Your First Tattoo Experience in Missoula: What to Expect

What to Expect When You're Getting Your First Tattoo in Missoula

I remember my first tattoo. The mix of excitement, nerves, and a thousand questions. It’s a significant moment, a personal milestone. Now, from the other side of the tattoo chair in our Missoula studio, I see that same look on new clients all the time. It’s a journey we take together, and like any good journey, knowing what lies ahead makes all the difference.

This isn’t just about getting a mark on your skin. It’s about crafting a piece of personal art that will travel with you. The process, from that first spark of an idea to the final healed work, is built on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to the craft. Let’s walk through what you can expect, not as a sterile checklist, but as a guide to a meaningful experience here in Western Montana.

Finding Your Artist and Starting the Conversation

This is the most important step, and it happens long before you walk through our door. A tattoo is a permanent collaboration. You are choosing an artist to interpret your idea through their unique lens and skill. It’s less like hiring a contractor and more like commissioning a painter.

Start by looking at art. Really look. Browse portfolios, Instagram feeds, and websites. Here in Missoula, we’re fortunate to have a diverse creative community. Look for an artist whose style speaks to you. Do you love bold, traditional Americana with clean lines? Or are you drawn to delicate, fine-line botanical work? Maybe you want something that feels like a painting, with soft shading and texture. The style should resonate with the feeling you want your tattoo to carry.

Once you’ve found an artist whose work inspires you, reach out. A simple, thoughtful message goes a long way. Share your idea, the general placement and size you’re thinking of, and why their style caught your eye. This initial contact is the seed of your consultation.

At Montana Tattoo Company, every artist runs their own independent business. This means you’re connecting directly with the person who will create your tattoo. You’ll discuss your vision, get a sense of timing and investment, and begin to build that essential rapport. This conversation is your foundation. Come to it with an open mind and a clear heart. Know what you want to express, but trust the artist’s expertise on how to best translate that into enduring art on skin.

A quick note on etiquette. Come to your consultation alone. This is your vision, your conversation. Too many outside opinions can cloud your own intuition. Be on time. We structure our days carefully to give each client the focus they deserve. And bring a valid photo ID. It’s a non-negotiable requirement, a standard of our professional practice.

Preparing Your Canvas: Body and Mind

The days leading up to your appointment are about preparation. Think of it as getting ready for a big day, because it is. You are preparing the canvas—your body—and the artist—your mind.

Start with the basics. Get a good night’s sleep. Your body heals and manages stress during rest. On the day of your appointment, eat a substantial meal before you come in. Something with protein and complex carbohydrates. Getting tattooed is a physical experience, and low blood sugar can lead to lightheadedness. It’s the last thing you want in the middle of a beautiful line. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water in the days before and the day of.

Please, shower. Come to the studio with clean skin. It’s a simple act of respect for the artist’s workspace and crucial for hygiene. If your tattoo area is particularly dry, a little unscented moisturizer in the days prior can help, but avoid it on the day itself. Most importantly, avoid sun exposure. A sunburn is damaged skin, and we cannot tattoo over it. It won’t hold ink properly and complicates healing. If you’re getting work done in a typically sun-exposed area in the Montana summer, be extra vigilant.

Wear appropriate clothing. Think comfort and access. If you’re getting a tattoo on your thigh, wear shorts or loose pants. For an arm piece, a tank top or a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up easily. Avoid tight, restrictive clothing that will rub against the fresh tattoo afterward. Your comfort during the session matters.

Leave alcohol and recreational substances out of your preparation. They thin your blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding and difficulty for the artist. They also impair your judgment and your body’s ability to handle the process. This is a clear-eyed commitment. If you are on any prescription blood thinners, you must discuss this with your artist during the consultation for everyone’s safety.

Finally, pack a small bag. Bring headphones and a playlist or podcast you love. A book or tablet if that’s your thing. A bottle of water and a snack like a granola bar or some fruit for longer sessions. We have a comfortable space here in Missoula, but your own comforts make it easier to settle in.

The Session: A Collaborative Rhythm

The day arrives. You’ll come into the studio, and we’ll sit down to finalize the design. This is your last chance to make adjustments. We’ll show you the artwork, talk about size, and make sure every detail feels right. Then, we create a stencil and apply it to your skin. This is the moment. Look in the mirror. Check the placement from every angle. Is it centered? Does it flow with your body? Speak now. Once we start, the stencil is our roadmap, and major changes become very difficult.

When you’re happy, we begin. The process itself has a rhythm. The initial line work, the building of shape and form, then the shading or color that brings it to life. Sessions can range from an hour to a full day, depending on the piece’s scope. We work in focused blocks. Communication is key. If you need a break to stretch, use the restroom, or just take a breath, tell us. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and we pace it for your comfort.

During the tattooing, your job is to stay as still and relaxed as possible. We’ll guide you on how to position your body. Deep, steady breaths help. Get lost in your music or the conversation. Trust the professional. This is what we do. We’ve dedicated our lives to this craft, and we are focused completely on giving you the best possible tattoo.

Let’s talk about health and safety, because nothing is more important. In a reputable studio like ours, sanitation is a religion. Everything that touches you is single-use and disposable—needles, tubes, ink cups, gloves. All non-disposable equipment is sterilized in a medical-grade autoclave. We disinfect all surfaces between clients. You should never see an artist without gloves, and they should change them frequently. If you have any questions about our procedures, please ask. A professional artist will be proud to explain their standards.

Understanding Sensation

Everyone asks about the pain. It’s the great unknown. The truth is, it’s not pain in the classic sense. It’s a unique, intense sensation. Most describe it as a persistent, hot scratching or a deep vibration. It’s manageable, but it is present.

Placement is the biggest factor. Bony areas with less cushioning, like ribs, ankles, or the collarbone, tend to be more sensitive. Areas with more muscle and fat, like the outer thigh or forearm, are often easier. Your personal tolerance, your mindset, and even the time of the month for some, play a role.

The best approach is not to fight it. Breathe into it. Focus on your breath going in and out. Use your headphones as an anchor. Talk to your artist if it helps. We’ve had countless conversations about everything under the Montana sun to help distract a client. Have a snack if your energy dips. Avoid taking painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen right before, as they can also thin the blood. The sensation is part of the rite of passage. It’s the feeling of the art being made. It fades, but the art remains.

The Art of Healing: Your Responsibility Begins

When the session ends, the tattoo is ours. When you walk out the door, the tattoo becomes yours. The healing process is your responsibility, and it is critical. Proper aftercare is what separates a vibrant, crisp tattoo for life from a blurred, patchy one.

We will give you specific, printed aftercare instructions. Follow them as if they were a prescription. While details can vary slightly by artist, the principles are universal.

First, keep it clean. For the first few hours, it will be bandaged. When you remove the bandage, you’ll gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel—never a cloth towel that can harbor bacteria.

Second, moisturize minimally. A thin, thin layer of a recommended ointment like Aquaphor or a specific tattoo balm, just enough to keep it from drying out and cracking. More is not better. You want it to breathe. After a few days, you’ll typically switch to a gentle, unscented lotion.

The tattoo will go through stages. It will be tender and bright. It will start to peel and flake, much like a sunburn. This is normal. It will itch intensely. This is also normal. Do not, under any circumstances, pick or scratch it. You can slap it lightly if the itch is maddening. Let the scabs fall off naturally. Picking can pull ink out and cause scarring.

For the first two to four weeks, you must protect it. No soaking. Showers are fine, but no baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, or rivers. Montana’s rivers are tempting in the summer, but they must be avoided. Keep it out of direct sunlight. Once fully healed, sun protection is the single most important thing you can do to preserve your tattoo’s color and clarity.

Wear loose, clean clothing over it. Watch for signs of infection: excessive redness, swelling, hot skin, pus, or fever. These are extremely rare with proper care, but if you suspect an infection, contact a doctor immediately.

Healing requires patience. A tattoo doesn’t look its best the day it’s done. It looks its best about a month later, when the skin has fully settled. Trust the process.

The Reward of Intention

Getting your first tattoo is an act of storytelling. It’s choosing to wear a part of your narrative on your skin. The process, when done with intention and care, is as meaningful as the result. It’s a conversation that starts with an idea and ends with a piece of art that becomes part of you.

By choosing the right artist, preparing thoughtfully, engaging in the collaborative process, and committing to the healing, you set the stage for a positive, empowering experience. You’ll walk away with more than a tattoo. You’ll walk away with the memory of its creation, a connection to an artist’s craft, and a permanent emblem of a moment in your life, grounded right here in Missoula.

At Montana Tattoo Company we host independent tattoo artists who run their own businesses and create work with intention. We do not do generic walk ins. Every project starts with a conversation and a vision. Choose the artist whose style fits your idea and reach out directly. Connect with Mickey Schlick, James Strickland, Noelin Wheeler, Nicole Miller, and boldbooking.io" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BoldBooking. Book a consultation, explore portfolios, and bring your idea to life. I have completely automated the studio side. Aftercare, directions, booking links 24 hours a day with completely consistent customer service. At any interaction you are welcome to ask to talk to Mickey directly and you will either be connected to me or I will get back to you asap.