Losing Your Tattoo Virginity

Getting your first tattoo can be a fun and exhilarating experience and, along with the memory, it’s a decision that will last a lifetime.

But before you sit down in the chair and get inked for the first time, there’s plenty to consider when it comes to ensuring your tattoo experience is a positive one.

“It’s a big decision to get tattooed and it’s something that takes a lot of planning and research,” says Stu Kay, a veteran Toronto tattoo artist and one of the minds behind Northern Ink Xposure (NIX), Toronto’s Tattoo Show. “Carefully choosing the right studio, artist and design can be the difference between the perfect tattoo you can take pride in for the rest of your life, or one you may regret later.”

Whether you’re planning on getting your first tattoo or your next one, the 17th annual Northern Ink Xposure Toronto Tattoo Show – coming up June 19-21, 2015 at the Toronto Westin Harbour Castle in downtown Toronto – is a great opportunity to get inspired, learn more about tattoos and meet some of the most renowned artists from around the world, including Boog Star, Paul Booth, Bob Tyrrell and Andrea Afferni.

When it comes time to get your first tattoo, Stu offers the following advice:

· Set your budget – It’s certainly worth it to pay a little extra for the right tattoo, but before you book an appointment, it’s a good idea to have a budget. This will help determine the artist you pick, the size of your tattoo and other factors that may rack up the costs if you don’t set guidelines ahead of time.

· Research your studio and artist – Go online and check out a variety of tattoo studios. Look at the different artists’ work and hourly rates to help decide which studio and artist is right for you. Some artists specialize in a specific style of tattoo, so it’s crucial to make sure the person you choose has experience and is comfortable with the type of design you’re looking to get.

· Conceptualize your design – Before you speak with your artist or visit the studio, make sure you have a good idea of what you want your tattoo to look like. Artists will often suggest ideas or ways to improve upon your design, but having a rough outline will help your artist visualize the tattoo while also ensuring it’s one you’ll be happy with in the long run.

· Pick the size and location – Deciding how big you want your tattoo to be and where you want it on your body is perhaps the most important part of the tattoo process. When it comes to size, keep in mind the complexity of the design. Some are too detailed to be done small, while larger tattoos can increase the price and may require multiple appointments. Also be mindful of your workplace guidelines – pick a spot that can be covered by your typical work clothes if your employer isn’t tattoo-friendly.

· Choose between colour or black and grey – Some tattoos look better with colour, while others are best suited for a simple and rustic black-and-grey design. Depending on what tattoo you’ve decided upon, it may be beneficial to research similar tattoos done in colour or in black and grey to get an idea of which style you prefer.