in the shower and they don’t wear off over time like makeup does. While it’s true that tattoos can be removed or covered up, who wants to spend more money and endure more pain if they don’t have to?
- Tattoos are addictive and can follow trends! This is why so many people flock toward certain designs or styles at any given moment; sometimes it’s because those particular designs/styles speak to them on a deep level. Other times the urge comes from seeing ink on other folks and wanting something similar for themselves. Whatever the reason, make sure you’re going to love your design for decades to come, because that tattoo isn’t going anywhere.
We hope that this article has helped you answer some of your questions about getting a tattoo. We know that it can be a big decision, but we’re here to tell you that it will be worth it! If you have any other questions about the process, feel free to stop by the shop or give us a call.