Getting My First Tattoo
I recently got my first tattoo and thought I would write a little bit about my experience and some tips that I managed picked up. I definitely would have loved to have known about this stuff when I was looking to get a tattoo so I hope you find this helpful.
So, my artist (the very talented Alex Lloyd) was actually recommended to me by a couple of the girls that I work with and I did a bit of Instagram stalking and absolutely fell in love with his style. Obviously, everyone has their own style and look that they like, but I really love thinner and more delicate designs.
The process I went through before arriving at the studio to get my tattoo was relatively easy. I emailed Alex and gave some dates. His team came back with dates that were available and asked for a design idea or inspiration. I picked an appointment, sent my design ideas and sent a deposit for the appointment. Easy peasy.
I got my tattoo at Debut Studios, found in Godalming, which is Alex Lloyd’s base. The team at the Studio was really lovely and welcoming, and the atmosphere was really relaxed, perfect for my first tattoo. I honestly was quite nervous, but the whole experience was so good in the end. I definitely recommend Alex and his team for anyone getting their first tattoo.
Tattoos tend to get a really bad reputation and I understand: people don’t feel comfortable with permanently marking their bodies. But for me, tattoos are an absolute art form, a way to express your life. And my little wave that I now have on my ribs is a reminder of my special place (the sea); I’m carrying my favorite place in the world around with me.
My tips for getting a tattoo (especially your first one):
Research your artist! Don’t just go to a random tattoo parlor because their style might not be right for you. Remember this bit of ink will be on your body for the rest of your life, you want it to look how you imagine it to be.
Create a Pinterest board. This is such a good way to create a collection of ideas for what you want and will help your tattoo artist create a final design for you.
Take some painkillers. Getting a tattoo honestly is not painful but if the idea of painkillers might help, even as a placebo, I recommend this.
Talk about design. If you’re looking for a custom design, make sure to talk openly and honestly with your artist. It’s your body and you should decide how the tattoo looks. Don’t be scared to adjust little bits and pieces of the art before it’s inked on.
Think about placement. It might be a good idea (for your first tattoo especially) to pick a place for the art that isn’t so visible, just incase it goes wrong or you don’t like it. Some places on the body are a bit more painful than others as well when inked. This is usually because the skin in these places is thinner. The top 10 most painful places are-
-head
-inner thigh/knee
-face
-foot
-hand
-ankle
-sternum
-ribcage/stomach
-elbow
Aftercare is key. Tattoos rarely go wrong, but it’s really important to keep it clean. Remember, a tattoo is technically a wound and then a scar, so it needs to be cleaned to prevent infection. It’s also a good idea to use a plain moisturizer on the tattoo in the first couple of weeks to prevent any fading in the future and to seal the art into your skin.
Don’t get a tattoo when you’re drunk! This often goes wrong. It’s a bad idea. Don’t do it. (I have a cousin that drunkenly got a flamingo tattooed on his bum a few years ago).
Remember that in the UK you must be 18 before being able to get a tattoo and I have literally been waiting years to get one because of this law. In my family, whilst eating dinner, one of our favorite topics to discuss is what tattoos we’re going to get. Even my 13 year old brother has a Pinterest board of ideas.
I hope that if you do decide to get a tattoo that you absolutely love it and continue to do so for the rest of your life.
Florence x