First Tattoo Survival Guide: What I Wish I Knew

Getting your first tattoo is exciting, nerve-wracking, and unforgettable all at once. Whether you’ve been dreaming of it for years or you just woke up one day and thought, “today’s the day,” there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I sat in that chair. Consider this your survival guide—straight from experience and the lessons learned the hard way.

1. Choosing the Right Artist Is Everything

Survival Tip: Don’t pick the closest shop or the cheapest price—pick the right artist.

When I was planning my first tattoo, I almost booked with the first shop Google showed me. Luckily, a friend stepped in and told me to research. I went down the rabbit hole of Instagram portfolios and suddenly realized how different every artist’s style is.

• Want fine line flowers? Find an artist who specializes in them.

• Want bold color traditional? Look for someone who loves that style.

It’s like hiring a chef: you wouldn’t ask a sushi master to make Texas BBQ.

2. Placement Matters More Than You Think

Survival Tip: Test the placement before you commit.

I thought I wanted my first tattoo on my ribs. Sounds cool, right? Until I realized that (a) it hurts like crazy there, and (b) I actually wanted to show it off more than hide it. In the end, I went with my forearm.

Try this: draw the design on your skin with a pen or place a temporary tattoo in the spot you’re considering. Live with it for a day—see how it feels in the mirror, at work, or at the gym. You’ll know if it feels right.

3. Yes, It Hurts—but Not the Way You Think

Survival Tip: Don’t psych yourself out.

Everyone will tell you how painful tattoos are. The truth? It’s different for everyone and depends on placement. My forearm felt like a cat scratch that just wouldn’t stop. Annoying, but not unbearable. My friend’s first tattoo on her foot? She swears it was like electricity running through her bones.

Rule of thumb: fleshy areas (outer arm, thigh, calf) hurt less; bony areas (ribs, ankles, spine) hurt more.

4. Bring Your Survival Kit

Survival Tip: Pack like you’re going on a mini-adventure.

Here’s what I wish I’d brought with me:

• A snack (granola bar, banana—low blood sugar can make you dizzy).

• A water bottle (hydration helps your skin and your nerves).

• Headphones or a good playlist (distracts from the buzz of the machine).

• A loose hoodie (easy to move around in, and you’ll want comfort after).

I didn’t bring headphones my first time, and spent two hours listening to the buzzing needle and my artist humming off-key. Never again.

5. Aftercare Is Non-Negotiable

Survival Tip: Your tattoo doesn’t end when the machine stops.

The real survival part? Healing. I learned the hard way that skipping moisturizer = itchy disaster.

Here’s the golden aftercare rule:

• Keep it clean with fragrance-free soap.

• Moisturize with a tattoo-safe lotion (not Vaseline, not coconut oil).

• Don’t scratch when it peels (yes, it will peel).

• No swimming, no saunas, no tanning beds until fully healed.

Think of it as caring for a little wound with a masterpiece inside.

6. The Mental Game

Survival Tip: Don’t panic halfway through.

Halfway into my session, my brain started screaming, “What if I hate this forever?” Totally normal. Remember: tattoos look darker and harsher when fresh. Once healed, lines soften and the design becomes part of you.

Take a breath, trust your choice, and focus on the reason you wanted it in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Your first tattoo will always be special. You might overthink it, you might make a few mistakes, but you’ll also walk out of the shop carrying a piece of art that’s yours forever. That mix of adrenaline, nerves, and pride? Unmatched.

So, if you’re planning your first tattoo—survive it, enjoy it, and wear it proudly.