Getting your first tattoo? Nervous? Anxious? We’ve all been there. Even if you are inked already, your next session at a tattoo parlour can make you excited and anxious. You might have a friend along for support, but remember, the tattoo artists will be able to support you better.
Tattoos are intensely personal. They are your personal stories on your body. It is a very personal form of self-expression that will be with you forever. The idea of a tattoo is exciting, sure, but most people visit a tattoo parlour excited and nervous. Getting a tattoo is a human experience. The trepidation of getting inked is real.
The nervous excitement before getting a tattoo and the endurance of the pain during the process are what all of us with tattoos endure. Only tattoo artists with experience can relate to the plethora of emotions that play in our minds when we visit a tattoo parlour. This blog explores the deeper role that tattoo artists play, some that we know and some that we don’t realise.
The Emotional Side of Getting a Tattoo
Getting a tattoo is not an easy decision. Yes, some get a tattoo as a rite of passage. But most people go through life experiences, and tattoos are testimonies they forge on their skin. It could be grief, rebirth, identity, memory, or joy. A tattoo reveals a part of you that you proudly wear on your person. There is a vulnerability involved in sharing your story so visibly and permanently.
It is a mix of excitement and fear. You want the art on your skin, but you are also wary of the pain and regret. Tattoo artists are witnesses to so many such stories. They will be able to relate to all the emotions that wash over you. The best ones will navigate you through the session and put you at ease.
They will talk you through your fears and try to engage in conversation to take your mind off the sting of the needle.
How Tattoo Artists Empower You
Tattoo artists are the best listeners. They don’t just draw on your body, they draw you out. When you discuss your ideas with the tattoo artists, they connect with you emotionally to understand the story behind what you are trying to express.
Tattoos are personal stories inked on skin. Every tattoo has a back story. It can be a memory, a philosophy, an event, a loss, or even a gender-affirming one. You need a way to express it visually in a way that suits your aesthetics. You have references that you draw inspiration from, but tattoo artists can help you fine-tune the design to your taste.
You may have apprehensions about the placement of the tattoo on your body. We all have issues with our bodies and tend to overcriticize ourselves. Most tattoo artists are inclusive and help reassure you. They will help you feel confident in your skin and always encourage body positivity. If you have any apprehensions about getting a tattoo on any particular part of your body, rest assured that tattoo artists will put you at ease. They deal with clients regularly and are non-judgmental.
A good artist will always respect your decision. They will guide you but never push.
Calming Your Fears and Building Your Trust
Emotional Comfort
Professional tattoo artists will brief the process before getting started. They will discuss the entire procedure, answer your queries, and offer modifications to the design if needed. They will honestly let you know about the pain you should anticipate. Tattoo artists will be able to gauge if the tattoo you have in mind will suit the placement you want. For the tattoo to look its best, the placement is important. Experienced tattoo artists will be able to guide you about the best placement of your tattoo design.
If you are nervous before the process, they will be reassuring and treat you with patience and empathy. They will create a calming space for you. You will not receive any judgment or impatience from them.
Physical Comfort
Tattoo artists ensure that the space is hygienic and comfortable. They ensure that you are in a relaxed position if the process is expected to take hours. They might play soothing music to calm your nerves. They will take intermittent breaks to allow you to hydrate and to check in with you about the experience. If you are wound up, they will engage in conversation or use humour to take the edge off.
They will keep your expectations real about the tattoo and the experience. For those of you getting a tattoo for the first time and experiencing the first tattoo jitters, tattoo artists will put all your apprehensions at rest.
Trusting Tattoo Artists
In the past, tattoos were a sign of rebellion. The tattoo parlours were dark, dingy places people would not associate with good society. However, that is not the scene today. Tattoo parlours are upmarket places with impressive interiors and trendy crowds.
Old-school tattoo artists were intimidating and looked unapproachable. Today’s professionals are empathetic and friendly. Many tattoo artists are trained in trauma awareness. Many people get tattoos to overcome grief or to acknowledge their journey through it. Some even get a tattoo to cover up an old one that meant something in the past. For some, it is part of an ongoing journey of self-exploration. People have traumas that they need to express via tattoos. Tattoo artists are aware of these struggles and will empathize with each client.
They are also experienced in customer care and will address any of your queries with patience and understanding. They are professionals who are aware that satisfied customers are the best advertisement. They will offer a consultation before the process and aftercare instructions afterward.
A tattoo is a collaboration between the client and the tattoo artist. They will ask you about the tattoo design you have in mind and understand the story behind your tattoo. They will guide you about the best design to express your story. They will also customise your tattoo by taking into account your personal aesthetics and suggest changes in the design.
Artistic Collaboration
Tattoo artists are experts at visualising. They can interpret your story to match your style. There are many tattoo styles to choose from, such as realism, neo-traditional, blackwork, minimalism, and more. Tattoo artists can guide you on which style will suit you better after understanding your story and aesthetics. A good collaboration between you and the artist will bring your story to life in the best way.
If you are unclear about your design, tattoo artists will sketch designs, ask for feedback, and, if needed, offer revisions to the design. You will always be in control of your tattoo design. The artist is a tool to realise your vision.
After the process, when you get the art on your skin, it is always an emotional moment. The artist understands the reason you feel choked up and empathises with you. It is a celebration for you and the artist.
Conclusion
Tattoo artists are storytellers. They help realise your vision and turn it into art. They are healers. They take you through the process with patience and empathy. They listen to you. They are collaborators. They understand you, get your feedback, and work with you.
Their craft is not easy, and we need to acknowledge the emotional labour involved in the process.
If you are looking for good tattoo artists, you can find the best at Colibri Tattoo & Piercing.
