What to Expect for Your First Tattoo: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Red and Blue Tattoo
- Jul 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 21, 2024
The Red and Blue Tattoo team is excited to help you bring your first tattoo to life. We understand that getting a tattoo is a big decision and we want to make sure your first experience is comfortable and positive. This step-by-step guide will explain each step of the process, from initial design to aftercare pro tips that will keep your tattoo looking crisp for years to come.
Step 1: What Kind of Tattoo Do You Want?
There are many different styles of tattoo. Browse Instagram or Google to find reference images for styles of tattoo that you like. Bringing visual examples of styles and tattoos that you like will make the design and consultation process much easier.
Step 2: Consultation and Design
Your tattoo journey starts with a consultation. This is your opportunity to discuss your ideas, preferences, and the significance of your design with the tattoo artist. Come equipped with any reference images or sketches that inspire you. During the consultation, you will discuss the part of your body you would like to place the tattoo on and the size of your tattoo. Depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo you may require more than one session to complete your piece.
Use our instant scheduling tool to book your design consultation with the Red and Blue Tattoo team.
Based on your ideas, your Red and Blue Tattoo artist will create a draft design for your review and approval. This might require some back-and-forth communication to fine-tune the details until you are satisfied with the draft. Your artist will design both a visual of your tattoo for your approval and a stencil to apply that will guide them as they tattoo your design on your skin. The cost for this design work will be included in your session fee. You and your artist will agree upon a price range for your tattoo prior to your session to ensure there are no surprises. When you are ready to book your appointment you will put down a small deposit to hold your session date.
On the day of your appointment, you may make some last-minute adjustments with your tattoo artist, as sometimes the placement of the tattoo on your body will require small changes.
Step 3: Preparing for Your Tattoo Session
Appointment Day: On the day of your appointment, make sure to eat a good meal and stay hydrated. Dress comfortably and wear clothing that provides easy access to the area where you will be tattooed. We have privacy walls at the shop if you want additional privacy during your session. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Red and Blue Tattoo is located in the Basin Shoppes shopping center next to Papa John’s and has ample free parking available.
Your artist will prepare your skin for the tattoo. This includes cleaning, shaving, and disinfecting the area to prevent any infections. If you have especially sensitive skin, you may elect to shave the area yourself prior to arrival at the shop. If you do shave the area yourself, let your artist know. They will still clean and disinfect the area but can skip the shaving step.
Before beginning your tattoo you will sign a tattoo consent form, in accordance with tattooing regulations in the State of Delaware. This form ensures that you are certifying that you do not have any health conditions that could negatively impact your tattoo.
Step 4: Stencil and Approval Prior to Tattooing
Once your final design is approved, your artist will create a stencil. This stencil acts as a blueprint for your tattoo and is placed on your skin with a special transfer process. You'll have a chance to see the stencil on your skin. This is the time to discuss and adjust the placement and size, ensuring that it’s exactly where and how you want it.
Your artist will reapply the stencil until you are happy with the size and placement. This process can take a little time, but a tattoo is a long-term commitment, so it’s worth it to spend the time adjusting your size and placement during the stencil process.
This is what the stencil looks like. If you look closely, you can see ‘ghost’ marks of where a previous stencil was placed as we worked to refine the tattoo’s final placement:
Step 5: Tattooing Process
Session Length: Tattoo sessions can last from 1 hour to several hours depending on the complexity and size of the design. We'll give you an estimated duration beforehand so you can plan accordingly.
Tattooing involves needles, so some discomfort is inevitable. However, we strive to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Feel free to speak up if you need a break during the session. There are also some products that can be used for minor topical numbing. These products do not eliminate the sensation but can reduce it.
If your tattoo is large, complex your piece may require multiple sessions to complete. We'll discuss this possibility in advance so you know what to expect in terms of time commitment and cost. If you require multiple sessions we will schedule each appointment approximately 3 weeks apart to give your tattoo time to heal. This is an example of what a multi-session tattoo looks like so you can see how it comes to life:
Step 6: Aftercare
Immediate Care: Once the tattoo is done, your artist will clean the area again and apply a thin layer of ointment and a bandage. Your tattoo may weep ink for several hours after your appointment, this is normal.
Home Care Instructions: You will be provided with aftercare instructions, which include keeping the tattoo clean with anti-bacterial soap several times per day, applying ointment as directed (Aquaphor is a common option), and avoiding sun exposure. We will discuss aftercare options with you at your appointment in addition to sending you home with written instructions. Depending on your tattoo’s size and placement, we may recommend a second skin product for your healing process. Proper aftercare is crucial to prevent infection and ensure your tattoo heals well and looks great.
Step 7: Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is customary in the tattoo industry. While it is not mandatory, it is a nice way to show appreciation for your artist’s hard work. Similarly to the restaurant or salon industry, the typical tip is around 15-20% of the total cost of the session. If your tattoo requires multiple sessions, it is customary to tip at the conclusion of each session.
Step 8: 1-Year Red and Blue Tattoo Satisfaction Guarantee
Your tattoo is important to you, and your satisfaction is important to us. If you notice anything needs a touch up we'll do it free of charge for up to 1 year. Sometimes as tattoos heal, colors are less vibrant or need a little re-touch to fill them completely, if that happens, we’ve got you!
Let’s Book Your First Tattoo
Getting your first tattoo is an exciting experience, and being well-prepared can help make it a positive and memorable one. We hope this guide has helped set your expectations. We look forward to helping you bring your vision to life!
About Red and Blue Tattoo
Red and Blue Tattoo is located on Route 141 in New Castle, Delaware, in the Basin Shoppes shopping center, just minutes from I-95. Owner and operator John Vega has over 14 years of tattooing experience and has assembled a team of talented artists to bring your tattoo to life. We look forward to working with you.
Kommentarer