Your first tattoo should be exciting, not stressful. A little preparation goes a long way toward a piece you'll love for life. Here's what to think about, step by step.
Choose a design you'll still love
Go for something that means something to you, not just a passing trend. Bold, simple ideas age better than busy ones — and a good artist can refine your concept into something that works as a tattoo. Not sure which style suits your idea? See our guide to blackwork, dotwork and dark realism.
Pick the right placement
Think about pain, visibility and how it ages. Forearms, upper arms and calves are comfortable, easy to show or cover, and age well. Fingers, feet and ribs are more painful and fade faster. (Our pain guide breaks this down.)
Choose the right artist
This is the most important decision. Find someone who specialises in the style you want, with a strong portfolio of healed work and a clean, professional studio. See our guide to choosing a tattoo artist, and meet our resident artists.
Before the day
- Sleep well and eat a proper meal — never sit on an empty stomach.
- Stay hydrated and skip alcohol the night before.
- Wear comfortable clothes that expose the area easily.
- Bring ID and any reference images.
During the session
You'll see a stencil placed first — take your time to check the size and position before the needle starts. Relax, breathe steadily, and ask for a break whenever you need one. It's your tattoo and your comfort matters.
Afterwards
Healing is half the result. Follow your artist's instructions closely — and if you're in the tropics, read our aftercare guide for Bali's climate.
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