The Tattoo Virgin: What to Expect Your First Time

The day has finally arrived. Either you're an excited 18-year-old embracing your newfound parental freedom, or you're the open-minded individual who just happens to be in their middle 40's. Regardless of your situation, you've found yourself at the local tattoo shop browsing through the templates in the big, black book. It's your first time, and if you don't know what to expect, that can be a little nerve-wracking.

No Pain, No Gain

The number one issue that immediately crosses everyone's mind is this: the pain. Is it actually worth it going through the agony of the needle continuously blazing across your back, leg, shoulder, or wherever your tattoo is located? A large majority of all tattoo-sporting personalities will tell you the sting is nonexistent after the artwork is complete. Lori Harris, a mother who proudly represents four tattoos says, "Getting inked is like childbirth. Going through the motions may be painful, but the end result is always worth it."

Many people describe the sensation differently, but the most common portrayal of the tattooing process is comparing it to a cat repeatedly scratching the same area of skin again and again. To site from my own personal experience, I would be lying if I said it doesn't hurt. It depends strictly on your tolerance for pain. If you sit still and entertain your mind with other thoughts, it will be over before you know it.

Picking and Choosing

Once you've decided you want to go through with it the whole way, the next step is to select an image that you won't mind carrying around with you for the rest of your life. People tend to change their mind a lot throughout their existence, so try to avoid the following subjects:

v Religious symbols

v Political symbols

v Name of your current significant other

v Club emblems

v Signs representing a gang and/or certain other changeable connections

If you have your heart set on getting "Lola" tattooed across your wrist and you're certain of your loyalty to stick with a depiction of your existing affiliations, then by all means, choose from the list above. Bear in mind, however, that you and Lola might break up next week. Or next year. Or ten years from now. And that tattoo is still going to be there. It's strictly a precaution, but try and choose wisely. The removal of a tattoo is said to be more painful than the initial placement.

Sanitation Speculation

The cleanliness of the shop you're being inked at must meet your standards. With all the diseases out there being carried by dirty needles, you can never be too cautious. Make sure you have at least one recommendation from a friend before choosing a shop. Scout a place out before you make any sort of commitment, and if you don't feel comfortable, then move on to the next place. There's no lack of tattoo shops, and you won't be very happy dishing out hundreds of dollars to someone who just infected you with HIV.

Look for a shop that has clean floors, a distinct lack of clutter, proper storage of their ink, private rooms for tattooing, and a professional demeanor.

The Importance of the Artist

If you have high expectations and want to sport something you can be proud of (and you should!) then always consult your artist for a profile of their previous work. If you have a great idea for a tattoo of a fairy but the artist you scheduled is skilled in animals as opposed to people, you might be disappointed when your winged woman comes out looking like E.T. Some people are simply more accomplished in different areas than others.
Now you have a good heads-up on what to expect for your first tattoo. Depending on the size of your tattoo and the experience of your artist, be prepared to spend at least 2-5 hours under the needle. Also anticipate a hefty fee; artwork isn't cheap, but you should feel good for supporting the creative community. Tips are always appreciated as a form of etiquette, too.

No matter your age or your situation, enjoy yourself! It's certainly an experience that will last you a lifetime.