Your first Tattoo

You want to get your first tattoo. You're nervous, you're scared, you know you want one, but are not quite sure on how to go about it. OK, relax and take a sigh of relief, because the Wolfman is going to make it a little easier for you.

A tattoo is a painful and permanent mark on the body. It isn't cheap, the artwork could turn out to be a lot different than you expect, and you could end up with some kind of health issue. So why do people get tattooed anyway? The answer to that could be a whole other story. What is relevant here is that you know why you want a tattoo. Is getting a tattoo worth those risks? If not, then go look for another hobby. But if you really, really want one, if you can get past the risks and trial of getting a tattoo, then by all means get out there and get your first tattoo.

You have to be honest with yourself and make sure it is something you want, because it is permanent...hopefully, lol.

If you have doubt, if you're not sure, if sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don't, then make sure you don't get pressured into getting one. Not until you are ready to make that commitment. You're spouse will leave you before your tattoo does. If you thought you wanted one, and by the time you are this far into the blog you start having doubts, then by all means move on to the next blog. Come on, get out of here...move along. If however you are still here, then you've decided that you are a risk taker and the benefits of having a tattoo outweigh the negative.

Artwork! Yes, I'm going to make the first step into getting a tattoo very simple. Find an artist you like. Plain and simple, if you don't like their art, or have doubts, then move on till you find an artist you like. Your taste in art may be simple, it may be complex. If it's simple, than almost any experienced professional artist may accommodate your needs. If you are very picky and/or demanding, it may take a while before you find an artist that is right for you. You might be impatient and artwork is important, but you want it now. Then go get it, but chances are you'll regret it. I don't know, maybe you have less expectations than I do. Please make sure you like the artist's portfolio and samples of their work. Your first tattoo is going on your body, not your friend who is going with you to hold your little hand.

Your well being is something you should be worried about. Get to know the artist and the shop they work at. Let them know you are a skin virgin. If you are a sex virgin, it might not hurt to tell them that either, they might have sympathy for you and lower the price, lol. Don't try to be slick and tell the artist that you are no stranger to danger and that you already have a small heart on your ass. Tell your artist that this will be your first tattoo and you're scared as hell. Tell them you are shopping around and you want the sterilization part explained to you and that you want to know anything else you may need to know. Find out if they are knowledgeable with after care instructions. I can get into some more detail about this aspect of a tattoo, but for now you get the idea. I hope they don't hurt you more than they have to, and I hope they don't give you hepatitis.

I think if you are sure about a tattoo artist's creative ability and you know they are concerned with your well being, then you found the person who will be doing your first tattoo. Sure you might consider if they are too expensive for you, but if you found a person to do your first tattoo then why should you let something like money stop you? I'm not saying not to look for a better price, but price should be you the last thing you consider for your first tattoo.

Find an artistic tattooist who you trust and can afford not only to pay but to tip as well, and you'll be happy. If you for some reason you are not satisfied, let the artist know. You don't have to yell it out to them in front of everyone at the tattoo parlor, but let them know why you are not satisfied. You will be doing this not to get a refund, but so that maybe they can give you some choices. For example: you want a blonde cowgirl on you inner forearm. Then you realize you want her to be a brunette. They can easily cover a lighter color with a darker one. They might tell you to come back later, because they don't want to do more damage at the moment but rather wait till you are healed. If you want her blonde after her hair was colored darkly, still tell them. The worst they can say is, "sir (or mam) you are a dummy!" or they can say, "I can somehow fix it this way...would that be better?"

Yes, it's going to hurt, yes it's going to be sore and itchy and bothersome. Depending on the size of your first tattoo, it could just be cumbersome for more than just a few days. It might not come out exactly as you want, but if this is going to stop you, then a tattoo is not for you. Lower your expectations, at least just a little bit. Why do you want a tattoo? I don't care too much about your answer, at least to some degree, but if you can't answer that...then find yourself something else to put in your pipe.