First Tattoo Survival Guide: Tips from a Pro Tattooer
🩸 First Time Tattoo Survival Guide
So, you’re finally getting tattooed.
It’s exciting. It’s nerve-racking. And if you’re not ready, it can be… a lot.
Don’t worry — we’ve all been there. Here’s everything you need to know to survive (and actually enjoy) your first tattoo session.
🧠 Step 1: Do Your Homework
Find an artist whose work you love, not just like. Every artist has their own style, so check portfolios, scroll Instagram, and make sure what you see lines up with what you want.
If you dig bold lines, clean color, or pop culture pieces
—you’re in good hands at Liberty Tattoo Co.
Pro tip: Book with the artist, not the shop. A good match means a better tattoo.
🍔 Step 2: Eat, Hydrate, Sleep
Showing up hungover, hungry, or running on fumes is a rookie mistake.
Eat a solid meal, drink water (not just coffee), and get a decent night’s sleep before your appointment.
Your body’s about to sit through a few hours of controlled chaos — help it out.
👕 Step 3: Dress for the Session
Wear comfy clothes that give your artist easy access to the area getting tattooed.
Skip anything tight or white.
Bring a hoodie if you’re easily cold — tattoo shops run cool for a reason.
📱 Step 4: Bring Distractions (and Good Vibes)
Music, podcasts, or a playlist help time fly. Just keep one ear open for your artist’s directions.
And yeah — nerves are normal. Most people say it’s not nearly as bad as they expected once the machine starts.
💬 Step 5: Trust the Process
Your artist has done this hundreds (if not thousands) of times.
Once you’re in the chair, relax, breathe, and let them work.
Moving, twisting, or second-guessing every line only makes it harder.
💧 Step 6: Aftercare = Everything
The real work starts when you leave.
Follow your artist’s instructions exactly — they’ll tell you how to clean it, what to avoid, and what’s normal during healing.
Peeling? Normal. Itching? Normal. Picking? Absolutely not.
Keep it clean, moisturized, and out of the sun until healed.
🕯️ Step 7: Don’t Panic
Everyone overthinks their first tattoo the first week — “Is it supposed to look like this?”
Yes. Probably. Healing tattoos are weird-looking little creatures for a bit.
If you’re unsure, reach out to your artist before turning to Google.
💀 Bonus: Plan Your Next One
Nobody stops at one. Trust me.
Ready to book?
Come see me at Liberty Tattoo Co. —
📍 17 E Main St, Smithtown, NY
📞 631-366-1776
🖤 @diggs_tattoos | diggs.tattoos@gmail.com
