Choosing your first tattoo can come with a lot of questions. Even if you routinely get tattooed, you might not be entirely sure what you want next, but you know you want something. If you’re feeling the call of the needle again, here’s our advice to make sure you get a tattoo that will leave you stoked.

Explore different tattoo styles. You can always find new tattoos through social media and Google, or you can try subscribing to different tattoo magazines. A few great styles to start with include:

American Traditional: A style that dates back to the nineteenth century when it first rose to popularity amongst service members of the military. Designs like swallows, clipper ships, eagles, panthers, daggers, and roses are some of the most recognizable designs that come to mind. As the twentieth century progressed, the style evolved into a wave of iconography that still influences the industry today.
Japanese Traditional: Also known as Irezumi or Wabori, popular designs may involve animals like frogs, koi fish, and tigers; mythological characters like dragons, kitsune, and oni; or natural elements such as wind bars, finger waves, and clouds.
Single Needle/ Black & Grey: Single needle was pioneered by tattoo legends like Freddy Negrete, Charlie Cartwright, Jack Rudy, and Mark Mahoney. The tattoos are often characterized by images composed of fine lines, intricate shading, and high contrasts of black and grey. It’s a style that’s highly customizable, and people often request a variety of different images, but popular designs may include religious motifs, script, portraits of pets and loved ones, or traditional flash designs applied in a finer style.

Find a tattoo artist whose work you like. Visit some Denver tattoo shops or go check out different portfolios online. Instagram is a great resource to discover new artists. Many tattoo artists have their own unique flare, regardless of the style. View our artist’s here:

Look through our flash at Lifetime Tattoo. We post some of our work online, but you’ll have way more to look at if you come in for a visit. We’ve got books full of various tattoo designs and there’s not an empty space on our walls.

Bring in a few references for us to look at. If you already have ideas for a tattoo, let’s discuss them! Depending on where you want the tattoo, we may need to make adjustments or alterations so it can look its best on your body.

Pick some colors. Try to think of a few colors before your appointment that you may want to be included or excluded. You don’t have to be picky, but some thought beforehand could help make sure you don’t forget anything.

Consider the placement of your next tattoo. If it’s your first tattoo, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from. The best places for a tattoo give it plenty of space to look its best. For example, the chest is a great spot for a big piece like an eagle or a tiger. On the other hand, the wrist or forearm can be good spots for smaller tattoos. If you’ve already got a lot of tattoos and are trying to fill a gap, reach out to an artist and see if they have any ideas that may fit. You should also think about how visible the tattoo will be. While we’re here to help you get your dream tattoo, real-world consequences do exist. If you’re a dentist or a lawyer, a brand-new face tattoo may be worth some extra consideration.

What To Do Before Getting a Tattoo

Once you settle on an artist and a design, you’ll be set for your next tattoo. You can always schedule an appointment, or walk in 7 days a week from 11 AM - 10 PM.

Before you show up to your next appointment:

Sleep well the night before your tattoo. You’ll want to be alert and ready for the appointment.
Eat a healthy meal. Depending on the size of your piece, you could be sitting for a few hours so you don’t want to go in on an empty stomach. Make sure you have enough energy to last you throughout the day. Bring some snacks if you need them. You may think you’re just sitting, but a tattoo is physical trauma, and it can be pretty draining by the end of a session.
Drink plenty of water. Hydration is an important factor because it promotes healthier skin and a better healing process. While bringing a water bottle is a great idea, make sure you’re drinking enough water the day before your tattoo because it takes time to fully hydrate.
Take a shower. Tattooing can be a stressful process for your body and it can cause you to sweat during a session. While certain realities are unavoidable, taking a shower beforehand can be a courtesy to your artist.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing you don’t mind potentially getting stained with a little ink.