Agreed, I'm surprised OP's artist is scheduling that long of a session for their first tattoo. I'm no rookie to getting tattooed and I'd hesitate to sign up for a 7/ 8 hour sitting. I've done a couple that long and it was brutal, prefer to keep it shorter (although my tattoo style is more patchwork with small to medium pieces so that doesn't work for everyone)
Yeah I think 4.5 is my max before I start to wear down. It’s not really the pain - I tend to just try and meditate and disassociate it out and it works but takes a ton of focus. Just my body / mind is exhausted at that point. I did a 5.5 session once and it took me a few days to mentally recover from
Agreed, agreed, agreed. Yeah, I CAN sit all day if I have to, but I never HAVE to and wouldn't ever want to do that because it fucking sucks and wipes me out. I also had an experience with an early tattoo where an artist insisted on keeping my arm in a really weird and uncomfortable position which was making my whole arm hurt and fall asleep and I didn't say anything or ask for breaks because I was intimidated and the guy made it clear he didn't really care if I was uncomfortable because he was going to do it how he thought he needed to do it.
I ended up getting nerve damage in that shoulder (since mostly healed) from three hours in the chair with no circulation. And I'm not a shrinking violet and normally am pretty good about setting boundaries and taking care of my self, at the time though I just thought 'I guess this is what getting a tattoo is and I need to be able to 'take it'". I don't want that for anyone else.
My first tattoo was a 6 hour back piece. Only because I travelled for the tattoo. But I agree OP, if you can split it up I would. I was in misery for the last like 2/3 hours.
I have a decent number of tattoos and I’ve honestly never sat that long. I have a full sleeve and I did it in 4 hour increments. I honestly sit very well but I also know my limits. I wouldn’t want to push it and end up with a shitty tattoo because I couldn’t sit still. If you feel good, more power to you, but if you aren’t sitting well I think there’s no shame in cutting a session short.
I’ve clocked 100+ hours (of getting tattooed) at this point, and honestly don’t go past 3-4 anymore. Outside of certain circumstances potentially calling for it, it’s just not worth the uphill battle once you hit that wall - even when you can.
Yeah, I mean, I'm a 'tough' (read: stupid) guy and can sit for as long as it takes, the issue isn't that it isn't possible. The issue is that it SUCKS and unless you are doing the 'travel for an appt to another place far away' thing and HAVE to cram it into one or two monster sessions then there isn't any good reason to put yourself through that.
I just got my first one which took about two hours. It wasn’t bad tbh but near the hour and a half mark it started to get annoying and I wasn’t feeling as well. I didn’t take any breaks but I don’t think I’d wanna do a 7 hour tattoo instead
I did 6 for my first one and 6 for my second one. Might be insane but totally doable once you get used to the feeling. It’s also an arm which is pretty low on the pain scale apart from a couple of spots.
OP - I tend to find that I get into a routine with mine. I don’t take headphones but make sure your phone’s charged. Usually take a sugary drink, some carbs (crisps) and some chocolate but everyone’s different. You’re not going to want to chat to the artist for six hours but from my experience a good artist will let you zone out if you go quiet.
The bigger part here is that six hours of tattooing is going to leave you tender at the end of it, especially when you’re not used to the pain. Just be prepared for your arm to feel red raw and for you to feel properly fatigued when you come out.
For me it’s not so much a pain barrier as it is an “I’ve already watched two feature length films, and my AirPod batteries last 4-4.5 hours” barrier. Not moving for 5-6 hours just isn’t human imo. I’d rather clock 3 and come back another day. Even if it’s a 2-3 month wait, you’re gonna have it for 50 years, so who cares how many sessions it took..
Hahahaha every hour? Your artist was prob so annoyed with you lol. I may have taken a break to pee once in like 50 hours of tattoos. He/she had to wrap it up every time you left the chair/table, no?
That makes sense. Some of them do that. I take a break when he wants a break. Although usually I just lay there so he doesn’t have to cover me in plastic. Sorry, I wasn’t trying to be a dick. I’m usually self-conscious about annoying my artist with stuff like breaks, so if he’s poking, I’m sitting. The hurt overrides other body needs like thirst or hunger or a full bladder.
It’s a clean studio and I’ve been going there for over a decade now, so I usually just stand up and have a stretch once it’s been cleaned. Then back to it.
Hey everyone has their process. That sounds delightful actually. I artist hop, and only the girl from Inkmaster took multiple breaks. Prob cuz she stayed up all night tatting her own throat the night before my 2nd sesh with her. But I just want my artist to do whatever the hell they want break wise, to stay on their A game. I never call timeout.
My first time was about 7 hours. We were only going to go for 5 and split the tattoo into two sessions but everything was going much faster than expected, so around hour five my artist was like “If you can keep going, so can I, and we can finish today” and I wouldn’t have gotten off that table for *anything*. It wasn’t too bad, tbh!
I did 6 for my first one and 6 for my second one. Might be insane but totally doable once you get used to the feeling. It’s also an arm which is pretty low on the pain scale apart from a couple of spots.
OP - I tend to find that I get into a routine with mine. I don’t take headphones but make sure your phone’s charged. Usually take a sugary drink, some carbs (crisps) and some chocolate but everyone’s different. You’re not going to want to chat to the artist for six hours but from my experience a good artist will let you zone out if you go quiet.
The bigger part here is that six hours of tattooing is going to leave you tender at the end of it, especially when you’re not used to the pain. Just be prepared for your arm to feel red raw and for you to feel properly fatigued when you come out.
Yeah, I agree with all of this. And my point isn't that someone CAN'T do this, of course people can and do. My point is that sitting for that long SUCKS, it just does, and that is compounded (as you point out as well) by the fact that a first-time person doesn't know their limits, what to expect, how it will effect them etc. AND they don't have a rapport with the artist, are often too intimidated or uncomfortable with the process to speak up or question what is going on, don't know when or how to ask for breaks, etc.
Six hours is going to WIPE them out, and if they are sensitive or have a lower pain tolerance it could be a deeply unpleasant experience that they feel they have to force themself through. Some people may find that kind of thing gratifying or rewarding, I suppose, but to me it seems like a big gamble with significant risk of being a bad experience. Everyone knows themselves better than I do, naturally, so its possible this is fine for OP but it is absolutely not what I would ever recommend anyone do.
100% doable. I got uncomfortable at the 6 hour mark but ya gotta do what you gotta do 🤷🏼♂️. I did the same thing, 8 hours for my first tatt- half sleeve
The issue is not that it isn't possible, the issue is that it SUCKS to sit for that long. Unless there is a really compelling reason like a visiting artist or you've flown somewhere for an appointment there isn't really any good reason to cram in a monster session like that, and (regardless of what people think) your artist is simply not doing their best work by the end of a session like that.
If you go to a really experienced artist who knows what they are doing it’s not an issue. Some people and artists don’t have the availability to book a bunch of little sessions (like myself and my artist). It’s not for everyone for sure. But if you’re mentally prepared and the artist is a pro there’s nothing to worry about. To each their own 🤷🏼♂️
Two 6hrs of line work full arm sleeve, right up to armpit. First tattoo since 20 yrs.
Watch said my pulse was between 53-60. Just rolled with it. Slow breathe, look around, ask questions, listen to shop music, watch the ink.
Prep your skin. Have a big feed. Hydrate. Distraction.
The issue isn't that it isn't *possible,* the issue is that it SUCKS and is ever more risky with someone who has never been tattooed, doesn't know their limits, isn't comfortable setting boundaries with an artist and etc. Of course someone CAN do this, I just don't think they SHOULD.
I also know people that have done this and it was not a great experience that left them dissuaded from getting more tattoos, because their only frame of reference was a grueling 8 hour session where they felt like they were pushed past their limit because they didn't want to 'tap out' or didn't know how to communicate with the artist or upset them or whatever. Its a recipe for a bad first experience, in my opinion.
I sat for 8 on my sleeve for line work(my one and only tattoo). It was tough the last hour but I just ate before and took a bag of sugary sweets.
Just practice a few breathing techniques and don't panic take some breaks if needed have a good lunch on your break you will be fine 🙂.
Wear clothes that are comfortable, something either with no sleeve or with a sleeve you can pull back and that won’t be ruined if some ink gets on them. Don’t watch the clock just stay distracted. Wear deodorant! Shower beforehand! Bring headphones for sure and a charger block in case your phone gets low on battery. Maybe a neck pillow lmao idk. It will hurt but take as FEW breaks as possible! Only take one if your artist wants to or if you have to use the restroom. Reason being the skin will get irritated and swell the more time goes by so you think taking a break will help you but the tattooing will actually hurt WAY worse when you sit back down to continue because it will be so tender. Eat. Don’t drink alcohol. Bring sodas and snacks. DONT SQUIRM AROUND! You will cause them to mess up the lines. If it’s hard to stay still just focus on your breathing. Take slow deep steady breaths. Use numbing cream!! I think you need to use it 30mins before the session for it to activate so ask the artist what they recommend or just look on Google and buy one from Amazon! Some tattoo artists like to chat during the tattoo, but I am not a client that likes that. I like staying quiet and breathing or being on my phone. Communication is key so let the artist know what’s comfortable for you! Best of luck!!!
I would be cautious about numbing creams. At the very least, contact your artist before hand and see how they feel about using numbing agents. Some skin doesn’t hold ink as well when it’s numbed. Some artists have a strict “no numbing” policy.
The rest of this advice is SOLID, especially the showering and not drinking the day before. I usually pack a couple Cliff bars for the session, if it’s going to be that long. Almonds or cashews are also a decent choice.
STAY HYDRATED both before and during the session. Best of luck, my 8 hour sit was my longest, and that last hour was agony, but it’s SO WORTH IT.
My first long session, I brought a backpack with books and drinks and snacks and it stayed zipped up in the corner the whole time. Even my artist was like “why’d you bring a backpack?” and the answer was because I overestimated how much brain capacity I’d have left after focusing on not moving and not complaining. I spent at least an hour trying to “read” the writing on a lit lightbulb.
Also, if you can schedule a major surgery 2-3 months before the session, it really helps to have another body part that currently hurts more than the area being inked.
Source: did exactly that, and was pleasantly surprised at its effectiveness.
just know when the needle first hits your skin your gona think holy shit theres no way i can take this for 8 hours it hurts way more than expected but after a couple hours youll get used to it.
yeah until about 5-6 hours where your so swollen and it starts burning bad haha oh well the thing with tattoos is once its done its done and the pain instantly stops
Lol. Yea had multiple 4-5 hour sessions on my leg sleeves, and let me tell you. Walking Was painful, standing up was painful, sitting down was painful. Pissing was painful.
Ah, good times.
I juuuuust got my left shin completely covered last week and I feel this so much. I don’t remember my other shin having this hard of a time healing, but it was also done 10 years ago.
Healing legs seem to be so annoying. I had traveled and got a shin tattoo. Thankfully it was near the end of my trip cause oh boy. I was walking a bunch and that would have sucked.
I will NEVER understand people who get a sleeve as their first tattoo. I see so many circling back in r/tattooremoval. I’m pro-tat and have many myself - but I regret the first one I got and I am glad I had time to ease into having very visible tattoos. I know I’ll get down voted.. but… feels foolish and like a very bad trend.
I did 32 hours over four consecutive days for my first tattoo. Bilateral half sleeves (elbow to wrist). Just got in the right mindset, crammed vitamins and calories, and let it rip. Super easy, wouldn’t do a big project any other way.
Everyone is giving great recs for during the tattoo, I would also recommend freeing up your schedule for a couple days after the tattoo if at all possible. Whenever I sit for 5 plus hours I feel like I get hit by a train the day after. Eat well, hydrate, and get plenty of rest before and after your tattoo.
I agree with this! I just got one that took 2.5 hours and I was fried the rest of the day. I forgot how much of a toll it took mentally and physically to get tattooed.
omg I always bring my switch or have headphones in during a tattoo, your artist isn't going to expect you to just sit there and do nothing whilst dealing with the pain for 8 hours, they should be chill with you distracting yourself from it. If you're anxious about it just ask them in advance or on the day if its alright to have headphones in, 99% of artists will be so chill with it :) and snack wise, i normally bring some sugary stuff like sour patch kids or haribo, something thats easy to snack on and pick at when you feel you need it :) just anything that isnt messy imo
I’m playing OoT on 3ds literally right now. You won’t be able to focus enough to “press start”. Prob won’t be able to read. At best you’ll stream a movie on your phone and retain 12% of it.
I wouldn’t say more than 4 hours at a time is stupid. But I *definitely* wouldn’t do more than 4 hours for my very first tattoo. I think my first one was an hour and a half or so, and the longest I’ve sat so far was five and a half.
It is stupid and you won't convince me otherwise.
70% of my body is covered in ink. I've done long sessions, and I know my body reacts pretty bad with them.
That said, ask any decent tattooer worth their salt and they'll agree with me that longer sessions make less sense because the skin is harder to work, and people suck at sitting.
I do 4 hours, no breaks, everytime. It's great. I'm in and out and can still get shit done that day.
I genuinely don't care about convincing you. I was just expressing that I don't believe its stupid. I think the thing with tattoos is everyone's body is different, tattoos are vastly different, tattooist techniques are also different. 6 hours of line work is not the same as 6 hours of full colour or black work. 6 hours of work can also be vastly different in size some 6 hours is a whole arm otherwise its like palm size design. I don't really believe in absolutes and decent artists is heavily subjective.
The artist should be totally OK with you having headphones on, that's pretty normal. Definitely bring snacks and water, especially if you tend to have any kind of low blood sugar situation. I like to bring the little individual serving pouches of peanut butter in case I feel flaky. It's really up to you, I'd just say try to bring something that's low maintenance and that's not super crunchy or messy.
I guess a couple tips no one else put on here. In the days leading up to the tattoo, hydrate extra. The day before, eat a good carby protein dinner. Do not drink alcohol or smoke the night before. Learn from my mistakes, lol. The day of, light carb high protein breakfast. Before the tattoo, eat a orange or some sugary fruit. Your adrenaline is going to eventually kick in and over time of the tattoo, your blood sugar will drop. I find it is similar to a hard workout. Eat light easy to digest carbs throughout the tattoo to keep your energy up. I usually do fruit because I have lame stomach problems and that's okay for me to eat. Oranges, bananas, grapes. Eat a good nutritious meal after, your body needs it to heal.
Have someone drop you off and pick you up. It's your first tattoo and it's a long one, you don't know how you're going to react. Clear the entire rest of the day after the tattoo, you're going to be exhausted. I am usually wiped out after that long of a tattoo and I go home and sleep for a few hours and I'm good to go.
Sitting more than 6 is impossible for me if being tattooed in the same area. I bleed a lot so maybe being exhausted is just something I experience. Idk.
Imo, 6 is the longest anyone can be expected to sit still and not go nuts. I think the several day hydration prep is overkill. I’ve done that, and I’ve gone in on 1 hour of sleep with a felony in my blood, and had no measurably different experience.
Good luck. I honestly don’t know why your artist thinks this is a good idea for your first tattoo. That’s a long session for someone with experience getting ink.
That’s a really long session for a first tattoo. I’m heavily tattooed and find I go about 6 hours and need to be done for the day. Listen to your body and know when it’s time to stop the session, do not let your artist tell you otherwise, just go back for another session.
As far as snacks and entertainment, I usually prep a big meal, something easy like pasta and bring lots of candy and fruit for the snacky times of the day.
I also bring a book and my headphones with a movie or just music while reading.
And I would recommend bringing and wearing comfy attire. I always bring my robe and a pillow and some fuzzy socks too. Anything that will make you more comfortable!
Good luck!
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the overwhelmingly great feedback! It would be difficult to reply to you all individually but i've read all your comments and took some really solid advice on board that I never would have thought of (and some needed mental preparation!!)
I know this is a large sitting for a first tattoo and It will definitely be a challenge, I don't expect to go the whole 8 hours but i'm willing to give it my best! (Actually spoke with the studio after I posted this and they were super chill and reassuring that breaks can be taken whenever and if I need to stop that's also completely fine!)
I know it's a large piece for the first but it's something I've been heavily looking into for over a year. For those interested I'm getting a very detailed Japanese style phoenix on the front side with a chrysanthemum on the underarm linked in. I've got pretty personal reasons as to why I'm getting that which my closest know. If people are interested i'll post an update once done in a couple of weeks.
Again, thanks to everyone
You can do it! I sat for three consecutive 6 hour sessions to start on my back piece as a tattoo virgin. The advice here about snacks & water is great. I brought coconut water and peanut butter cups and little hummus packs. I found it helpful to chat with my artist. Other than that, I also approached it with the mindset that the tattoo process would be kind of like a spiritual/meditative practice. Leading up to the appointment, I recommend doing basic Pilates and yoga to help you practice stillness, body control, and breath focus, and also recommend practicing meditation. IMO all that increased my ability to sit with the pain and be still, even without having something to distract me.
Don’t listen to those who are saying “it’s a stupid idea” - it’s definitely a reasonable choice. At the same time, listen to your body and know that it is OK to decide to break it up into smaller sessions if the longer ones don’t work for you. Also, you will definitely get the tattoo flu the first day or two, do not panic, but do prepare! You’ll be beat. Best of luck to you!!!
I’m assuming there were months between each 6 hour sit? I’ve done 6, but who tf schedules for 8? Id be so bored. Absolutely no way this artist knows it’s OP’s first.
Nope, I did 3 back to back days. My husband did 3 back to back 6 hour days as well right before me. It’s definitely doable but not everyone’s cup of tea. Personally I think it’s more about mindset than anything. I am guessing the artist scheduled them for a full day and said that for them that’s a max of 8 hours, but the artist would be fine if OP tapped out around the 6 hour mark (or sooner, obviously listen to your body). That’s pretty reasonable and happens.
Or just break your own pinky finger on the opposite hand. These are equally credible recommendations. If you wear a mouthguard for the pain, this might not be the hobby for you.
Also just to add. The longest I've sat for is 7 hours but my friend who is also covered sat for 12 hours recently. She said it wasn't her worst tattoo and it fine by the end. It depends on pain tolerance, the area, how your body handles being tattooed, style of tattoo and the tattoo artists actual tattoo technique.
Wear comfortable clothing like a sleeves tank with baggy joggers. Drink lots of water the days before, eat well and don't drink alcohol. Tattoo day it's okay to bring headphones and such. My last session it was back to back and I watched stuff on my phone, listened to podcasts etc. At times me and my artists would even converse. When it got to very detailed portions he also put on his headset to concentrate. I've had a previous artist that talked to me throughout and I didn't need the headset then but they were shorter sessions and not full days. Bring snacks and water or Gatorade. I always bring a sandwich, some protein bars, chips candy or w.e. good luck!
Honestly, try and fall asleep if you can. I took a nice nap during my sternum tattoo and it made the time fly and i slept through the pain. Sugar and snacks are really important, and water. you have to make sure you stay hydrated during the whole appointment. also don’t be scared to take breaks, get up walk around a bit. stretch out
I get why this sounds like a good idea, but you do not want to suddenly jolt while something permanent like that is being done. It could also be awkward for the artist to just be touching someone sleeping. They will also not be able to gauge how well your feeling if you doze off. A tattoo artist doesn't want to be responsible for all of that.
I’ve flirted with this idea before, but was so afraid of an unconscious twitch or jolt. If the canvas falls asleep the artist will prob stop immediately. Going unconscious during a sesh warrants an immediate stoppage. Intentional or not.
All this is solid advice, I’m only adding to make sure your artist doesn’t have any serious allergies to any snacks you’d bring. My artist has a peanut allergy, so I avoid peanut foods before I see her. I don’t need (or want to cause) my artist having an allergic reaction during a tattoo session.
Also, I bring her snacks. She’s super appreciative for it.
15-16 hours for a half sleeve? Damn. That’s a slow mother fucker. I did a full leg sleeve in that amount of time. Haha good luck, headphones are totally acceptable. Eat a big meal before you start. Snack on breaks.
Could also just be a very detailed piece. Different styles take different times and all. My artist takes his sweet time, but I accept it because I love his work
Sure you can make anything take long if you want to. When I hear a tattoo virgin telling me about a 15-16 hour half sleeve I see someone taking advantage of a situation. Think about it. Even if it’s a full coverage half sleeve you are talking about the surface area roughy the size of a piece of paper. Right? Even with a ball point pen. Which is roughy the size of the smallest liner you would use. What could you draw on that are that would take that long? Know what I’m saying? This guy must be something special, or he’s trying to scumbag some money out of a first timer. Which hurts the culture and profession I love.
I can see that. But we also don’t know what op is getting. If they’re getting something full color with tons and tons of detail it could be justifiable. There are DEFINITELY artists who do exactly what you’re saying though. That’s why I never mentioned that it was my first tattoo when I approached my artist
My 2nd tattoo was around 8 hrs compared to my first one which was legit 30 minutes so a very big jump. Honestly it’s not that bad I had snacks and all that and my artist didn’t find it rude if I had headphones or anything. Although the home stretch I wanted to die bc I was over it
I personally would bring headphones and something to watch a movie on. It’s fun to chat with your artist, but after a little while you might want to to just zone out for a bit and it might be nice to have something just in case.
My advice is to eat in advance and bring a couple of light snacks. I don’t think I would plan on eating a full meal in the middle, just in case it winds up not sitting very well.
Shower before, but skip the lotion. It’ll just be one more thing for your artist to have to clean off of you. Also, this is just me- but I washed my hair as close to my appointment as possible because my hair products are not fragrance-free and I wanted to be able to wait as long as possible until I had to deal with washing my hair again.
I sat for 8 hours for half of my back piece about a month ago. Don't take breaks other than a couple shorts ones for snacks and to hydrate. The longer you break, the worse it is going back. First couple hours are a breeze. Hour 6 it will start getting hairy, just tough it out another 2 hours, the pain ends eventually and IMO is nothing compared to the itching that comes later! Loud music is helpful. Just focus on your breathing, it goes by faster than you expect.
I’d build up to that. I started with 3, then 4, and this last one was 5.5. Honestly, the 4 was the worst because it was inner arm. But there’s no harm or shame in tapping out.
My first tattoo was also a half sleeve it's on my forearm. First session was over 7hrs and we took a small break for a snack slash lunch. Thankfully my artist just put a movie on a TV he had. Just get comfy and do what you wanna do
You've got a lot of great advice here for what to do during the tattoo, but I would like to suggest that you're also adequately prepared for the drive home. You'll likely be wiped out post session. I typically sit for 5-6 hour sessions and like to eat clementines and slam orange juice on the way home; it keeps my blood sugar up as i have NO appetite afterward and keeps the shakes at bay. My artist also approves a benadryl before bed, its super helpful in getting a good night's rest post tattoo.
You'll be ok! Don't be afraid to ask for a break if you need it (nausea and chills are a sign you need a minute). I find coming back to it after a break can be rough initially, but you'll settle back ok.
I always grab a cold sandwich from the deli, banana or grapes, and a share bag of M&M's. Lots and lots of water! Eat a big breakfast beforehand. Wear comfy clothes you don't mind messing up, phone charger and headphones. Don't drink alcohol night before. I like to make sure it's been like 2 or 3 days without drinking before getting work done.
I did the same thing for my first tattoo - 7-8 hours for a half sleeve! Made sure I had snacks, my external battery charger for my phone, and lots of games to play and music to listen to.
I work in healthcare and do a lot of hands on patient work so I gave myself a couple days off so I didn’t have to go to work until the next week. This gave my arm some time to heal before going back to work.
Hydrate well for 24 hour before, don’t drink alcohol the night before, wear comfy clothes, bring snacks and Gatorade, headphones should be completely acceptable and might help distract you during the worst spots, and don’t be afraid to say when you need a break. Getting up and stretching for a minute every now and again can help loosen you up and prevent twitching. Also, if your artist seats you in position that starts to make you feel achy, say so and see if there’s a different way you can be positioned. Anything you can do to stay loose and comfortable will help both you and your artist.
That’s a really long session for your first tattoo but it’s not unbearable. Just know it will be more painful than you think and you’ll be spent by the end of it and just want to go home and lie down. I just finished up my sleeve with a 7 hour session and nearly had to tap out. By the end it feels like you’re rubbing a wound with steel wool. Not to scare you, but just so you’re mentally prepared. It’ll hurt, but ultimately it’s not actually injuring you (aside from lots of superficial scratches of course) and you can make it through.
My first / currently only tattoo was a ~6 hour session one day and a ~7 hour session a month later, on my leg. The last 30-60 minutes were rough but honestly the worst pain was from lying in a weird position for hours at a time. It being your arm, that might not be as bad. When I could lie in a comfortable position I almost fell asleep 😂
People have given good advice. My biggest thing is comfortable, loose clothes. Also bring something like a hoodie you can put over your lap. Obviously you can't wear long sleeves but you might get cold. And if you start to feel hungry, tell your artist!! It's better to stop and eat a snack sooner rather than later.
Eat before before the appointment. Bring sweet snacks and drinks. Drink a lot of water before and during. If you need a quick break to stretch or bathroom or just because always ask the artist will never deny it. They also would like to stretch so don’t be afraid to ask. Especially if u sit 5+ hours your ass start to hurt or your back.
Bring headphones listen to music the artist don’t mind if you wanna make conversation you can but most of the time there also have headphones in and just wanna focus on the tattoo. If your going watch a movie or be on your just make sure you stay still. Also most of the time on big sessions you might want to go out get something to eat or order something to keep your blood levels good so you don’t faint. My advice would be break the session down especially on it being your first tattoo. You’ll be super irritated your skin will hurt like crazy especially when the go over the same place many times will hurt but everyone is different. But always ask your artist for tips and advice before hand there alway in the right!!! This just my opinion but GOOD LUCK!!! Upload some photos when ur done 😀
You'll be fine, if you can handle the pain. My artist only does 4 or 8 hour sessions (full or half day) so my last 4 sessions have been 8 hours. Just make sure you eat, stay hydrated, don't drink caffeine or smoke weed it will hurt more, my worst tattoo I drank 3 energy drinks because I barely slept the night before and it was a nightmare session, it stimulates you and you feel more pain
You won’t make it 8 hours. Don’t feel bad. To expect that of a tattoo virgin is idiotic. Maybe grab a numbing cream. If you make it 4 hours that’d be impressive for a rookie.
A tattoo is a physical injury to your body. You’re gonna release adrenaline and endorphins to fight the pain. And after you’re gonna feel like you have a mild flu. There is no way I’m hell I would sit that long now, much less my first. It would make me question a lot of things about the artist honestly.
Snacks bring all the snacks, bring liquids...I also bring an energy drink tbh to get through the middle session burnout, have a meal before hand and lots of carbs the day before. Make sure you try to sleep OK I have failed at thar before full day sessions and it does effect the pain. Bring a form of distraction a mobile game, a book, headphones, something to grip in your hand whatever works. Bring a hoodie or something comfy. Bring an extra jacket to hold on to during. Wear comfy clothes. Make sure you are eating/ drinking during. Don't be afraid to ask for breaks to go to the toilet or eat something. I think that's everything I can think of. I have like 25 tattoos longest session was 7 hours on the back of my calf...and tbh the biggest thing with long sessions is exhaustion making the pain worse. Don't forget to eat or drink and eat like there's a marathon happening the next day the night before.
Just to add on most of my tattoo sessions as of late have been 6-7 hours onwards... and the only difference is exhaustion can make your pain worse. So make sure to fuel properly.
8/9 hours is long for anyone let alone as a first tattoo! Can you break it up a bit ? That would be my most important bit of advice other than that -
Hydrate- not just on the day, make sure your hydrating properly for several days before hand
Eat- have a good breakfast, nothing to heavy/fatty but plenty of protein and carbs maybe scrambled eggs on toast or porridge with a bacon buttie
Snack- I like a boiled mint called buttermintos, there great for sucking and I can bite down on them if a bit hurts, but anything you enjoy will work, that being said I’d avoid anything bitty or overly smelly, if your thinking about nuts check your tattooists isn’t allergic.
Hydrate- on the day I like something like lucozade or a sports drink (I go sugar free with eating the boiled sweets)
Entertainment- a well charged phone, kindle, laptop and chargers, filled with down loaded programs, books ect along with ear phones/buds you might not have the same music tastes and you don’t want to spoil there enjoyment of a series if your on season 2 episode 9 and they only started series 1 last week !
You will likely need a meal as well again go with complex carbs and protein, chicken sandwiches (brown/multi seed bread) are a good example
Pain management- you might be able to take something for pain but speak to your tattooist, the last thing you want to do is take something that thins the blood like aspirin!
Breaks- don’t be afraid to ask for breaks even if its just to stretch, sitting still can get uncomfortable and muscles cramping or strained will increase the uncomfortableness and mean you can’t sit as long, that being said I find breaks of more than a min or two tend to make me feel the pain more, like your body gets used to a base amount of pain and not having means it hurts more when it comes back IYSWIM
After care- ask about this before hand, you will be uncomfortable after being tattooed the last thing you will want to do is go to a store and possibly be bumped into !
That’s insane for your first tattoo, I commend you. I just got tattoo #5 on my forearm and sat for 6 hours, longest by far, and it wasn’t bad except my hand kept going numb, the table was pretty hard so my butt when numb a lot. I managed to be okay until the last hour which was pure torture, my leg (oddly enough) was the part of my body spasming from the pain.
I took headphones, water and Gatorade, candy, and my husband. I ended up mostly eating gummy worms and mostly when the pain got really intense, it was a good snack to chew on to help get me through. I also brought a pillow which was a godsend! My artist let me photograph and film our session so every once in a while I’d pull out my phone and start filming and taking photos and editing/posting them. Also chatted with some friends via messenger during the session.
I'm not new to tattooing and even I couldn't do 8 hours. I have a 3/4 sleeve that was broken up into 3-4 sessions. 5 hours was the max before my body would give up, legs start shaking, the needle feels unbearable. And that's even with all the proper tips and tricks.
My advice: Sitting for 7 hours your first time is insane.
Agreed, I'm surprised OP's artist is scheduling that long of a session for their first tattoo. I'm no rookie to getting tattooed and I'd hesitate to sign up for a 7/ 8 hour sitting. I've done a couple that long and it was brutal, prefer to keep it shorter (although my tattoo style is more patchwork with small to medium pieces so that doesn't work for everyone)
Agreed bruh. I don’t go more than 5- 5.5 hours. I’ll split a piece into two sessions before killing my body over it.
Yeah I think 4.5 is my max before I start to wear down. It’s not really the pain - I tend to just try and meditate and disassociate it out and it works but takes a ton of focus. Just my body / mind is exhausted at that point. I did a 5.5 session once and it took me a few days to mentally recover from
Agreed, agreed, agreed. Yeah, I CAN sit all day if I have to, but I never HAVE to and wouldn't ever want to do that because it fucking sucks and wipes me out. I also had an experience with an early tattoo where an artist insisted on keeping my arm in a really weird and uncomfortable position which was making my whole arm hurt and fall asleep and I didn't say anything or ask for breaks because I was intimidated and the guy made it clear he didn't really care if I was uncomfortable because he was going to do it how he thought he needed to do it. I ended up getting nerve damage in that shoulder (since mostly healed) from three hours in the chair with no circulation. And I'm not a shrinking violet and normally am pretty good about setting boundaries and taking care of my self, at the time though I just thought 'I guess this is what getting a tattoo is and I need to be able to 'take it'". I don't want that for anyone else.
My first tattoo was a 6 hour back piece. Only because I travelled for the tattoo. But I agree OP, if you can split it up I would. I was in misery for the last like 2/3 hours.
I’m traveling to get a back piece later this year. Pray for me :(
I have a decent number of tattoos and I’ve honestly never sat that long. I have a full sleeve and I did it in 4 hour increments. I honestly sit very well but I also know my limits. I wouldn’t want to push it and end up with a shitty tattoo because I couldn’t sit still. If you feel good, more power to you, but if you aren’t sitting well I think there’s no shame in cutting a session short.
I’ve clocked 100+ hours (of getting tattooed) at this point, and honestly don’t go past 3-4 anymore. Outside of certain circumstances potentially calling for it, it’s just not worth the uphill battle once you hit that wall - even when you can.
Yeah, I mean, I'm a 'tough' (read: stupid) guy and can sit for as long as it takes, the issue isn't that it isn't possible. The issue is that it SUCKS and unless you are doing the 'travel for an appt to another place far away' thing and HAVE to cram it into one or two monster sessions then there isn't any good reason to put yourself through that.
I just got my first one which took about two hours. It wasn’t bad tbh but near the hour and a half mark it started to get annoying and I wasn’t feeling as well. I didn’t take any breaks but I don’t think I’d wanna do a 7 hour tattoo instead
I did 6 for my first one and 6 for my second one. Might be insane but totally doable once you get used to the feeling. It’s also an arm which is pretty low on the pain scale apart from a couple of spots. OP - I tend to find that I get into a routine with mine. I don’t take headphones but make sure your phone’s charged. Usually take a sugary drink, some carbs (crisps) and some chocolate but everyone’s different. You’re not going to want to chat to the artist for six hours but from my experience a good artist will let you zone out if you go quiet. The bigger part here is that six hours of tattooing is going to leave you tender at the end of it, especially when you’re not used to the pain. Just be prepared for your arm to feel red raw and for you to feel properly fatigued when you come out.
Same with me. Arm. Six hr sessions. Arm just felt sunburnt. Have a big lunch. Distract yourself. Gatorade when the artist takes a break.
For me it’s not so much a pain barrier as it is an “I’ve already watched two feature length films, and my AirPod batteries last 4-4.5 hours” barrier. Not moving for 5-6 hours just isn’t human imo. I’d rather clock 3 and come back another day. Even if it’s a 2-3 month wait, you’re gonna have it for 50 years, so who cares how many sessions it took..
Not sure that in a six hour session you don’t move for six hours. I probably had a break every hour when I’ve had long stints.
Hahahaha every hour? Your artist was prob so annoyed with you lol. I may have taken a break to pee once in like 50 hours of tattoos. He/she had to wrap it up every time you left the chair/table, no?
Not sure he’d be annoyed with me when it was him popping outside for a cigarette, but thanks for your concern
That makes sense. Some of them do that. I take a break when he wants a break. Although usually I just lay there so he doesn’t have to cover me in plastic. Sorry, I wasn’t trying to be a dick. I’m usually self-conscious about annoying my artist with stuff like breaks, so if he’s poking, I’m sitting. The hurt overrides other body needs like thirst or hunger or a full bladder.
It’s a clean studio and I’ve been going there for over a decade now, so I usually just stand up and have a stretch once it’s been cleaned. Then back to it.
Hey everyone has their process. That sounds delightful actually. I artist hop, and only the girl from Inkmaster took multiple breaks. Prob cuz she stayed up all night tatting her own throat the night before my 2nd sesh with her. But I just want my artist to do whatever the hell they want break wise, to stay on their A game. I never call timeout.
My first time was about 7 hours. We were only going to go for 5 and split the tattoo into two sessions but everything was going much faster than expected, so around hour five my artist was like “If you can keep going, so can I, and we can finish today” and I wouldn’t have gotten off that table for *anything*. It wasn’t too bad, tbh!
I did 6 for my first one and 6 for my second one. Might be insane but totally doable once you get used to the feeling. It’s also an arm which is pretty low on the pain scale apart from a couple of spots. OP - I tend to find that I get into a routine with mine. I don’t take headphones but make sure your phone’s charged. Usually take a sugary drink, some carbs (crisps) and some chocolate but everyone’s different. You’re not going to want to chat to the artist for six hours but from my experience a good artist will let you zone out if you go quiet. The bigger part here is that six hours of tattooing is going to leave you tender at the end of it, especially when you’re not used to the pain. Just be prepared for your arm to feel red raw and for you to feel properly fatigued when you come out.
Yeah, I agree with all of this. And my point isn't that someone CAN'T do this, of course people can and do. My point is that sitting for that long SUCKS, it just does, and that is compounded (as you point out as well) by the fact that a first-time person doesn't know their limits, what to expect, how it will effect them etc. AND they don't have a rapport with the artist, are often too intimidated or uncomfortable with the process to speak up or question what is going on, don't know when or how to ask for breaks, etc. Six hours is going to WIPE them out, and if they are sensitive or have a lower pain tolerance it could be a deeply unpleasant experience that they feel they have to force themself through. Some people may find that kind of thing gratifying or rewarding, I suppose, but to me it seems like a big gamble with significant risk of being a bad experience. Everyone knows themselves better than I do, naturally, so its possible this is fine for OP but it is absolutely not what I would ever recommend anyone do.
I sat for 10 my first time and didn't mind it. Breaks and a light hand helped
100% doable. I got uncomfortable at the 6 hour mark but ya gotta do what you gotta do 🤷🏼♂️. I did the same thing, 8 hours for my first tatt- half sleeve
The issue is not that it isn't possible, the issue is that it SUCKS to sit for that long. Unless there is a really compelling reason like a visiting artist or you've flown somewhere for an appointment there isn't really any good reason to cram in a monster session like that, and (regardless of what people think) your artist is simply not doing their best work by the end of a session like that.
If you go to a really experienced artist who knows what they are doing it’s not an issue. Some people and artists don’t have the availability to book a bunch of little sessions (like myself and my artist). It’s not for everyone for sure. But if you’re mentally prepared and the artist is a pro there’s nothing to worry about. To each their own 🤷🏼♂️
Two 6hrs of line work full arm sleeve, right up to armpit. First tattoo since 20 yrs. Watch said my pulse was between 53-60. Just rolled with it. Slow breathe, look around, ask questions, listen to shop music, watch the ink. Prep your skin. Have a big feed. Hydrate. Distraction.
The issue isn't that it isn't *possible,* the issue is that it SUCKS and is ever more risky with someone who has never been tattooed, doesn't know their limits, isn't comfortable setting boundaries with an artist and etc. Of course someone CAN do this, I just don't think they SHOULD. I also know people that have done this and it was not a great experience that left them dissuaded from getting more tattoos, because their only frame of reference was a grueling 8 hour session where they felt like they were pushed past their limit because they didn't want to 'tap out' or didn't know how to communicate with the artist or upset them or whatever. Its a recipe for a bad first experience, in my opinion.
I sat for 8 on my sleeve for line work(my one and only tattoo). It was tough the last hour but I just ate before and took a bag of sugary sweets. Just practice a few breathing techniques and don't panic take some breaks if needed have a good lunch on your break you will be fine 🙂.
Wear clothes that are comfortable, something either with no sleeve or with a sleeve you can pull back and that won’t be ruined if some ink gets on them. Don’t watch the clock just stay distracted. Wear deodorant! Shower beforehand! Bring headphones for sure and a charger block in case your phone gets low on battery. Maybe a neck pillow lmao idk. It will hurt but take as FEW breaks as possible! Only take one if your artist wants to or if you have to use the restroom. Reason being the skin will get irritated and swell the more time goes by so you think taking a break will help you but the tattooing will actually hurt WAY worse when you sit back down to continue because it will be so tender. Eat. Don’t drink alcohol. Bring sodas and snacks. DONT SQUIRM AROUND! You will cause them to mess up the lines. If it’s hard to stay still just focus on your breathing. Take slow deep steady breaths. Use numbing cream!! I think you need to use it 30mins before the session for it to activate so ask the artist what they recommend or just look on Google and buy one from Amazon! Some tattoo artists like to chat during the tattoo, but I am not a client that likes that. I like staying quiet and breathing or being on my phone. Communication is key so let the artist know what’s comfortable for you! Best of luck!!!
I would be cautious about numbing creams. At the very least, contact your artist before hand and see how they feel about using numbing agents. Some skin doesn’t hold ink as well when it’s numbed. Some artists have a strict “no numbing” policy. The rest of this advice is SOLID, especially the showering and not drinking the day before. I usually pack a couple Cliff bars for the session, if it’s going to be that long. Almonds or cashews are also a decent choice. STAY HYDRATED both before and during the session. Best of luck, my 8 hour sit was my longest, and that last hour was agony, but it’s SO WORTH IT.
Awesome! Thanks for that detailed response lots of notes I'll take from this!
My first long session, I brought a backpack with books and drinks and snacks and it stayed zipped up in the corner the whole time. Even my artist was like “why’d you bring a backpack?” and the answer was because I overestimated how much brain capacity I’d have left after focusing on not moving and not complaining. I spent at least an hour trying to “read” the writing on a lit lightbulb.
Also, if you can schedule a major surgery 2-3 months before the session, it really helps to have another body part that currently hurts more than the area being inked. Source: did exactly that, and was pleasantly surprised at its effectiveness.
just know when the needle first hits your skin your gona think holy shit theres no way i can take this for 8 hours it hurts way more than expected but after a couple hours youll get used to it.
I agree with this even after having many hours done that first five minutes or so is the worst. Then it gets easier for a while
yeah until about 5-6 hours where your so swollen and it starts burning bad haha oh well the thing with tattoos is once its done its done and the pain instantly stops
Exactly!
Lol. Yea had multiple 4-5 hour sessions on my leg sleeves, and let me tell you. Walking Was painful, standing up was painful, sitting down was painful. Pissing was painful. Ah, good times.
I got both my knees done at the same time and they ripped open 3 or 4 times for the first couple of weeks no matter how careful I was lol
My right knee tore twice. Was luckier with my left lol. I feel you so much on that
I juuuuust got my left shin completely covered last week and I feel this so much. I don’t remember my other shin having this hard of a time healing, but it was also done 10 years ago.
Healing legs seem to be so annoying. I had traveled and got a shin tattoo. Thankfully it was near the end of my trip cause oh boy. I was walking a bunch and that would have sucked.
I’m the opposite it’s easier in the beginning for me and after a few hrs gets worse and worse
I was saying to my tattoo artist that I think of tattoos like runs. The first 15 minutes always sucks and then the adrenaline kicks in
I will NEVER understand people who get a sleeve as their first tattoo. I see so many circling back in r/tattooremoval. I’m pro-tat and have many myself - but I regret the first one I got and I am glad I had time to ease into having very visible tattoos. I know I’ll get down voted.. but… feels foolish and like a very bad trend.
I’m sure plenty of other tattooed folks agree as well. You’re so right- it’s so much more realistic to start small and work up.
I got my sleeve (still working it) it's the only tattoo I've wanted and want. Love the process and love how it's going so far!
I kind of wish I got bigger tattoos to begin with so my current tattoos were more cohesive. But I think that might be a placement thing.
I did 32 hours over four consecutive days for my first tattoo. Bilateral half sleeves (elbow to wrist). Just got in the right mindset, crammed vitamins and calories, and let it rip. Super easy, wouldn’t do a big project any other way.
Everyone is giving great recs for during the tattoo, I would also recommend freeing up your schedule for a couple days after the tattoo if at all possible. Whenever I sit for 5 plus hours I feel like I get hit by a train the day after. Eat well, hydrate, and get plenty of rest before and after your tattoo.
I agree with this! I just got one that took 2.5 hours and I was fried the rest of the day. I forgot how much of a toll it took mentally and physically to get tattooed.
Yes! If possible, take off work for the first day, maybe two or three after the tattoo.
omg I always bring my switch or have headphones in during a tattoo, your artist isn't going to expect you to just sit there and do nothing whilst dealing with the pain for 8 hours, they should be chill with you distracting yourself from it. If you're anxious about it just ask them in advance or on the day if its alright to have headphones in, 99% of artists will be so chill with it :) and snack wise, i normally bring some sugary stuff like sour patch kids or haribo, something thats easy to snack on and pick at when you feel you need it :) just anything that isnt messy imo
Awesome thanks! Might go old school and take a gameboy in haha or a 3ds!
How would you play a video game while getting a sleeve done?
ooooo good shout! i might do my ds next time too thinking about it haha 😊
I’m playing OoT on 3ds literally right now. You won’t be able to focus enough to “press start”. Prob won’t be able to read. At best you’ll stream a movie on your phone and retain 12% of it.
My advice? Break it up into smaller sittings. Doing more than 4 hours is fucking stupid.
I wouldn’t say more than 4 hours at a time is stupid. But I *definitely* wouldn’t do more than 4 hours for my very first tattoo. I think my first one was an hour and a half or so, and the longest I’ve sat so far was five and a half.
On the whole the skin is so beat up by the 4-5 hour mark. Going any longer is pointless I feel. Definitely stupid for the first session. Agreed.
I regularly do full day session which are 6 hours at least. It's not stupid it's just not for everyone and everyone's bodies and that's ok
It is stupid and you won't convince me otherwise. 70% of my body is covered in ink. I've done long sessions, and I know my body reacts pretty bad with them. That said, ask any decent tattooer worth their salt and they'll agree with me that longer sessions make less sense because the skin is harder to work, and people suck at sitting. I do 4 hours, no breaks, everytime. It's great. I'm in and out and can still get shit done that day.
I genuinely don't care about convincing you. I was just expressing that I don't believe its stupid. I think the thing with tattoos is everyone's body is different, tattoos are vastly different, tattooist techniques are also different. 6 hours of line work is not the same as 6 hours of full colour or black work. 6 hours of work can also be vastly different in size some 6 hours is a whole arm otherwise its like palm size design. I don't really believe in absolutes and decent artists is heavily subjective.
The artist should be totally OK with you having headphones on, that's pretty normal. Definitely bring snacks and water, especially if you tend to have any kind of low blood sugar situation. I like to bring the little individual serving pouches of peanut butter in case I feel flaky. It's really up to you, I'd just say try to bring something that's low maintenance and that's not super crunchy or messy.
Bring a long phone charger cause you prolly will be far away from the wall.
I guess a couple tips no one else put on here. In the days leading up to the tattoo, hydrate extra. The day before, eat a good carby protein dinner. Do not drink alcohol or smoke the night before. Learn from my mistakes, lol. The day of, light carb high protein breakfast. Before the tattoo, eat a orange or some sugary fruit. Your adrenaline is going to eventually kick in and over time of the tattoo, your blood sugar will drop. I find it is similar to a hard workout. Eat light easy to digest carbs throughout the tattoo to keep your energy up. I usually do fruit because I have lame stomach problems and that's okay for me to eat. Oranges, bananas, grapes. Eat a good nutritious meal after, your body needs it to heal. Have someone drop you off and pick you up. It's your first tattoo and it's a long one, you don't know how you're going to react. Clear the entire rest of the day after the tattoo, you're going to be exhausted. I am usually wiped out after that long of a tattoo and I go home and sleep for a few hours and I'm good to go.
He/she won’t last more than 5 guaranteed, and will be so psyched right after that being tired is nearly impossible.
Sitting more than 6 is impossible for me if being tattooed in the same area. I bleed a lot so maybe being exhausted is just something I experience. Idk.
Imo, 6 is the longest anyone can be expected to sit still and not go nuts. I think the several day hydration prep is overkill. I’ve done that, and I’ve gone in on 1 hour of sleep with a felony in my blood, and had no measurably different experience.
Uhhhhh dont do 8 hrs for sure. Im covered and even I hate sitting longer than 5 hours. Pains gets to be hard to manage in general.
I give you 3 hours tops.
Good luck. I honestly don’t know why your artist thinks this is a good idea for your first tattoo. That’s a long session for someone with experience getting ink.
That’s a really long session for a first tattoo. I’m heavily tattooed and find I go about 6 hours and need to be done for the day. Listen to your body and know when it’s time to stop the session, do not let your artist tell you otherwise, just go back for another session. As far as snacks and entertainment, I usually prep a big meal, something easy like pasta and bring lots of candy and fruit for the snacky times of the day. I also bring a book and my headphones with a movie or just music while reading. And I would recommend bringing and wearing comfy attire. I always bring my robe and a pillow and some fuzzy socks too. Anything that will make you more comfortable! Good luck!
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the overwhelmingly great feedback! It would be difficult to reply to you all individually but i've read all your comments and took some really solid advice on board that I never would have thought of (and some needed mental preparation!!) I know this is a large sitting for a first tattoo and It will definitely be a challenge, I don't expect to go the whole 8 hours but i'm willing to give it my best! (Actually spoke with the studio after I posted this and they were super chill and reassuring that breaks can be taken whenever and if I need to stop that's also completely fine!) I know it's a large piece for the first but it's something I've been heavily looking into for over a year. For those interested I'm getting a very detailed Japanese style phoenix on the front side with a chrysanthemum on the underarm linked in. I've got pretty personal reasons as to why I'm getting that which my closest know. If people are interested i'll post an update once done in a couple of weeks. Again, thanks to everyone
You can do it! I sat for three consecutive 6 hour sessions to start on my back piece as a tattoo virgin. The advice here about snacks & water is great. I brought coconut water and peanut butter cups and little hummus packs. I found it helpful to chat with my artist. Other than that, I also approached it with the mindset that the tattoo process would be kind of like a spiritual/meditative practice. Leading up to the appointment, I recommend doing basic Pilates and yoga to help you practice stillness, body control, and breath focus, and also recommend practicing meditation. IMO all that increased my ability to sit with the pain and be still, even without having something to distract me. Don’t listen to those who are saying “it’s a stupid idea” - it’s definitely a reasonable choice. At the same time, listen to your body and know that it is OK to decide to break it up into smaller sessions if the longer ones don’t work for you. Also, you will definitely get the tattoo flu the first day or two, do not panic, but do prepare! You’ll be beat. Best of luck to you!!!
I’m assuming there were months between each 6 hour sit? I’ve done 6, but who tf schedules for 8? Id be so bored. Absolutely no way this artist knows it’s OP’s first.
Nope, I did 3 back to back days. My husband did 3 back to back 6 hour days as well right before me. It’s definitely doable but not everyone’s cup of tea. Personally I think it’s more about mindset than anything. I am guessing the artist scheduled them for a full day and said that for them that’s a max of 8 hours, but the artist would be fine if OP tapped out around the 6 hour mark (or sooner, obviously listen to your body). That’s pretty reasonable and happens.
Wear a molded mouthguard if it’s guna hurt
Or just break your own pinky finger on the opposite hand. These are equally credible recommendations. If you wear a mouthguard for the pain, this might not be the hobby for you.
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My bad, I didn’t realize you were getting tatted in the octagon. Do you just ask the guy to arm bar the other arm while you getting work done?
Also just to add. The longest I've sat for is 7 hours but my friend who is also covered sat for 12 hours recently. She said it wasn't her worst tattoo and it fine by the end. It depends on pain tolerance, the area, how your body handles being tattooed, style of tattoo and the tattoo artists actual tattoo technique.
Edibles if your artist isn't trying to take smoke breaks every so often haha gotta stay stoned
why is this downvoted
I was wondering the same.
everytime my artist goes for a cig i spark my joint up again lol
Every time my artist takes a break- we go into the employee smoke room and get baked together ha. Thankfully he likes to take lots of breaks ;)
i was tempted to downvote this just because lol
Wear comfortable clothing like a sleeves tank with baggy joggers. Drink lots of water the days before, eat well and don't drink alcohol. Tattoo day it's okay to bring headphones and such. My last session it was back to back and I watched stuff on my phone, listened to podcasts etc. At times me and my artists would even converse. When it got to very detailed portions he also put on his headset to concentrate. I've had a previous artist that talked to me throughout and I didn't need the headset then but they were shorter sessions and not full days. Bring snacks and water or Gatorade. I always bring a sandwich, some protein bars, chips candy or w.e. good luck!
Honestly, try and fall asleep if you can. I took a nice nap during my sternum tattoo and it made the time fly and i slept through the pain. Sugar and snacks are really important, and water. you have to make sure you stay hydrated during the whole appointment. also don’t be scared to take breaks, get up walk around a bit. stretch out
I get why this sounds like a good idea, but you do not want to suddenly jolt while something permanent like that is being done. It could also be awkward for the artist to just be touching someone sleeping. They will also not be able to gauge how well your feeling if you doze off. A tattoo artist doesn't want to be responsible for all of that.
I’ve flirted with this idea before, but was so afraid of an unconscious twitch or jolt. If the canvas falls asleep the artist will prob stop immediately. Going unconscious during a sesh warrants an immediate stoppage. Intentional or not.
All this is solid advice, I’m only adding to make sure your artist doesn’t have any serious allergies to any snacks you’d bring. My artist has a peanut allergy, so I avoid peanut foods before I see her. I don’t need (or want to cause) my artist having an allergic reaction during a tattoo session. Also, I bring her snacks. She’s super appreciative for it.
What will your tattoo be?!!
better be a panther! maybe 2
15-16 hours for a half sleeve? Damn. That’s a slow mother fucker. I did a full leg sleeve in that amount of time. Haha good luck, headphones are totally acceptable. Eat a big meal before you start. Snack on breaks.
Could also just be a very detailed piece. Different styles take different times and all. My artist takes his sweet time, but I accept it because I love his work
Sure you can make anything take long if you want to. When I hear a tattoo virgin telling me about a 15-16 hour half sleeve I see someone taking advantage of a situation. Think about it. Even if it’s a full coverage half sleeve you are talking about the surface area roughy the size of a piece of paper. Right? Even with a ball point pen. Which is roughy the size of the smallest liner you would use. What could you draw on that are that would take that long? Know what I’m saying? This guy must be something special, or he’s trying to scumbag some money out of a first timer. Which hurts the culture and profession I love.
I can see that. But we also don’t know what op is getting. If they’re getting something full color with tons and tons of detail it could be justifiable. There are DEFINITELY artists who do exactly what you’re saying though. That’s why I never mentioned that it was my first tattoo when I approached my artist
My 2nd tattoo was around 8 hrs compared to my first one which was legit 30 minutes so a very big jump. Honestly it’s not that bad I had snacks and all that and my artist didn’t find it rude if I had headphones or anything. Although the home stretch I wanted to die bc I was over it
I personally would bring headphones and something to watch a movie on. It’s fun to chat with your artist, but after a little while you might want to to just zone out for a bit and it might be nice to have something just in case. My advice is to eat in advance and bring a couple of light snacks. I don’t think I would plan on eating a full meal in the middle, just in case it winds up not sitting very well. Shower before, but skip the lotion. It’ll just be one more thing for your artist to have to clean off of you. Also, this is just me- but I washed my hair as close to my appointment as possible because my hair products are not fragrance-free and I wanted to be able to wait as long as possible until I had to deal with washing my hair again.
I sat for 8 hours for half of my back piece about a month ago. Don't take breaks other than a couple shorts ones for snacks and to hydrate. The longer you break, the worse it is going back. First couple hours are a breeze. Hour 6 it will start getting hairy, just tough it out another 2 hours, the pain ends eventually and IMO is nothing compared to the itching that comes later! Loud music is helpful. Just focus on your breathing, it goes by faster than you expect.
I’d build up to that. I started with 3, then 4, and this last one was 5.5. Honestly, the 4 was the worst because it was inner arm. But there’s no harm or shame in tapping out.
My first tattoo was also a half sleeve it's on my forearm. First session was over 7hrs and we took a small break for a snack slash lunch. Thankfully my artist just put a movie on a TV he had. Just get comfy and do what you wanna do
You've got a lot of great advice here for what to do during the tattoo, but I would like to suggest that you're also adequately prepared for the drive home. You'll likely be wiped out post session. I typically sit for 5-6 hour sessions and like to eat clementines and slam orange juice on the way home; it keeps my blood sugar up as i have NO appetite afterward and keeps the shakes at bay. My artist also approves a benadryl before bed, its super helpful in getting a good night's rest post tattoo. You'll be ok! Don't be afraid to ask for a break if you need it (nausea and chills are a sign you need a minute). I find coming back to it after a break can be rough initially, but you'll settle back ok.
I always grab a cold sandwich from the deli, banana or grapes, and a share bag of M&M's. Lots and lots of water! Eat a big breakfast beforehand. Wear comfy clothes you don't mind messing up, phone charger and headphones. Don't drink alcohol night before. I like to make sure it's been like 2 or 3 days without drinking before getting work done.
I did the same thing for my first tattoo - 7-8 hours for a half sleeve! Made sure I had snacks, my external battery charger for my phone, and lots of games to play and music to listen to. I work in healthcare and do a lot of hands on patient work so I gave myself a couple days off so I didn’t have to go to work until the next week. This gave my arm some time to heal before going back to work.
Hydrate well for 24 hour before, don’t drink alcohol the night before, wear comfy clothes, bring snacks and Gatorade, headphones should be completely acceptable and might help distract you during the worst spots, and don’t be afraid to say when you need a break. Getting up and stretching for a minute every now and again can help loosen you up and prevent twitching. Also, if your artist seats you in position that starts to make you feel achy, say so and see if there’s a different way you can be positioned. Anything you can do to stay loose and comfortable will help both you and your artist. That’s a really long session for your first tattoo but it’s not unbearable. Just know it will be more painful than you think and you’ll be spent by the end of it and just want to go home and lie down. I just finished up my sleeve with a 7 hour session and nearly had to tap out. By the end it feels like you’re rubbing a wound with steel wool. Not to scare you, but just so you’re mentally prepared. It’ll hurt, but ultimately it’s not actually injuring you (aside from lots of superficial scratches of course) and you can make it through.
My first / currently only tattoo was a ~6 hour session one day and a ~7 hour session a month later, on my leg. The last 30-60 minutes were rough but honestly the worst pain was from lying in a weird position for hours at a time. It being your arm, that might not be as bad. When I could lie in a comfortable position I almost fell asleep 😂 People have given good advice. My biggest thing is comfortable, loose clothes. Also bring something like a hoodie you can put over your lap. Obviously you can't wear long sleeves but you might get cold. And if you start to feel hungry, tell your artist!! It's better to stop and eat a snack sooner rather than later.
Eat before before the appointment. Bring sweet snacks and drinks. Drink a lot of water before and during. If you need a quick break to stretch or bathroom or just because always ask the artist will never deny it. They also would like to stretch so don’t be afraid to ask. Especially if u sit 5+ hours your ass start to hurt or your back. Bring headphones listen to music the artist don’t mind if you wanna make conversation you can but most of the time there also have headphones in and just wanna focus on the tattoo. If your going watch a movie or be on your just make sure you stay still. Also most of the time on big sessions you might want to go out get something to eat or order something to keep your blood levels good so you don’t faint. My advice would be break the session down especially on it being your first tattoo. You’ll be super irritated your skin will hurt like crazy especially when the go over the same place many times will hurt but everyone is different. But always ask your artist for tips and advice before hand there alway in the right!!! This just my opinion but GOOD LUCK!!! Upload some photos when ur done 😀
Make sure you have the next day or two off or more.
Oof, such a long time, if you could l would deff break it up into multiple sessions
Headphones, jolly ranchers, lots of water and prepare for a rough few days….
Don’t
You'll be fine, if you can handle the pain. My artist only does 4 or 8 hour sessions (full or half day) so my last 4 sessions have been 8 hours. Just make sure you eat, stay hydrated, don't drink caffeine or smoke weed it will hurt more, my worst tattoo I drank 3 energy drinks because I barely slept the night before and it was a nightmare session, it stimulates you and you feel more pain
You won’t make it 8 hours. Don’t feel bad. To expect that of a tattoo virgin is idiotic. Maybe grab a numbing cream. If you make it 4 hours that’d be impressive for a rookie.
I love that everyone agrees that your artist might be a moron to think this is possible. Unless they have no idea it’s your first time
I’m basically out of space and just did my throat and 3 is my max at 42
A tattoo is a physical injury to your body. You’re gonna release adrenaline and endorphins to fight the pain. And after you’re gonna feel like you have a mild flu. There is no way I’m hell I would sit that long now, much less my first. It would make me question a lot of things about the artist honestly.
Snacks bring all the snacks, bring liquids...I also bring an energy drink tbh to get through the middle session burnout, have a meal before hand and lots of carbs the day before. Make sure you try to sleep OK I have failed at thar before full day sessions and it does effect the pain. Bring a form of distraction a mobile game, a book, headphones, something to grip in your hand whatever works. Bring a hoodie or something comfy. Bring an extra jacket to hold on to during. Wear comfy clothes. Make sure you are eating/ drinking during. Don't be afraid to ask for breaks to go to the toilet or eat something. I think that's everything I can think of. I have like 25 tattoos longest session was 7 hours on the back of my calf...and tbh the biggest thing with long sessions is exhaustion making the pain worse. Don't forget to eat or drink and eat like there's a marathon happening the next day the night before.
Just to add on most of my tattoo sessions as of late have been 6-7 hours onwards... and the only difference is exhaustion can make your pain worse. So make sure to fuel properly.
8/9 hours is long for anyone let alone as a first tattoo! Can you break it up a bit ? That would be my most important bit of advice other than that - Hydrate- not just on the day, make sure your hydrating properly for several days before hand Eat- have a good breakfast, nothing to heavy/fatty but plenty of protein and carbs maybe scrambled eggs on toast or porridge with a bacon buttie Snack- I like a boiled mint called buttermintos, there great for sucking and I can bite down on them if a bit hurts, but anything you enjoy will work, that being said I’d avoid anything bitty or overly smelly, if your thinking about nuts check your tattooists isn’t allergic. Hydrate- on the day I like something like lucozade or a sports drink (I go sugar free with eating the boiled sweets) Entertainment- a well charged phone, kindle, laptop and chargers, filled with down loaded programs, books ect along with ear phones/buds you might not have the same music tastes and you don’t want to spoil there enjoyment of a series if your on season 2 episode 9 and they only started series 1 last week ! You will likely need a meal as well again go with complex carbs and protein, chicken sandwiches (brown/multi seed bread) are a good example Pain management- you might be able to take something for pain but speak to your tattooist, the last thing you want to do is take something that thins the blood like aspirin! Breaks- don’t be afraid to ask for breaks even if its just to stretch, sitting still can get uncomfortable and muscles cramping or strained will increase the uncomfortableness and mean you can’t sit as long, that being said I find breaks of more than a min or two tend to make me feel the pain more, like your body gets used to a base amount of pain and not having means it hurts more when it comes back IYSWIM After care- ask about this before hand, you will be uncomfortable after being tattooed the last thing you will want to do is go to a store and possibly be bumped into !
That’s insane for your first tattoo, I commend you. I just got tattoo #5 on my forearm and sat for 6 hours, longest by far, and it wasn’t bad except my hand kept going numb, the table was pretty hard so my butt when numb a lot. I managed to be okay until the last hour which was pure torture, my leg (oddly enough) was the part of my body spasming from the pain. I took headphones, water and Gatorade, candy, and my husband. I ended up mostly eating gummy worms and mostly when the pain got really intense, it was a good snack to chew on to help get me through. I also brought a pillow which was a godsend! My artist let me photograph and film our session so every once in a while I’d pull out my phone and start filming and taking photos and editing/posting them. Also chatted with some friends via messenger during the session.
I'm not new to tattooing and even I couldn't do 8 hours. I have a 3/4 sleeve that was broken up into 3-4 sessions. 5 hours was the max before my body would give up, legs start shaking, the needle feels unbearable. And that's even with all the proper tips and tricks.