Excited? Nervous? Scared?

Yes. Yes. And yes. I was all of that and more when I made an appointment to get my first tattoo at the age of 43. These emotions had me phoning a friend the day before who reminded me that I had wanted this specific tattoo for a few years now and would regret chickening out simply because of the unknowns.

Ultimately, I had an amazing experience at Kingdom Ink Tattoo in Lititz, PA and I wanted to give anyone experiencing a similar flurry of emotions a pathway to success, getting some of those unknowns out of the way.

1. Pick the Perfect Design

First things first: the design. This is YOUR tattoo, so it needs to be something that speaks to you. Whether it's a small symbol, a quote, or a full-on sleeve, make sure it’s something you’ll still love 20 years down the road. Think about your interests, your values, or even something that’s meaningful to you. Or, if you're like me, you can wait until you're the middle of your life before you commit to a design that you know FOR SURE you will want on your body. Hey, it's a big decision. Don't rush me.

I went with something very small but meaningful because it was my first tattoo. I needed to know that I could complete it with no issues, so I didn't want something that would take an hour or more.

2. Do Some Research on Artists

Not all tattoo artists are created equal! Some specialize in realistic portraits, others in fine line work, or even bold traditional designs. Take a little time to stalk (I mean, research) artists online. Browse their portfolios on Instagram or their websites, and find someone whose style matches what you have in mind. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask them questions! A good tattoo artist will be open, friendly, and more than happy to chat with you about your ideas. For me, I ended up finding one based on a friend who had a beautiful tattoo on her arm. I asked her for a referral and got a really good vibe.

I chose Andy from Kingdom Ink and I'm so glad I did. He literally repositioned the stencil about 5 times before I was happy with it, and kept reassuring me that he could do it as many times as I needed to until it was JUST RIGHT. You don't always find that kind of patience in artists.

3. Check the Shop’s Hygiene Standards

This is a biggie—don’t skip it! A clean shop and sterile equipment are non-negotiable. Ask about their sterilization process, and make sure they use new needles for every tattoo. Tattoos are permanent, and cleanliness is key to making sure you don’t end up with anything unexpected (and no, we’re not talking about a cool new design). If a shop doesn't give you a good vibe or doesn’t seem up to snuff in the hygiene department, keep looking. There are plenty of great artists out there who will prioritize your safety.

4. Pick the Right Spot (and Think About the Pain)

This being my first time, I was super nervous about how much it was going to hurt. Honestly though, it wasn't that bad. My tattoo artist looked at me and said, "This is going to feel like a cat scratching you." I've got a cat and I found that to be a pretty accurate description. Totally manageable. But that doesn't mean it will feel that way for every person or for every body part. Definitely do your research on the most and least painful areas of the body so that you don't have a horrible experience right out of the gate. I've heard spine, ribs, and feet are some of the worst. Also, I've been told that color ink is more painful because of all the shading.

5. Budget Wisely

Tattoos aren’t cheap, so be prepared to spend a little (or a lot) depending on the design, size, and placement. Bear in mind that Kingdom Ink has a $100 shop minimum. Large, detailed pieces could cost $500 or more. Also, expect to tip your tattoo artist similar to a server at a restaurant. It's a good idea to discuss pricing with your artist beforehand so you’re not shocked when the bill comes. All that being said, I figure it's best not to go cheap on something that is a permanent fixture. 😉

6. How to Prepare for Your Appointment

On the day of your tattoo, make sure you eat something! I brought a snack along which turned out to be a great decision. I had heard stories of friends passing out, because apparently getting a tattoo on an empty stomach can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Drink water, wear comfy clothes, and try to get a good night’s sleep before your appointment. I also brought a long coat that could double as a blanket because I get cold easily. Comfort is key.

I was extremely nervous on the day of my tattoo, but I found that Andy was very calm and easy to talk with. Also, having my friends there to distract me was so helpful and really contributed to the overall memory of the experience.

7. Tattoo Aftercare: The Secret to Keeping It Beautiful

Once your tattoo is complete, it might throb for a few hours afterward, but I found that it was short lived. By that evening, and certainly the next day it felt just fine. Speaking of the next day, you are definitely going to need to show it some love for a few weeks. Your tattoo artist will give you specific aftercare instructions, but the basics include washing it gently with mild soap, applying ointment or fragrance free lotion, and avoiding the sun or swimming for a few weeks. I opted for something called "second skin" which is basically like a clear sticky bandage placed over the tattoo for a few days to give it extra protection.

8. Expect to want more

I'm already planning my next one. 😁