Your first tattoo can be nerve-wracking, but we’re here to help you come out on the other side victorious.

You’ve finally decided to get your first tattoo. You’ve saved countless pictures on Pinterest to serve as your inspiration, debated where on your skin you’d like to get your tattoo, and maybe even tested out a temporary tattoo to see how you like having art permanently affixed to your skin. It’s decided—you’re doing it—and while you’re undoubtedly excited to get that first tattoo, you’re also a bit nervous and unsure about the process. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to be a little apprehensive before getting your first tattoo. We’re here to help you along the way as you embark into the world of tattooing. You have questions, and we have answers. We’ve got you covered.

Here are some important things to keep in mind now that you’re ready to get the tattoo of your dreams:

Make sure to pick a tattoo design that’s right for you.

When picking a tattoo design, make sure you’ve considered all aspects of the artwork you’d like to have around on your skin for years to come. Just because you’ve saved a picture of a certain style of tattoo or particular design, doesn’t mean that it’s just right for you and your personal story.

While not everyone gets a tattoo that has personal meaning behind it, every tattoo still tells a story. What will your tattoo’s story be? Make sure you pick a tattoo that means something to you and that you’ll be proud to wear, and explain, years down the road. It never hurts to ask friends and family for their opinion on your design, either. Who better to ask for advice than those who know you best? Asking others, especially those whose opinion you value, about their thoughts on your dream tattoo is a sure fire way to make sure that you’re not missing anything. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should be absolutely sold on all aspects of your tattoo’s design. If there’s something you’re unsure about, whether it’s a small tweak or a total overhaul, be sure to think it over and talk to your artist about your concerns. We want to make sure that you get the tattoo you want, even if it takes some time to arrive at the perfect art for your skin!

Research tattoo artists and reach out to the studio with questions.

At Certified Tattoo Studios, we have some of the best tattoo artists in Denver who specialize in a variety of different tattoo styles and techniques. We can help you find the perfect tattoo artist to bring your dream tattoo to life! Our team of artists come with years of tattooing experience and specialize in everything from realism to traditional to script to water color tattoos—and more!

If you’re not sure who would be the best fit to tattoo your art, give us a call to set up a free consultation. We want the process of getting your tattoo to be straightforward and easy to understand.

Make the day of your appointment easier by preparing ahead of time.

Take care of your skin in the days leading up to your tattoo appointment—if you’re planning a trip to the beach, be sure to lather on the sunscreen! A sunburn can cause a host of problems when getting a tattoo, including making the pain involved in the tattooing process worse and even cause tattoo ink to dilute.

It’s best to even try to avoid getting any cuts or scratches on the spot you’d like your tattoo to go. The bottom line is to do your best to make sure your skin is in good condition and a great blank canvas for your tattoo artist to work.

Another thing to keep in mind is the night before you get your tattoo. You might be nervous or anxiously excited as you wait for the day to finally arrive, but don’t let that keep you from a good night’s sleep. When you are lacking sleep, you’re not as mentally acute and can even be fidgety and restless, all things you want to avoid when the big day finally arrives!

Also, don’t forget to eat before heading out to your tattoo appointment. When your mind is focused on getting your dream tattoo, it can be easy to forget to eat. Make sure you eat at least a snack beforehand—getting a tattoo boosts your body’s adrenaline, and without food in your stomach you could feel lightheaded or even pass out.

Lastly, be sure to do what you can to feel as comfortable as possible on the day of your appointment. This means wearing comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the part of your body you’re getting tattooed, as well as clothes you can sit comfortably in if your tattoo is going to take a long time to complete.

Be sure to follow aftercare instructions to keep your tattoo looking flawless for years to come.

You’ve finally taken the plunge and gotten your first tattoo, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about it! In order to wear your art proudly for the rest of your life, you’ll need to follow aftercare instructions closely.

We’ll provide you with tips and tricks for taking care of your new wearable art, and will bandage your tattoo carefully so you can leave the studio and get on with your day. Most people won’t have any trouble with their new tattoo as long as they take care of it properly, but if you have any questions or concerns as your tattoo is healing be sure to reach out. We’re happy to offer advice or recommendations if you’re feeling uncertain about the healing process in the days following your first tattoo experience.

Getting your first tattoo is an exciting experience, to be sure, but can also cause anxiety. We want the tattoo process to be a positive one and are here to help! We offer free consultations for anyone getting a tattoo at one of our Denver locations so you can get all of your questions answered ahead of time. Our free consultations are no pressure and simply allow you to get a feel for the studio, your tattoo artist, and make sure you feel comfortable about the tattoo process. We’re here to get your questions answered.

We’re as excited for you to get your first tattoo as you are, so call us today to get started. Anyone with skin is welcome here.