All your tattoo queries and doubts have been answered here by the celebrity tattoo artists, Vikas and Mickey Malani, who are the co-founders of Bodycanvas Tattoos and Piercings in Mumbai. Here’s what they say about getting a tattoo for the first time.
However, if it’s the first time that you are getting a tattoo, there will be a lot of questions – Who? When? Where? What? How much?
So let’s start by answering each of the questions one by one –
Who should my tattoo artist be?
A very important question. Ensure that you have researched enough and chosen the right artist. It’s your first one and that too, a permanent one; you don’t want to spoil the experience and definitely, not your skin. Please ensure that you check the work of the tattoo artist and that they are familiar with the kind of work that you want to be done. Go meet the tattoo artist for a consultation, this is the person you are going to spending time with and the person who would be inking you. You need to be comfortable with them and trust them. Ensure that you share a bond and smile with your tattoo artist.
When should I get my tattoo done?
It varies from person to person. Some might want to get inked one a special occasion like a birthday souvenir, a reward and recognition for yourself, parents’ birthday, anniversary and so on; thus making your first ink/tattoo more special and memorable. Just ensure that you take out enough time for the artist to work on the design and finally ink it for you at the artist’s pace. Don’t hurry up the process, it’s an art after all and as we say “Rome was not built in a day”.
Where should I get my tattoo done?
Another interesting question; however, personal question! The location of the ink can be anywhere on the body depending on how visible you want it to be or how personal it needs to be and also needs to be anatomically correct. Also, the location of the tattoo needs to be decided, keeping in mind their career choices. The tattoo artist might suggest some locations depending on the tattoo design and where it would look best.
What should I get done?
“Love is forever, tattoos last longer” – Choose wisely. Tattoos are permanent – choose something that you believe in and something that you will still like to look at over time. Mainly something that is positive and inspirational. Names of parents, brothers/sisters are still fine as they are biologically related. Boyfriend’s name or girlfriend’s name are a big NO-NO! If you still want to get it done, please go ahead.
How much will it cost?
The costs vary from artist to artist and also depends on the design. If you are as finicky as me, you would want to go for the best! Truly said, “You can’t compare a BMW to a Maruti”. It’s quality that matters. After all, it is going to be permanent and would be staying with you forever. I would rather save and get the quality rather than compromise on the quality for the costs.
How much will it pain?
The tattoo pain is very subjective and depends on the size and the detailing of the design. However, certain areas are more painful than the others; for example, over the bones (fingers, spinal cord, ribs), inner arm.
