Avoiding Tattoo Regrets

Welcome to the golden era of tattooing! This incredible craft is growing in popularity, but also became more socially acceptable in the last decade. We have more artists, more styles, and many more inspirations to choose from. But even now, many people admit, they have at least one tattoo regret. Whether it is your first, or twentieth piece, it’s super important to make the right decision! There are a few things to think about when deciding to get that new tattoo. 

Is this artist right for you?

The tattoo industry is blossoming with talented and wonderful artists. Social media makes it easy to connect with art that resonates with you. We can now discover people from all around the world, but that can make the choice harder!

Look at their portfolio.

This is the most important thing during your process. Does this artist’s style look like what you would like to get? It's best to go to someone who specialises in this specific subject or style rather than taking a chance with someone more local or cheaper, who doesn’t exactly do what you are looking for. If in doubt, you can always contact them to check if your idea is something that they can work with. 

Are they professional and inclusive?

You can often test it by filling out an enquiry form, or emailing them with your idea. The right artist will be respectful in terms of correct pronouns, skin tones, and accommodate for neurodivergent clients. They will take their time to answer your questions and give you any advice you might need. Having a good experience is almost as important as the quality of work. 

Don’t cheap out.

Of course we all have limited resources, and we will always try to accommodate your budget. We can make the piece smaller, or less detailed to meet you in the middle. But we deserve to be paid for our time, and with your tattoo, you're making a permanent investment in your aesthetic and deserve high quality work. So if you can’t afford to spend a certain amount now, maybe it’s worth saving up a bit, and come back later! 

Meaningful or aesthetic? 

Artworks that represent an important milestone, are a tribute to someone dear, or have a special meaning, are a popular choice, especially for the first tattoo. I love hearing your stories and creating personal artwork that will bring a smile and a beautiful memory for many years to come. Some artists will refuse tattooing partners’ or friends’ names, as these are often in top 5 of removals or cover ups.

Aesthetic tattoos usually have no sentimental meaning and they are purely done, because you love a certain object, character, or style. This is when we artists swoop in with all our creative power. 

Trendy or timeless?

I often think the art community has reached the point where we can’t really come up with anything new. And then I immediately see a style or subject, something new and exciting. The most important question to ask yourself, is it going to resonate with me when I’m older?

Tiniest of the tattoos.

As someone who does a lot of fine line pieces, I see often that clients want the smallest possible size. While I’m happy to go quite small, I often explain that a certain amount of detail will just not read well after time, or it will just not look good. While I’d never pressure you into getting a piece that’s too big, certain sizes will just not work, and you need to be prepared to go a few centimeters bigger. 

Feeling pressured? 

Your mates are all getting tattoos, and you kind of want one too, but you're not sure what to get, so you just get something similar, because it looks good on them. You could go wrong there! Always choose things that you like and enjoy, as it’s you who will be living with the artwork! Don’t let anyone pressure you into getting something permanent on you, if you are not ready to commit, just wait. Asking too many people for opinions is usually not helpful, as everyone will just jump in with their suggestions, and it will leave you even more confused than before. 

How is it going to age? 

Our equipment and techniques advanced greatly in the last decade, giving us better tools to achieve outstanding work that just wouldn’t be possible back in the day. Even so, the skin is a living canvas and it will age, and so will your tattoo. Ensuring enough contrast, negative space present, as well as appropriate size for your piece is a key factor for a beautiful design that will age gracefully. Having the right expectations when it comes to aging is really important. Lines will naturally blur and soften over time, colours can become less vibrant. A lot of that will come down to the correct aftercare, and looking after your skin when the ink is healed. Moisturising, staying hydrated, and using spf are your best friends if you want your tattoo looking good after many years.

Final thoughts

Having something permanently on your skin is a big decision. Take your time, and really think through every aspect of getting that tattoo. You can always ask for changes to the design, but also trust your artist if they suggest a certain way because they think it will work better. We want to bring your ideas to life, and nothing feels better than a client with a big smile on their face loving their new tattoo!

Anna (@oddeyestattoo)