First tattoo

First tattoo: how a session works, step by step

You have never been tattooed and you don't know how it works? Here is how a tattoo goes at TATTOO ON MOVE, in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Carpentras, from the first idea through to healing. No question is a silly one: ask them all at the tattoo shop, before you start.

Before: the idea and the first visit to the tattoo shop

• Come with your idea, a few images you like and the placement you want. An image found on the internet or made by an AI is a starting point: the tattoo artist redraws it for your skin (see our page Image made by ChatGPT).
• Choose your tattoo artist by style: see our tattoo artists and styles.
• The first visit to the tattoo shop, with no commitment: the tattoo artist listens to your project, advises on size and placement, and sets the price. Quotes are not given by email.
• The deposit: for a custom drawing, the appointment is confirmed by a deposit of at least 30% of the price, deducted from the price. It is not refunded if you cancel less than 48 hours before. The details are on the Prices page.
• You are 16 or 17: written consent from a parent is required, see Tattoos and piercings for minors.
• You already have a tattoo you no longer want: it can be covered up or reworked, see Cover-up: covering an old tattoo.
• For a small motif or a flash design, walk-ins are possible depending on availability: see Small tattoos.

The day before and the day itself

• Sleep well and eat before you come.
• No alcohol or aspirin in the 24 hours beforehand.
• Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we do not tattoo: please wait until the end of that period.

During: how the session goes

• The consent form: compulsory, it is filled in at the tattoo shop before the session.
• The drawing is shown to you, and changes are still possible.
• The workstation has been cleaned and prepared before you arrive; the equipment is sterile and single-use.
• The placement: the tattoo artist puts the outline of the design on your skin, you look at it in the mirror, and it is adjusted until you are happy with it.
• The tattoo: first the outlines, then the shading and colours. You can ask for a break at any time. Tea and coffee are free. How it feels in different areas is described on our page Tattoos and pain.
• The dressing: the area is cleaned and protected, and you leave with the healing products (dressing and balm) and the aftercare instructions.

After: healing

• The first few days: the area is sensitive, like sunburn; it may weep a little ink the first night, which is normal.
• For about a month: no baths, sea, swimming pool or sun; small scabs form, don't touch them; it itches, don't scratch. All the instructions are on the Aftercare page.
• A month later: a check-up visit, and a touch-up if needed, included in the price.

The shop's styles

• Japanese
• Old school
• New school and neo-traditional
• Trash polka and blackwork
• Graphic and geometric
• Tribal and Polynesian
• Ornamental and dotwork
• Fine line, minimalist and lettering

Frequently asked questions

How much does a first tattoo cost?

The minimum price for a tattoo is €80. The price then depends on the time, size, placement and fineness of the design. It is set at the tattoo shop, never by email.

How long does a session last?

It depends on the size and the design. The tattoo artist gives you an estimate at the first visit; a large piece is often done over several sessions.

Where should I get my first tattoo?

The outside of the forearm, the arm, the shoulder or the calf: the sensation is milder there and the spot is easy to show off or to hide.

Do I need to bring anything on the day of the session?

Your idea and images if the design isn't done yet, clothes that give access to the area, and something to keep yourself occupied during a long session.

What happens if I have to cancel?

The deposit is not refunded if you cancel less than 48 hours before the appointment. So let us know as early as possible.