First tattoo: what to know before your appointment

A first tattoo starts with a consultation. At our studio it's free, and it's where you and the artist settle the size and placement. Almost everyone worries about the pain, but that's gone in a couple of days. The size and placement stay for life.

Where to start if all you have is an idea

At the consultation you talk everything through with the artist: what you want, where, how big, colour or black and grey. We don't tattoo without one. The artist draws the design for you, even if you bring a photo of someone else's tattoo, and the drawing is already included in the price.

You don't need a finished drawing. A few pictures you like, a photo of the spot where you want the tattoo, or just an honest description of what you want and what you definitely don't want is enough.

Consultations are on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00, and at weekends by appointment. You can book through the booking form, by phone on +371 67 22 50 55, by email at info@rigastinte.lv or on WhatsApp: +371 20 094 430.

How to choose a tattoo artist

Choose the artist by their work, not by who can fit you in soonest.

Eight tattoo artists work at our studio, and each has their own hand. Pick the one whose work shows what you want.

You can see all the artists' work on the artists' pages, and get to know the different styles in the tattoo styles section.

When you look through a portfolio, look for photos of healed tattoos too. Fresh work always looks sharper and brighter than it will a month later. Check that the lines are even and that a circle really is a circle. If you can't decide, choose „Jebkurš meistars” (any artist) in the booking form, and we'll help you find the artist whose hand suits your idea.

How big should a first tattoo be, and where?

For a first tattoo, many people want something really small, so it isn't too much. But over the years ink spreads a little in the skin, and fine details slowly merge. The more detail a design has, the more room it needs. At the consultation the artist will tell you how big the design has to be to still look good many years from now.

Placement affects how long a tattoo lasts. On hands, fingers and feet the skin rubs and renews constantly, so tattoos there fade faster and need touching up more often. The forearm, upper arm, lower leg or shoulder blade are safer choices.

If you can't decide between a visible and a hidden spot, for your first tattoo pick one you can show or cover whenever you like.

Will my first tattoo hurt?

It will, but usually less than people expect. How it feels depends on the spot and on you. It's stronger where the skin is thin and the bone is close, such as the ribs, ankle or sternum. The outer forearm or upper arm is usually easier. Choosing a spot only because of the pain isn't worth it.

For a first tattoo, better skip numbing cream unless the artist says otherwise at the consultation. Many artists aren't fans. After the cream the skin often turns rubbery and takes ink worse, and the effect wears off after a couple of hours anyway. If you really want it, ask about it at the consultation.

You can ask for a break during the session, no problem. Just don't move while the needle is on your skin.

How to prepare for the session

Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper meal about an hour before the session. On an empty stomach you may feel dizzy, and the session feels longer.

Wear clothes that give easy access to the spot. If the tattoo is going on a leg, shorts or a skirt work; on an arm, a short-sleeved top. You can shave the area yourself or leave it to the artist. For a longer session, bring a book or headphones.

Don't drink alcohol the day before or on the day. Alcohol thins the blood, the skin bleeds more and the ink has a harder time settling. Don't tan the area before the session; sunburnt skin can't be tattooed. If you get ill, call the studio and agree on another time. If you take blood-thinning medication or have a skin condition where the tattoo will go, ask your doctor first and then tell the artist at the consultation.

What happens at the studio

You'll find us at Krišjāņa Barona iela 45/47, in the courtyard. The entrance is through the black metal gate.

First the artist shows you the finished design. If there's anything you don't like, say so right away. That's exactly what this moment is for.

Then the spot is cleaned, shaved if needed, and a stencil, a print of the design, goes on your skin. Look in the mirror. A little higher, or at an angle? The stencil can be moved.

During the session, the needles and other single-use supplies are used for you only. Anything reused is sterilised in a class B autoclave.

At the end the tattoo is cleaned and covered, and the artist explains how to look after it.

How much does a first tattoo cost

Every tattoo is priced individually. Usually the price depends on the size and on how much work the design takes. The minimum price at our studio is €60. The drawing and a touch-up, if one is needed, are included in the price.

After the session

For the first few days a tattoo is a fresh wound, and half the result depends on aftercare. We've covered what to do day by day in a separate article: how to look after your new tattoo. If the redness spreads instead of fading after the first few days, the area gets hot, or you see pus or have a fever, don't wait: see a doctor.

After 3-6 weeks, once the tattoo has healed, book a time and show it to the artist. If the ink hasn't taken somewhere, we'll arrange a touch-up.

Common questions before a first tattoo

Can I come in without an appointment?

You need to book ahead. Occasionally a same-day tattoo is possible, but only if you call first and we agree on it.

How long does a session take?

It depends on the size and the detail. A small piece, stencil included, often takes an hour or two. Large pieces are usually split into several sessions, and the next one is done only once the previous part has healed. The artist will give you a rough time at the consultation.