How to Prepare for Your First Tattoo

The week before your appointment matters more than the morning of it. Keep the skin you are having tattooed out of strong sun, moisturised, and unbroken. If the area is usually covered by tight clothing, plan something looser for the day.

Eat a proper meal within two hours of your session and bring something to drink. Long sittings are physical, and most discomfort people describe as 'the needle' is actually low blood sugar and shallow breathing.

Come with references, not instructions. A handful of images that show the feeling you are after gives an artist far more to work with than a precise description of a design you saw once.

Finally, give yourself an easy evening afterwards. You will be wrapped, slightly tired, and better off at home than out.