What to consider before getting your first tattoo
Before a first tattoo, think about the design, its meaning, where it sits on the body and the reputation of the tattoo artist you choose.
Getting tattooed for the first time is a big step. Whether it is symbolic, artistic or purely aesthetic, a tattoo marks the skin, and it also marks a moment in your life.
At Ray studios, we regularly meet people who come in to remove or change their very first tattoo, often because they did not have all the information at the time. Here are the key points to consider before you go ahead.
1. Your motivation: why this tattoo?
First of all, ask yourself the right question: what am I trying to express?
- A personal meaning (a date, a name, a symbol)?
- An aesthetic desire?
- An impulse tied to a trend, a moment or a group?
There is no right or wrong reason, but it is essential to have a little perspective. A well considered tattoo will always be easier to live with over time.
Tip: sit with the design in mind for a few weeks. If you still want it, you are on the right track.
2. The design: look, meaning and how it ages
A first tattoo is often small, discreet and symbolic. But it should stay legible, durable and consistent with your personal style.
Here is what to take into account:
- Detail: too fine means a risk of blurring over time,
- Trends: be careful with passing fashions,
- Meaning: some images carry strong cultural or personal connotations,
- Age and change: what you love at 18 may not hold true at 30.
Think ahead. A tattoo, even a small one, ages with you.
3. The placement: visibility and ageing
Every area of the body behaves differently over time.
Some areas:
- Move (stomach, hips),
- Get sun exposure (forearms, back of the neck),
- Are painful (ribs, feet),
- Age differently (hands, neck).
It is also important to think about:
- Visibility at work,
- How exposed it is to other people's eyes,
- The option of covering or changing the tattoo later.
4. Choosing your tattoo artist: an essential point
A good tattoo starts with the right professional.
- Ask to see a portfolio,
- Check the hygiene and the reputation of the studio,
- Make sure the artist's style matches what you want,
- Avoid tattoos done between friends or in unregistered settings.
A good tattoo artist:
- Advises without pushing,
- Takes the time to listen,
- Offers a bespoke design,
- Respects your need for time to think.
5. Aftercare: do not neglect it
A tattoo is a superficial wound.
So you need to:
- Clean it daily with a mild soap,
- Apply a suitable healing cream,
- Avoid sun, swimming pools and friction for at least two weeks,
- Not pick the scabs.
Poor healing can compromise the final result, or make a touch-up necessary.
6. And if one day you no longer like it?
That is a question worth asking from the very start.
- Could this design be covered up if needed?
- Is it placed somewhere that allows a rework?
- Do I know the tattoo removal options if I regret it?
A good first tattoo is also one that is well considered, well placed, well executed and, if needed, changeable.
Key points
Before a first tattoo, take the time to:
- Think about what it means to you,
- Choose a design that lasts,
- Consider the placement,
- Select a good tattoo artist,
- Look after your skin properly,
- And accept that one day you might want it to change.
At Ray studios, we believe a good tattoo is one chosen with full awareness. And if one day you feel the need to lighten it, transform it or remove it, our skin therapists will be there to support you, without judgement and with professionalism.
