Your First Tattoo: What to Expect

Thinking about your first tattoo and slightly nervous about it? Good. That means you're taking it seriously. The nerves mostly come from not knowing what happens between walking in the door and walking out with new ink. So here's the whole process, start to finish, from a shop that tattoos first-timers every week.

The short version: TLDR

Eat a real meal first. Bring your ID. Show up sober and not sunburned. Expect a conversation before any needles. The pain is less than you think. Plan to follow your artist's aftercare instructions exactly. That's 90 percent of it. The rest is detail, so let's go through it.

Before you come in

Eat something. A real meal an hour or two before. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach is the most common reason first-timers feel lightheaded.

Hydrate, sleep, skip the alcohol. Hydrated skin takes ink better, rested people sit better, and no shop will tattoo you if you show up drunk. That includes the night-before kind of drunk.

Don't show up sunburned. Burned or peeling skin can't be tattooed. If you've been on the lake all weekend, give it time.

Wear the right clothes. Something comfortable that gives your artist easy access to the spot. Getting a thigh piece in skinny jeans is a bad afternoon.

What to bring

Your ID. Not optional! You must be 18 to get tattooed, and every professional shop checks, no matter how old you look.

Your idea. Reference images, a rough sketch, a photo of similar work, or just a clear description. You don't need a finished design. That's the artist's job. If you'd rather pick something ready to go, ask to see flash.

What happens when you walk in

First, a conversation. You'll talk through your idea with an artist: size, placement, style, and whether what you want will age well. Listen to their sizing advice. Detail needs room, and artists say "bigger" because they've seen what tiny detail looks like in ten years.

Then paperwork. You'll sign a consent form. Every professional shop does this. Then your artist preps the design, shaves and cleans the area, and applies a stencil so you can see exactly where the tattoo will sit. Check it in the mirror. Really check it. Moving a stencil takes thirty seconds. Moving a tattoo takes a cover-up.

Then the tattoo. Your artist will tell you how to sit and when you can move. If you need a break, say so. Nobody's judging.

Does it hurt?

Yes, but probably less than you're imagining. Most people describe it as a hot scratch, and most first-timers say the same thing afterward: "that wasn't as bad as I expected." The first minute is the worst because your brain is braced for it. Then you adjust.

Placement matters more than toughness. Fleshy spots like the outer arm, thigh, and calf are the easy mode. Ribs, feet, and hands are the hard mode. If it's your first and you're worried about pain, tell your artist. They'll help you pick a friendlier spot.

Aftercare: the part that's actually on you

Your artist does their job in the chair. The healing is yours. When you're done, you'll get aftercare instructions specific to how we work, and following them exactly is the difference between a tattoo that heals crisp and one that doesn't. Ask questions before you leave if anything's unclear.

What should your first tattoo be?

Whatever you'll still like sober, employed, and 40. Style-wise, first-timers gravitate to fine line for something subtle or American traditional for something bold that ages famously well. Browse the gallery to see what grabs you, and if you're not sure what style your idea fits, that's exactly what the consultation is for.

The easiest first step

You don't have to book anything to start. Walk into Main Ave Tattoo at 22 W Main Ave in downtown Spokane, talk to an artist, ask every question you've got, and get a price. If you're ready, you might get tattooed the same day. If you're not, no pressure. First-timers are welcome to just come talk.

Questions before you stop by? Call (509) 443-5088.