Thinking about getting your first tattoo? It’s exciting, right? But if you’ve never done it before, there’s probably a lot you’re unsure about. Everyone’s got an opinion — your mates, your mum, the internet — but nothing beats hearing it straight from tattoo artists themselves. They’re the ones doing the work, day in and day out, and they’ve seen it all. The good, the bad, and the downright weird.
So before you walk into a tattoo London studio and commit to some permanent ink, here’s what most tattoo artists wish every first-timer knew. Trust me, it’ll save you stress, awkward moments, and maybe even some regret.
One of the best things I did for my first tattoo was show my artist a rough sketch and just explain what it meant to me. They took that messy little drawing and turned it into something genuinely brilliant — better than I imagined. It’s easy to get hung up on control, but letting the artist do their thing almost always pays off.
Have an Idea, But Be Open With The Tattoo Artist
Tattoo artists love it when you bring a concept to the table — a vibe, a theme, even a reference photo or two. But what they don’t love? When someone demands an exact replica of a design from Pinterest, down to the millimetre.
Be open to suggestions. The artist knows what works on skin, what will age well, and how to adjust the design to fit your body. You came to them for their skill — let them bring a bit of their creativity into the process too.
Also, different people feel pain differently. Your mate might have nearly passed out getting their forearm done, while you barely flinch. And honestly, sometimes the idea of pain is worse than the pain itself. Once that needle hits skin, most people realise it’s totally manageable.
Do Your Homework on the Tattoo Artist
I made the mistake once of skipping breakfast before a morning appointment. Big regret. I felt lightheaded halfway through and had to stop. Not a vibe. Just eat something decent, even if it’s just a banana and toast. Your body will thank you.
It’s tempting to just search for ‘best tattoo London’ and go with the first result. But slow down a sec. Every artist has their own style — some are all about fine lines, others lean into realism, bold traditional, or blackwork.
Check their portfolios. Follow them on Instagram. Read reviews. Tattoo London culture is buzzing, and studios like Under The Needle Tattoo have several artists with different specialities under one roof. Make sure the person holding the machine is the right fit for what you want.
Yes, It’ll Hurt — Just Not Like You Imagine
Everyone asks about pain. It’s kind of the elephant in the room. And yes, it does hurt. But it’s more annoying than unbearable. Most people say it feels like a scratch or a constant sting. Some areas — ribs, inner arm, knees — are more brutal than others.
But the adrenaline kicks in. You adjust. And your artist is there to help. At a good shop like Under The Needle Tattoo, they’ll talk you through it, check in with you, and take breaks if you need them.
Don’t Show Up on an Empty Stomach
And don’t forget — getting a tattoo isn’t about perfection. It’s about expression. It’s about capturing something that means something to you. So don’t let nerves or second-guessing get in your way. A little prep and the right studio makes all the difference. The best tattoo in London isn’t just about ink — it’s about the whole experience.
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget. Tattooing puts stress on your body, and low blood sugar can make you feel faint or nauseous. Grab a proper meal beforehand — something with carbs and protein — and bring water and snacks if it’s a long session.
It’ll help you sit longer, feel better, and recover faster. Some of the best tattoo in London has been done on people who were smart enough to eat first.
Let the Studio Handle the Prep
You don’t need to pre-shave the area, slather on lotion, or hit the tanning bed beforehand. In fact, please don’t. Sunburned skin is a nightmare to tattoo. So is freshly shaved skin with razor bumps. Let your artist prep the area — they’ll do it safely and properly.
And definitely don’t show up hungover or tipsy. Alcohol thins your blood and can mess with the process. If you’re nervous, a chat with your artist will help way more than a pint beforehand.
Trust Your Tattoo Artist
You’ve picked this person for a reason, right? So trust them. You don’t have to micromanage every detail. Tattoo artists aren’t just technicians — they’re creatives. Let them do what they do best.
Good communication is key. Share your idea clearly, ask questions, and then let go a little. At top studios like Under The Needle Tattoo, that trust leads to the kind of results that make people say, ‘Where’d you get that done?’
What You Do After Tattoo Matters Most
Once the tattoo is done, your job isn’t. Healing is a huge part of the process. Follow the aftercare advice your artist gives you — wash it gently, keep it clean, don’t pick at it, and avoid sun and water for a bit.
Messy healing can ruin even the best tattoo London has ever seen. So take care of it. It’s only a couple of weeks, and it’s worth it for how good it’ll look after.
Last Thing to Remember
Getting your first tattoo is a big deal. It should be fun, a little nerve-wracking, but above all — exciting. If you’re walking into your appointment at a shop like Under The Needle Tattoo, you’re already on the right track.
Just remember: do your research, communicate clearly, trust your artist, and take care of the piece once it’s done. If you do all that, odds are you’ll end up with something you’ll love forever. And hey, once you get one… you might already be planning the next one.