How to Start Your Tattoo Journey

So you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo. Where do you start in the journey? You might already have everything mapped out in your mind. You may just be weighing the pros and cons. You may have no clue what you want but just feel that it’s time for you to take the leap. You may ask yourself “How do I start?”. It can easily be one of the best experiences of your life, or decide that it’s not for you and everywhere in-between.

There are many reasons why people get their first tattoo. It has a long history as a form of expression, as a signifier for different social statuses or for identification, and- at times- as a rite of passage. If you would like to learn more about the history of tattoos and tattoo culture you can read more about it here.

In this article we will try to put into consideration all of the many factors that go into getting tattooed. Some factors might seem obvious, while others you might not be aware of until you have already received the tattoo and wore it out into the world. Let this article lay out some of the major talking-points. 

Obviously you have to consider that a tattoo is meant to be permanent. There are also new and revolutionary methods for tattoo removal available today, but it’s important to consider the longevity of your tattoo. 

Since it is permanent then you will want to consider where in your life you are to appropriately make that decision. Would you want guidance or recommendations from your parents or mentors? Would you want to get the opinions from your peers or colleagues? Or, would the decision wholly be your own? There’s never a wrong answer, but we recommend you think about this decision through talking to people who are close to you, but knowing that you make the final decision. It’s your body and no one else’s. Age is a factor when it comes to the law. Some states require tattoo studios to have clients be at least a certain age or have their parents written consent. 

Tattoo or tattooing is the process of transferring ink underneath the skin through the use of a needle. Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo. There are many things just to consider in regards to hygiene itself. 

The next thing you will need to consider is the budget necessary to get the type of tattoo you want and from the artist you want. As the price of a tattoo varies greatly depending on artists’ skill and reputation, the style, size, placement, and duration, you will have to match your expectations to the budget that you are comfortable with. 

What about the reactions you will receive from people in your immediate circle, workplace, and the general public? Even with the mainstream acceptance to tattoos and piercings, you might experience reactions that you may or may not welcome. Whether that be judgements (positive or negative), jokes, religious beliefs about tattoos, general curiosity, or even testing boundaries in regards to physical touch or asking personal questions. Some or all of these come with the joys and baggage of getting tattoos. No matter how personal you think your tattoos are, some people will feel that you want them- strangers, friends, or family- to be a part of it. 

With all these things considered, the journey isn’t necessarily a straight line from one point to the other point. They’re all inter-related and each have different touchpoints. Let me try to explain. You might have a certain style in mind or NO style in mind. The tattoo style and design might dictate the placement. The placement then might determine the size, shape, or direction of the tattoo. You may decide on the placement first and then choose the design that will fit best. The shape and direction of the tattoo can help you decide which style should be used.

All of these multiple planes and lines can all align perfectly very easily. Oftentimes than not though- and speaking from experience- the process can be daunting. 

There is however an app called Tattd that can be your personal tool in each of these aspects. Tatted developed a system that makes the process completely immersive but simple and intuitive. Created by experts in the industry with the tattoo client in mind. From wherever you decide to start the journey; whether it's with a design already in mind or a style or just a general message you want to communicate visually, Tattd can put the pieces of the matrix together.