Thinking About Getting Your First Tattoo But Don't Know Where To Start?

 Thinking About Getting Your First Tattoo But Don't Know Where To Start? 

Here are some tips from the pros!

Deciding to get your first tattoo is a big decision and one that many people struggle with. People are torn between what they should get and where to place it. Should it be something memorable or fun? Should it be small and sort of hidden or loud and proud? Should it be bright with color or black and grey? 

We work with a wide variety of people and we hear their comments about this. We have talked with people that regret their choice for their first tattoo and those who have not only loved it, but have gone on to get many, many more. We have learned that most people who end up regretting their first tattoo, do so because they did not take the time to research their artist prior to receiving it. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you avoid that.

The first thing one should be doing is looking into a potential studio's cleaning practices. At Lucky Bamboo Tattoo we have over 15 years in business and 50 years combined experience amongst our artists and we make cleanliness one of our top priorities but, not everyone is us.  The second recommendation we have is to search for an artist with a style and technique that you enjoy and that match the style of art you desire. Every artist has their own unique styles and strengths. Most will display their work for potential customers to view so, take the time to view a few different artists and their styles before deciding on one. Finding an artist with experience is also very important, don't be afraid to ask questions about the artist's history in tattooing. Ask about their apprenticeship experience, how long they have been tattooing,  and if they have any formal art education.  Avoid choosing an artist based solely on price and find one that will give you the end result that you want. Making a mistake on your choice of artist can cost you later if you need your piece repaired or redone by a reputable artist. 

Many people have a strong idea or even a drawing of the piece they want but, keep in mind that most tattoos have to be modified to fit on the body in a way that looks pleasing to the eye. Also, the size of a tattoo matters, especially if you want it very detailed. Occasionally a small piece will need to be modified and made bigger in order to achieve the desired result.  It is a good idea to try not to be too rigid and to allow the artist some freedom. If you are wanting your piece to look a specific way then it is a good idea to bring in a reference photo for your artist to look at.
Often times when people allow their artist some artistic freedom on their piece, they discover that it looks even better than it did before. The size of the tattoo tends not to be as important as placement. It is generally recommended to avoid very visible places on the body when getting a first tattoo such as the hands and neck. It is better to opt for somewhere that can be covered by clothing in the beginning and to save to more visible pieces for a later session. 

Taking all of these into consideration and taking enough time to find the perfect studio and artist will ensure that the fresh tattoo you get will be exactly what you want!