If this is your first one, take a breath. It’s a big deal to you, but it’s Tuesday for us, and we mean that in the best way. Here’s what actually matters before you go in.

Eat first. Seriously.

Getting tattooed on an empty stomach is the #1 reason people feel lightheaded mid-session. Have a real meal within a couple hours of your appointment.

Sleep the night before.

Tired bodies handle pain and stress worse. This isn’t superstition, it’s just physiology.

Skip the alcohol beforehand.

Alcohol thins your blood, which means more bleeding, which makes the artist’s job harder and can affect how the ink sits.

Wear something that gives access to the area.

If it’s on your ribs, don’t show up in a bodysuit. Think about what you can comfortably move or remove.

Bring a real reference, even if it’s rough.

You don’t need a finished design, that’s literally the artist’s job. But bring photos, Pinterest boards, whatever gets the idea across. “Something like this but different” is a totally fine starting point.

Ask about pain honestly, and expect a real answer.

We’ll tell you straight: bony areas like ribs, spine, feet, and hands hurt more, fleshier areas like the outer arm, thigh, and calf hurt less. Anyone who tells you it doesn’t hurt at all is selling you something.

Know that first tattoos are often smaller than people plan.

There’s nothing wrong with starting small. A lot of people come in wanting a big piece for their first one and leave happier having started with something simpler while they learn how their body handles it.

Plan your aftercare before you leave, not after.

Ask questions in the chair. What product did they use? How long do you leave it on? When can you shower normally, work out again, get back in the sun?

Most importantly, it’s genuinely fine to be nervous. We see first-timers all the time, and a good artist will read the room and slow down if you need it. That’s part of the job.