Everyone with tattoos knows that getting your first tattoo is both awesome and nerve-wracking. But tattoos are also super addicting and after you get your first, you don't just want more, you need more. So, I've complied a list of stages people tend to go through when they get their first tattoo.
The "I'll Just Look Around for a Shop" Stage
This is what happens when you start thinking about getting a tattoo but aren't super sure you'll go through with it, so you just look around to compare prices - just in case.
The "Did I Really Schedule It?" Stage
This happens after you find a shop that is sterile, cheap, and trustworthy and you decide to go in for a consultant and before you know it, you have a date set for your tattoo.
The "I Can't Wait" Stage
Immediately after leaving the shop, adrenaline kicks in and for most people it starts out as excitement. And when it comes to tattoos, the excitement stems from having art that you enjoy or that has meaning to you on your body.
The "Nope" Stage
Once you walk out of the shop after you schedule your appointment and get past the excitement part of adrenaline, the "nope" stage hits pretty hard and you really put thought into not showing up or calling the shop and cancelling your appointment. This can last for a day or even until the second you sit in the chair to get tattooed. This is also the stage where you ask people with tattoos (sometimes even strangers) what the pain feels like, how much it hurts, and other pretty useless questions since everyone's pain threshold is unique.
The "Is This Really Happening?" Stage
After you show up for your appointment and sit in the chair, a lot of things go through your head like "this doesn't feel like burning cat scratches at all," and "I can't believe I wanted to cancel this appointment." One of the big thoughts that loom in your mind is "is this real life? I'm so excited this is going to be on my body forever" and the "I Can't Wait" stage probably kicks in again.
The "This is the Coolest Thing Ever" Stage
When you finish the appointment and go through the pain of getting a tattoo, you sit there in astonishment for days or even weeks because there's a new piece of art on your body, and you'll never forget your first tattoo.
The "When Can I Do This Again?" Stage
After you get your tattoo (or even during) you start realizing that you need more tattoos and start planning what tattoo you can afford next because your body looks boring without art everywhere.
