What are some tips and advice I should know before getting my first tattoo?

Besides the obvious things: making sure that I really wouldn't mind having that design on me for the rest of my life and making sure that the tattoo artist is good at that specific kind of tattoo that I will be getting.





I've been thinking about this for 4 plus years and finally have decided to go through with it. I have the design that I want but want to full research this and get some good advice before finalizing it.





Any and all advice would be appreciated! Thanks!What are some tips and advice I should know before getting my first tattoo?
Eat %26amp; drink plenty of water beforehand. Also, take a drink and snack with you while you're in there getting the tattoo.





Make sure you've checked out the artist's portfolio thoroughly to make sure that you''re not going to get a crappy tattoo that you're going to be stuck with (you should see my friend's...teehee). Price should not matter at all when you pick the artist. Is sounds like you've got that one down though ; )





Keep in mind too that the bigger you go with a tattoo, the more detail the artist can put into it. You've already decided to get it permanently on your body, so make sure the quality is excellent. Don't sell yourself short for something that looks like a 5-year-old could have drawn.





Also, make sure you check to see what lengths the shop goes to for sterilization.





Have fun! I hope I helped.


-SamWhat are some tips and advice I should know before getting my first tattoo?
theres only a few things you need to be sure of before you go.


make sure you have a filling meal and drink plenty of water. since its your first one you'll probably be nervous, and being nervous and hungry while getting stabbed with needles would more then likely lead to passing out.


also make sure that the shop youre going to is clean and the artist your going to has alot of experience. you don't want to go somewhere that is dirty cause it could lead to infection. and if the artist you go to is new theres always a chance he could stab too deep and it could cause problems healing.


also if youre getting it somewhere that is covered with clothes make sure you wear loose fitting clothes and theyre soft just incase the bandages move for some reason.





hope that helps!
Your time is overdue. Four years is enough. Get the darn thing and enjoy it...I have a new one (admist all my other one's) and there is really no time but the present. Make sure you have the colors picked out (if any) and make sure of the size, and of course make sure that the tattoo artist has done something like your tattoo before, he/she should have a book of their art work present for you to look at...or else come to edmonton...we have a group of real artists.
Your 1st answerer nailed it. Tattoos look like hell, especially after they start to blotch and fade. At that point you'll realize tattoos are for truck drivers and want it removed. So I advise you to make sure there's a good dermatologist in your area.
Mostly what everyone has covered like making sure you have enough rest and a meal before you go through it. Also to make really sure the tattoo artist is good at the kind of tattoo you want. (i.e Oriental, black and grey etc).





Good luck
Like everyone else mentioned, make sure you eat and drink enough before getting it.


Afterwards, be sure to wear white closest to it that way colours won't ruin it, and be sure to keep it very very clean and moist.
EAT before hand...I had my 1st tattoo and passed out because of me being nervous and not eating at all that day...the artist had to stop and get me something to drink cause I was so dehydrated.
My advice? Don't do it!!