What to Expect During Your 1st Tattoo Session

Okay, so you’ve read everything about what to do before your first tattoo (if not read this blog first) but now you’re wondering about what to expect during your session. You might even be feeling a little bit anxious while also feeling super excited which is totally normal. If you want to walk into your first appointment with confidence and without the nervous butterflies, we have all the answers below.

Do

• Ask questions! 🤔

  • If it will make you feel more comfortable or you aren't’ sure about something, please ask. 

    
    

• Be sure you like the design, size, and placement. 😍 

  • We never want you to feel like you're being rushed to make a decision. Tattoos are permanent so let’s get it right!

  • Take your time to look at yourself in the mirror once the stencil is placed and don’t hesitate to ask for changes 

    
    

• Listen to your music, movies, etc. through headphones 🎧 

  • It can be super distracting and overstimulating to hear everyone’s phones playing 

  • If you forget your headphones, we might have some you can borrow!

    
    

• Ask for a break if you need it 🚻

  • just know that it usually is a bit more painful coming back from a break, so you should keep breaks to a minimum. 

  • If you feel like you need a break to use the bathroom, to stretch, get a drink, or a snack, please let us know. One break an hour is ideal for artists because we need a stretch as well! 

    
    

• Ask for help with the pain 🤕

  • We do this everyday and have learned some tips and tricks over the years to help you through the pain. 

  • There are definite strategies you can use to get through the second half of it

    
    

• Let us know if you have a history of passing out 🥴

  • Maybe you pass out at the sight of needles or in stressful situations?

  • Letting us know allows us to be hypervigilant about watching for the signs. We can help you work through it and keep you safe.

    
    

• Tell us immediately if you feel light headed, dizzy, or nauseous. 🤢 

  • We NEED to know, it’s not going to just pass and will likely get worse 

  • It’s very rare for people to fully pass out in our shop because we are very good at responding at the first signs.

  • Don’t try to be a hero, let us help you!

Don’t

• Eat in the tattoo area 🍟

  • drinks are a yes because we want you to stay hydrated - a spill proof tumbler or bottle with a lid is ideal

  • Food is a no because we want to keep the area nice and clean and distraction free

    
    

• Talk on the phone 📵

  • A lot of people unknowingly talk with their hands and heads which makes it impossible to tattoo you

  • People often talk way louder than they realize as well → huge distraction to everyone in the shop

    
    

• Make sudden movements 💃

  • Always warn us if you need to move or adjust your position

  • If pain is making you want to flinch, please tell us!

    
    

• Please don’t trauma dump on us 😭

  • This is something every single artist struggles with, and we sometimes just don’t know how to ask you kindly to stop, or how to redirect the conversation.  

  • It’s easy to get comfortable with your artist. You’re in a very intimate setting and naturally want to start treating it like a therapy session. However, artists in general are very emotional and empathic beings. While we love to help you with whatever it is you’re going through, and we love to listen and be there for you, it can be incredibly emotionally taxing on us. 

  • Actual therapy sessions are only an hour for a good reason. Imagine 8 hours of therapy! Let our tattoo work and the art itself be the therapy. 

Hopefully you’re feeling better about your first tattoo session after reading all of the ins and outs. You’ll find that Blue Bird Tattoo Studio is a particularly cozy and welcoming shop because that’s just our vibe. We always want your tattoo experience to be a great one and do everything we can to make that happen. Have more questions? Reach out to your artist, DM us on Instagram, or send an email. We’re excited to meet you and send you home with an amazing tattoo you’ll be proud to show off. 👋

*Want to know how to best aid the healing process? Give this one a read → Tattoo Aftercare Instructions