Current Events > I'm considering getting my first tattoo in the next few months

(+) Yeah! (+)

Always at least vaguely wanted one, but never pulled the trigger for a few reasons. The main ones being money, being indecisive as to what I would actually want permanently on my body, and a mild fear of needles.

But the older I get the more I wanna just say fuck it and go for it. Im a big movie guy so I was considering getting something from one of my favorites, but was struggling to pick something specific. Then last night me and my girlfriend watched the Shin Godzilla theatrical rerelease and I was just like "Shit, there's my answer." Past couple years I've been marathoning the entire franchise and it's quickly become one of my all time favorites. Not necessarily the most unique tattoo, I know, but it's a character and franchise I do genuinely love and don't see myself ever completely 180ing and hating Godzilla or anything like that down the line.

For those who have gotten tattoos, couple of questions:

I'm still a bit wary of needles/know it can be decently painful depending on pain tolerance and where you get tattooed. Was thinking maybe getting the tattoo on my upper arm; that's considered not too bad of a spot pain-wise right? Also figured with it being my first tattoo I want it to be something I can look at myself without a mirror, but also easy to cover up if I need to. I work restaurants so I'm not worried about being unable to get work cause of it, but still.

Money wise, how much should I plan to put aside? Not sure exactly what size the tattoo will be yet, probably won't be huge but I don't want it to be tiny either. Am I looking at 500ish or should I be ready to drop upwards of a grand? Also how much tip is generally expected, 20% of the tattoo cost or is it higher for tattoos?

I have a lot of friends who have gotten good tattoos and I live in a pretty big city so I'm not too concerned with finding a good artist, but as for the process how does it usually go down? Do I just call them, tell them I want a Godzilla tattoo and maybe some vague ideas I have for it, or is there a more intricate process?

Sorry for the wall of text, definitely overthinking it a bit, but the more I think about it the more I think I wanna just go for it.

Upper arm is an easy place to get tattood and itll be a joke for a session thats less than five hours. You also wont even be looking at the needles piercing your skin.

Do your research on your artist and go by what style theyre best at. You contact them and setup a meet to discuss ideas and pay for your deposit.

Between 3-4 hours your endorphins will start to wear out and youll start feeling the pain more. My longest single session was 12 hours.

Some artists charge by the piece, but better artists charge by the hour. I tipped after every session and it doesnt have to be 20%.

never gotten a tattoo, but i've got friends in the military who have gotten them in very stupid places so i'll suggest you make sure that the person doing it is licensed and has good reviews. i've heard horror stories about 'artists' who reuse needles ore dont clean equipment and people catching hepatitis.

Yeah upper arm won't be too bad. It kind of feels like a cat that's scratching you repeatedly. It hurts but it's not unbearable. I sometimes even zone out while it's happening.

Definitely depends on the size, but I'd start with at least $200-$250 and go from there. Many tattoo parlors have ATMs if you need more. 20% tip is appropriate; just make sure you have cash.

It's good to go in with a design that you can show them, either printed or from your phone. Sometimes they'll ask for a link to the image so they can study it. They'll trace it on paper and then outline it on your body before they actually ink you.

Upper arm is usually pretty safe. The needles aren't like the ones in the doctor's office, and honestly, as it goes along, the area will likely just feel numb. Depending on the size and detail of the tattoo, it could take time, but mine was about 3 hours.

You should get some of those little bows on the back of your legs

Or one across your stomach that says "OLDE ENGLISH" in Comic Sans

Mine on my upper arm didnt hurt at all. Worst spots in my experience was my chest piece and the one on my foot

Hurt like a mf