For your first tattoo, it's best to choose a small design somewhere the skin isn't too sensitive: the outer shoulder, forearm or thigh. Start with a free consultation, get a good night's sleep before the session and find out about aftercare in advance. Feeling nervous is normal, and it usually passes within the first ten minutes.
Choosing your first tattoo design
Your first tattoo doesn't have to be the most meaningful thing in your life. It's enough to like how the design looks. Meaning often comes later, and a good, simple piece will make you happy for years.
For a first tattoo, these usually work well:
- Botanicals. A sprig, a flower, an ear of wheat: designs like these fit easily anywhere and can be added to later.
- Simple graphic work. A few clean lines will still read clearly ten years on.
- A small symbol. A sign that means something to you, without tiny details.
Don't try to fit everything into your first piece. One clear idea looks better than five meanings crammed into one design. The rest can wait for your second tattoo — and there will most likely be one.
Size: smaller isn't always better
It can feel as if a small tattoo is the safer choice. But when a design is too small, the lines merge over time, and the details turn into a blur. If the design includes lettering or fine detail, your artist may suggest making it a little bigger.
There's more on how size works with composition and placement in “Tattoo size and composition”.
Placement for a first tattoo
For a first tattoo, people choose a spot where the pain is manageable and the tattoo is easy to look after. Ideally, you can see it yourself and cover it with clothing if you want to.
- Gentler: outer shoulder, forearm, thigh, calf.
- More intense: inner arm, shoulder blade, ankle.
- Harder for a first tattoo: ribs, feet, hands, collarbones, spine.
For a quick guide to each area, see the “Body area directory”. For help choosing where a particular design will work best, see “Choosing your tattoo placement”.
How much a first tattoo costs
A first tattoo is usually small and done in one session. The price depends on size and detail, not on whether it's your first or your tenth.
- Consultation
- free
- Design for your session
- free
- Mini tattoo up to 5 cm
- from €80
- Tattoo 5–15 cm
- from €150
- First mini tattoo
- from €80
For more on why tattoos of the same size can cost different amounts, see “What goes into the price of a tattoo”.
What happens at each stage
It usually takes a few weeks to get from the first idea to a healed tattoo. Here are the steps:
- ConsultationHalf an hour online or at the studio: the idea, placement, size and your questions. No commitment.
- DesignThe artist draws a design to suit you and your chosen placement. Any changes are discussed before the session.
- PreparationGet enough sleep, eat, skip alcohol the day before and wear comfortable clothes.
- SessionFirst comes the stencil and a check in the mirror, then the tattooing and finally the protective film. A small design usually takes a couple of hours, including preparation.
- AftercareLook after your tattoo carefully for two to three weeks while it heals.
More on each step in “Preparing for your session” and “How a tattoo session works”.
What people worry about before their first session
Everyone's fears are much the same, and almost all of them go away after one conversation with the artist.
- Pain. It feels like intense scratching. The first few minutes are the most unpleasant, then your body gets used to it.
- Blood. There's very little: the skin bleeds slightly, and the artist wipes it off with a tissue right away.
- Not liking it. You check the stencil on your skin before tattooing starts. If something's off, it's reapplied as many times as needed.
- Saying “stop”. Breaks are a normal part of a session. You can ask for water or a breather at any time.
Check before your session
Run through this list the day before so you know what to have ready for your session:
If you're unwell or taking medication, have a look at “Restrictions and contraindications” and let your artist know in advance.
The first few days after
After the session, the artist will cover the tattoo with film and tell you when to take it off. From then on, it all comes down to careful aftercare: wash it with clean hands, don't scratch, don't pick the scabs, and stay out of the sun, the sea and swimming pools until the skin has healed.
For step-by-step guidance, see “Tattoo film and the first few hours”, “Daily tattoo aftercare” and “Tattoo healing timeline”.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before their first tattoo. Can't find your question? Message me on Telegram or Instagram. I reply personally.
Can I bring a friend?
Usually yes, but it's best to let the artist know in advance. Having someone there for support helps, but a whole group gets distracting.
What if I feel unwell during the session?
Say so straight away. The artist will stop and give you some water and time to recover. It most often happens when someone hasn't eaten or slept enough.
Can I choose one of the artist's ready-made designs?
Yes, many artists have ready-made designs, known as flash. For a first tattoo this is handy: you can see in advance exactly what it will look like.
How soon can I get a second tattoo?
Once the first has fully healed and you know how your skin handles a session and aftercare. There's no rush.
