HOW TO Pick Your First Tattoo

A Guide to Take With a Grain of Salt

What is the Right Tattoo for You?

Whether it's your first or thirtieth tattoo, each tattoo creates a permanent impact on your life. It might be a smaller change, like just having something new and beautiful to look at, and that you can cherish on a personal level. It could also have a bigger impact on your life, changing the way people look at you on a broader level.

See my informal guide below on making wise decisions about your next tattoo.

The First Question

I believe the most effective question anyone should ask themselves when they are ready to get a new tattoo is: ''How much of my skin do I want to commit at this moment?''

How big/small of an impact will this tattoo create in my life from this change (basically)?

From the placement to the imagery, to the artist you choose, and your budget, every element of a tattoo matters when making that decision. There is no right or wrong answer, but knowing your answer so you can make a conscious decision is the most important part. Even if your tattoo is just for shits and giggles, knowing how much of your body you want to commit to a specific vibe is the responsible path into making the right decision FOR YOU.

One you won't ever regret or wanna forget.

This was my first one when I was tattoo-naked. My back piece now covers it!

Enough of this serious PSA I only tattoo adults, so I trust that this is a given. But this is a good reminder that in my chair, it will always be a sanctuary for empowering you.

Your First Tattoo

Choose something that you have no doubt that you LOVE. Even if you don't end up loving having a tattoo, and this is the only tattoo you ever have. At least it is something you love with all your heart, and you devoted yourself to whatever it is that you cherish on a skin-deep level. That devotion act of itself is beautiful!

I think it's wiser to explore the tattoo world one toe at a time because it is always easier to add than to remove. So size-wise, I strongly suggest going with something small first and learn how to care for a small tattoo before a big one. That being said, I've seen people getting a full sleeve as a first tattoo. To me, it's pretty wild, but that way to go about it fits those people's personalities.

So to each its own journey!

The Placement

Where you put the tattoo on your body can influence the time the tattoo will take. Some areas are more delicate to work with and require a slower approach for the best result. Such as the ribs, throat, or ditches. When selecting those areas for placement, make sure that you are aware that all areas are not made equal.

Also, something to consider is whether touch-ups will be necessary or not. Any ''high traffic'' area (meaning: parts of your body that move, creases, see the sun, are prone to clothing friction, a lot) will most likely require touch-ups. For example, hands, wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, and feet. Touch-up sessions are usually booked when the tattoo has healed within the first year of the tattoo's life.

Pain comes hand in hand with tattoos, whether it's during or while it heals. So prioritize your decision solely on the pain aspect. Tattoos can be done in multiple sessions if you think your tolerance might be lower. And so many pain tolerance techniques exist in the realm of mindfulness.

Another part to consider is the meaning of where you put the design and where it is placed. For example, if you put the name of someone on your heart, it might mean something different than putting it on a butt cheek! Also, think if it will be for you to read it or for the world. You might want to consider whether you want to put it at a spot that you will always see the tattoo or a spot that is more difficult to see. So much that you might forget from time to time that it's there!

In my practice, I believe that the tattoos done on the ''trunk'' of the body (head, neck, chest, back, pelvis) are vital areas to get tattooed. You cannot live without those parts of the body, and the ink gets woven into your core. But you could lose an arm in an accident, for example. And lose a whole chunk of your journey on top of an important part of you. So I prefer to include the core of your story in those vital spots.

Another important part of placement to consider, sadly, is how the tattoo will impact people's judgment of your life. Way less nowadays, but still today, if you get a visible face/throat tattoo, for example, your tattoo might change people's perception of you and limit you in some aspects of your life. Or if your visible tattoos are quite obscene or shocking(nothing wrong with that) you might get looked at more than you did before you had those tattoos. Strangers' looks don't hurt, but in my own journey, I have felt very uncomfortable in certain circumstances because of my tattoos. Again, there is nothing wrong with getting visible tattoos wherever you want them, of whatever you want. But I'd really be sad to know I transformed someone irresponsibly and affected their life negatively. So if I question you about your project, it is my way to see if I feel comfortable changing you in that way. I suggest exploring that facet of society one tattoo at a time at a speed that feels comfortable.

The placement is more than just slapping the design on the body; make sure you communicate with your artist on the vibe you're going for and see how the placement can enhance the final feel of your piece.

The Imagery/Design

The image you choose will be the base for the vibe of your body and how you express your personality. If your tastebuds are more vibrant, colour tattoos might be well suited for you. Are you more detail-oriented or more of an abstract thinker? So many questions to ask yourself and see how your visual puzzle is constituted!

If you are in search of something unique and original, I strongly advise against typing ''tattoo idea'' or ''tattoo of ...'' on Google or Pinterest. I would stay away from even typing ''tattoo'' in your search bar.

Instead, see what image keeps sticking in your mind and what your eyes are attracted to when you're on Instagram or in books if you read, or in your day-to-day life. Chances are that what you are attracted to has high significance in your life, and it will make it even more unique to you if you get inspired by your own experience rather than other people's.

When you know what symbol/image you want, you search for the image of your taste from all types of reference pictures (not just tattoos).

For brownie points, ask your tattoo artist to take your favourite references and recreate that image in their style! Your artist might even have ready-to-tattoo designs that are unique and never tattooed before.

HOWEVER, there's nothing wrong with getting a popular image. For example, butterflies have been one of THE most tattooed designs of all time, and it still is! Doesn't mean it's worse or better. I call those designs ''The Classics'', the ones that never go out of style and have been tattooed thousands of times.

Check this article to see the first tattoo I did on myself of a butterfly!

https://www.rosibert.com/post/what-is-the-right-tattoo-artist-in-calgary

Make sure to check with your artist that the art you bring them is not copyrighted (especially for illustrative styles). If it is an image coming from a different artist than your tattoo artist, I suggest seeing if the original artist tattoos near you and go to them instead. If they don't tattoo, perhaps buying merch from them, as well as asking permission to get the design tattooed, is always appreciated.

If you can't source the original image, it is likely that you won't find the original artist, and at some point, it's not worth looking into further. Then, I'd suggest asking your artist to rework it into their style to avoid any copyright law infringement.

You can even let the universe decide what your tattoo will be with a ''GET WHAT YOU GET'' tattoo! There are the gumball machines, the dice, cards, Panko, darts, and so many more luck based game that dictate what your tattoo will be. Those types of tattoos are usually set to a certain size (usually palm size), discounted and not customizable. Ask your artist if they do any of them and what their process is, as the rules are different for every artist! Those games make for a very fun, exciting and spontaneous session.

Understanding what you want your image to be on your body is one of the crucial steps in the decision-making process.

As we say, an image is worth a thousand words.

Choosing Your Tattoo Artist

To choose your artist, see for someone who is at a realistic distance from you. If you want big work done, it might be more convenient to choose a local artist whom you can see multiple times easily. However, if travelling is no big deal for you, or you want something smaller, by all means, the world is your oyster!

The most important factor to consider when choosing your artist is the trust you have in them. Ask to see healed work, and any questions you might have about their process, they should be able to answer. See how you mesh with the artist during your consultation. At the end of the tattoo, their energy will be embedded in that tattoo and will live on with you, so you should at least not hate them. I'm big on following my gut feeling, personally.

Booking for a consult is often the best way to feel the vibe without the pressure of the commitment!

Budget, Size, and Style

Now that you know what design you want, where you want it and by whom, you can get a better idea of how much your tattoo will cost. Colour, details, bigger size, and difficult placement can dramatically bring up the cost of a tattoo. So if you are working on a tighter budget, it might be wise to discuss it with your artist so you can work on a vision within your price range. Lots of shops work with minimum prices for tiny tattoos, and each artist usually sets their own prices. Some artists work per hour, and some charge flat prices (often for flashes). Make sure you talk money with your artist during your consult to avoid any uncomfortable surprises.

You can find all my booking info and rates in my FAQ below.

https://www.rosibert.com/faq

Cheap Tattoos

''Can't I just get a tattoo kit and do it myself?''

Remember that by looking for a cheap tattoo, you might be compromising on the quality and the integrity of your vision. I cannot stress enough that a tattoo will be on you for the rest of your life, and it goes INTO your body. So choosing a reputable shop that has artists trained with blood-borne pathogen certifications and training will greatly reduce the risks that come with getting a tattoo.

When you get a tattoo, you are also getting a shift in your identity. I believe that how you choose to express it

Hopefully, saving and planning for it is a way smarter decision than rushing it.

However, keep checking with your favourite local artists as they sometimes offer promotions that can allow you to get the same great tattoo at a special price, usually for a limited time or events like this charity event we did last year!

Happy Tattooing!

Getting tattooed is about getting beautiful and expressing yourself. A lot of it comes down to decision-making at the end of the day, and that is a skill that can be practiced and mastered like any other skill! Make sure to consider the most important facets of this big decision.

But most importantly, do what feels right for you!

I hope that you found this post insightful. Please take in only what resonates, and you can leave the rest. If you'd like to book a consult, a tattoo appointment, or a touch-up, you can do so by email or Instagram DMs. You can also drop in/call at Smilin' Buddha during my studio hours.

STUDIO HOURS

Wednesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday 12 PM-6 PM