If you’re the sort who can’t commit to anything from a person to a moisturiser (here’s what you should be using), getting inked might seem incredibly scary — like, “we’re-the-millers-no-ragret” scary.
To aid you in the right to bare arms, we came up with a short guide (seriously, it’s shorter than a Calvin Harris song) with Agus Tan of High Tides Tattoo Studio (@Hathawaylane) — a tattoo veteran of seven years — on how to get that first ink. From inception to execution and how to make sure your first looks good with time, these tips will prevent any tattoo virgin from looking like a 90s relic.
Stop. Pause. Think.
“The most common mistake first-timers make is they tend to rush into getting inked without thinking it through or they tend to be eager and become susceptible to suggestions from friends or their artist.”
Seriously. Think about it.
“Tribal tattoos, butterflies and anything with thorns are very outdated to me so go for something neo-traditional instead.”
Placement is Key.
“People should avoid tattooing their lower backs, fingers, or the top of their feet. Tattoos on the lower back don’t look good in today’s culture (editor’s note: tramp stamp) and tattoos on the feet or fingers will fade fairly quickly when compared to other parts of the body.”
Don’t Sweat the Significance.
“In my personal opinion, tattoos don’t have to have meanings. I’ve tattooed people who really just like the style of work I produce and I have also have people who come to me to execute a tattoo that holds a meaning to them. It’s all up to the person’s perspective and point of view.”
It’s only for Soundcloud Rappers.
“I will never do gang or facial tattoos. I will also reject someone if they request for a hand or neck tattoo (especially if they have none) as I do not want to be the reason that they have difficulty looking for future employment.”
Always Use Protection.
“Post-tattoo care like moisturising is actually the most important step of the process. I can do a tattoo very well but if the client doesn’t take care of it when it’s healing, the outcome will not be as good so aftercare and protection is extremely important.”
The Rumour is True.
“It’s usually women who are able to handle the pain better than men to be honest. Although I do have male clients who can bear the pain fairly well too.”
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