What is it like getting a tattoo?

Question

I'm wanting to get a tattoo and it's my first one. It's a picture that has alot of detail, so the artist told me it will probably take 4-5 hours to do (which seems really long as most people's only take an hour or so). It's on my shoulder/arm, and the person doing it called it a "half sleeve". Does this sound like to much to deal with for a first tatoo? I know it's what I want to get, and it has a lot of meaning to me, so I'm not getting something meaningless or "trendy", but I don't know how bad a tattoo will be, especially one that takes that long. Any advise from someone who has had a tattoo done like this would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

I am inclined to think they will do the outline 1st which hurts the most...but where you are getting it done is one of the most least painful places...it doest hurt that much..just take care of it afterwords..

it feels like a kitty cat scratching you....meow..

fyi:

Fresh Tattoo

Take bandage off in 2 hours
Wash tattoo carefully with warm soapy water
DO NOT SCRUB
Lightly pat the tattoo until dry…
DO NOT RUB
Apply a very thin coat of bacitracin or aquaphor ointment 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days
Although re-bandaging a tattoo is not recommended, if covering the tattoo is necessary a sterile bandage or dressing should be used.
Be sure and wash the tattoo every night and morning…
DO NOT SOAK
Avoid tattoo exposure to direct sunlight and refrain from swimming in fresh, salt or chlorinated water for at least 2 weeks.
After External Healing

Tattoos heal quickly BUT fading can still be a problem
Apply hand lotion once a day until dryness stops
Vaseline Intensive Care, Lubriderm, Nivea, etc...
Tanning fades tattoos
Always cover fully healed tattoo with sun block
DO NOT RUIN YOUR INVESTMENT!!!

Answer 2

A half-sleeve tattoo will take around 5 hours to do unless you are the size of a doll. On the average person that is about the size of a sheet of paper on your arm not to include the shoulder and you did mention that there is a lot of detail. If you are going to want to have color added, the artist may ask you to come back and finish up since that is a lot of work to be done on one area at one time, besides it is better to let the skin heal between outlining and coloring since the artist will be able to see the outline better and have a smoother, less irritated surface to work on. For a first tattoo I do think that a half-sleeve is a bit much, how about picking part of the design and having that done, then every 6 months or so go back and add to it. That way you don't have to sit there for the full 5 hours at one time, your arm will get tired sitting in one position for an extended period of time.

As for the pain, everyone has a different threshold of pain. It stung me more to get my tattoos on my back then the ones on my arms.

Answer 3

if the tattoo has a lot of detail then it probably won't be done all in one session. most aren't but some are. also, if it is a half sleeve then i would think it'd take more than 4-5 hours but maybe your artists is fast.
nobody can tell you what a tattoo will feel like. some people say they aren't painful at all and other people will say that they are the most painful thing ever. it all depends on how well you take pain.

Answer 4

If the tattoo artist is saying 4-5 hours , then the outline will take 1 to 1 1/2 hours to do. Since its your first tattoo I would get the outline done and then see how you feel. If you are OK then you could continue or go back and do another sitting in a couple of weeks.

Answer 5

Okay let me tell you getting a tat is going to hurt and getting a half sleeve as a first is brave. I mean once the artist makes that first line there is no turning back so I would think long and hard before I did something that drastic.

Answer 6

it hurts. a needle is in you about 1/8th of an inch and gliding across the skin. just look or don't look but don't contort yourself. stick with at least a little big pieces that it seems your working on. the pain differs depending on the artist. i guess that where you find the spirit side of this. seems like a half sleeve should be 4 sessions but thats about what my tolerance is. i'm about the only one on earth that will tell you this. no-one will give you a better answer.

Answer 7

If it is your first tattoo I would suggest you get a small one that you can add on to later on. See how comfortable you feel with it. Anything you do for the first time should be done on a small scale. Aside from the fact that it does hurt allot, you will not be overwhelmed by a small version.

Answer 8

i am scared shitless by needles.

but i went and got a tattoo of an anime cop i like ubers. I was scared as hell. The gun sounds awful, it buzzes so, i almost left.

But the man doing it said he would go slow since it was my first one. I watched as the needle got close then looked away. and waited for him to start.

he had started, i didnt feel more then a vibration. Only when he was working on the tiny details of the handcuff links did it hurt.

and only enough for me to say "ow"

Answer 9

It really varies from person to person. I think it is really brave to get such a tattoo as your first one. You are going to want to take breaks during the first sitting, I'm sure. It can hurt more in some places, but in my experience, after a while, endorphins kick in and you don't really notice it.

Answer 10

mine did not take but an hour or so. it is not as large as what you are describing but in the same place. i can tell you it did not hurt. was only slightly irritating. and as for the amount of time, if others are telling you it should not take that long, maybe the artist is one who takes their time and does the job right!! or it could be they want to let you know the longest it COULD take so you are prepared if it does take that long, but it could take less time.