9 things you need to know before getting tattooed

9 Truths About Tattoos You Should Know Before Taking the Plunge

9 Truths About Tattoos You Should Know Before Taking the Tattoo Plunge

Introduction

Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression, but they come with their own set of realities that every potential tattoo enthusiast should consider. With photography and technology being a huge part of our industry, sometimes it is unfortunately a lot harder to separate fact from fiction. Whether you’re contemplating your first tattoo or adding to your collection, understanding these truths can help you make an informed decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore nine essential truths about tattoos that you should know before taking the plunge.

1. Tattoos Are Permanent

The most obvious truth is that tattoos are permanent. While removal options exist, they can be costly, painful, and not always effective. Before getting inked, ensure that you’re fully committed to the design and placement. The best way to go about this is to find an artist who you can trust and who’s art you like. Not necessarily the one that tells you what you want to hear. Go to an artist with the skills to make your dreams come true and trust that they want your next piece to be their best piece. 

2. Pain Is Part of the Process

Getting a tattoo involves some level of pain. The sensation varies depending on the location of the tattoo and your personal pain tolerance. Areas with more flesh, like the upper arm, tend to hurt less than bony areas, like the ribs or ankles. Be prepared for discomfort during the process. I tell people that the body is set to scream at you when something is causing damage. The closer you get to vital points and joints and nerve endings, the louder it screams. 

At our studio, we do a lot of full day and multiple-day sessions. It is in everyone’s best interest that you be as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

3. Healing Takes Time

After getting a tattoo, your body needs time to heal. The healing process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks great. Each artist has their own recommendations here, but we always recommend using the hottest water you can stand whenever you are able to wash. We also recommend staying away from petroleum products. 

4. Not All Tattooers Are Artists

This is a personal preference for some but many clients expect their tattooer to be an artist on the side. This isn’t always the case. Sometimes people find one style and stick to complying those designs, some just copy photos, some create from scratch and some draw from reference. These things are all separate and with their own merit.

Choosing the right tattoo artist is essential. Each artist has their own style and expertise, so take the time to research and review their portfolios. A skilled artist will not only create a beautiful tattoo but also prioritize your safety and comfort.

5. Tattoos Can Change Over Time

As your body ages, your skin will change, and so will your tattoo. Factors like weight fluctuations, sun exposure, and skin elasticity can affect how your tattoo looks over the years. Consider this when choosing a design and placement. We can tattoo at a higher resolution than your body can heal. As the ink inevitably spreads over the years and overtakes the little negative space areas, those open areas cease to exist. How much this can affect your tattoo depends on the initial design. Many tattooers need 5 years of feedback in one place to gain this knowledge. If your artist is newer than this or has not stuck in any place too long, this could be an issue they are just not experienced with yet. 

6. Cultural Significance Matters

Tattoos can carry deep cultural meanings. This can even change between regions in some cases. The things that may be seen as totally benign in Montana can be viewed as a bit more serious in a southern state.  Before getting a design that represents a specific culture or tradition, take the time to understand its significance. Always choose what you like and what fits for you but be aware that other people will have their own opinions as well. Appropriating cultural symbols without understanding their meaning can be disrespectful.

7. Never Shop by Hourly Rate

It’s not uncommon for people to experience tattoo regret. The way we combat this is by allowing the artists to push their styles a bit more forcefully. What we find is that the artists with higher hourly rates tend to be a bit more efficient with their time, offsetting the hourly cost differential while also causing less pain, getting you back to your life faster and with a better outcome over the long haul. Whether it’s due to a change in personal beliefs, relationships, or simply growing out of a design, be aware that your feelings about a tattoo may evolve over time. Getting positive attention when you enter a room or show some skin can make all the difference in your long term enjoyment of your artwork. 

8. Tattoos Can Affect Opportunities

While societal attitudes toward tattoos are changing, some employers still have strict policies regarding visible tattoos. Many of these policies are just a safety net for people who push the line but there is more to consider here than being offensive. Consider your career path and workplace culture before getting a tattoo that may limit your job opportunities. Be observant of those around you. Tattoos can tell a lot, Is this person impulsive, can they plan, can they save, can they sit through discomfort. A person covered in little tiny pieces may be impulsive and fail to see the long term plan. If they can't take advice from a person they are paying, will they be able to manage your business in the way you want? Meanwhile when you see a person with cohesive sleeves or a body suit, this is often a person who can commit, wait, save, and will conquer many obstacles to reach their goals. If their goals align with yours, their resume may be right there on their skin. Of course this is not science, just an observation after 20+ years in the industry. 

9. The Right Mindset Is Key

Approaching the tattoo process with the right mindset is crucial. Take the time to reflect on your motivations, the design, and the artist. Being mentally prepared can enhance your overall experience and help you make a decision you won’t regret.

Bonus Tip:

Instagram and TikTok are not great indicators of how you will look with a given tattoo or artists work. The photo at the top of this page IS NOT A TATTOO. We are able to tattoo smaller than it will last over time and the tattoo will never look as great as it does when it is brand new. IG and Tiktok allow them to essentially stay new forever from a marketing perspective but that new and fresh look in the perfect photo environment may not be how you look when you are walking down the street. Find a stable artist with some experience and ask their opinion.

Conclusion

Tattoos are a beautiful form of self-expression, but they come with responsibilities and considerations. By understanding these nine truths, you can make a more informed decision about whether to take the plunge. Remember, a tattoo is not just a piece of art; it’s a lifelong commitment that should reflect who you are. Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the journey!