How to Pick Your First Tattoo

(As Someone Who Just Got Their First Tattoo)

story and photos by Kasey Paquette

I stared at the stencil sizes on my arm for a solid five minutes. Probably longer, to be honest. Not because I hated them, but because this thing was about to live on my body forever. And I guess I hadn’t fully processed that forever might be slightly bigger than I initially imagined.

If you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo, you’re probably stuck somewhere between “this is so me” and “but what if I hate this when I’m old?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I just got mine, and here are a few things I learned while choosing something I love but won’t regret.

Meaning > Aesthetic (But Ideally Both) 

Pick a design you’ll still want to rock when you’re eighty. Yes, tattoos are permanent, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice interests for aesthetics. The sweet spot is something that both looks good and feels personal to you. 

Whether that’s a portrait of your cat, some random artwork you just really like, or a quote you favor, make sure it carries weight.

Upgrading Your Avatar

As my roommate says, “tattoos and piercings are just upgrading your avatar.” I love that perspective, because body art isn’t random decoration, but a visual extension of one’s identity. 

And upgrades don’t have to happen overnight!

I waited six years before getting my tattoo. Six years of curating a tattoo board on Pinterest, saving screenshots from that Pinterest board, and wondering if I’d still love the idea when I was older, if the pain would even be worth it. 

But I’m so glad I waited. 

Walking, Talking Art

By the time I sat in that chair and the needle started buzzing, I wasn’t choosing my first tattoo impulsively; I was choosing intentionally and thinking about how far I’d come. My design is a custom one I had my artist put together, and it represents self-love. 

I chose that design because it’s something I needed to grow into before I could wear it confidently, and it means something really important to me: loving myself for who I am, even when I’m at my lowest. 

That way, every time I look down at my arm, I can remember to stop and love myself.

 So if you’re getting your first tattoo and not sure where to start, decide what story you want it to tell: not just who you are right now, but who you’ll become.