Tattoo Basics

5 articles

Everything worth knowing before your first appointment: how to choose an artist, how to read a portfolio, what to expect in the chair, and which design choices you’ll still be glad you made a decade later. Straight, across-the-chair guidance: no romanticizing the needle.

Editorial close-up of a forearm with a single healed tattoo in black linework

2026-06-08

What to Do Before Getting a Tattoo: First-Time Rules

Most reschedules start with sunburn or hangovers. Here's what to do before getting a tattoo, plus meds, food, and ID prep for 2026.

Editorial close-up forearm tattoo study showing a single cohesive botanical-geometric design

2026-06-08

Tattoo Designs for Men: Placement, Size, Cost Guide

A $500 budget buys 3-5 hours of ink. See which tattoo designs for men actually fit your anatomy, budget, and 10-year aging.

Editorial close-up of a healed forearm tattoo in black geometric linework, soft studio light

2026-06-08

How to Choose a Tattoo Artist: Portfolio, Price, Hygiene

Most first-timers book on fresh photos alone. Learn how to choose a tattoo artist using healed work, 20-30 style samples, and shop hygiene cues.

Editorial studio scene showing a tattoo session setup

2026-06-07

Tattoo for Beginners: Designs, Sizes, Placement Guide

From 1.5-3 in starter sizes to the 1-2 mm dermis rule, here's what actually works for tattoo for beginners before you book the chair.

Editorial close-up of forearm tattoo highlighting linework and shading

2026-06-07

Forearm Tattoos: Design, Pain, Cost and Aging Guide

From a $200 budget to blackwork that still reads at 50, here's what actually works for forearm tattoos, ranked by how the ink ages.