First Tattoo? Here’s the Truth Nobody Tells You
First Tattoo? Here’s the Truth Nobody Tells You
--------------------------------------------------------By Micah Bartram – Owner of Dakota Dream Tattoos - Fargo's Rising Downtown Tattoo Studio
Thinking about your first tattoo? Good. Now let’s make sure you don’t end up as another walking cautionary tale.
You’ve seen them before: that guy or that girl who “knew a dude with a machine” and now looks like tweaker’s masterpiece scratchpad — scarred lines, patchy shading, half-faded disasters, and blowouts that make a wet fart seem more appealing than the diarrhea that was carved into all three layers of skin. Don’t be that person.............just don't.
This is your cheat sheet for getting your first tattoo done right — from choosing the right artist to making sure it heals beautifully.
1. Professional Tattoo vs. Scratchpad Special
Getting your first tattoo from a pro is like upgrading from a flip phone to an iPhone. Same concept, way better execution — and you won’t cringe five years from now when you catch a glimpse in the mirror.
- Crisp line work — no shaky outlines here
- Solid blacks & smooth shading — saturation that lasts
- Healed results that speak for themselves — because fresh ink photos mean nothing if it doesn’t heal right
2. How to Pick the Right Tattoo Artist
Here’s where most first-timers mess up: choosing the cheapest option or the guy “who has needles.” Big mistake.
Instead, stalk portfolios like you’re creeping on a new crush:
- Look for consistent line work and smooth gradients
- Prioritize healed tattoo photos over fresh ones
- Avoid shops with blurry selfies and over-filtered images
Pro tip: Google “best tattoo artists near me,” read reviews, check Instagram, and always ask for healed-work photos.
3. Use Your Free Consultation
Consultations are your cheat code. Use them.
Bring reference images, talk size, placement, and vibe. A real artist will:
- Ask about composition and line weight
- Help scale and tweak your design for longevity
- Explain how your skin type will affect the tattoo
If your artist doesn’t ask questions or offer advice? That’s your red flag to walk out.
4. The Truth About Pain
Yes, tattoos hurt. But you’re not dying.
Pain levels vary by placement:
- Higher pain: ribs, spine, inner bicep
- Lower pain: forearms, calves, outer shoulders
Pro tips for your session:
- Sleep well the night before
- Eat a solid meal
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and blood thinners
- Ask during your consultation if your artist allows numbing creams
5. Good Tattoos Aren’t Cheap
Let’s get real: cheap tattoos are like gas station sushi — they’ll cost you way more later.
Expect pricing by:
- Piece — flat rate for small designs
- Hour — most common for custom work
- Flat rate — for big projects like sleeves
Standard tipping: 15–25% for great work. Remember, you’re investing in wearable art — not a temporary sticker.
6. Aftercare Is Non-Negotiable
A great tattoo can still heal badly if you don’t take care of it.
Basic aftercare:
- Wash gently with fragrance-free soap
- Pat dry — don’t rub
- Use recommended ointments or lotions
- Avoid sun, pools, and soaking for a few weeks
- Don’t pick at scabs — unless you like patchy color and scars
Healing timeline:
- 1–2 weeks: top layer peels and flakes
- 3–6 months: deeper layers fully settle
- Permanent results: vibrant, smooth, and sharp
Signs of infection? Redness, swelling, pus, fever — call your artist and a medical professional ASAP.
7. Cover-Ups, Touch-Ups, and Fix-Ups
Got a tattoo you regret? We’ve got you.
- Cover-Ups: Bring photos of the old tattoo and your new idea. We’ll assess if we can work with it or recommend laser first.
- Touch-Ups: Most pros offer free or discounted touch-ups within a certain window. Ask before you leave.
8. Quick Pro Tips for First-Timers
- Wear comfy clothes for easy access to the area
- Bring snacks, water, and a fully charged phone
- Skip jewelry where you’re getting tattooed
- Double-check spelling if it’s text — nobody wants a “no ragrets” situation
Why Choose Dakota Dream Tattoos
You can spend hours Googling, scrolling Instagram, and reading reviews… or you can skip the guesswork and come straight to the pros.
At Dakota Dream Tattoos, we:
- Actually give a damn about our art
- Actually give a damn about you
- Deliver tattoos built to last — no shortcuts, no sketchy setups, no regerts........no, regrets!
Your first tattoo should be something you want to flex for life, not something you hide under long sleeves.
Ready for Your First Tattoo?
Book your free consultation today and let’s make something unforgettable.
Book Now