You want your first tattoo to happen calmly, without rushing. The good news is that almost every question you have at the start can be answered in a single consultation with an artist. To come to it well prepared, it helps to think through a few things first — here they are, one by one.
Where to start: the idea and references
Start with the subject: a portrait of someone close to you, a pet, a favourite character, a symbol or a few words. You do not need a finished design — an idea and a few references are enough: photos and examples of work you like. Your artist creates the design especially for you, it is already included in the price of the tattoo, and it is refined until it is exactly what you want.
Take a look at the studio's portfolio and artists: each has their own signature, and your idea may come to life particularly well with one of them.
Choose a style
Almost any idea can be done in different styles, and the style determines how the piece will look over the years. In colour realism the image is vivid and three-dimensional; in black and grey it is more graphic and restrained. A portrait calls for particular precision: facial features and the gaze matter most. A short phrase or a date can be done as lettering — the font and size are chosen so that it reads easily.
Size: detail needs space
The size of a tattoo depends on how much detail it holds. A portrait or a scene with several figures needs room: in too small an area, fine elements will lose their sharpness over time. If you would like a small piece with plenty of detail, consider microrealism — the design is created for a small size from the start.
If you are unsure, start with a medium-sized piece — it is usually done in one session, and it is a good way to see how everything works.
How a tattoo changes over the years
A tattoo stays with you for a long time, but skin is alive: over the years lines soften slightly and the finest details become a little less crisp. That is why an experienced artist leaves room for detail and plans the contrast carefully — so the piece still reads well ten years on.
Sun protection helps keep a tattoo vivid: once it has healed, use SPF 50+ whenever it is exposed.
Where to get your first tattoo
When choosing a placement, think about three things.
Visibility. A tattoo on the forearm or hand is almost always on show, while one on the shoulder blade, thigh or ribs is seen by you and by those you choose to show it to. If your job has a dress code, that is worth bearing in mind too.
Space. The design should fit without having to be cut down. The forearm, upper arm, lower leg, shoulder blade and thigh suit portraits and scenes, while the wrist and collarbone work well for smaller pieces.
How it feels during the session. Different placements vary in sensitivity. On each placement page in our Tattoos section we show how sensitive it is, how long it takes to heal and what size of work is usually done there.
The most common place for a first tattoo is the forearm: the surface is even, the tattoo is easy to show and easy to cover with a sleeve. The upper arm, lower leg and shoulder blade are popular choices too.
Placements for a small piece
If your first tattoo is going to be small — a date, a symbol, a few words or a miniature — look at the wrist, collarbone or hand. In these places a small piece looks neat and well placed.
Think one step ahead
A first tattoo is often a beginning. If you think you might one day want more work on your arm, leg or back, tell your artist up front. They will position the first piece so that more can be added later and eventually brought together into one composition.
Try the tattoo on in advance
To see how a design will look on your body, use our online try-on: upload an image, choose a placement and adjust the size. It is free and needs no sign-up. It makes choosing between two or three placements easier before you even visit the studio.
A free consultation
The consultation at the studio is free and comes with no obligation. It is your time to ask everything: how the piece will look in the chosen placement, how many sessions it will take and what it will cost. Your artist will look at your skin in person, place the design on your body and suggest the best solution for your idea. Bring your references — they make the conversation quicker.
Booking and the deposit
Once you have chosen a date, the session is secured with a deposit of 300 or 500 zł, depending on the scope of the work. The deposit counts towards the price of the tattoo.
How to prepare for the session
- Get a good night's sleep and eat well before your visit: rested and with a full stomach, the session is easier to sit through.
- Avoid alcohol the day before.
- Fill in the health questionnaire in advance in your client account or at the studio before the session.
- Wear comfortable clothes that leave the area of the future tattoo uncovered.
How the session goes
First, the design is transferred onto your skin and moved if needed until it sits straight and you are happy with it. All single-use materials are opened in front of you. The work includes breaks: you can rest and have some water, coffee or tea.
The tattoo beds at the studio are soft and designed for long sessions. You can pass the time on the PlayStation, listening to your own music or watching a favourite film. If the piece is large, the next session is booked straight away.
How to feel at ease during the session
The session moves at a calm pace. If you need a pause, just tell your artist — breaks during the work are perfectly normal. If you are uncomfortable sitting or lying, your artist will help you change position. Many people put on their own series or music, and the time flies.
How much does a first tattoo cost?
The price depends on the size, the complexity and the artist. A small piece starts at 400 zł, a medium one at 800 zł. You will find guide prices by size on our Prices page, and your artist will quote for your tattoo once they see your idea. The quote is free.
After the session
The tattoo is covered with SecondSkin film, the aftercare is explained, and you are given everything you need to take home. How the skin changes in the first weeks and what is normal during that time — read our article “Tattoo Healing Day by Day”.
Frequently asked questions
What size should my first tattoo be?
A size at which the details of your design read clearly. A popular choice for a first tattoo is a medium-sized piece on the forearm or lower leg.
How long does a session take?
A small piece is done in one short session, a medium one usually in one. Your artist will give you the exact time at the consultation, once they have seen the design and the placement.
What if I cannot choose between two placements?
Try the design on both in the online try-on, and at the consultation your artist will place it on your body in person. After that, the choice usually becomes obvious.
Can the design be changed on the day of the session?
Yes. The design is refined until it is exactly what you want — and only then does the work begin.
Can my first tattoo be in colour?
Of course. Colour realism looks great on both small and large pieces — as long as the size leaves room for detail. Colour works especially well where depth and mood matter: in animal portraits, nature and vivid characters.
