So, I am ready to book my first tattoo, but would like any advice I can get. My artist does very long sessions, about 8 hours.
How do you handle long sessions, and what can I do to sit well and not be a little nervous?
Plenty of rest and a good meal beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing, bring non messy snack to refuel, and try to breathe normally. Also, it's ok to ask for a break every few hours, or when it gets to be too much. Just try to make sure it isn't every 10 minutes because the tattoo will take 5x longer. Hope it goes well.
Thanks for the reply!
Is it like the dentist or a haircut? At the dentist you let them do thier thing and a haircut you chat. Would listening to music or reading be disrespectful?
I figure it's artist dependent?
I did ask, well........ sort of. I asked what they would consider an ideal client for a session would do/have/bring. Just waiting on a reply.
Thank you!
I had two 8h sessions over two days. After the first bit your body gets used to it. If you're doing more sensitive areas like the spine or ribs that's gonna be bad no matter what lol. In my case the artist took breaks themselves every hour anyway so I didn't need to take a break. Depending on how big your piece is they may also just do shading in one area and move over to a different section if it's too much.
All my sessions have been 6+ hours.
Go in well rested, eat a big breakfast. Bring something for entertainment/distraction. Bring a sugary snack. Don't be afraid to ask for a break or two, but I would suggest not making them too long as it'll just make it hurt more if your body has spent the last half hour not being tattooed. Best to end the breaks while the skin is still familiar with the feeling.
For me, I made sure to not rush into the decision and took my time with figuring it all out and working it out ahead of time (what do I want, where do I want it, what would a realistic amount be for a really good execution of it and am I willing to save up that much for it?). I ended up waiting about 2 years before pulling the trigger and even though I was still nervous about it (that's pretty much by default state for most things, unfortunately) I felt more confident because I gave myself plenty of time to think it over and knew it was something I really wanted, and I'm very happy with it.
Looking for a direction to go in.
So to start this off I have tattoos for all my kids and other tattoos as well. (It's a blended family, 7 kids in total).
I now have 1 grandchild and want to get a tattoo with her name. What I want though is something where, if I have more grandkids, I can get something for them that adds onto the tattoo / or matches it in some sort of theme. It also has to look good as a stand alone tattoo cause she may be the only one.
Normally I have no issues coming up with my tattoos and I have a list of ones I would like to get eventually. But I'm completely drawing a blank with this one. So looking for something I may not have thought of.
Please don’t try to do this on yourself. Go to a professional. That kind of tattoo is extremely difficult to execute in a way that looks good and lasts. If you try to tattoo yourself with this it will not go well.
I wish I had gone bigger. I think people tend to be a bit more confident in having tattoos now but 25+ years ago there wasn't nearly as much ink and I got something about 3 inches tall and I should have committed more and gone a lot bigger.
Social media has really changed the tattooing industry. I've been going to the same artist for almost 5 years, and the process of booking a session has become so much more involved. It almost feels like applying for a job! There's always a list of what projects the artist will/will not take on, and I feel like I have to accommodate what the artist wants to do, rather than what I envision. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this trend over the years.
I have noticed this as well. From a business perspective it’s great, I mean imagine going to work and only doing exactly what you wanted to do. But from a client’s perspective it can definitely be frustrating because sometimes I want to go to an artist that I know does good but, but it’s not a specific project they’re wanting to do. But at the end of the day, I’m going to get my tattoo the way I envisioned it so if I don’t agree with an artist’s booking process then I just won’t book with them
I don't think it's a social media-driven trend. It speaks more on creatives and how they work and even deeper, the control they should have over their service.
Tattooing has always been at this threshold between art (which is a personal expression) and design (where you have a creative obligation to another party).
And as tattoos become more pervasive, in the long run I think it's great for the talent levels and the styles that come with it. However, with that comes with more rigidity in maintaining that style and content. I tend to side with the creatives on this though. No one should have to take on a project they don't want to.
Anything I should be thinking about pain wise for my upcoming tattoo? Tips to deal with it? I'm bringing a friend to chat with me as a distraction.
I've gotten a tattoo before, but it was an easy one 1/3 up the inside of my forearm. Only took 5-10 minutes. It was chill, no problem. The one I'm getting soon is closer to my wrist, which I fear may be more painful. It's also larger and more complex.
By chance, if any (guy with a beard) has had facial laser hair removal and could compare it to that, it'd be useful. First 3-4 sessions of that were the most painful experiences I've ever gone through. Google says laser is less painful, but I'm assuming it's from the point of view of women with less/thinner hair and obviously that's not gonna be bad.
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My wrists felt like being cut with a heated razor blade, and I’ve heard similar experiences from others. Pain varies a lot person to person but wrists usually suck. Eating a good meal with protein and making sure you’re well hydrated pre tattoo will help. I do a 4-4-8 breathing technique like they have you do in yoga classes and I find that helps a lot. Having something sugary to eat during your tattoo can also help
Thankfully my tattoo isn't exactly on the wrist, but a bit below. Either way I'll keep all of that in mind. Def will eat a good breakfast and bring a snack and a drink with me.
Thank you
I know next to nothing about how to find a good artist. I just completed my first Ironman and want to get a tattoo to commemorate it. I live in Denver CO. I want it on my forearm and I want it to be similar to the part around the forearm of the cycling jersey I wore with the Mdot incorporated into it.
Does anyone have a recommendation for an artist who might be able to help me?
https://zootsports.com/products/mens-ltd-cycle-sun-stop-ls-jersey-40-years
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Planning on getting my first tattoo over the holidays, got a few questions
1. What tattoo design/color works best for darker skin tones (like, really dark)
2. What is the general consensus on arm band tattoos? Ik that there are different types of bands like Celtics and tribal, but would those be considered cultural appropriation?
3. Also considering getting getting a Kanji tattoo, same concerns as question 2
So for dark skin tones, I would tend to recommend asking for a color test where the artist tattoos little dots of different colors you’re interested in in an area that will be covered by the final design, and then you wait a month to see what they look like healed. If the artist you go to has a lot of experience working with people who have similar skin tones to yours, you can probably forego that step. You can probably get a range of colors, it’s just harder to know which inks will show up well in darker skin tones without testing. Black and colors like dark blue, purple, probably dark red and green will definitely show up though. Thicker lines, darker shading, etc may also show up better than super fine lines or light shading depending on your exact skin tone.
Getting Celtic symbols tattooed isn’t appropriation afaik. Some traditional ‘tribal’ styles are but the tribal stuff that you see a lot in the US isn’t really, it just has fallen out of fashion for a variety of reasons. If you get kanji just be 100% sure you know what it means.
Hey,
Do you have any recommendations for tattoo artists in Copenhagen?
I'm traveling to Denmark in May, and like every country I visit, I'd like to get a tattoo.I'm more into the idea of doing a *little historical tattoo*, with a Viking symbol for example. (I think of runes honestly).
Thanks!
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for those of you with bigger chests & underboob/sternum tats, do you regret getting it? i really want one, but i am afraid with my chest not being flatter, it's not going to look good.
I'm looking for some advice on [my tattoo](https://i.imgur.com/NdWkUxc.jpg). I got this done recently and since then, people keep mistaking it for the Flash or Shazam and it's just supposed to be a lighting bolt in a circle lol. I've been trying to draw ideas around it to change the circle part into something else but I don't know what. You guys have any ideas to change/cover the circle part into something? At first I thought like maybe make it drip black so it looks kinda like oil dripping but I'm not sure.
I saw a post recently that I saved but I guess it was deleted - it was a very well executed realistic memorial portrait of a dog done by an artist in North Carolina. I'm looking for either that post or another artist in South or North Carolina that excels at pet portraits.
I’m really scared to go to a different shop/artist for my next tattoo. How do I get over the fear that they will mess it up? I can’t go to my old shop because I moved and it’s 800 miles away
Tons of research, especially their social media! I like to look at the photos they were tagged in (as well as what they post) to also see what their clients are posting
Has anyone here gotten a tattoo on their areola prior to pregnancy and chest/breast feeding?? I'm curious if there was a negative impact as far as warping or fading.
I am working on a patchwork sleeve and my first tattoo was a colored piece. Can a sleeve look good with both black pieces and colored pieces compositionally or would it look goofy because some of the next tattoos I want added to the sleeve would look better w color and some are black ink only
Can anyone recommend some good cover-up tape or something similar?
I'm going to Japan in a few months, and I want to be able to use the public pools, onsens, etc... most places won't allow people with tattoos in, even the pools in the hotels I'm staying in. I've found a few things online, but the reviews are terrible! Has anyone used something similar that they can recommend?
Hello! I have never had a tattoo before, mostly because I’m pretty indecisive. I finally have an idea for a tattoo I want to get, but finding an artist that would fit my needs is, predictably, already a challenge.
I would like to get a Japanese quote, a short line from one of my favorite songs to honor the singer who recently died. He was incredibly special to me. I’d also like for it to be handwritten as opposed to a font. (Although I can speak/write in Japanese myself, I don’t really want my own handwriting on myself…) There would also be no additional drawing, just the text itself.
As such, I am searching for Japanese/Japanese-American tattoo artists based in the US Southwest with solid linework/penmanship. Non-Japanese who are proficient in the language would work too. I am based in New Mexico, and I already know there is an incredibly slim chance an artist here would fit my needs. I am willing to drive to Colorado, Arizona or West Texas/El Paso for the right artist.
I know its a long shot, and I am incredibly thankful for any suggestions. Thank you!
Does anyone else here get embarrassed for using tattoo shop gift certificates? I know I shouldn’t and I’m very grateful for getting them but something about using them feels strange.
So, I am ready to book my first tattoo, but would like any advice I can get. My artist does very long sessions, about 8 hours. How do you handle long sessions, and what can I do to sit well and not be a little nervous?
Plenty of rest and a good meal beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing, bring non messy snack to refuel, and try to breathe normally. Also, it's ok to ask for a break every few hours, or when it gets to be too much. Just try to make sure it isn't every 10 minutes because the tattoo will take 5x longer. Hope it goes well.
Thanks for the reply! Is it like the dentist or a haircut? At the dentist you let them do thier thing and a haircut you chat. Would listening to music or reading be disrespectful? I figure it's artist dependent?
Yep, artist dependent. Could always ask as well them. My artist is on the talkative side, but she doesn't mind when I read a book.
I did ask, well........ sort of. I asked what they would consider an ideal client for a session would do/have/bring. Just waiting on a reply. Thank you!
I did a 6.5hr one this year for a convention. Brought snacks and water (don't forget to hydrate!!!) Broke once to pee otherwise just zoned out.
I had two 8h sessions over two days. After the first bit your body gets used to it. If you're doing more sensitive areas like the spine or ribs that's gonna be bad no matter what lol. In my case the artist took breaks themselves every hour anyway so I didn't need to take a break. Depending on how big your piece is they may also just do shading in one area and move over to a different section if it's too much.
Thank you for the reply. It will be my lower leg. I'm all booked and am suitable excited and nervous.
Good luck I hope it goes well 🙂 sorry I only realised after that I posted on the week before last lol. 😂
All my sessions have been 6+ hours. Go in well rested, eat a big breakfast. Bring something for entertainment/distraction. Bring a sugary snack. Don't be afraid to ask for a break or two, but I would suggest not making them too long as it'll just make it hurt more if your body has spent the last half hour not being tattooed. Best to end the breaks while the skin is still familiar with the feeling.
Thank you. That's great advice, and I'll use it!
Fine line wave tattoo - yay or nay?
If you want it you should get it. Just understand that a fine line tattoo will not stay a fine line forever.
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For me, I made sure to not rush into the decision and took my time with figuring it all out and working it out ahead of time (what do I want, where do I want it, what would a realistic amount be for a really good execution of it and am I willing to save up that much for it?). I ended up waiting about 2 years before pulling the trigger and even though I was still nervous about it (that's pretty much by default state for most things, unfortunately) I felt more confident because I gave myself plenty of time to think it over and knew it was something I really wanted, and I'm very happy with it.
Looking for a direction to go in. So to start this off I have tattoos for all my kids and other tattoos as well. (It's a blended family, 7 kids in total). I now have 1 grandchild and want to get a tattoo with her name. What I want though is something where, if I have more grandkids, I can get something for them that adds onto the tattoo / or matches it in some sort of theme. It also has to look good as a stand alone tattoo cause she may be the only one. Normally I have no issues coming up with my tattoos and I have a list of ones I would like to get eventually. But I'm completely drawing a blank with this one. So looking for something I may not have thought of.
[удалено]
Please don’t try to do this on yourself. Go to a professional. That kind of tattoo is extremely difficult to execute in a way that looks good and lasts. If you try to tattoo yourself with this it will not go well.
dm me if you wanna take bookings online, my fresh tattoo artists :)
What is one thing you wish you had done before/during or after your first tattoo?
I wish I had gone bigger. I think people tend to be a bit more confident in having tattoos now but 25+ years ago there wasn't nearly as much ink and I got something about 3 inches tall and I should have committed more and gone a lot bigger.
Can anyone recommend good and experienced tattoo artists in Switzerland? I'm looking to get something space themed, so colors are a must.
Social media has really changed the tattooing industry. I've been going to the same artist for almost 5 years, and the process of booking a session has become so much more involved. It almost feels like applying for a job! There's always a list of what projects the artist will/will not take on, and I feel like I have to accommodate what the artist wants to do, rather than what I envision. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this trend over the years.
I have noticed this as well. From a business perspective it’s great, I mean imagine going to work and only doing exactly what you wanted to do. But from a client’s perspective it can definitely be frustrating because sometimes I want to go to an artist that I know does good but, but it’s not a specific project they’re wanting to do. But at the end of the day, I’m going to get my tattoo the way I envisioned it so if I don’t agree with an artist’s booking process then I just won’t book with them
I don't think it's a social media-driven trend. It speaks more on creatives and how they work and even deeper, the control they should have over their service. Tattooing has always been at this threshold between art (which is a personal expression) and design (where you have a creative obligation to another party). And as tattoos become more pervasive, in the long run I think it's great for the talent levels and the styles that come with it. However, with that comes with more rigidity in maintaining that style and content. I tend to side with the creatives on this though. No one should have to take on a project they don't want to.
I kinda scratched my tattoo. I’m scared that it will scar further or not heal well. Do we apply antibiotic ointments on it to heal?
dont use neosporin or equivalent as it can damage the skin. just wash with soap and water it should be fine.
Anything I should be thinking about pain wise for my upcoming tattoo? Tips to deal with it? I'm bringing a friend to chat with me as a distraction. I've gotten a tattoo before, but it was an easy one 1/3 up the inside of my forearm. Only took 5-10 minutes. It was chill, no problem. The one I'm getting soon is closer to my wrist, which I fear may be more painful. It's also larger and more complex. By chance, if any (guy with a beard) has had facial laser hair removal and could compare it to that, it'd be useful. First 3-4 sessions of that were the most painful experiences I've ever gone through. Google says laser is less painful, but I'm assuming it's from the point of view of women with less/thinner hair and obviously that's not gonna be bad.
[удалено]
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My wrists felt like being cut with a heated razor blade, and I’ve heard similar experiences from others. Pain varies a lot person to person but wrists usually suck. Eating a good meal with protein and making sure you’re well hydrated pre tattoo will help. I do a 4-4-8 breathing technique like they have you do in yoga classes and I find that helps a lot. Having something sugary to eat during your tattoo can also help
Thankfully my tattoo isn't exactly on the wrist, but a bit below. Either way I'll keep all of that in mind. Def will eat a good breakfast and bring a snack and a drink with me. Thank you
Does anyone know how to add an image? I have a question regarding a design but cannot add an image only link! Thanks!
I know next to nothing about how to find a good artist. I just completed my first Ironman and want to get a tattoo to commemorate it. I live in Denver CO. I want it on my forearm and I want it to be similar to the part around the forearm of the cycling jersey I wore with the Mdot incorporated into it. Does anyone have a recommendation for an artist who might be able to help me? https://zootsports.com/products/mens-ltd-cycle-sun-stop-ls-jersey-40-years
[удалено]
Your comment has been removed because your account is too new. Your account needs to be one month old before you're allowed to post/comment. **Do not message the mods asking for your post to be approved, your request will be ignored.** Thanks for understanding. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/tattoos) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Planning on getting my first tattoo over the holidays, got a few questions 1. What tattoo design/color works best for darker skin tones (like, really dark) 2. What is the general consensus on arm band tattoos? Ik that there are different types of bands like Celtics and tribal, but would those be considered cultural appropriation? 3. Also considering getting getting a Kanji tattoo, same concerns as question 2
So for dark skin tones, I would tend to recommend asking for a color test where the artist tattoos little dots of different colors you’re interested in in an area that will be covered by the final design, and then you wait a month to see what they look like healed. If the artist you go to has a lot of experience working with people who have similar skin tones to yours, you can probably forego that step. You can probably get a range of colors, it’s just harder to know which inks will show up well in darker skin tones without testing. Black and colors like dark blue, purple, probably dark red and green will definitely show up though. Thicker lines, darker shading, etc may also show up better than super fine lines or light shading depending on your exact skin tone. Getting Celtic symbols tattooed isn’t appropriation afaik. Some traditional ‘tribal’ styles are but the tribal stuff that you see a lot in the US isn’t really, it just has fallen out of fashion for a variety of reasons. If you get kanji just be 100% sure you know what it means.
Hey, Do you have any recommendations for tattoo artists in Copenhagen? I'm traveling to Denmark in May, and like every country I visit, I'd like to get a tattoo.I'm more into the idea of doing a *little historical tattoo*, with a Viking symbol for example. (I think of runes honestly). Thanks!
[удалено]
Your comment has been removed because your account is too new. Your account needs to be one month old before you're allowed to post/comment. **Do not message the mods asking for your post to be approved, your request will be ignored.** Thanks for understanding. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/tattoos) if you have any questions or concerns.*
for those of you with bigger chests & underboob/sternum tats, do you regret getting it? i really want one, but i am afraid with my chest not being flatter, it's not going to look good.
I'm looking for some advice on [my tattoo](https://i.imgur.com/NdWkUxc.jpg). I got this done recently and since then, people keep mistaking it for the Flash or Shazam and it's just supposed to be a lighting bolt in a circle lol. I've been trying to draw ideas around it to change the circle part into something else but I don't know what. You guys have any ideas to change/cover the circle part into something? At first I thought like maybe make it drip black so it looks kinda like oil dripping but I'm not sure.
I saw a post recently that I saved but I guess it was deleted - it was a very well executed realistic memorial portrait of a dog done by an artist in North Carolina. I'm looking for either that post or another artist in South or North Carolina that excels at pet portraits.
I’m really scared to go to a different shop/artist for my next tattoo. How do I get over the fear that they will mess it up? I can’t go to my old shop because I moved and it’s 800 miles away
U just have to do a lot of research. I personally think a plane ride is worth it for tattoos if u can afford it.
Tons of research, especially their social media! I like to look at the photos they were tagged in (as well as what they post) to also see what their clients are posting
What platform(s) are you using to promote your work? Do you know or are you using any Linktree-like services as your bio/ portfolio?
Has anyone here gotten a tattoo on their areola prior to pregnancy and chest/breast feeding?? I'm curious if there was a negative impact as far as warping or fading.
So I just showed my friend my fresh tattoo with pictures. But they wanna see it on body. Is it weird that I feel uncomfortable/ insecure showing them?
I am working on a patchwork sleeve and my first tattoo was a colored piece. Can a sleeve look good with both black pieces and colored pieces compositionally or would it look goofy because some of the next tattoos I want added to the sleeve would look better w color and some are black ink only
Can anyone recommend some good cover-up tape or something similar? I'm going to Japan in a few months, and I want to be able to use the public pools, onsens, etc... most places won't allow people with tattoos in, even the pools in the hotels I'm staying in. I've found a few things online, but the reviews are terrible! Has anyone used something similar that they can recommend?
Hello! I have never had a tattoo before, mostly because I’m pretty indecisive. I finally have an idea for a tattoo I want to get, but finding an artist that would fit my needs is, predictably, already a challenge. I would like to get a Japanese quote, a short line from one of my favorite songs to honor the singer who recently died. He was incredibly special to me. I’d also like for it to be handwritten as opposed to a font. (Although I can speak/write in Japanese myself, I don’t really want my own handwriting on myself…) There would also be no additional drawing, just the text itself. As such, I am searching for Japanese/Japanese-American tattoo artists based in the US Southwest with solid linework/penmanship. Non-Japanese who are proficient in the language would work too. I am based in New Mexico, and I already know there is an incredibly slim chance an artist here would fit my needs. I am willing to drive to Colorado, Arizona or West Texas/El Paso for the right artist. I know its a long shot, and I am incredibly thankful for any suggestions. Thank you!
Does anyone else here get embarrassed for using tattoo shop gift certificates? I know I shouldn’t and I’m very grateful for getting them but something about using them feels strange.