First Tattoo Advice

So I'm finally doing it. When I get my tax return, I'm finally starting a bit of a sleeve. My plan is to get the original John Tenniel illustrations from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on one arm, tied together with a playing card motif, and (eventually) Through the Looking Glass on the other.

Before you say anything, this has nothing to do with the new movie. This has been my favorite book for years, to the point where my cats are named Alice and Cheshire, and I've been thinking this tattoo over since I was 18 (I'm 25 now).

Anyway, does anyone have any advice? Here's the portfolio of the artist I'm going to: Fish Ladder Tattoo: Eric. Does it look good? I've checked out the shop; very clean with a nice autoclave. So yeah, any advice for a first timer?

The thing is....YOU have to like the person's work. To be perfectly honest...I wasn't a big fan of that portfolio. But the tattoo isn't going on me...it's going on you.

Another thing.....a sleeve is a pretty big step from no tattoos at all. I would suggest you talk to the artist....get one tattoo first....but explain to the artist that you have plans on possibly incorporating it into a sleeve later on.

Also....don't get talked into any expensive tattoo aftercare products. You ask 10 people...and you'll get 10 different products recommended. All you really need to know is that you NEVER use Vaseline....and you probably don't want to use Neosporin.

I'm mixed on his portfolio as well. Looks like he's good at old school type stuff, but not so impressed with his other work. Like Cash said, the important part is that YOU like his work.

The thing is, the art I'm getting is already drawn. John Tenniel did the etchings in 1865. There is no interpretation to be done here. As far as the sleeve thing goes, like I said, this is what I've always had planned. I'm starting with a half sleeve.
What do you recommend for aftercare?

Jeebus man, you might as well ask what condoms people prefer because you're going to get the same number of different responses.

My ritual is A&D until it starts to peel, then fragrance free body lotion for a few weeks. Very, very lightly of course.

I've dry healed a few of mine.

I also heal like Wolverine, so it really doesn't matter what kind of lotion i put on it as long as i keep it clean.

Now, see, I used neosporin on both of mine and they turned out just fine. Granted, they were both pretty simple, and I wouldn't recommend that you follow my advice. I'm like DR . . . mutant healing factor and all. But without the claws.

This is what I do too. My colors are all still pretty bright, even after 10+ years.

Am I dumb for not being able to figure out what A&D is?

So, first tattoo jitters. I know I want it. I know it. But there is a moment every now and then when I freak out. The 'do I want to keep my skin pure' moments. But I know I want it. Any advice?

Appointment is April 22nd for the first sitting.

Just enjoy it You're always going to freak out - but it's such a rush.

Today I just got my first Tattoo, it is in Kanji but in English it means "Family". Be prepared to feel about of pain my friend

I wanted to add another thing:

Don't let the artist talk you into anything.
I mean, advice is always good, after all he is the professional, the artist. But I have some friends that are pretty unhappy with their tattoos, because they let themselves get talked into getting something almost entirely different than what they wanted.
Personally I think it's fine when an artist adds a little of his own touch...I let my tattooist do that all the time. But that is because I like his style to begin with.
basically....if you want something new school/ cartoonish or something realistic......don't let a tatooist who specializes in old-school tattoos morph your tattoo into something you won't want. find somebody else.
after all YOU need to wear it for the rest of your life, not the tattooist.

So I went to see the sketch today, and I am so happy with it. It's not quite done, but you get the idea.

Make sure not to scratch and do not let it dry up!

It's the big day. Wish me luck.

Good luck, and that design is awesome.

I have two things to say.
1. Tattoos hurt. Especially near your armpit.
2. My arm is about 150 percent more awesome now.

that looks great. congratulations. you've officially lost your virginity. of inkness.

That is pretty cool actually.. .. Aveeno time! ha