First Tattoo Questions from People Who Haven’t Gotten One . . . Yet

I've been told getting a tattoo is very painful.

Yeah, I won’t sugarcoat it—tattoos do involve some pain. But it’s probably not as bad as you’re imagining. Most people describe it as more like an annoying scratching or burning feeling than sharp pain. And honestly? The anticipation is usually worse than the actual experience.

Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, so where you get tattooed makes a difference. Places with more muscle or fat—like the upper arm, thigh, or shoulder—tend to be more manageable. Bony areas like ribs, elbows, or feet? No question, those can sting a bit more.

But the body’s amazing—it releases endorphins to help you handle the pain. And I’ll always check in with you during the process. If you need a break, you get one. I’ve tattooed people of all ages and pain tolerances, and most walk away saying it wasn’t nearly as bad as they expected.

Skin tends to sag as we age. I don't want to get one now and then the tattoo looks like a shriveled-up piece of fruit in 20 years.

Totally fair question—and I’ve actually heard the ‘shrivel like a raisin’ line before. First off, skin does change with age, no doubt. But tattoos age with you—and if they’re done well, it can still look beautiful decades down the road.

Placement and design make a huge difference. Areas with less sun exposure and more natural tension (like upper arms, shoulders, thighs, or back) tend to hold up better over time. And choosing bold lines and clean contrast helps the tattoo age more gracefully.

I always design with longevity in mind—thinking about how it’ll look in 5, 10, or 20 years. You’ll fade and soften a little, sure, but a well-done tattoo shouldn’t end up looking like shriveled fruit. It should still hold its story—and its shape.

Plus, no one’s skin stays the same forever. That’s part of life. But if your ink is done right, it’ll stay part of your story in a way that still looks damn good.

Isn't the ink dangerous for my skin, as I’ve been told the tattoo is a “wound”? What if I have a reaction?

That’s a smart question to ask, honestly—and it’s true, a tattoo is technically a wound. The needle deposits ink just below the surface of the skin, so your body treats it like a controlled injury. But here’s the thing—it’s meant to heal. And when it’s done professionally, under clean, sterile conditions, your skin can handle it just fine.

As for the ink itself, I only use professional, high-quality pigments from trusted manufacturers.  They're formulated to be safe for skin. Reactions are rare, but not impossible, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin.

If that’s a concern, I can always do a small patch test beforehand. It’s a quick way to see how your skin reacts before we start anything permanent.

So yes—it’s a wound, but it’s one I help your skin handle in the safest, most respectful way possible.

What if I don’t like it?

That’s real. And I hear it more often than you’d think. Getting a tattoo is a commitment, so being nervous about liking it is totally normal. That’s exactly why I spend so much time on the design process. I don’t just throw something together and slap it on your skin—I work with you to make sure it’s something you connect with.

You’ll see the design ahead of time, and we’ll talk through any tweaks before the needle touches your skin. I’ll give you honest feedback, too—if something won’t work well over time, or if I see a better option for your body or style, I’ll let you know.

I want you to walk away proud of what you’re wearing—not just now, but ten years from now.

So yes, 'what if I don’t like it?’ is a fair question. My job is to make sure we don’t get there in the first place.

I'm afraid if I got a tattoo, my husband would divorce me.

Well . . . there are some questions I just don’t have an answer to. 😳

I can promise you’ll leave with a great tattoo. What happens when you get home? That’s above my pay grade. 😊

Got a question we haven’t covered . . . or ready for your first tattoo? Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to have a conversation about my passion, and I would love to talk ink with you. 

Simply reach out through the website.