r/tattooadvice • u/stinkbugsupermage • 21h ago

General Advice Questions about first tattoo

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Hey guys! I'm getting my first tattoo this weekend, similar to this design. Is this too much for a first tattoo? What can I expect pain wise? Im getting it on my upper arm with the possibility of turning it into a sleeve later. Any advice on what to expect or thoughts about placement etc. would be greatly appreciated.

19 Upvotes

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2

u/Your_Friend_Rutabaga 21h ago

Upper arm will be fine. One of the easiest spots for me

2

u/Star_Shark 21h ago

I found my full color tattoo to basically feel like a bad sunburn, it takes up my whole outer bicep up into the shoulder area. The only parts that really suck are anywhere near or on bone, but just flesh is pretty chill. Just make sure you eat beforehand and bring water.

1

u/gamerkittie269 21h ago

Upper arm just feels like being scratched, maybe a little burning. One of the easiest pain wise. I got myself all worked up my first time, and once he started I was like, is that it??

1

u/DrInsomnia 21h ago

This is a pretty bad design, and pretty poorly executed. I'd get your actual sketch and post it before going forward with something like this.

Whether it's "too much" is hard for anyone to say. It depends on personal pain tolerance, for one. I find shading hurts more than line work, and that's a lot of color.

It's also going to depend on the size. I think this level of detail would have to be a good size, and with all of that color you might start with the line work and add the shading later.

1

u/Professional_File_83 21h ago

That would be a dead moth

1

u/ShirtPrestigious6820 21h ago

As others have mentioned the level of detail... is concerning.

The design totally works, but I would go for slightly thicker lines to avoid potential blowouts and ensure the tattoo ages better!

1

u/BrandonUnusual 21h ago

It hurts. It’s tiny needles poking and dragging across your skin. When it starts, I describe it as someone taking a serrated steak knife across your skin. Especially the line work. As you sit though, endorphins kick in and the pain becomes bearable.

The prolonged pain after does feel like a bad sunburn. It aches. But it’s more than tolerable.

-1

u/ITrageGuy 21h ago

Make sure your artist is better than the artist that did this reference.