First Time Tattoo Tips
Let me paint you a picture. May 19th, 2015. I board a red-eye flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to London Heathrow. I land in a country I have literally only dreamt about and seen on TV. The next three months are spent learning about British ales in a multitude of pubs, strolling across Westminster Bridge with the Houses of Parliament’s nighttime reflection rippling in the Thames, and making friendships that span cities, states, countries and continents. While in London, I wanted a tattoo but never felt brave enough. Two years later and I still regret my inaction.
With the regret fresh on my mind, I knew I was going to get a tattoo on my trip to Australia and I must say, it’s been a month since I got my first ink and I love it more every day. Here’s the process I went through for planning my tattoo and advice I have for anyone else who is knew to the tattoo world.
Know What You Want
If you have been looking at a design for weeks (or months, in my case) I think you will be mentally prepared for your first tattoo. Even before I finalized my flights I had already been to Pinterest many times to find Australian tattoo inspiration. There were outlines of the country, the flag and plenty of kangaroos. The country outline just didn’t feel right. Maybe I knew that Australia would not become my favorite country in the world. The flag didn’t have me swayed because I was not ready to commit to color in my first tattoo. As for a kangaroo, I’ve heard horror stories from Aussie friends about them so I did not want to have one immortalized on my body.
I made a mental list of what popped into my brain when I thought “Australia.” Koalas were one of those things. I searched “koala tattoos” on Pinterest and Google and immediately found what I wanted; the small slightly abstract koala outline that is now inked into my skin. I had the photo saved on my phone for four months before I made it to Melbourne. Since I had known for so long what I wanted and got myself excited I was very ready for my tattoo. I was nervous about the overall idea of getting a tattoo because no one would expect it of me and I was worried what my family would say, but I had absolutely zero hesitation about the design I wanted. My tattoo artist, Horhay, was amazing. He added some gum leaves (aka eucalyptus leaves) to my koala’s branch and I could not be happier with what is now permanently on my right arm.
Getting that tattoo placement right.
Know the Tattoo Parlor
I would not recommend strolling into a random tattoo parlor for your first tattoo. Personally, my anxiety can creep up on me when I don’t have a plan. I can do spontaneous but I knew I planning was necessary for this. I needed to be mentally prepared.
As soon as I was personally committed to getting inked, I messaged my resident tattoo expert (who, as I’ve previously mentioned, is also Melbourne’s best tour guide), Alaina, for help. She happens to have some ink herself (a whole three tiny pieces) and two of them were done at Killer Bees Tattoos in Carlton. She recommended the parlor for my tattoo and I immediately began following their Instagram account. It was a part of my mental preparation to see the name as I scrolled through my Instagram feed. It became familiar and friendly. It took away a lot of my fear.
Bring Friends
But not too many. Don't bring your whole crew. That is rude to the tattoo artist and all other guests at the parlor.
I often enjoy being alone but I definitely needed friends with me for my first tattoo. In many ways, it was a very personal process, because it was a permanent change to my body, but it was also something I needed to do with friends around me. I also needed very specific friends. Friends that I know I will have forever and that have been with me at pivotal points of my life. Alaina and Torii were with me for one the best weekends of my life. We laughed together on a Haggis Adventures bus over hundreds of miles around Scotland. We sat drenched in clothes from the torrential rains and clinked our pint glasses to friendship and adventure on the Isle of Skye. As for Maya, she’s one of my dearest friends from my Disney College Program. I know I will be friends with all three of these inspiring people forever and that the great physical distance between us doesn’t matter.
Now, having Torii and Maya with me was incredibly helpful because they kept my mind off of the pain. The tattoo honestly did not hurt. I mean, there was a little bit of an uncomfortable sensation and I know the word “ouch” slipped out of my mouth twice but it was unintentional. The girls had me laughing and talking about a million and one things so the time flew by and the pain wasn’t felt.
Also, the adrenaline rush was quite extreme. I was finally doing something I wanted done for years and it was amazing. It was my second day in Australia and I only decided about five hours prior that it was the day for my tattoo. I was also very jetlagged. The combined 36 hours of flying and layovers still had me out of sorts. So, there were factors other than friends but I know the friends made the experience what it was.
Wear the Right Clothes
I knew the general location where I wanted my tattoo so I was sure to wear a shirt that allowed unobstructed access to my upper arm/bicep. If I'd wanted a tattoo on my calf, I would have worn shorts. Be sure to dress appropriately! I was also sure to wear comfy pants. I didn't want to be uncomfortable in jeans so I wore my favorite LOFT Lou & Grey Ponte Leggings. I had no issues climbing onto the table and laying down for my tattoo. Didn't have to worry about a skirt riding up or about jeans digging into my waist. A+ to me for planning ahead.
One happy gal with her first tattoo.
What Do You Want to Know?
Did any questions pop into your mind as you read? If so, I am here to provide answers as best as I can!
All products and businesses mentioned are linked in the text because if I’ve a good experience, I’d like you to have it as well. And no, I am not getting paid for any of this.
Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly email updates and please share with your friends and family!
#PeaceLoveEd
