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Getting Your First Tattoo: What to Expect

Advice for getting your first tattoo — what to expect, how to choose, and prep.

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200 threads in this topic

• First tattoo gun
  116 messages · 7/5/2010
• JWERK!!! WE STRUCK IT RICH!!!!
  63 messages · 6/29/2006
• Help with my Tattoo Shop
  62 messages · 11/28/2009
• OT: Hey Gabe
  60 messages · 6/8/2008
• Christian shops in the Bay Area
  49 messages · 4/20/2012
• unique brand tattoo ink
  48 messages · 8/25/2015
• Summer Projects
  47 messages · 6/5/2006
• Question about "responsibility"
  47 messages · 10/3/2006
• has any one had a prob. with skin candy ink?
  44 messages · 1/13/2010
• need info please
  38 messages · 8/4/2006
• Tattoos and discrimination
  33 messages · 10/10/2009
• Playboy bunny tattoo
  33 messages · 2/7/2011
• WHAT SHOULD I BUY FOR MY FIRST TATTOO MACHINES
  31 messages · 9/17/2007
• My First Tattoo
  31 messages · 6/30/2006
• Electrolysis Over a Tattoo
  27 messages · 7/9/2006
• Odd Placement
  25 messages · 9/17/2006
• Best Texas and Louisiana artists?
  25 messages · 2/25/2011
• sexy tattoo
  24 messages · 8/26/2006
• first tattoo!
  24 messages · 6/6/2006
• Considering this for first tattoo-
  23 messages · 6/14/2006
• Breaking out
  23 messages · 4/13/2006
• PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!
  22 messages · 4/11/2006
• One once said be ya own person don't trace other's steps!!
  21 messages · 5/24/2006
• Spiderman/Venom tattoo?
  21 messages · 6/20/2010
• Age and Tattoos
  20 messages · 7/8/2007
• How long did you research your first Tattoo?
  20 messages · 6/26/2006
• Didn't mean to disappear
  20 messages · 7/21/2006
• Ear tattoo
  20 messages · 9/4/2014
• Anybody know great tatoo artist in Toronto Canada?
  19 messages · 11/24/2010
• im looking for a playboy tattoo...
  19 messages · 11/6/2007
• why did i have to take my pants off?
  18 messages · 12/12/2005
• what was your first tattoo
  18 messages · 12/17/2005
• WHERES THE DRAMA....
  17 messages · 11/23/2006
• Palm of hand Tattoos
  17 messages · 7/3/2014
• This website is starting to feature some bad tattoos
  17 messages · 5/8/2006
• ink ingredients
  17 messages · 6/1/2014
• Bumps popping up all over my tattoo
  17 messages · 12/15/2014
• Tattooing minors in New England
  17 messages · 1/16/2007
• Georgia Has No Tattoo Artist, just Tattooist
  16 messages · 7/2/2006
• Did I ruined my first tattoo?
  16 messages · 1/20/2012
• One week today
  16 messages · 10/4/2006
• who in SF area would do this best?
  15 messages · 4/25/2006
• Gynocology
  15 messages · 3/28/2006
• blisters on my new tattoo
  15 messages · 4/12/2006
• Tatto artists in W-B
  15 messages · 4/16/2006
• Thank you :)
  15 messages · 9/23/2008
• Hope for scratchers?
  14 messages · 2/14/2008
• married to my tattooist
  14 messages · 6/23/2006
• Changing peoples minds regarding Tattoos
  14 messages · 7/30/2006
• Nerosporin
  13 messages · 2/11/2006
• tattoo etiquette?
  13 messages · 6/15/2006
• fair tattoo apprenticeship
  13 messages · 12/10/2010
• Tattoo artists using photos of tattoos without permission?
  13 messages · 8/2/2007
• prep h for tats
  13 messages · 7/21/2006
• Ocean after tattoo??
  13 messages · 4/7/2010
• When to say when...
  13 messages · 9/19/2006
• Apollo Tattoo Machine
  13 messages · 2/18/2011
• I need Some constructive Criticism
  12 messages · 9/14/2006
• Bad experience in CT- advice?
  12 messages · 11/2/2007
• Ointment
  12 messages · 6/28/2006
• How big is too big?
  12 messages · 7/28/2006
• first tattoo!
  11 messages · 6/5/2006
• TATTOOIN TIPS!!!
  11 messages · 12/23/2006
• Practise Your Talent Of Commenting Artwork Here!
  11 messages · 10/17/2006
• New England Tattoos
  11 messages · 4/24/2007
• Green Soap
  11 messages · 3/11/2008
• Looking for Barrel of Monkeys Arm Band
  11 messages · 9/3/2007
• NY I.N.K. 104 MacDougal St
  10 messages · 5/20/2009
• Opinion on this Runic.
  10 messages · 6/9/2006
• tattoo for minors
  10 messages · 8/9/2007
• healing process - what to expect
  10 messages · 5/8/2007
• Fainting/Passing Out?
  10 messages · 1/30/2007
• TOUCH UPS ON NEW WORK...
  9 messages · 7/26/2006
• machines
  9 messages · 8/16/2006
• Best after care lotion for tattoo?
  9 messages · 3/9/2010
• Very disapponted first timer!
  9 messages · 1/25/2009
• i am peeling the skin out my tattoo
  9 messages · 5/15/2007
• Looking for a good wildlife artist in new england areas
  9 messages · 5/17/2006
• help my new tat looks ruined
  9 messages · 8/1/2009
• tattoo sheddin/extended aftercare
  9 messages · 2/20/2008
• Rubber Duckie Tattoo on girls
  9 messages · 7/6/2006
• I think I ruined my FIRST tattoo.
  9 messages · 4/30/2010
• Tattoo artists won't help me fix a bad tattoo?
  9 messages · 2/27/2008
• Best tattoo artists in NJ for black and white cursive writing
  8 messages · 1/8/2011
• Before My First Tat
  8 messages · 7/6/2005
• Artist help needed for tattoo design...
  8 messages · 6/22/2005
• Looking for a good custom tattoo artist in St. louis
  8 messages · 4/26/2006
• tattoos on center of back
  8 messages · 9/20/2005
• My Tattoo 25 years from now?
  8 messages · 10/2/2005
• Overly paranoid first timer seeks answers please!!
  8 messages · 11/22/2007
• allergies and tattoos
  8 messages · 5/1/2006
• what to do..what to doooo
  8 messages · 3/17/2006
• i need a custom tattoo design for not alot of money less than 100 dollars
  8 messages · 8/15/2006
• bumps 3 weeks later
  8 messages · 4/24/2006
• Attention Taz
  8 messages · 5/6/2006
• My New Tat Itches Like Crazy!
  8 messages · 6/22/2006
• I need your help
  8 messages · 6/27/2006
• Rubber Duckie Tattoo on girls
  8 messages · 8/28/2008
• opinions please
  8 messages · 8/31/2006
• Luggage Check
  8 messages · 3/24/2007
• filling in outline & silversin
  8 messages · 5/17/2007
• To those who have the EMS200
  8 messages · 6/8/2007
• My new arm piece
  8 messages · 8/14/2007
• First Tattoos
  8 messages · 11/7/2007
• Blotchy tattoo
  8 messages · 9/17/2008
• A Bit Of Tattoo History
  8 messages · 6/13/2009
• The first portriat I ever did
  7 messages · 4/27/2006
• new tattoo, raised ink in some spots?
  7 messages · 4/23/2007
• Have you seen this?
  7 messages · 5/31/2006
• Questions: Dragon, Diamond Look
  7 messages · 7/21/2006
• first tattoo, 50 yr female feedback on placement, size
  7 messages · 7/23/2006
• hey ppl. i'm wantin to get my first tat. any advice?
  7 messages · 5/30/2005
• How to take care of my new art
  7 messages · 3/18/2006
• My Tattoos
  7 messages · 8/13/2007
• Tattooing yourself
  7 messages · 8/3/2006
• Artist recommendation(s)?
  7 messages · 4/18/2004
• Get your own name tattooed ?
  7 messages · 9/25/2005
• Best Tattoo shop in New England for Asian style?
  7 messages · 3/10/2006
• Need help with drawing a tribal.
  7 messages · 1/8/2006
• YAY!!!!
  7 messages · 9/12/2006
• I AM GETTING MY FIRST TATTOO
  7 messages · 12/9/2005
• how much bleeding is too much?
  7 messages · 9/29/2005
• Adrenaline Piercing and tattoos Montreal
  7 messages · 4/8/2007
• would an artist be able to do this?
  7 messages · 11/25/2005
• artist postion open in north orange county shop.
  7 messages · 6/7/2005
• blisters on my new tattoo
  7 messages · 7/22/2012
• tattoo virgin
  7 messages · 7/10/2006
• Help with my design?
  7 messages · 5/19/2007
• These days i feel stuck in muuuuuuud
  7 messages · 8/24/2006
• Black & White Portrait Tattoo Artist
  7 messages · 10/18/2006
• I have a new sparkle!!
  6 messages · 4/17/2006
• Who designs the best crosses in NYC?
  6 messages · 4/4/2007
• 12 wrap cils
  6 messages · 8/25/2006
• Staten Island, NY. Studio reviews?
  6 messages · 10/26/2005
• Cover-ups
  6 messages · 7/5/2006
• Is something wrong?????????????
  6 messages · 5/31/2006
• where's the best place to get at tat on your body??
  6 messages · 8/21/2007
• tat healing?
  6 messages · 9/12/2006
• I've got the design in my head....now what?
  6 messages · 3/31/2006
• What is happening with my tattoo!!
  6 messages · 7/21/2006
• Side-effects of Tattooing
  6 messages · 5/30/2006
• Trying to open new shop.
  6 messages · 10/12/2006
• too much a&d???
  6 messages · 1/7/2008
• 14 tattoos later why now?
  6 messages · 2/10/2008
• My First Tattoo
  6 messages · 4/28/2006
• Thinking About Ink... Boston or Los Angeles
  6 messages · 10/7/2005
• First tattoo
  6 messages · 4/22/2006
• Bad Decision...Help x.X
  6 messages · 6/20/2006
• new tattoo
  6 messages · 2/8/2006
• HOW MUCH HAVE YOU SPENT?
  6 messages · 12/13/2006
• Second tattoo
  6 messages · 12/3/2005
• Questions About Visible Tattoo's And Regrets
  6 messages · 1/25/2007
• help with first tattoo
  6 messages · 8/12/2006
• tattoo questions for a newbie
  6 messages · 3/2/2007
• Tipping my tattoo artist?
  6 messages · 3/7/2007
• Who do you recommend for a tattoo Phoenix, AZ
  6 messages · 3/12/2007
• 3 days in.
  5 messages · 7/6/2006
• Infected or not?
  5 messages · 5/27/2006
• Nascar themed tat wanted
  5 messages · 7/28/2006
• First Tattoo, I'm In Need Of A Little Advice.
  5 messages · 8/8/2006
• Looking 4 Pop Art Tattoo Artist in ORANGE COUNTY CA
  5 messages · 4/9/2006
• Hawaiian tattoo ideas please
  5 messages · 8/23/2005
• I'm getting my FIRST tat on my lower back, I NEED ADVISE PLZ!
  5 messages · 3/26/2006
• 1st Tattoo in Los Angeles
  5 messages · 10/17/2006
• tattoos shrinking/expanding
  5 messages · 3/10/2006
• Paolini Machines- Yes or No?
  5 messages · 11/15/2006
• What's Wrong With My New Tattoo ?
  5 messages · 11/10/2006
• best place to get a tattoo done
  5 messages · 11/22/2006
• Thinking of getting my first tattoo need advice !
  5 messages · 2/20/2006
• Lower lower belly tattoo and pregnancy?
  5 messages · 2/2/2006
• R.I.P. Walter Moskowitz
  5 messages · 2/8/2007
• NEED HELP with opening shop have some questions
  5 messages · 7/26/2008
• Good Tattoo Shops
  5 messages · 3/24/2007
• southen california tattoo parlors
  5 messages · 10/29/2005
• OK, I'm a pussy
  5 messages · 10/10/2005
• Green monster
  5 messages · 5/26/2007
• Need shop/Artist recommendation
  5 messages · 5/31/2007
• Gun Assembly, NEED HELP!!!!!!
  5 messages · 10/18/2008
• Tribals with meaning?
  5 messages · 8/31/2005
• Looking For Tattoo Artist in Cali/Oregon
  5 messages · 8/23/2005
• what tattoo ink brands do you reccommend?
  5 messages · 3/25/2011
• First Tattoo: Love it or Hate it?
  5 messages · 8/10/2007
• Artists Input
  5 messages · 9/28/2007
• Looking for good tattoo artist
  5 messages · 8/24/2005
• What to look for?
  5 messages · 7/26/2005
• Kuro Sumi Black Outlining Ink
  5 messages · 1/6/2008
• Pain: By Hand Vs. Machine
  5 messages · 2/1/2008
• Plant Tattoos for Top of Back
  5 messages · 7/13/2005
• Motor City Detroit Tattoo Convention?
  5 messages · 2/19/2008
• Artist in Memphis
  5 messages · 8/7/2005
• tattoo infection
  5 messages · 6/13/2006
• Covering Up A Half-Removed Tattoo
  5 messages · 3/16/2005
• question for a tattoo
  5 messages · 6/12/2006
• any suggestions
  5 messages · 6/28/2006
• Tattoos In Sacramento Area
  5 messages · 7/14/2010
• Tattoo healing
  5 messages · 6/30/2006
• tattoo history
  5 messages · 5/31/2006
• Questions to ask my artist
  4 messages · 6/10/2006
• Tattoo placement
  4 messages · 4/7/2006
• First Tattoo, have been sketching for about a year now i have what i want.
  4 messages · 7/14/2005