Many of the people who write to the studio are getting their first tattoo, and they nearly always have the same questions. Here are the answers I give in person, especially for anyone starting with something delicate in fine line.
Choose your tattoo artist by their healed tattoos
Photos of a freshly done tattoo always look good: the ink is fresh and the skin is shiny. What really matters is how that tattoo looks months or years later.
Before you decide, ask to see healed tattoos. This matters even more with fine line: you can see whether the lines are still crisp or have spread. Check that the studio is clean and uses disposable equipment. Look for someone who listens to your idea instead of selling you theirs.
The design: something that feels right for you
Your first tattoo doesn't need a deep meaning, but it helps if it's more than this summer's trend. A few useful questions:
- Will I still like it in ten years?
- Does it reflect who I am, or remind me of someone or an important moment?
- Do I want to see it every day, or would I rather keep it discreet?
Bring references if you have them, even if they aren't exactly what you want. They help me understand what you like, and from there I draw a design just for you.
Size: a little bigger than you think
It's the advice I give most often. For a first tattoo, it's tempting to go very small, "just in case". But in fine line, a detailed design needs space: if it's too small, the lines get closer together and lose definition over the years.
A simple design can be very small. A detailed one, less so. We'll adjust it together.
Placement: pain and visibility
There are two things to think about when choosing where:
- Pain. Fleshier areas with less bone, such as the outside of the forearm, the upper arm or the thigh, tend to hurt less. Ribs, the sternum, feet and ankles tend to hurt more.
- Visibility. Think about your work, the clothes you usually wear and whether you want to see it yourself or would prefer it not to be visible all the time.
For a first tattoo, the forearm or upper arm are good areas: they don't hurt much and heal well.
Before your session
- Get a good night's sleep and eat something before coming in.
- No alcohol in the 24 hours beforehand.
- If you take medication or have a skin condition, tell me beforehand.
- Moisturise the area in the days before and keep it out of the sun: sunburnt skin can't be tattooed.
- Wear comfortable clothes that leave the area accessible.
On the day
First, we transfer the design onto your skin using transfer paper. You can look at it in the mirror, move it or adjust the size until you're sure. It's your tattoo: take your time.
During the session, if you need a break, some water or a moment to breathe, I stop. There's no rush.
Afterwards: the first few days matter
Looking after your tattoo matters as much as doing it well. Keep it clean, apply a thin layer of cream, don't scratch it and avoid the sun, swimming pools and the sea while it heals. I explain everything on the aftercare page.
What if I don't like it later?
If you're unsure, wait: a tattoo can wait a few weeks. And if you already have one that no longer feels like you, a cover-up can nearly always help.
When you're ready, tell me your idea and we'll start designing it together.