What to expect when getting your first tattoo

November 08, 2017

What to expect when getting your first tattoo

I am sure that many of you have wondered what it would be like to get a tattoo. I know that I had always wondered and ever since the age of 15, I was interested in getting inked. But I wanted to make sure that I got a tattoo that really meant something to me and one that I wouldn’t turn around and regret in 10 years. I am very relieved that I waited, as my ideas included stars and more stars at the young age of 15. Phew, at least that mistake was not made. After countless years of watching Ink Master and searching for hundreds upon hundreds of tattoo designs on Pinterest, I decided that I would get a tattoo in 2017.

After some intense soul searching and personal growth, I decided to get my very first tattoo on 30 September 2017. I had no idea what to expect – seeing someone get tattooed on TV is completely different from experiencing it in real life. I decided on a design, researched a great tattoo artist and booked my appointment. And that’s when the anxiety set in accompanied by the second guessing of the unknown and most importantly – incredible excitement.

The design I chose was 3 birds on my left wrist. These birds represent my new found freedom and happiness in life. Why 3 birds? Well they made the most sense in their flying pattern. Generic? Perhaps. But this tattoo was for me and what it represents is my past no longer holding me hostage. And that was the perfect symbolic image for me to get as my first tattoo.

My tattoo was done by the awesome Hillary from Good Things Tattoo Co in Salt River. I was nervous but I had my brave face on from the moment I opened the studio’s door. Hillary made sure that I was happy with the placement (a purple stencil was placed onto my wrist that I got to check in the mirror before the actual tattoo is started) and then we began. I must say that I appreciate that she did one line first just to show me that the pain really wasn’t that bad. It is very difficult to explain the feeling of the machine going into the skin, but I would probably best relate it to a sharp scratch. My first bird was done in no more than 5 minutes. Slightly painful, but more of an annoyance after the first minute or two. Then came bird number 2. Where do I even start with bird number 2? When a tattoo is described by the general population, it is described as a cat scratch. Hmm well let me tell you that my middle bird felt like I was cutting my tendon and nerves in my wrist over and over again with a sharp blade that was intent on inflicting endless pain on one extremely sensitive area. I felt slightly disturbed as I imagined that this is what cutting my wrist would feel like. Not something that I had ever wanted to imagine but alas my mind went there. I did not even look down. Those 5 minutes felt like never ending minutes upon hours. I was sweating it up during this time period; it was something that I cannot even explain. When bird number 2 was complete, I wanted to jump for joy.

Finally after a few more minutes which flew by, my third bird was complete, and after some checking of each bird, my tattoo was done. I think that the actual tattoo took a mere 15 minutes to complete. Fast and easy. Looking down at my wrist for the first time was an amazing feeling. Not only did I finally get a tattoo after 10 years of waiting, I also felt like my journey for freedom and growth was truly reflected and physically expressed. Hillary wrapped my tattoo up and I was good to go, aftercare instructions in hand with a huge smile on my face.

For anyone who is thinking of getting inked, I would suggest that you do your research – definitely research your tattoo artist and the studio. You really do get what you pay for. Top artists can be costly but just remember that a tattoo is forever. That being said, take the time to think long and hard about your design so that you don’t rush and put a tattoo on your body that you regret. Just because your tattoo hasn’t got a deep meaning doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get it, just make sure that you will still like that design in the future. I really think that the pain is relevant to the person’s pain tolerance levels and the placement of the tattoo on the body – the thinner the skin and closer to the bone, the more painful the tattoo will be. Stay hydrated, eat well and get enough sleep the night before your tattoo appointment. Remember that the tattoo artists are not bothered by your nerves. It is so important to not let the fear of not knowing what to expect prevent you from getting a piece of art that will be with you for life. Lastly, be sure to follow the correct aftercare guidelines as indicated by your tattoo artist and keep your tattoo out of the sun for long-lasting ink.

“Fast Fact: Did you know that red ink has a tendency to fade much faster than other colours, while white ink usually turns yellow with age. And colour tattoos generally fade much faster than black and grey tattoos do.”

So, was it worth it? Yes, it was 100% worth every bit of pain. Would I get another one? Hell yes. I am busy planning my next one now. It was a great experience that I am very glad to have done in my life. If you are thinking of getting a tattoo and have a solid idea of what design you would like I would recommend that you get it done. I love my tattoo and I can’t wait to get my second one. If you would like to learn more about Good Things Tattoo Co and their amazing artists please check out their website http://tamarthorn.wixsite.com/goodthingstattooco and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/goodthingstattoo/ .