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New to getting a tattoo, what should I know?
- Thread starter Evil Monkey DTT
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Makoto-Yuki
Banned
don't listen to those trying to put you off. if you are 100% sure you want it then get it. i have some tattoos i regret now but wouldn't change it because at the time it's what i wanted. the tattoos still have meaning for me and that's what's important. if it were just a stupid meaningless tattoo then yeah i'd be really regret it.
it can be nervous for your first tattoo. check for places in your local area and ask people where they'd recommend to go. go in and speak with the staff and just explain to them it's your first time. what i would say is if you have even the slightest doubt then just leave and rethink it. one place i went to the staff were idiots and had an attitude. i should've just walked out but didn't. never going back there.
most tattoo artists are really friendly and will not only try help you relax and make it a pleasant experience for you but they will also be excited for you too. as for the actual tattoo itself...depends where you get it really. most of mine are on my arms and i didn't think it was sore. in fact i really liked it and found it relaxing. it's only really a light stinging sensation. if at any point it becomes really sore then say so and the artist will stop straight away and begin again when you're ready.
best of luck!
it can be nervous for your first tattoo. check for places in your local area and ask people where they'd recommend to go. go in and speak with the staff and just explain to them it's your first time. what i would say is if you have even the slightest doubt then just leave and rethink it. one place i went to the staff were idiots and had an attitude. i should've just walked out but didn't. never going back there.
most tattoo artists are really friendly and will not only try help you relax and make it a pleasant experience for you but they will also be excited for you too. as for the actual tattoo itself...depends where you get it really. most of mine are on my arms and i didn't think it was sore. in fact i really liked it and found it relaxing. it's only really a light stinging sensation. if at any point it becomes really sore then say so and the artist will stop straight away and begin again when you're ready.
best of luck!
Makoto-Yuki
Banned
i've never bothered with the stuff the tattoo shops try sell you. i just pick up a cheap tube of Bepanthen cream out the supermarket. all my tattoos have healed quickly and with no issue.
B_Spooky13
Member
Basically all of this.. Also do not be scared to shop around. A tattoo artist might be amazing at doing one type of tattoo but sucks at another. You think a tattoo artists work is amazing then realize its mediocre and should've went with someone else.
Tip your artist
highrider
Banned
Ehh, I have nothing against body art and I think I understand it, but as an older guy be warned most of my peers that have them are getting them removed and it's not a fun or cheap process.
The person you are now is going to be significantly different in 10 years. If you decide to get one I recommend not getting color and having it be a simple design. The more sophisticated the tattoo the worse it seems to age.
The person you are now is going to be significantly different in 10 years. If you decide to get one I recommend not getting color and having it be a simple design. The more sophisticated the tattoo the worse it seems to age.
The tattoo shop didn't sell me this. In fact they told me to just wash it with non-oil based soap.
I looked this up on the internet and I'm glad I did because it sped up my healing process and made my leg bearable while working and having to wear long pants over the tattoo.
EYEL1NER
Member
I'll echo the couple "eat some food before going in to get your work done" posts. Don't eat and drink so much that you'll be uncomfortable or need to take frequent bathroom breaks but you definitely want some food in your system. Be prepared for a massive adrenaline dump afterwards. You'll get plenty of good advice from your artist for what to do after but needing to eat and having a clear schedule after are good things to know before the event.
Makoto-Yuki
Banned
hey if it works then go for it. i just don't feel the need to buy dedicated tattoo creams is all i'm saying as the cream i buy works for me just fine. maybe if it was a really large tattoo i'd consider something else but most my tattoos are very small.
Yeah I can understand that.
I had a tattoo done from 15 cm about the knee till about 5 cm above my ankle. Full leg "sleeve" (do you call it a sleeve on a leg?
)So this stuff really helped with recovery especially when having to work the next day after one of the sessions and having to wear long pants.
1. Either find or draw a picture of the closest approximation of what you want in the size you want, cut it out, and affix it to the body part that you want it. A good artist is going to do this at your consultation anyway, but no sense putting off something you can do now.
2. Make damned sure. This is your first tattoo. For the rest of your life, even if you get a thousand more, you're always going to remember your first. And people will ask you which one is your first. I have a bunch of friends with way more than I do, and for most of them, the importance/story aspect is strongest on their first (unless they got the old "teenage rebel" variety tattoo).
2a. A good story: somebody once told me that a tattoo artist doesn't put something on your skin - they merely reveal what was already there so that you can see it.
3. If you don't already have an artist in mind, do your research. Search local shops in your area online. Any reputable one should have an artist list with respective galleries of tattoos they've done. Look at their bodies of work and see which is closest to the style you are seeking. If you want color, you might want to rethink choosing somebody with an entirely black and gray portfolio (and vice versa). If they have hi-res photos, zoom in on their pieces. Does the linework look continuous and straight/shaped appropriately? Does the shading look appealing? Overall, does the piece look great? After you find somebody you like, keep looking. Depending on your location, you may find somebody you like even more.
4. Price is relative. The cost per hour will depend on shop and experience/skill level of the artist. You don't have to break the bank to get a tattoo that is everything you want, but in general, if something sounds too inexpensive, there's a reason for it. A lot of times, a cheaper rate will be from a newer artist (or even a supervised apprentice). Now they be completely amazing, but chances are that their fundamentals will simply not be as solid as somebody who has been inking for five or ten years. Conversely, somebody who has been inking INCORRECTLY for five or ten years is just as bad. That's why research is important.
5. Visit the shop/meet the artist in person before you schedule. Most shops will have you come in for a pre-tattoo consultation where you'll sit down with the artist and discuss what you want and how you'll want it. Bring any art or pictures or diagrams or whatever you think will help them bring the piece to life in accordance with your desires.
6. Don't drink alcohol the night before. You can end up bleeding more than normal during the session. If you are on any doctor prescribed blood thinners, talk to the prescriber and see if they want you to come off of them for time before your appointment. Also, regular aspirin use has a similar effect, so try not to take any in the days before your appointment.
6. Experience the tattoo. Don't distract yourself or try to block out the pain or other feelings that come from getting tattooed. Your brain will be dispensing different chemicals in your brain that will make you feel different ways. Feel them. Allow yourself to sense and take in the time you have. You can talk to the artist in most cases, but try to keep it to a minimum because they're working hard to give you a good piece. Also, NO FIDGETING. If you are going numb or have to move or reposition yourself, calmly let the artist know so they can get the needle away from you safely and without messing up what they're currently doing on your body. Wait for them to say it's okay to move when you ask.
7. Be careful with the area around your clothes, linens, and furniture. The ink can transfer up to a day after your appointment, so don't get it all over.
8. Aftercare is paramount. Somebody already covered it, but do not neglect moisturizing after you've had a piece done. Follow the directions of your artist (they'll likely give you a handout or direct you to a website with specific instructions). The better your tattoo heals, the better it will look.
9. Completely subjective, but if you want to show people, wait until it's completely healed. The area in and around the piece will be red and unappealing. It's not infected, but it might have that preinfection appearance. Afterwards, your skin will probably peel and crack. If you want the debut to be perfect, wait until it's healed (after you have properly cared for it, naturally).
10. You'll probably have some form of buyer's remorse afterwards. It might be regret for getting it, or seeing somebody else's art and wishing that you had seen that artist instead, or you might wish you'd changed placement or color or size. Don't worry about it. Everybody has those thoughts and they go away the more and more you look at it and realize that it's part of you now. Unless you got a tribal tramp stamp. Then feel bad and get that shit lasered.
2. Make damned sure. This is your first tattoo. For the rest of your life, even if you get a thousand more, you're always going to remember your first. And people will ask you which one is your first. I have a bunch of friends with way more than I do, and for most of them, the importance/story aspect is strongest on their first (unless they got the old "teenage rebel" variety tattoo).
2a. A good story: somebody once told me that a tattoo artist doesn't put something on your skin - they merely reveal what was already there so that you can see it.
3. If you don't already have an artist in mind, do your research. Search local shops in your area online. Any reputable one should have an artist list with respective galleries of tattoos they've done. Look at their bodies of work and see which is closest to the style you are seeking. If you want color, you might want to rethink choosing somebody with an entirely black and gray portfolio (and vice versa). If they have hi-res photos, zoom in on their pieces. Does the linework look continuous and straight/shaped appropriately? Does the shading look appealing? Overall, does the piece look great? After you find somebody you like, keep looking. Depending on your location, you may find somebody you like even more.
4. Price is relative. The cost per hour will depend on shop and experience/skill level of the artist. You don't have to break the bank to get a tattoo that is everything you want, but in general, if something sounds too inexpensive, there's a reason for it. A lot of times, a cheaper rate will be from a newer artist (or even a supervised apprentice). Now they be completely amazing, but chances are that their fundamentals will simply not be as solid as somebody who has been inking for five or ten years. Conversely, somebody who has been inking INCORRECTLY for five or ten years is just as bad. That's why research is important.
5. Visit the shop/meet the artist in person before you schedule. Most shops will have you come in for a pre-tattoo consultation where you'll sit down with the artist and discuss what you want and how you'll want it. Bring any art or pictures or diagrams or whatever you think will help them bring the piece to life in accordance with your desires.
6. Don't drink alcohol the night before. You can end up bleeding more than normal during the session. If you are on any doctor prescribed blood thinners, talk to the prescriber and see if they want you to come off of them for time before your appointment. Also, regular aspirin use has a similar effect, so try not to take any in the days before your appointment.
6. Experience the tattoo. Don't distract yourself or try to block out the pain or other feelings that come from getting tattooed. Your brain will be dispensing different chemicals in your brain that will make you feel different ways. Feel them. Allow yourself to sense and take in the time you have. You can talk to the artist in most cases, but try to keep it to a minimum because they're working hard to give you a good piece. Also, NO FIDGETING. If you are going numb or have to move or reposition yourself, calmly let the artist know so they can get the needle away from you safely and without messing up what they're currently doing on your body. Wait for them to say it's okay to move when you ask.
7. Be careful with the area around your clothes, linens, and furniture. The ink can transfer up to a day after your appointment, so don't get it all over.
8. Aftercare is paramount. Somebody already covered it, but do not neglect moisturizing after you've had a piece done. Follow the directions of your artist (they'll likely give you a handout or direct you to a website with specific instructions). The better your tattoo heals, the better it will look.
9. Completely subjective, but if you want to show people, wait until it's completely healed. The area in and around the piece will be red and unappealing. It's not infected, but it might have that preinfection appearance. Afterwards, your skin will probably peel and crack. If you want the debut to be perfect, wait until it's healed (after you have properly cared for it, naturally).
10. You'll probably have some form of buyer's remorse afterwards. It might be regret for getting it, or seeing somebody else's art and wishing that you had seen that artist instead, or you might wish you'd changed placement or color or size. Don't worry about it. Everybody has those thoughts and they go away the more and more you look at it and realize that it's part of you now. Unless you got a tribal tramp stamp. Then feel bad and get that shit lasered.
JimJamJones
Member
TimeEffect
Member
OP how old are you? The game meaning so much to you for 6 years is a long time, but things may change depending on how old you are
Are you 18-22? 30+?
Are you 18-22? 30+?
onken
Member
This except being completely serious.
Brerlappin
Member
I got a fucking Tekken tattoo when i was like, 22, back in 2002 cause i was obsessed with it and loved it and i meant so much to me and all that bollocks. Then i got Tekken 4 and hated it, Tekken 5, hated it, barely even played it, and now i'm stuck with a bad tattoo that healed shittily just to make matters worse. Take it from me OP, don't fucking do it.
JimmyRustler
Member
Probably depends highly on your general skin type. The tighter your skin where your tattoo is being made, the less it hurts. For instance, I read that chest hurts a lot for most people but I almost felt nothing cause my skin is very tight in that area due to years of body building.
The Jazz Cabbage Master
Member
Umm, this is an odd thing to say. Both my massive bonsai tree and huge space sleeve have been fun collaborations between my artists and I. Find an artist, above all else, who has done work similar to what you want so you know they can do it AND an artist who is willing to hear your input. This is your body. You better get a say.
XeroSauce
Member
This thread is a reflection of the reactions that OP will likely receive because of his tattoo.
Everyone deserves some backlash on their decisions to make them really think about it. If, despite this entire thread, he really wants to get a tattoo like that? Then he should. If it makes him have second thoughts and possibly sit on it? Better for him.
So you basically go to the artist and ask them to fuck your shit up.
I'm thinking of getting a tattoo this year too. This might be a weird question, but I've been collecting pictures and elements of things that I want my tattoo to include, I'm just not sure exactly how I want it to be positioned/configured with those elements. Will the tattoo artist be able to take what I give him (along with my verbal description of what I want), and come up with a number of different designs for me to narrow it down to? Do I pay for this work as well? When does this usually take place? If I book a tattoo appointment that's 2-3 months away, will this process be done during that time?
Kor of Memory
Member
The more detail you want, the bigger you want the tattoo to be.
OP I feel compelled to inform you that Nier Automata went from a 90 to an 89 MC score, not tattoo worthy anymore, i'm afraid.
Videogames tattoo certainly aren't cool status symbol, but it's not like "i got a tiger because i'm a really determined person and..." is all that serious of a reason or subject.
At the end of the day, just get something you like and don't think about what others will find "cool", lmao.
Joking aside, this is a funny concept.
Videogames tattoo certainly aren't cool status symbol, but it's not like "i got a tiger because i'm a really determined person and..." is all that serious of a reason or subject.
At the end of the day, just get something you like and don't think about what others will find "cool", lmao.
TheLetdown
Member
You'll put down a deposit that will eventually go toward paying the whole tattoo. That's a safeguard for the artist that they aren't whipping up designs for nothing.
Discuss that with the artist at the onset. They'll probably try to put together one good looking tattoo and then see what tweaks you'd prefer, as opposed to a handful of completely separate tattoos for you to choose from. Don't feel pressured into going with it just because they put time into the design. But if you feel like the whole thing is leading you toward cold feet, don't keep stringing it along. Cut it and see how you feel later when you want to go back at it.
20 years from now I'd be much more bummed out about the fact that I let the possibility of what I'd think in 20 years guide my life.
Call ahead and schedule a consultation. Narrow down your collection to your best few ideas and bring them to the consult. The artist will probably explain to you different ideas for what they can do and the spots they can put them, and try to narrow down the art and placement before you schedule. Keep in mind that they have to draw the actual art (sometimes several times) and get it on a stencil (if they use them), so they're probably not going to want to do multiple pieces for multiple areas if you're only getting one. They'll likely ask you for a down payment, which is applied to your tattoo if you get it and not refundable if you don't to compensate them for their artwork time. I mean if you REALLY want, they can probably do several pieces, but you may have to pay extra.
Skellig Gra
Member
Randy Monk
Member
Hey you guys!
Go to a well reviewed shop. If in your mind this is a finely detailed piece be ready to pay a few hundred bucks.
A videogame character is just as good as any other dumb thing that's been tattooed on the human body. Tattoos are inherently ridiculous. Flags, anchors, barbed wire, butterflies, the face of another human being, naked women, logos (so many logos,) lyrics that make no sense, foreign words that do not mean what you think they mean, etc. The grinning skeleton moon face of a videogame character is no weirder than anything on that list. You be you.
A videogame character is just as good as any other dumb thing that's been tattooed on the human body. Tattoos are inherently ridiculous. Flags, anchors, barbed wire, butterflies, the face of another human being, naked women, logos (so many logos,) lyrics that make no sense, foreign words that do not mean what you think they mean, etc. The grinning skeleton moon face of a videogame character is no weirder than anything on that list. You be you.
br0ken_shad0w
Member
Edit: removed
So like why don't you offer up some information he doesn't know
DON'T GO CHEAP. Cheap tattoos look like cheap tattoos. You're not getting "a sweet deal".
It's going to hurt a lot more than you think.
Make sure you find the right artist, finding an artist can take weeks, and good artists are usually booked for the next 6 months.
Tip the artist.
It's going to hurt a lot more than you think.
Make sure you find the right artist, finding an artist can take weeks, and good artists are usually booked for the next 6 months.
Tip the artist.
I want to see this tattoo. Can everyone with bad game tattoos please post them?
Feels like im back in the 90s with some of these posts lol. Tattoo's havent been permanent for a while now, even though removal can be expensive and time consuming. And im honestly thinking most jobs don't give a shit. I have a half sleeve starting at my wrist up and showed up for my current job in short sleeves with not even a second look.
Best thing I can say is if they use a stencil then be as anal as you can about how it looks before they start.
This probably isnt wise for a first timer but the trick to getting good cheap tattoos is finding an artist who is into what you are actually looking for. They will usually always hook you up for a chance to add something to their portfolio. I've also gotten great prices on the cheap from apprentices.
Best thing I can say is if they use a stencil then be as anal as you can about how it looks before they start.
PantherLotus
Professional Schmuck
Lots of terrible advice in this thread, OP. Sincerely, listen to this:
1. If you've thought about the tattoo for 6 years and STILL want it (and you're 30+), you're probably in safe place to move forward with it. Symbolism is a very real thing and a good reason to get a tattoo. And tell anyone who doesn't like / care for your reasoning to fuck off.
2. All that said, do remember that your tastes will change. Perhaps something a bit more esoteric and timeless than a videogame character is a better bet.
3. It's ok to go to a popular / well-known tattoo shop. The good ones won't let you call ahead, but will have a big website with portfolios of each artist. Look through each and find an artist with the particular style you're looking for.
4. Realize there are different styles -- american traditional, realism, and irezumi are a few that I know of. Not every artist does every style.
5. I do kinda agree with the advice to not do your own artwork. DO come in with an idea of what you'd like, DO NOT come in expecting a 1-for-1 representation of some photo / drawing / artwork. Realize these are artists and if you just expect them to reproduce something then you're not letting them show their style. If you just want a flash tattoo in one go you're probably overthinking all of this.
6. Of course it hurts. Hurts like fuuuuuuck. It's supposed to and I loved the pain.
7. Don't overdo the aftercare. I have a large piece and the instructions were to wait 3 hours after each session, wash it with warm soap and water, then wash it twice per day for 3 days. Then nothing. Aquafor if you want (and I do want). You don't really need anything else.
8. Nobody has mentioned it but do expect to be shaved. They'll do it for you before the work.
9. If you have a good experience don't be surprised if you want a bunch more. I started off wanting one small thing and now I want a bunch. It happens.
10. One more time I would just strongly, strongly reconsider whether a character from a videogame is what you really want. Not a lot of interpretation on those but they can be fun. If you go through with it, have yourself a blast. Good luck OP!
1. If you've thought about the tattoo for 6 years and STILL want it (and you're 30+), you're probably in safe place to move forward with it. Symbolism is a very real thing and a good reason to get a tattoo. And tell anyone who doesn't like / care for your reasoning to fuck off.
2. All that said, do remember that your tastes will change. Perhaps something a bit more esoteric and timeless than a videogame character is a better bet.
3. It's ok to go to a popular / well-known tattoo shop. The good ones won't let you call ahead, but will have a big website with portfolios of each artist. Look through each and find an artist with the particular style you're looking for.
4. Realize there are different styles -- american traditional, realism, and irezumi are a few that I know of. Not every artist does every style.
5. I do kinda agree with the advice to not do your own artwork. DO come in with an idea of what you'd like, DO NOT come in expecting a 1-for-1 representation of some photo / drawing / artwork. Realize these are artists and if you just expect them to reproduce something then you're not letting them show their style. If you just want a flash tattoo in one go you're probably overthinking all of this.
6. Of course it hurts. Hurts like fuuuuuuck. It's supposed to and I loved the pain.
7. Don't overdo the aftercare. I have a large piece and the instructions were to wait 3 hours after each session, wash it with warm soap and water, then wash it twice per day for 3 days. Then nothing. Aquafor if you want (and I do want). You don't really need anything else.
8. Nobody has mentioned it but do expect to be shaved. They'll do it for you before the work.
9. If you have a good experience don't be surprised if you want a bunch more. I started off wanting one small thing and now I want a bunch. It happens.
10. One more time I would just strongly, strongly reconsider whether a character from a videogame is what you really want. Not a lot of interpretation on those but they can be fun. If you go through with it, have yourself a blast. Good luck OP!
I think I made a thread last year about wanting to get a tat done, somewhat VG related too, luckily I was able to come to the conclusion (thanks to some gaffers and friends) that designing it myself and thinking it over and over was the best course of action. I still haven't gotten one single tattoo. I do want one, but I'm still not sure about what I want exactly, so I'll keep waiting until I see something that really convinces me to the point that I feel like I don't need to ask others.
Glass Shark
Banned
As long as you don't get any Nordic runes you're in the clear
Risible
Member
soldierblue
Member
I feel like it's better to know you 100% want a tattoo first before going into specifics rather than just deciding you want a tattoo of X, if that makes sense. With me, I seem to know my next tattoo when I see it or get the idea spontaneously. Like, I don't really "look" for what to get or necessarily try to come up with something.
Like, if you decide you want one, just chill for a bit.
Like, if you decide you want one, just chill for a bit.
tali'zorah84
Member
1. Breathe.
2. Be nitpicky, but within reason. This is going to be on your body permanently, don't be afraid to pipe up if something doesn't look right.
3. Make sure you look after it properly.
4. Don't pick at the scabs during the healing process.
Bonus pic of one of my pieces because I'm a sucker for pop culture related tattoos.
2. Be nitpicky, but within reason. This is going to be on your body permanently, don't be afraid to pipe up if something doesn't look right.
3. Make sure you look after it properly.
4. Don't pick at the scabs during the healing process.
Bonus pic of one of my pieces because I'm a sucker for pop culture related tattoos.
Embarrassing post.
PantherLotus
Professional Schmuck
Clicking through that instagram and your artist is a great example of someone good at the American Traditional style. Nice find!
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