Getting your first tattoo is equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. Everyone has opinions — your friends, the internet, strangers. Most of what you’ll read either overdramatises the pain or dismisses your concerns entirely.

This is the honest version.

Before You Book: Do Your Research

The biggest mistake first-timers make is booking the cheapest option or walking into the nearest studio on impulse. A tattoo is permanent. Spend real time researching artists whose healed work you love — not just their freshly-done portfolio shots.

Things to look for in an artist:

  • Consistent line weight in healed photos
  • Clean colour saturation (no patchy fading)
  • A style that genuinely matches what you want
  • Positive reviews that mention the consultation process, not just the result

The Consultation

A good artist will want to talk to you before they start drawing. This is your chance to:

  • Share reference images (bring several, not just one)
  • Discuss placement and sizing
  • Ask about their process and estimated session time
  • Get a rough price range

Don’t be shy about asking questions. Any professional tattoo artist welcomes a prepared client. If an artist seems annoyed by questions before the session, that’s a red flag.

Preparing for Your Session

The day before:

  • Moisturise the area to be tattooed
  • Get a full night of sleep
  • Avoid alcohol (it thins the blood and affects healing)

The day of:

  • Eat a proper meal 1–2 hours before
  • Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area
  • Bring snacks and a drink for longer sessions
  • Arrive clean — shower and don’t apply lotion to the tattooed area that day

What the Pain Actually Feels Like

Pain is highly subjective and depends on placement (see our placement guide), your personal tolerance, and how rested you are. Most people describe it as:

  • A persistent scratching or burning sensation
  • A vibrating pressure (from the machine)
  • Occasional sharper stings over bony areas

The sensation is manageable. Millions of people do it every day. Focus on your breathing, and don’t hesitate to ask for a short break if you need one.

During the Session

  • Stay still. Movement creates wobbly lines.
  • Communicate. If something hurts more than expected, tell your artist.
  • Don’t look constantly. Trust the process and relax.
  • Avoid caffeine — it can make you jittery and increase sensitivity.

After the Session

Your artist will wrap the tattoo and give you aftercare instructions. Follow them precisely — the healing phase is where most tattoo problems begin. Read our full aftercare guide for detailed steps.

How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?

Pricing varies by artist experience, studio location, design complexity, and session length. As a rule:

Good tattoos aren’t cheap. Cheap tattoos aren’t good.

Expect to pay a premium for quality work. A talented artist is an investment — the piece will be on your body for life. Most established artists charge by the hour (anywhere from €80 to €300+/hour depending on location and reputation) or a flat rate for smaller pieces.

Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

  • Booking too small (tiny details blur and fade over time)
  • Choosing a placement you haven’t thought through
  • Not eating before the session
  • Ignoring aftercare instructions
  • Exposing fresh ink to sun, pools, or the sea

Ready to book your first session? Get in touch — I love working with first-timers and will walk you through every step of the process.