Your first tattoo: where to start when you're excited and nervous

You can spend months saving tattoo pictures and imagining a design on your arm, then still have no idea what to say to an artist. Especially when your whole brief is “something with fine lines” or “maybe this flower”.

That's enough to start a conversation. I'm Eva, the tattoo artist behind AVEEVA, and I work at Forma Tattoo Space in Tbilisi. During your first consultation, we'll work through the design, size and placement together. You don't need to arrive with every decision already made.

Choosing a first tattoo when you like lots of different things

Put together a small collection of pictures and add a note about what you like in each one. It might be the fine lines in one piece, the way another follows an arm, or the colour in a third. Those details tell me much more about your taste than “I'd like something beautiful”.

Your starting point doesn't even have to be a tattoo. It could be an old postcard, a photograph of a plant or a note from your grandmother. If you'd like to keep her handwriting, send a clear photograph. If the words you want are scattered across several letters, we can look at how to bring them together while keeping the character of the writing.

For a pet tattoo, we can use a photograph or an actual paw print. If you're drawn to abstract work, we can start with lines and how they might travel across your body. Sometimes finding the right placement makes the design easier to decide on.

You can also choose a flower simply because you love it. You don't owe everyone who asks an explanation of what your tattoo means.

A small first tattoo, or something bigger?

A small tattoo can feel less daunting: it's easier to imagine wearing it and taking that first step. But it helps to choose the size alongside the drawing. Letters need space between them, and a pet portrait needs room for its details. Shrinking everything too far can lose the very things that made you choose it.

That's why I might suggest trying a slightly larger version. We can look at both sizes on your body so you can see the difference. Sometimes a few centimetres really is enough; sometimes the piece works better with more room.

If you've been imagining a large piece for a long time, tell me. We can discuss where to begin and roughly how many appointments it might need. There's no obligation to get a small “test tattoo” first when the piece you actually want is something else.

Where would you enjoy having your first tattoo?

Think about whether you want to see it every day. A forearm tattoo will often catch your eye. A piece on your back is something you'll see more in mirrors and photographs. You might want it visible in your everyday clothes, or prefer to keep it more private.

Small practical details matter too. A strap might sit directly over the placement you like, high boots might rub a calf tattoo, and a piece on your back can be awkward to reach during aftercare. It's easier to plan for these things before the appointment.

When we try the design on, look at the whole piece in a mirror, from different angles and with your arm relaxed. Take your time. If you want it a little higher, say so. I can move the stencil and show you the size again. “Could we try it another way?” is a perfectly reasonable thing to ask.

If you're thinking about a sleeve later, mention that as well. We can consider how this first tattoo might fit into it.

What about the pain?

I can't tell you exactly how tattooing will feel for you. Placement, appointment length and your own sensitivity all play a part. Someone else's account can sometimes make you more anxious without helping you prepare.

You can tell me directly: “I'm nervous and I don't know how long I'll manage.” We'll discuss a manageable amount of work and how much time to allow. You can ask for a break during the session. If you feel dizzy or unwell, tell me straight away; you don't need to push through it.

I want you to feel comfortable asking questions about pain, hygiene or how the tattoo may look once it's healed. Before booking, have a look at my portfolio and healed tattoos. They'll help you decide whether my approach feels right for you.

What we'll work out before your appointment

Send your idea, a few pictures and, if you know them, the placement and approximate size. You're welcome to mention your budget so I can suggest a suitable amount of work. The consultation is free.

Then we gather references and develop the drawing. Within the same concept, we can revise it as much as needed: individual details, the position of elements and the overall composition. Before tattooing starts, we'll always try the design on your body.

I'll quote the price in advance, per session. My work usually costs 260–1200 GEL: a three-hour session is 800 GEL, and a full day is 1200 GEL. I don't take a deposit; you pay at the end of each session. For a large project, I'll estimate the number of appointments beforehand, with room to adjust the plan as the work progresses.

You'll find more examples in my article on tattoo prices in Tbilisi.

Getting ready for your first tattoo

Try to get a good night's sleep and eat a proper meal before you come in. Wear something that gives us access to the placement and won't press against the fresh tattoo afterwards. For a longer appointment, bring water, a snack and headphones. Leave some space in your schedule: talking through the design and trying it on take time too.

Let me know beforehand if you're ill or the area is sunburnt. Don't come in after drinking alcohol. If you have a condition or take medication that could affect the procedure, discuss tattooing with your doctor; don't stop prescribed medication yourself.

Before we choose a date, think about your plans afterwards. If you're heading to the beach, a pool or an active holiday a few days later, let's find a better time. Swimming and sun exposure need to wait while your tattoo heals, as outlined in Mayo Clinic's aftercare guidance.

You can still have questions after the appointment

I'll explain how to look after your tattoo and what to do with the dressing. For planning, we usually allow around three to four weeks for healing, although everyone's timing is different. If you're unsure about something, send me a message rather than trying to choose between dozens of conflicting tips.

If the tattoo needs a touch-up after healing, contact me about the issue within one month of your original session. We'll arrange the earliest suitable appointment after it has healed; in that case, a touch-up of my work costs only the studio rental and supplies. Later enquiries are charged as paid touch-ups.

Worsening pain, spreading redness, pus or a fever need medical attention, as they can be signs of infection. The AAD explains which symptoms to watch for.

You can share your first tattoo day with someone

If you'd like to share the day with someone close to you, we can plan matching tattoos. You might choose one phrase with different details, two related drawings or each other's handwriting. The pieces don't have to be the same size or sit in the same place.

I offer an ongoing discount on matching tattoos done on the same day. We'll discuss the price for your designs. You can see more examples in my article about lettering and loved ones' handwriting.