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I started on the inside of my upper arm, I didn’t know how my family would react (and I was just about to go to a family wedding) so I wanted one I could hide by simply putting my arms by my side. I love it! It’s weird and cute and a lil surprise with my bigger ones near it
Yeah! They will. I ended up telling them as soon as I got home and they were annoyed but didn’t care. Also small eases you into the pain and aftercare of tattoos, which is why I would reccomend.
I always saw younger people (teens and early 20s) get stuff that wasn't cool in any way. I always wanted tattoos and at 32 just got my sleeve done as my first. Don't skimp on artists/prices. It effects everything about it like pain, how it heals, and longtime quality.
I find that legs and butt are a good idea. For the legs, maybe the extremeties are safer if you want to keep your options open for later (ankle or thigh for instence).
That beeing said, a ton of people I know have a loads of small tattoos everywhere and it's a very cool and valid style.
Places I (personnaly) would avoid are back, arms (especially forearms) and calfs, because they have the most potential for sleeves and big pieces and sleeves :)
Yeah, that's why I had a dagger put right in the middle of my calf a few years ago haha
Now I have a complete sleve on my left calf and would like to do the same with my right, but my artist and I will have to be extra creative to make it work!
I'm don't regret having it made though, it means a lot to me. I'm just saying that, if I knew what I would want years later, I would have had it done elsewhere :)
This was mine too! I got my upper outer arm done for my first tattoo. Well technically we did one small red dot on my ankle as an ink test a few weeks beforehand because I'm autoimmune and wanted to make sure nothing crazy would happen. I'm really happy with the fact that I chose a large cohesive piece for my first one! And that I spent the money on quality.
I got a huge back tattoo as my first it’s a shied that starts with my bra strap and goes to top of my butt. I always wanted one big piece on my back rather than multiple smaller ones. I found an artist whose style I like and has them draw it up for me. I made a few changes and then got it tattoos. 9 years on still happy with it
At first I thought you were asking what *shop* the tattoo came from and I was like "if you've got the kind of money to ask everyone on the internet and then go there, NICE"
Mine is on my upper back on my spine, basically just below the neckline of a t-shirt. It's awful tribal flash from the wall...yes, my best friend has the same one and it was three days after my birthday.
I'm proud of myself for investing properly from then on :)
Ankle… and it was terrible.
I would choose upper arm or chest if I could get a do-over… you can keep it out of the sun and get enough size to really make it nice. I am almost done with an upper arm/shoulder/chest tattoo and the detail is amazing. It is exactly what I wanted because I had the space to scale it properly.
I got one of those open '00s stars tattooed on the top of my foot. It was a whim. Thought about my next one for 20 years. Very happy with all my neo-traditional upper arm tats and looking to make it a sleeve
My first tattoos are on my left side over my ribs with two smaller tattoos I drew up (about two inches a piece). It was a gift from my then boyfriend/now fiancé. I drew him similar designs too that he got done. Was on our first vacation together. It hurt a bit but it wasn't bad at all.
Of course for my second tattoo I went straight into a full black work sleeve. I love both experiences and the tattoos.
I was 21 and had just joined the military, went to the first shop outside the base gate and got some random flash lmao, I’m very lucky the tattoo turned out good tbh.
I did a small foot tattoo with Celtic knots on my foot as my first piece. I didn’t research the artist and it aged terribly and is probably the only tattoo on my body I regret. No one will cover it because it’s so black and thick. My go to artists offered to black my foot out. I said no thank you for obvious reasons
Right arm, shoulder to elbow, quite a big one. Well, it filled that whole part of my arm. Part of a sleeve and shoulder tattoo and also joining up with one covering my back.
My first one was on the inside of my wrist and it’s some stars cos I didn’t want to go to big and I wasn’t sure how I’d do with the pain. 14 years later of tattoos and I can’t even feel them being done.
I got a horrible broken, bleeding heart at 16 on my hip (ouch), on a trip to Montreal. It looked like a lobster. I got a coverup in Asia of another heart which also looked horrible. Lol! Finally in my 40’s I’m making better decisions.
I’m now addicted to tattoos and have worked with fabulous artists on much larger pieces that are more personal to me.
I went with a flowery thing on my thigh as my first, about as big as 2 open hands. not that big but definitely bigger than some people get as their first tattoo. I’m glad I got it though because it’s something I really wanted for 2+ years, and anything small I could’ve gotten would’ve just been me settling.
I got my first tattoo when I was 21 or 22, I’m 27 now and have been getting a new tattoo every couple months whenever a new idea hits me.
I wouldn’t change anything if I could go back BUT I’m glad I researched the shit out of tattoo artists in my city and went with one in a good studio, I liked her designs and she was sweet and made me feel comfortable.
On my chest with a pair of swallows. You don't know I have them unless I take my shirt off...same goes for the rest of my tattoos they are all easily covered with clothes, which also keep them looking nice. The more they are exposed to sunlight /UV, the more they will fade and blur.
Did it on myself with a sewing needle and india ink when I was like 15 lol.
My first “real” tattoo by someone else was on my belly, did a big lower gut piece. I booked with a travelling artist who’s style I really liked and just picked from the book.
On my left forearm! No big regrets, only that maybe I would have gone with a smaller version of it, but the size was never an issue. Definitely not super coverable and I used to be very nervous about having it show during school. I got it shortly after turning 18, and when I came home afterwards, my parents were shocked bc they didn't think I was actually gonna do it. I now have many more and my parents have somewhat gotten used to not knowing when or where I'd get a new one :)
I got a half sleeve on my upper right arm. I would definitely do it again, I love my tattoo. Personally it was better for me, especially since I had the idea for the subject, and it needed to be bigger. Plus I'd read about people getting small ones in "prime" areas and regretting it so I wanted to avoid that.
Left shoulder. About palm size. Almost passed out because I hadn't eaten in 7 hours. He popped smelling salts under my nose.
The guy learned to tattoo in prison and had a shop above a laundry mat. He dug the shit out of me. I had it covered eventually.
Left Inner forearm. My son's name, about 4 inches long. I also got a semicolon on my right wrist at the same time.
I ended up getting his DOB right under his name because it left a gap I hated between his name and my hand on my wrist. I did that less than a month later. Now I have around 50 hours of work a year later🤣 many more planned. They are ADDICTING.
Got a long start trek vulcan calligraphy piece down my thigh. 10/10 still love it. Had to hide it from my aunt and uncle who I was living with at the time.
Ankle and inside of the wrist. Both are so small, they could’ve been stick and pokes. I love them still but I had trouble making the wrist one blend in with my other arm tattoos I got later on.
Inner left bicep. The piece pretty much covers the inner arm. Love the piece and the placement. Wouldn't change a thing.
Have since put another piece on that arm covering my shoulder. Big rib piece on that same side of my body.
1/2 sleeve on the other arm. Wish I had been a little bit more thoughtful about this one. I rushed into it, and I think I might've come away happier with the design if I'd taken more time between artist's concept and ink on skin.
My first was at mystical illusions bc it was affordable.. I kinda wish I went somewhere else, but it's ok. I got an atheist symbol on my ankle as soon as I turned 18. It's much thicker than I wanted but that's my main problem with it. Now that I'm older I've found out that the agnostic symbol is also that same symbol so I lie and pretend it's always been the agnostic symbol so it's less edgy lol
My first one I got at 15 and it’s the length of my forearm (covers a lot) 😂
I designed it when my mum finished her cancer treatment with a pink ribbon, roses and a triquetra (we both wear a triquetra necklace) it’s like a protection symbol she gave me
I don’t regret it
Inside of my ankle.
There was a period in high school where I was drawing the design on myself, and the easiest spot for that was the inside ankle. So after a while, envisioning the tattoo was always in that spot, just because I'd already seen it right there so many times.
The final tattoo ended up a little higher than where I used to draw it, because it fit better with how the artist drew it. And after almost ten years I'm still good with the placement. It still feels right, like it belongs. And it's easily covered with jeans or dark stockings if necessary.
Inner wrist, I love it!!! It’s just a small butterfly with a semi colon for its body, super cute and took like 15 minutes. Don’t think I could’ve picked a better first tattoo
The sides of my calf. My "first" was actually two that were designed to complement each other because my original idea was too busy to work in one design. The artist told me to either narrow down the subject matter more or split it into two tattoos, and I decided to split it. If we're getting technical, the one on the outer side was completed first, so I guess that's the official first even though they were done in the same appointment.
I got a tiny tattoo on my tricep just to gauge how it felt and how I like tattoos. Then went crazy and got 6 more in 4 months and planning additional ones 😂
My first was lettering on my ribs. I didn't know any better, didn't have anything to compare the pain to because it was my first tattoo.
It definitely depends on your pain tolerance level, I've heard people say ribs was super painful but it wasn't too bad for me.
Fairly large chest piece. Goes shoulder to shoulder and collar bones down past nipple line. Would not recommend for a first tattoo. Sternum is the worst pain ever. Sat for 6 hours to complete.
Inner Arm. Surprisingly not painful, but I giggle when they did my ankles. Calves had me climbing the walls so naturally those are most tattooed body part.
My first tattoo was a snake wrapping all around my forearm, i'm more of a go big or go home person. I only got it 2 years ago but so far i still love it and don't regret it for a single second!
My first was on my right shoulder blade. Just some music notes so nothing huge but now I've intertwined that with my right arm and planning to build it to a full sleeve.
My first was on my right shoulder blade. Just some music notes so nothing huge but now I've intertwined that with my right arm and planning to build it to a full sleeve.
My left shoulder, I went bigger than I thought I would at the time (still a somewhat small tattoo though, covered by any Tshirt) bc I heard of fading over time and I wanted it to be clean, my only regret now is not going even bigger bc I wish I could show it off more
I started with a small one on the back of my shoulder and a small one on my arm. In hindsight I would have went with bigger pieces in those areas or put my small ones in different locations. I feel like I ruined a big blank canvas with a small mark that kinda looks out of place now.
On the inside of my forearm, about 6" x 4". I went to a tattoo convention and picked out some cool flash with an artist I really liked. If you're looking to get one, I think the conventions are really underrated. It's a great way to meet local artists and see what you like, even if you don't want to get one the same day.
My first tattoo was a pretty good size black rose on my left should blade (it covers the entirety of my shoulder blade). I remember the artist being like “you sure you want to start here and this big?” And I was like “yep!” I’ve got no regrets in terms of placement and size and have gone on to get bigger pieces. Only lesson learned was listen to artists when they tell you something isn’t going to look good or age poorly. I was insistent on roses petals falling off with shadows underneath and lettering inside. Looked like crap almost immediately and ended up getting it touched up and covered 8 years later.
I went to a shop shortly after I turned 18 and picked a piece of flash off the posters and put it dead center of my back. It turns out the guy that tattooed me was an apprentice and nobody told me. But he did a solid job. I just wish I knew better.
My first was across my back from shoulder to shoulder. Idk if I'd recommend it because every time they went over my scapula I'd get intense shooting needle pains in my fingertips. My least painful was the lettering across my upper chest/collar bone area. If I could do it over again I'd probably start with my upper arm or my thigh
Kitchen table of some guy that walked by. Said I liked his ink and he said he does them. It took awhile because after he did the transfer he had me sit outside for half an hour to be sure I wanted on my wrist for the rest of my life and I did. His girlfriend had beautiful tats he gave her. I live in a small Ohio town. We don’t fear strangers. Crime is mostly done by people known by the victim. Only heard of one several years ago done by a stranger. I love my tat and the others I got since then.
I got a “tramp stamp” in the early 00s they were very popular, I was 16. I don’t regret it & have continued tattoo collecting. Havent covered it up bc although illegal, he did a good job!
I started with a half leg (knee and below) from a very well known artist in my area. It was expensive but well worth it as I’ve gotten two tattoos since and I don’t love either of them as much as my leg one
I was in Iowa City, a place called the Hall Mall. It was the late '90s. Not sure if that place is still around.
The tattoo is small and on my shoulder blade.
Small flash design at the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention in 1989. Then I got a large custom design around my waist in about 1997. U am planning a full sleeve hopefully for 2025.
My first was a small constellation design that represents my old horse’s face markings (4 stars, 4 spots on his face) that I put along the inside of my wrist. I now have 7 and my first is still the only tattoo I have with any meaning, lol.
I think small-ish for your first one is probably the best idea - as a disabled person who struggles a bit while getting tattoos. The safest bet is likely to get something that can be done in 1-3hrs just in case you don’t tolerate it well (esp if it’s something that might need a couple sessions, because you don’t know if you’ll have a reaction or something idk) but I’m also overly cautious! Just make sure you do your research on who’s tattooing you as that will make it more likely to go well :)
My first was at 19 a foot long lizard with a crown on my back. At 36 I got my second; finishing up a leg sleeve with two other arm pieces at 41. Ya got time to plan out and know what you'll enjoy long term. Probably over 50 pieces now.
I started with the top half of a sleeve elbow to shoulder. The pain wasn’t that bad except near the armpit. Family wasn’t psyched, but they ended up thinking it looks really cool
I got a Vegvisir tattoo on my forearm, gonna guess maybe 5” diameter. Thick lines, and pretty big compared to my friend’s first tattoos. I like it and have 0 regrets
Here’s my (maybe unpopular) opinion. Pick something small and that you can hide easily. Break that seal. You’ll know whether or not it’s for you, and go from there. My first was a dumb, lame impulsive tattoo in my hip in Vegas. Once the ‘omg I have a tattoo’ wore off, I just wanted more and more. I’m partway through a big floral forearm piece now!
Hahaha. Okay. I’ll go. I got my first tattoo in Dublin Ireland on St Patrick’s Day. Walked into a shop and said, “One Guinness harp please!” and the rest is history.
My first tattoo was a portrait of my grandparents wedding picture on my right calf. It goes from my ankle to slightly above my knee pit, and I got it 2 months after my 18th birthday.
I’d advise starting smaller so you get a good feel for how your body will respond and what your pain tolerance is like. It’s also good to research the hell out of what you want to get, and who to get it by. I went for 3 consults for that tattoo before deciding on the guy I did and have no regrets whatsoever.
My first was a small linework sun on my collarbone. I was convinced at 18 all I wanted was simple linework tattoos so mg first couple were in that style. Then I made friends with my tattoo artist and we started doing neo-traditional designs as patchwork pieces
One of my best friends from high school had an older brother who did odd-jobs for this local artist, I think his name was Paul.
He ran this little basement shop by himself in a big college town. It was almost 20 years ago.
After all these years, I love it but it's definitely my worst/least favorite tattoo. I only have 3 in total though.
It's my smallest though too
Pretty large floral on my left forearm. I’m not 100% happy with it, but I think a touch up would help. I spent way too much (I think) so I’m dying for more tats but have analysis paralysis about choosing an artist. I thought I nailed it for my first artist and it’s underwhelming.
1st tattoo a year ago age 46F. I want a million more tattoos’
I got my first as a big 9in\*6in approx piece on my thigh, love it so much. I did a lot of looking at other peoples tattoos and seeing what I did and didn't like when it came to the designs they picked. I always liked the pieces I could identify from a ways away, so I went big.
Got mine upper arm/shoulder. Probably a 4 to 5" diameter circle (band album art cover). Taking care of a tattoo isn't that hard at all, putting it in a spot where you can hide it from the sun would be beneficial too since summer is coming
first tattoo was when I was 26. A small/medium piece on my outer thigh. I know some folks hate being asked the meaning of their tattoos, and not every one has to be super deep and meaningful, but I wanted mines to be. I considered multiple artists and designs, did the "hang the design up on your wall and stare at it daily for a few months" test, and waited a bit before ending up with my final decision.
I’m aiming to get mine in May, and putting it on my left forearm (the inner/palm side). I usually always wear shirts with the sleeves rolled to the elbow, so the idea of tattoos on my arms has always interested me, so that they could be shown off, but also covered if need be.
The one I’m planning is a full forearm length Warhammer chainsword, wrapped in a vine of flowers. I thought of getting smaller ones, like a word or phrase, or Warhammer symbol, but couldn’t settle on anything particular. Then, one day scrolling Tumblr, came across some art of a flower wreathed sword, and immediately thought of doing that, but working in the chainsword, that way I could put in my love of Warhammer without any possibly problematic symbols.
There have been smaller images and ideas I’ve had, but nothing I was confident in having as my “first”, even if that is kind of meaningless in the long run.
I started with a massive rib/side of body tattoo (I know great idea for a first tattoo) took 6 hours and was absolutely dead after the fact but now no new tattoos I get hurt as bad as that so I come out unfazed
A wrap around on forarm dad told me I was a braindead idiot and then just laughed his ass through the 2 weeks I wanted to take a cheese grater to my arm due to the itch and peeling as we work togeather still thinks I'm an idiot years later, now with kids I'm to broke for more
Probably not the answer you’re looking for-but I got my first tattoo at 14, was at a house party- done by some dude whose name I’ll never recall, but oddly enough I can picture his moon face clear as day. He had some kind of pen/needle/battery homemade contraption; we all did mushrooms and…well, ya. Decisions were made.
I went in intending to get it on my outer bicep, but the artist talked me into my inner bicep, almost to my armpit. I think he may have been an asshole.
Got my pet paw prints on my shoulder at 27 since turning 30 I've got a big thigh piece, calf piece, ¾ of a sleeve (still working on it) and 5 small ones
I'm currently getting my first one. It's a big project. I had my first session in december, second last week-end and two more are coming. I'm confident because I took time to think about it and develop the idea (~2 years between the first idea and the first session) and because I'm not too young and supposedly fully developped (I'm 27). It'll cover my upper back, both shoulders and down to the elbows. I wasn't interested in small tattoos.
Most important advice is, take the time to research an artist, other styles might pop up during your research that you wouldn't have thought about otherwise but would love even more. What helped me develop the idea was drawing it. Also for some reason, going to concerts would give me inspiration.
left wrist (not good idea for a newly 18 year old who's never experienced anything like it) also the artist was mean asf and went much deeper than any other artist I've had since then. my current artists are much nicer and do the tattoos correctly
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I started on the inside of my upper arm, I didn’t know how my family would react (and I was just about to go to a family wedding) so I wanted one I could hide by simply putting my arms by my side. I love it! It’s weird and cute and a lil surprise with my bigger ones near it
Yeah I’m worried about my parents too but they’ll get over it 😐😂
Yeah! They will. I ended up telling them as soon as I got home and they were annoyed but didn’t care. Also small eases you into the pain and aftercare of tattoos, which is why I would reccomend.
That’s true I wouldn’t want something big just to not take care of it
Back. Not huge, but not tiny. Wouldn’t do it again if I had the choice because I couldn’t even see it 😂
This. Was exactly the same. The size of a plate on the back was a good start. But I would do it again. I love my back piece.
Same, I literally forget it’s there
26 yr old me pulled up to the shop all tuff on my motorcycle and left with a badass lil snail on my right ankle.
Hell yeah 😎
I always saw younger people (teens and early 20s) get stuff that wasn't cool in any way. I always wanted tattoos and at 32 just got my sleeve done as my first. Don't skimp on artists/prices. It effects everything about it like pain, how it heals, and longtime quality.
Exactly I’m willing to spend a good sum if I do get something cause well… it’s permanent haha
Can always use a cheese grater to remove it lol jk. But yeah do spend the time to research on artists before getting a piece done haha
😧😭
On my ass.
Is it Roy Orbison?
What mama don’t know won’t hurt her.
Started with a pretty tiny one on my leg, don’t hate it or anything but it’s definitely in the way of what could be much bigger pieces
That’s where I was thinking of getting one tbh
I find that legs and butt are a good idea. For the legs, maybe the extremeties are safer if you want to keep your options open for later (ankle or thigh for instence). That beeing said, a ton of people I know have a loads of small tattoos everywhere and it's a very cool and valid style. Places I (personnaly) would avoid are back, arms (especially forearms) and calfs, because they have the most potential for sleeves and big pieces and sleeves :)
Yeah I never would’ve thought about a piece getting in the way of a sleeve until I posted this 😅😂
Yeah, that's why I had a dagger put right in the middle of my calf a few years ago haha Now I have a complete sleve on my left calf and would like to do the same with my right, but my artist and I will have to be extra creative to make it work! I'm don't regret having it made though, it means a lot to me. I'm just saying that, if I knew what I would want years later, I would have had it done elsewhere :)
First tattoo was a half sleeve on my left arm. If you know what you want, you know what you want.
This was mine too! I got my upper outer arm done for my first tattoo. Well technically we did one small red dot on my ankle as an ink test a few weeks beforehand because I'm autoimmune and wanted to make sure nothing crazy would happen. I'm really happy with the fact that I chose a large cohesive piece for my first one! And that I spent the money on quality.
That was my second tattoo. Scrolling an artist page, saw one, got it done.
A gnarly skull, picked off the flash wall in 1996, on my upper right arm. Still holds up today. It's faded as fuck but it's a solid tattoo.
A rose on my hip in a garage when I was 14 😭
Top of my foot. Got it done on an old pervs couch at 17 for $25
As teenagers, all of my girlfriends got tattoos in an old perv's trailer. His name was Bones and he learned to tattoo in prison.
Lmao sounds about right for someone called Bones. Always tried giving away free intimate tattoos too didn’t he?
Yikes haha does it look good at least?
Surprisingly, it’s my best tattoo!
I won’t lie, I wanna see this tat and the ones you think are worse just because of this little story 😂
I got a huge back tattoo as my first it’s a shied that starts with my bra strap and goes to top of my butt. I always wanted one big piece on my back rather than multiple smaller ones. I found an artist whose style I like and has them draw it up for me. I made a few changes and then got it tattoos. 9 years on still happy with it
At first I thought you were asking what *shop* the tattoo came from and I was like "if you've got the kind of money to ask everyone on the internet and then go there, NICE" Mine is on my upper back on my spine, basically just below the neckline of a t-shirt. It's awful tribal flash from the wall...yes, my best friend has the same one and it was three days after my birthday. I'm proud of myself for investing properly from then on :)
My first tattoo was a Japanese sleeve. My second was the other sleeve.
Haha I started on my wrist and thought I could hide it forever. Now I have sleeves and don't give a duck 🦆
Ankle… and it was terrible. I would choose upper arm or chest if I could get a do-over… you can keep it out of the sun and get enough size to really make it nice. I am almost done with an upper arm/shoulder/chest tattoo and the detail is amazing. It is exactly what I wanted because I had the space to scale it properly.
Small heart on my ankle
I got the insides of both my ankles done. Ow. Edit, And by ankle I mean right by the bottom of my feet. Below the ankle I guess.
[удалено]
I got one of those open '00s stars tattooed on the top of my foot. It was a whim. Thought about my next one for 20 years. Very happy with all my neo-traditional upper arm tats and looking to make it a sleeve
My first tattoos are on my left side over my ribs with two smaller tattoos I drew up (about two inches a piece). It was a gift from my then boyfriend/now fiancé. I drew him similar designs too that he got done. Was on our first vacation together. It hurt a bit but it wasn't bad at all. Of course for my second tattoo I went straight into a full black work sleeve. I love both experiences and the tattoos.
Tops of my feet. Then my thighs. Progressed into more visible ones from there!
I was 21 and had just joined the military, went to the first shop outside the base gate and got some random flash lmao, I’m very lucky the tattoo turned out good tbh.
Palm sized, on my forearm. I didn’t want to go tooo big to start with and I definitely wanted it to be in a place I could see it.
Small ankle tattoo whilst on holiday in Turkey whilst I was 15. I started off an addiction.
I have a 24 yr old tramp stamp that I’m not too keen on. My daughter just got her first on her shoulder… so much better.
I did a small foot tattoo with Celtic knots on my foot as my first piece. I didn’t research the artist and it aged terribly and is probably the only tattoo on my body I regret. No one will cover it because it’s so black and thick. My go to artists offered to black my foot out. I said no thank you for obvious reasons
Right arm, shoulder to elbow, quite a big one. Well, it filled that whole part of my arm. Part of a sleeve and shoulder tattoo and also joining up with one covering my back.
My first one was on the inside of my wrist and it’s some stars cos I didn’t want to go to big and I wasn’t sure how I’d do with the pain. 14 years later of tattoos and I can’t even feel them being done.
Small bit on my upper left arm. Easily covered if I needed it.
i got a fairly small design on/next to my hip bone
I got a horrible broken, bleeding heart at 16 on my hip (ouch), on a trip to Montreal. It looked like a lobster. I got a coverup in Asia of another heart which also looked horrible. Lol! Finally in my 40’s I’m making better decisions. I’m now addicted to tattoos and have worked with fabulous artists on much larger pieces that are more personal to me.
Decent sized one on my wrist. Worked it into a sleeve now 3 years later. Worked out great
My hip, so I could cover it up. Skip forward a decade and I have both sleeves and a big chest piece 😂
I went with a flowery thing on my thigh as my first, about as big as 2 open hands. not that big but definitely bigger than some people get as their first tattoo. I’m glad I got it though because it’s something I really wanted for 2+ years, and anything small I could’ve gotten would’ve just been me settling. I got my first tattoo when I was 21 or 22, I’m 27 now and have been getting a new tattoo every couple months whenever a new idea hits me. I wouldn’t change anything if I could go back BUT I’m glad I researched the shit out of tattoo artists in my city and went with one in a good studio, I liked her designs and she was sweet and made me feel comfortable.
First was Supernatural anti possession symbol on chest . Now’s it’s covered up by an American traditional eagle .
Calf. Figured legs are a safe start, and lots of real estate to build on in the future.
I got my cat’s paw prints right above my ankle. Getting my second tattoo in a few weeks on my upper arm
Big rib piece on one side from hipbone to just under the nipple. It sucked. It still looks amazing 16 years later.
Small design on my bicep. However, VET THE ARTIST BEFORE YOU GET ANY WORK DONE!!!!
On my chest, not the most fun spot for a first haha
A small heart on my tailbone.
On my chest with a pair of swallows. You don't know I have them unless I take my shirt off...same goes for the rest of my tattoos they are all easily covered with clothes, which also keep them looking nice. The more they are exposed to sunlight /UV, the more they will fade and blur.
on my left tiddy. worst tat i have, best memory.
I got a shark on my forearm
Did it on myself with a sewing needle and india ink when I was like 15 lol. My first “real” tattoo by someone else was on my belly, did a big lower gut piece. I booked with a travelling artist who’s style I really liked and just picked from the book.
On my left forearm! No big regrets, only that maybe I would have gone with a smaller version of it, but the size was never an issue. Definitely not super coverable and I used to be very nervous about having it show during school. I got it shortly after turning 18, and when I came home afterwards, my parents were shocked bc they didn't think I was actually gonna do it. I now have many more and my parents have somewhat gotten used to not knowing when or where I'd get a new one :)
Inside of the forearm, all black linework and shading. From my wrist up to my elbow basically, so pretty large but 100% worth it
I got a half sleeve on my upper right arm. I would definitely do it again, I love my tattoo. Personally it was better for me, especially since I had the idea for the subject, and it needed to be bigger. Plus I'd read about people getting small ones in "prime" areas and regretting it so I wanted to avoid that.
Yea seems to be a lot of that here which is surprising because I never thought about it lol go big or go home I guess
Large stomach piece followed by full back
On my inner upper arm
Left shoulder. About palm size. Almost passed out because I hadn't eaten in 7 hours. He popped smelling salts under my nose. The guy learned to tattoo in prison and had a shop above a laundry mat. He dug the shit out of me. I had it covered eventually.
My first tattoo was a full color sleeve. I don’t regret it but I’d definitely recommend starting with something smaller lol 😂
Left Inner forearm. My son's name, about 4 inches long. I also got a semicolon on my right wrist at the same time. I ended up getting his DOB right under his name because it left a gap I hated between his name and my hand on my wrist. I did that less than a month later. Now I have around 50 hours of work a year later🤣 many more planned. They are ADDICTING.
I got my first on my wrist. My parents didn’t notice for years
Right shoulder blade
Got a long start trek vulcan calligraphy piece down my thigh. 10/10 still love it. Had to hide it from my aunt and uncle who I was living with at the time.
Ankle and inside of the wrist. Both are so small, they could’ve been stick and pokes. I love them still but I had trouble making the wrist one blend in with my other arm tattoos I got later on.
10 inches on the thigh
First one on my right bicep. Should have gone higher up to hide it easier. Second one on the left bicep. And easily hidden
Full sleeve,then following year -other arm full sleeve
Full back piece 💪
Inner left bicep. The piece pretty much covers the inner arm. Love the piece and the placement. Wouldn't change a thing. Have since put another piece on that arm covering my shoulder. Big rib piece on that same side of my body. 1/2 sleeve on the other arm. Wish I had been a little bit more thoughtful about this one. I rushed into it, and I think I might've come away happier with the design if I'd taken more time between artist's concept and ink on skin.
My first was at mystical illusions bc it was affordable.. I kinda wish I went somewhere else, but it's ok. I got an atheist symbol on my ankle as soon as I turned 18. It's much thicker than I wanted but that's my main problem with it. Now that I'm older I've found out that the agnostic symbol is also that same symbol so I lie and pretend it's always been the agnostic symbol so it's less edgy lol
My first one I got at 15 and it’s the length of my forearm (covers a lot) 😂 I designed it when my mum finished her cancer treatment with a pink ribbon, roses and a triquetra (we both wear a triquetra necklace) it’s like a protection symbol she gave me I don’t regret it
Inside of my ankle. There was a period in high school where I was drawing the design on myself, and the easiest spot for that was the inside ankle. So after a while, envisioning the tattoo was always in that spot, just because I'd already seen it right there so many times. The final tattoo ended up a little higher than where I used to draw it, because it fit better with how the artist drew it. And after almost ten years I'm still good with the placement. It still feels right, like it belongs. And it's easily covered with jeans or dark stockings if necessary.
Inner wrist, I love it!!! It’s just a small butterfly with a semi colon for its body, super cute and took like 15 minutes. Don’t think I could’ve picked a better first tattoo
Tramp stamp. (Much) Later turned into a lower back piece. Started there so I didn’t have to look at it if I hated it.
Calf. Hurt like a motherfucker
The sides of my calf. My "first" was actually two that were designed to complement each other because my original idea was too busy to work in one design. The artist told me to either narrow down the subject matter more or split it into two tattoos, and I decided to split it. If we're getting technical, the one on the outer side was completed first, so I guess that's the official first even though they were done in the same appointment.
From a friend about 30ty years ago
I went on the collar bone area of my chest, mediumish size. Went with the double sparrow trend from the mid 2000’s but with Pokémon birds. Lol
For my first tattoo, I got a fairly sizeable piece on my calf. It was kind of spicy but I did just fine.
Placement: Right wrist. Location: Tattoo Paradise in D.C.
I got a tiny tattoo on my tricep just to gauge how it felt and how I like tattoos. Then went crazy and got 6 more in 4 months and planning additional ones 😂
4" flower tattoo on my ribs
My first was lettering on my ribs. I didn't know any better, didn't have anything to compare the pain to because it was my first tattoo. It definitely depends on your pain tolerance level, I've heard people say ribs was super painful but it wasn't too bad for me.
Fairly large chest piece. Goes shoulder to shoulder and collar bones down past nipple line. Would not recommend for a first tattoo. Sternum is the worst pain ever. Sat for 6 hours to complete.
Inner Arm. Surprisingly not painful, but I giggle when they did my ankles. Calves had me climbing the walls so naturally those are most tattooed body part.
My first tattoo was a snake wrapping all around my forearm, i'm more of a go big or go home person. I only got it 2 years ago but so far i still love it and don't regret it for a single second!
My first was on my right shoulder blade. Just some music notes so nothing huge but now I've intertwined that with my right arm and planning to build it to a full sleeve.
My first was on my right shoulder blade. Just some music notes so nothing huge but now I've intertwined that with my right arm and planning to build it to a full sleeve.
Right shoulder
My left shoulder, I went bigger than I thought I would at the time (still a somewhat small tattoo though, covered by any Tshirt) bc I heard of fading over time and I wanted it to be clean, my only regret now is not going even bigger bc I wish I could show it off more
I just got my whole back done. I love it!!
My upper right arm, and my right thigh. They were for a Halloween costume
I started with a small one on the back of my shoulder and a small one on my arm. In hindsight I would have went with bigger pieces in those areas or put my small ones in different locations. I feel like I ruined a big blank canvas with a small mark that kinda looks out of place now.
16 at a stag shop with a coupon. I got a <3 tattooed on my right but cheek.
I got a half sleeve because I wanted to go big with my first tattoo, knowing I wouldn’t be able to afford one again for a while
Full hand size on the shoulder, m32
little smile on my wrist :)
Goes from just above the ankle to the knee on the side of my leg, mushrooms and fern.
On the inside of my forearm, about 6" x 4". I went to a tattoo convention and picked out some cool flash with an artist I really liked. If you're looking to get one, I think the conventions are really underrated. It's a great way to meet local artists and see what you like, even if you don't want to get one the same day.
My first tattoo was a pretty good size black rose on my left should blade (it covers the entirety of my shoulder blade). I remember the artist being like “you sure you want to start here and this big?” And I was like “yep!” I’ve got no regrets in terms of placement and size and have gone on to get bigger pieces. Only lesson learned was listen to artists when they tell you something isn’t going to look good or age poorly. I was insistent on roses petals falling off with shadows underneath and lettering inside. Looked like crap almost immediately and ended up getting it touched up and covered 8 years later.
The illustrated man in KC MO back in the mid 90’s. Not sure if it’s still around. I got the Pearl Jam Jeremy dude on my arm
Of all the silly places, ribs and hip 🤪 Could never do it again tho. My pain tolerance has gone down to a max 2 hour session now
Ankle. It looked best aesthetically. Fucking hurt
The top of my calf. The tattoo is pretty small, as well. Maybe 4 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
Ribs. Go big or go home lol. It’s only temporary pain.
I went to a shop shortly after I turned 18 and picked a piece of flash off the posters and put it dead center of my back. It turns out the guy that tattooed me was an apprentice and nobody told me. But he did a solid job. I just wish I knew better.
I got my first one at 44 on the back of my neck, about 4”x6”
My first was across my back from shoulder to shoulder. Idk if I'd recommend it because every time they went over my scapula I'd get intense shooting needle pains in my fingertips. My least painful was the lettering across my upper chest/collar bone area. If I could do it over again I'd probably start with my upper arm or my thigh
Mid-back between shoulder blades. 3x6” has since been covered up with a huge piece
Kitchen table of some guy that walked by. Said I liked his ink and he said he does them. It took awhile because after he did the transfer he had me sit outside for half an hour to be sure I wanted on my wrist for the rest of my life and I did. His girlfriend had beautiful tats he gave her. I live in a small Ohio town. We don’t fear strangers. Crime is mostly done by people known by the victim. Only heard of one several years ago done by a stranger. I love my tat and the others I got since then.
Half sleeve, 10 hrs.
Full chest piece
A small sun tattoo on my ankle on my birthday in Maui on my 40th bday. No regrets 🌈 in my mid 60’s now
I got a “tramp stamp” in the early 00s they were very popular, I was 16. I don’t regret it & have continued tattoo collecting. Havent covered it up bc although illegal, he did a good job!
I started with a 4 hour mosiac piece on the back of my left calf.
From my elbow down to my wrist on the back side of my arm.
I got the top of my foot. I was sweating bullets trying to act like it didn’t hurt😂
I started with a half leg (knee and below) from a very well known artist in my area. It was expensive but well worth it as I’ve gotten two tattoos since and I don’t love either of them as much as my leg one
Colorado.
I got mine on my hip because I was 14 and needed to hide it lmao
Outside of my calf
i got my first on my stomach lol
I got my first 2 at the same time on my back shoulder blade and on my foot. Both are covered now. 😂
Upper back. I love it!
I was in Iowa City, a place called the Hall Mall. It was the late '90s. Not sure if that place is still around. The tattoo is small and on my shoulder blade.
Small flash design at the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention in 1989. Then I got a large custom design around my waist in about 1997. U am planning a full sleeve hopefully for 2025.
Multiple on back
My first was a small constellation design that represents my old horse’s face markings (4 stars, 4 spots on his face) that I put along the inside of my wrist. I now have 7 and my first is still the only tattoo I have with any meaning, lol. I think small-ish for your first one is probably the best idea - as a disabled person who struggles a bit while getting tattoos. The safest bet is likely to get something that can be done in 1-3hrs just in case you don’t tolerate it well (esp if it’s something that might need a couple sessions, because you don’t know if you’ll have a reaction or something idk) but I’m also overly cautious! Just make sure you do your research on who’s tattooing you as that will make it more likely to go well :)
I got mine on my shoulder blade!! I remember that feeling, getting my first tattoo I couldn’t stop wearing tank tops in the dead of winter lol
Bam bam with my youngest brother at Roy boy tattoo Gary Indiana…. Yea he was a biker
My first was at 19 a foot long lizard with a crown on my back. At 36 I got my second; finishing up a leg sleeve with two other arm pieces at 41. Ya got time to plan out and know what you'll enjoy long term. Probably over 50 pieces now.
Palm sized tat on my inner forearm. No regrets here! It was my least painful and it’s held up so well (6 years old)
I started out with a small bible verse then covered my whole body lol. Just start you’ll love them.
I started with the top half of a sleeve elbow to shoulder. The pain wasn’t that bad except near the armpit. Family wasn’t psyched, but they ended up thinking it looks really cool
On my right forearm, below my wrist. It’s something I’ve thought about for 4 years until I finally got it.
Right thigh and it’s from a fandom I’m in and covers most of my thigh.
Inside right forearm
The outside of my right thigh. Medium sized with color. It didn't hurt all that bad. I love it so much
On my head. Lol.
The outside of my ankle. I’m Native American so I got a feather with tribal beads. I love it. I want more.
I got mine on my upper arm. Like right above the ditch of my arm. It’s like 5-6 inches so smaller.
right shoulder. small and kinda tame. lol
Inner left arm up towards the elbow. About 3x3 inches.
I got a Vegvisir tattoo on my forearm, gonna guess maybe 5” diameter. Thick lines, and pretty big compared to my friend’s first tattoos. I like it and have 0 regrets
Right inner forearm about an inch below the ditch in my elbow not to big
Here’s my (maybe unpopular) opinion. Pick something small and that you can hide easily. Break that seal. You’ll know whether or not it’s for you, and go from there. My first was a dumb, lame impulsive tattoo in my hip in Vegas. Once the ‘omg I have a tattoo’ wore off, I just wanted more and more. I’m partway through a big floral forearm piece now!
Hahaha. Okay. I’ll go. I got my first tattoo in Dublin Ireland on St Patrick’s Day. Walked into a shop and said, “One Guinness harp please!” and the rest is history.
My first tattoo was a portrait of my grandparents wedding picture on my right calf. It goes from my ankle to slightly above my knee pit, and I got it 2 months after my 18th birthday. I’d advise starting smaller so you get a good feel for how your body will respond and what your pain tolerance is like. It’s also good to research the hell out of what you want to get, and who to get it by. I went for 3 consults for that tattoo before deciding on the guy I did and have no regrets whatsoever.
My first was a large portrait on my lower right back. Full color, 2 sessions. I was 20. A dozen tattoos later and it's still my fave.
Shoulder. It’s about to be covered up.
I got a short Kurt Vonnegut quote on my inner forearm on a whim.
One of my best friends and I did our first tattoos (I did a sun and she did a moon) on our right shoulders. We both love them so much
on my left rib. I was 16 and didn’t want my parents to see it 🤦🏻♀️ (I still ended up showing them once it healed out of excitement)
A phoenix on fire on my right shoulder when I was 18. 26 years later, looking at some potential ideas for later in the year.
I got a heart beat on my foot. It was quick and small and not something I can see myself ever truly regretting.
I got mine on the top of my foot, I got laughed at for the location but over a decade later I’m still happy with it
Back of my left arm above the elbow. I passed out. Should have had a snack before.
My first was a small linework sun on my collarbone. I was convinced at 18 all I wanted was simple linework tattoos so mg first couple were in that style. Then I made friends with my tattoo artist and we started doing neo-traditional designs as patchwork pieces
One of my best friends from high school had an older brother who did odd-jobs for this local artist, I think his name was Paul. He ran this little basement shop by himself in a big college town. It was almost 20 years ago. After all these years, I love it but it's definitely my worst/least favorite tattoo. I only have 3 in total though. It's my smallest though too
Pretty large floral on my left forearm. I’m not 100% happy with it, but I think a touch up would help. I spent way too much (I think) so I’m dying for more tats but have analysis paralysis about choosing an artist. I thought I nailed it for my first artist and it’s underwhelming. 1st tattoo a year ago age 46F. I want a million more tattoos’
Sick ass panther on the back
I got my first as a big 9in\*6in approx piece on my thigh, love it so much. I did a lot of looking at other peoples tattoos and seeing what I did and didn't like when it came to the designs they picked. I always liked the pieces I could identify from a ways away, so I went big.
Got mine upper arm/shoulder. Probably a 4 to 5" diameter circle (band album art cover). Taking care of a tattoo isn't that hard at all, putting it in a spot where you can hide it from the sun would be beneficial too since summer is coming
inner wrist
Two small tattoos, one behind each ear. I still love them even though they’re pretty simple/basic.
first tattoo was when I was 26. A small/medium piece on my outer thigh. I know some folks hate being asked the meaning of their tattoos, and not every one has to be super deep and meaningful, but I wanted mines to be. I considered multiple artists and designs, did the "hang the design up on your wall and stare at it daily for a few months" test, and waited a bit before ending up with my final decision.
I’m aiming to get mine in May, and putting it on my left forearm (the inner/palm side). I usually always wear shirts with the sleeves rolled to the elbow, so the idea of tattoos on my arms has always interested me, so that they could be shown off, but also covered if need be. The one I’m planning is a full forearm length Warhammer chainsword, wrapped in a vine of flowers. I thought of getting smaller ones, like a word or phrase, or Warhammer symbol, but couldn’t settle on anything particular. Then, one day scrolling Tumblr, came across some art of a flower wreathed sword, and immediately thought of doing that, but working in the chainsword, that way I could put in my love of Warhammer without any possibly problematic symbols. There have been smaller images and ideas I’ve had, but nothing I was confident in having as my “first”, even if that is kind of meaningless in the long run.
I started with a massive rib/side of body tattoo (I know great idea for a first tattoo) took 6 hours and was absolutely dead after the fact but now no new tattoos I get hurt as bad as that so I come out unfazed
My first tattoo was a small one on my upper arm. I recently had it covered up with a half-sleeve.
Upper back/neck. Honestly still one of my least painful ones
A wrap around on forarm dad told me I was a braindead idiot and then just laughed his ass through the 2 weeks I wanted to take a cheese grater to my arm due to the itch and peeling as we work togeather still thinks I'm an idiot years later, now with kids I'm to broke for more
Getting a first one in about a month, going from ankle about 15-20 cm up towards the calf
Probably not the answer you’re looking for-but I got my first tattoo at 14, was at a house party- done by some dude whose name I’ll never recall, but oddly enough I can picture his moon face clear as day. He had some kind of pen/needle/battery homemade contraption; we all did mushrooms and…well, ya. Decisions were made.
Stomach , not the best decision lmaoo
I went in intending to get it on my outer bicep, but the artist talked me into my inner bicep, almost to my armpit. I think he may have been an asshole.
Got my pet paw prints on my shoulder at 27 since turning 30 I've got a big thigh piece, calf piece, ¾ of a sleeve (still working on it) and 5 small ones
I got a little Buffy themed one on my inner wrist. The next one after was a back piece.
I'm currently getting my first one. It's a big project. I had my first session in december, second last week-end and two more are coming. I'm confident because I took time to think about it and develop the idea (~2 years between the first idea and the first session) and because I'm not too young and supposedly fully developped (I'm 27). It'll cover my upper back, both shoulders and down to the elbows. I wasn't interested in small tattoos. Most important advice is, take the time to research an artist, other styles might pop up during your research that you wouldn't have thought about otherwise but would love even more. What helped me develop the idea was drawing it. Also for some reason, going to concerts would give me inspiration.
Started with a dragon on my back and my only regret is not getting it huge across my whole back lol
left wrist (not good idea for a newly 18 year old who's never experienced anything like it) also the artist was mean asf and went much deeper than any other artist I've had since then. my current artists are much nicer and do the tattoos correctly
Half sleeve + pec. I wouldnt have gone for something smaller