First Tattoo Guide — Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Piece
Getting your first tattoo is exciting, nerve-wracking, and — if you prepare right — one of the most rewarding experiences. This guide covers everything a first-timer in Saskatoon needs to know.
1. Choosing Your Artist
Don’t choose a shop. Choose an artist whose style matches what you want. If you want delicate botanical work, a blackwork specialist isn’t the right fit, no matter how good they are.
Browse portfolios on Instagram first. Look for:
- Consistent line quality across multiple healed pieces
- Their specific style matches your vision
- They post healed work (not just fresh — fresh always looks better)
Saskatoon has strong specialists in every major style. Browse our artist directory to find the right match.
2. The Consultation
Most Saskatoon artists offer free consultations. This is your chance to:
- Describe your idea and show reference images
- Discuss placement (your artist will advise based on how the design fits your body)
- Get a real price quote
- Ask about pain, healing, and their specific process
Bring: Reference images, an open mind (your artist may suggest adjustments that improve the piece), and questions.
3. What Does It Feel Like?
Everyone asks. The honest answer: it’s uncomfortable, not unbearable. Most people describe it as a cat scratch or a sunburn being scraped. The sensation varies by placement:
| Placement | Pain Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forearm / outer bicep | 2–3 / 10 | Least painful — good for first timers |
| Shoulder / calf | 3–4 / 10 | Still manageable |
| Ribs / spine | 6–8 / 10 | High pain, but worth it |
| Inner wrist / ankle | 4–6 / 10 | Bony areas sting more |
| Knees / elbows | 6–8 / 10 | Avoid for your first |
You can tap out. Good artists take breaks. A standard session is 2–4 hours with at least one break.
4. Preparing for Your Session
The night before:
- Sleep well and stay hydrated
- Eat a solid meal before your appointment (low blood sugar + adrenaline = bad combination)
- No alcohol 24 hours before (alcohol thins your blood and affects healing)
The day of:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives access to the placement area
- Shower before you arrive (clean skin = clean work)
- Bring water and a snack for longer sessions
5. Aftercare Basics (Saskatchewan Edition)
Saskatchewan’s dry climate changes the aftercare game. [Our detailed aftercare guide]/blog/winter-aftercare-saskatchewan/) covers winter specifically, but the basics apply year-round:
DO:
- Wash with unscented antibacterial soap 2–3× daily
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel (never a cloth towel)
- Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer once the tattoo starts feeling tight
- Keep it out of direct sun for at least 3 weeks
DON’T:
- Soak in baths, pools, or the South Saskatchewan River (bacteria = infection)
- Pick or scratch at peeling skin (you’ll pull ink out)
- Wear tight synthetic fabrics over the tattoo while it heals
- Use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) — it suffocates the skin
6. The Cost
Your first tattoo will typically cost between $180 and $400 for a small-to-medium piece, depending on detail and placement. Most Saskatoon studios require an $80 deposit to book, applied to your final balance. Cash, debit, and credit are all accepted at most shops.
7. What to Avoid in Your First Tattoo
- Hands, neck, and face: Many artists (and employers) will advise against these for a first tattoo. They’re visible, they heal differently, and they limit your professional options.
- Ultra-trendy designs: That micro-realistic butterfly everyone is getting? Trends fade. Classic designs age better.
- Rushing: Good artists book 1–3 weeks out. If a shop can tattoo you in 15 minutes with no consult, walk out.
Ready?
Book a consultation with the artist whose style matches your vision. We’ll help match you.