First tattoo
Your First Tattoo in Amsterdam
Everything you need to know before getting your first tattoo
Thinking about getting your first tattoo?
Exciting.
And probably slightly nerve-racking too.
You may have been thinking about your tattoo for years, or perhaps the idea only recently started feeling real. Either way, it’s completely normal to have questions before making something permanent.
Will it hurt?
How do I choose the right artist?
What size should I get?
What happens during the appointment?
What if I change my mind about the placement?
At Elmar Tattoo in Amsterdam, I work with many first-time clients, particularly people looking for fine line, single needle and tiny tattoos.
This guide takes you through the entire process — from your first idea to walking out of the studio with your first tattoo.
First things first: you don’t need to know everything
You don’t need to understand tattoo terminology before contacting an artist.
You don’t need to know which needle should be used.
You don’t need to know the perfect size.
And you don’t need to arrive with a finished design.
That’s part of my job.
What is useful is having some idea of what you’re drawn to.
It might be a subject.
A story.
A photograph.
A piece of handwriting.
A collection of screenshots.
Or simply a particular feeling or aesthetic.
That’s enough to start.
How do I choose my first tattoo?
There’s no rule saying your first tattoo needs to have profound meaning.
Some tattoos commemorate people.
Some represent important periods in someone’s life.
Others simply exist because the person wearing them thinks they’re beautiful.
All are valid reasons.
Instead of asking:
“Is this meaningful enough for a tattoo?”
A more useful question might be:
“Can I imagine still enjoying having this on my body years from now?”
If the answer is yes, you’re already getting somewhere.
Do you handle A minimum age?
Yes, the minimum age is 18.
How do I choose the right tattoo artist?
Don’t choose an artist based solely on who’s available tomorrow.
And don’t choose purely on price.
Look carefully at their actual work.
If you want delicate fine line tattoos, find an artist whose portfolio consistently contains strong fine line work.
Pay attention to:
- Line quality
- Design style
- Consistency
- Healed work, when available
- The subjects they specialise in
- Their approach to custom designs
- Whether their communication makes you comfortable
You don’t need to think one tattoo artist is objectively “the best.”
You need to find the artist who is right for the tattoo you want.
Fine line tattoos as a first tattoo
Fine line tattoos are particularly popular with first-time clients.
Their delicate appearance can feel less visually overwhelming than larger, heavier tattoo styles.
They can be subtle.
Minimal.
Personal.
And easy to incorporate into your existing style.
But don’t choose fine line simply because you assume it will be painless or easier.
Choose it because you genuinely like the aesthetic.
Your first tattoo may be small.
Your relationship with it is going to be long.
Tiny tattoos as a first tattoo
Starting small can feel comfortable.
A tiny symbol, flower, word or personal illustration can be a beautiful first introduction to tattooing.
But there is an important distinction:
Small is good. Too small isn’t.
Every tattoo needs enough room for its individual details.
If you ask me to make something smaller than I believe will work properly, I’ll explain why and suggest an alternative.
That might mean making it a few millimetres larger.
Those millimetres matter more than you’d think.
Choosing the size of your first tattoo
It’s surprisingly difficult to imagine centimetres on your body.
A tattoo that sounds “large” when described as eight centimetres may look relatively small once placed on an arm or leg.
That’s why the final decision doesn’t need to happen entirely in your head.
Before tattooing, we can look at the design at the intended size and see how it actually works on your body.
If necessary, we adjust it.
Size isn’t only about how noticeable the tattoo will be.
It also determines how much detail the design can support.
Choosing your first tattoo placement
Placement is one of the biggest decisions for first-time clients.
Think about several things:
Visibility
Do you want to see the tattoo regularly, or would you rather have something more discreet?
Work and lifestyle
Will visible tattoos matter in your professional or personal circumstances?
The design
Some designs naturally fit particular areas of the body better than others.
Movement
Your body isn’t a flat canvas. The tattoo should work with its shape.
Sun exposure
Areas frequently exposed to sunlight require particularly good long-term sun protection.
Pain
Sensitivity varies between different areas of the body — although pain shouldn’t necessarily be the only factor determining placement.
If you’re deciding between several locations, tell me.
We can look at the options together.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Yes.
But probably not in the dramatic way you’re imagining.
Tattooing involves needles repeatedly depositing pigment into the skin, so some discomfort is part of the process.
How it feels varies enormously.
Placement matters.
Duration matters.
Your individual sensitivity matters.
And your physical condition that day can matter too.
Some areas are relatively manageable for many people, while others tend to be more sensitive.
The useful thing to remember is that tattoo pain isn’t mysterious.
If you need a moment during the appointment, communicate.
You don’t win anything for suffering silently.
What does tattoo pain feel like?
People describe it differently.
Some compare it to scratching.
Others describe a hot or sharp sensation.
For delicate tattoos, the feeling can change depending on the technique and area being worked on.
You’ll probably spend considerably more time thinking about the pain before your first tattoo than you will thinking about it afterwards.
Anticipation has quite an imagination.
How should I prepare the night before?
Preparation is wonderfully unexciting.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Drink enough water.
Eat normally.
Don’t turn the night before your tattoo into an unexpected festival.
Your body is about to do some healing.
Arriving rested and feeling good gives it a much nicer starting point.
Should I eat before getting tattooed?
Yes.
Please eat.
Turning up hungry because you’re nervous isn’t going to improve the experience.
Have a normal meal before your appointment and stay hydrated.
For longer appointments, it can also be sensible to bring something to eat or drink if you’ve been advised to do so.
Your tattoo appointment is not the day to experiment with fasting.
What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?
Comfort beats fashion today.
Wear clean, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
For example:
Getting your upper arm tattooed?
Wear something that allows easy access to your arm.
Getting a rib tattoo?
Think about how clothing can be moved without making you uncomfortable.
Getting your ankle tattooed?
Consider what will rub against the area afterwards.
Also remember that tattoo ink and other materials are being used.
Your most precious white outfit can have the day off.
Can I shave the area beforehand?
You generally don’t need to prepare the tattoo area by aggressively shaving it yourself.
The area can be prepared appropriately for tattooing at the studio.
If you’ve been given specific instructions beforehand, follow those.
Otherwise, don’t turn your skin into a home improvement project the night before.
Healthy, calm skin is what we want.
What happens when I arrive?
First, we don’t immediately start tattooing.
We’ll look at the design.
We’ll talk through any final details.
We’ll check the size.
Then we’ll look at placement.
The stencil gives you an opportunity to see the design on your actual body rather than imagining it.
Look at it.
Move around.
Look in the mirror.
Take your time.
Only once everything feels right do we begin.
Can I change the placement?
Yes.
Please don’t stand there secretly thinking:
“I wish it was two centimetres higher.”
Say it.
Moving a stencil before tattooing is easy.
Moving a tattoo afterwards is considerably more ambitious.
The purpose of checking placement is to make sure you’re comfortable with it.
Can I change my mind on the day?
You are never obligated to get tattooed simply because you arrived at the studio.
However, major last-minute changes to the design may affect whether the appointment can proceed as originally planned.
Small placement and size adjustments are normal.
Completely changing the concept is something different.
If you’ve had a major change of heart beforehand, tell me as early as possible.
Communication solves an impressive number of problems.
What happens during the tattoo?
Once the design and placement are confirmed, the area is prepared and tattooing begins.
During the session, you don’t need to do anything impressive.
Try to relax.
Breathe normally.
Stay reasonably still.
If you’re uncomfortable, tell me.
If you feel unwell, tell me.
If you need something, tell me.
Tattoo artists are good at tattooing.
We’re less good at reading minds.
Can I take a break?
If you genuinely need a break, communicate that.
For very small tattoos, the session may be relatively short anyway.
For longer pieces, there may naturally be moments when a pause makes sense.
The goal isn’t to prove how tough you are.
The goal is to finish a good tattoo safely and comfortably.
What if I’m really nervous?
Tell me before we start.
Being nervous about your first tattoo is extremely common.
You’re making a permanent decision while also doing something you’ve never physically experienced before.
Of course your brain has opinions about that.
Knowing you’re nervous means I can explain what’s happening rather than leaving you wondering.
Often, the uncertainty is worse than the tattoo itself.
Can I bring someone with me?
One guest is welcome by prior arrangement.
How long will my first tattoo take?
That depends on the tattoo.
The appointment includes more than the physical tattooing time.
There may be time needed for:
- Discussing the final design
- Preparing the stencil
- Checking placement
- Setting up
- Tattooing
- Finishing and protecting the tattoo
- Explaining aftercare
A tiny tattoo may be tattooed relatively quickly, but the appointment itself will take longer than the few minutes the needle is actually touching your skin.
Don’t schedule something important ten minutes afterwards.
Give yourself some breathing room.
What happens immediately afterwards?
Once the tattoo is finished, we’ll clean the area and protect it appropriately.
You’ll receive instructions explaining how to look after your tattoo.
Listen to those rather than trying to remember the seventeen contradictory TikTok videos you watched the night before.
Aftercare doesn’t need to be complicated.
It does need to be taken seriously.
Read the Tattoo Aftercare Guide
What will my tattoo look like while healing?
Your fresh tattoo isn’t the final version.
The skin needs to recover.
During healing, the tattoo can go through stages where it looks different.
It may initially appear particularly sharp or dark.
Later, healing skin can make it look dry, flaky or temporarily dull.
Don’t judge the final tattoo in the middle of healing.
Give your body time to finish what it started.
Your first tattoo and the sun
Tattoos become part of your skin.
That means looking after your skin becomes part of looking after your tattoo.
During healing, follow the specific instructions you’ve received.
Once fully healed, sensible sun protection can help preserve your tattoo’s appearance over the years.
Especially if you’ve chosen delicate fine line work, long-term care matters.
Swimming after your first tattoo
If you’re planning to celebrate your first tattoo by immediately jumping into a swimming pool…
Maybe postpone that part of the celebration.
Fresh tattoos need time to heal.
Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes and the sea aren’t where you want freshly tattooed skin spending its recovery period.
This is particularly important if you’re visiting Amsterdam during a longer holiday.
Plan your tattoo around your trip rather than trying to negotiate with biology afterwards.
Getting your first tattoo while visiting Amsterdam
Getting your first tattoo during a trip can make the experience even more memorable.
International clients are welcome at Elmar Tattoo.
But planning matters.
If you’re travelling, tell me:
- Your dates in Amsterdam
- When you’re leaving
- Your plans afterwards
- Your tattoo idea
- Approximate size
- Preferred placement
If you’re going directly from Amsterdam to a beach holiday, we should talk about that before booking.
Sometimes the best appointment date is the one that gives your tattoo enough time to heal properly.
How much does a first tattoo cost?
Your first tattoo doesn’t have a different pricing structure simply because it’s your first.
Pricing depends on the tattoo itself.
Factors include:
- Design
- Size
- Detail
- Placement
- Preparation
- Tattooing time
My minimum tattoo price is:
€80,-
Tiny tattoos start from:
€80,-
Fine line tattoos start from:
€80,-
For complete information, visit:
Common first tattoo mistakes
You don’t need to become a tattoo expert. But there are a few mistakes worth avoiding.
Choosing purely on price. Cheap and expensive don’t automatically mean bad and good. But price shouldn’t be your only criterion for choosing someone to permanently alter your skin.
Making a detailed design too small. Tiny details need room. Trust your artist when they explain why a few extra millimetres matter.
Copying someone else’s tattoo exactly. Use other tattoos as inspiration. Then make yours personal.
Not eating beforehand. Please eat. Your nervous stomach doesn’t get the final vote.
Planning swimming immediately afterwards. Your new tattoo and the hotel pool can meet later.
Picking at healing skin. Leave it alone.
Your body has successfully healed skin before. Give it another chance.
Ignoring aftercare. The tattoo artist creates the tattoo. Healing becomes a team effort between the work we’ve done and the way you care for your skin afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best tattoo for a first tattoo?
There isn’t one.
A good first tattoo is one you genuinely want and that can be translated successfully into a tattoo at the chosen size and placement.
Fine line and tiny tattoos are popular choices, but they aren’t requirements.
Where should I get my first tattoo?
That depends on the design, how visible you’d like it to be and your personal preferences.
If you’re uncertain, we can discuss different placements before tattooing.
What is the least painful place for a first tattoo?
Pain varies between individuals, so there isn’t one universally painless location.
Areas with more cushioning are often considered more manageable than very bony or sensitive areas, but your experience may differ.
Choose placement primarily because it works for the tattoo and for you.
How small should my first tattoo be?
As small or large as makes sense for the design.
Don’t force a detailed tattoo into an unsuitable size simply because it’s your first.
Starting small is fine.
Starting too small isn’t necessarily better.
How long does a small first tattoo take?
The tattooing itself may be relatively quick for a simple small design, but your appointment also includes preparation, placement and aftercare.
I’ll give you an indication based on your specific tattoo.
Should I eat before my tattoo?
Yes.
Eat normally beforehand and arrive hydrated.
Can I drink alcohol before getting tattooed?
Don’t arrive intoxicated for your tattoo appointment.
If you have questions about what you should avoid before your appointment, ask beforehand rather than making assumptions.
Can I take painkillers before my tattoo?
Medication is something to approach carefully rather than taking something automatically because you’re worried about discomfort.
If you regularly take medication, don’t stop or change it because of a tattoo without appropriate medical advice.
If you have a medical question about whether a medication is compatible with getting tattooed, ask a qualified healthcare professional.
Can I use numbing cream?
Please don’t use numbing products without discussing them with me beforehand.
Different artists have different policies, so make yours explicit.
Can I bring headphones?
Yes! headphones can be useful during longer sessions, although communication with me still needs to remain possible.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, but inform me beforehand.
Can I see the design beforehand?
Yes.
What if I don’t like the design?
Say so.
The purpose of reviewing a design is to make sure we’re moving in the right direction.
Depending on the requested changes, adjustments may be possible immediately or additional design time may be required.
What if I faint?
If you’re feeling light-headed, nauseous or otherwise unwell, tell me immediately.
Eating beforehand, staying hydrated and communicating when you’re uncomfortable can all help make the appointment easier.
Do I need to tip my tattoo artist in Amsterdam?
Only if you want to
When can I show off my new tattoo?
Immediately, if you’d like.
Just remember that your tattoo is healing.
Don’t compromise aftercare for the sake of showing it off.
There will be plenty of time for photographs once your skin has settled.
Ready for your first tattoo?
You don’t need to arrive fearless.
You don’t need to know everything.
And you don’t need to have the perfect design already sitting on your phone.
You need an idea you’re excited about and an artist you trust enough to help you with the rest.
If you think my style fits what you’re looking for, send me your idea.
Tell me:
What you’re considering
Approximate size
Possible placement
Any reference images
And don’t forget to mention that it’s your first tattoo.
We’ll take it from there.