The Best Spot For a First Tattoo
Don’t regret where you get your first tattoo on your body. Here is the very best spot for a first tattoo and why it matters!
Do you’re thinking of going out and getting your first tattoo!
Did you know that 27% of women have their tattoos placed on their ankles, while 34% of men choose to have it done on their upper back shoulder?
As the saying goes, the body is a canvas, but how do you make the decision of where to put permanent artwork? There are so many factors that you should consider when picking the best sport for a first tattoo.
Keep reading to find out all about tattoo placement, and ultimately, make the right decision for you.
The Best Spot for a First Tattoo
When asking the question, “What is the best spot for a first tattoo?”, we would first like to say, there’s no direct answer to this question.
Before you head into a shop though, ensure that you understand tattoo shop etiquette and the exact behavior that is required from you.
Many different people, from many different walks of life, choose to get a tattoo for a variety of choices. Things like other people being able to see your tattoo, the industry that you work in, your family’s culture, could all play a part in where you choose to put your first tattoo.
But let’s dive straight into the areas of the body that we believe are the best spots for a first tattoo.
1. The Upper Collarbone
Tattoos generally, over time, will fade in direct exposure to sunlight. If you’re leaning towards getting your first tattoo on your chest, then the upper collar bone is a great choice.
Why?
It’s rated one of the least painful places to get a tattoo, and also, the skin in this area doesn’t stretch as much as the rest of the chest over time, so your tattoo should remain fairly constant.
2. Your Back
If you’re worried about your tattoo changing shape over time, then the back is a great location for your first tattoo.
The skin here stays pretty constant if you experience weight gain, pregnancy, or other body changes.
The upper part of your back offers a solid canvas if you’re looking for a place that you can easily cover your ink in your daily life too.
3. Your Wrist
Most female customers will choose the wrist as the location for the first tattoo. It’s the perfect placement for a tattoo that is delicate and dainty.
But be warned!
The wrist has a lot of nerve endings, making the tattoo itself more painful than in other more cushioned areas of the body. Also, you’ll find it harder to cover up this bad boy in warm weather.
Be mindful of your choice of colors too, with the wrist spending much time in the sunlight, you may find that your tattoo fades quicker than it would in other areas. Chat to your tattoo artist about what color choices he would recommend for a tattoo on your wrist.
4. The Back of the Neck
The back of the neck is a popular choice for women with long hair, that feel they’ll easily be able to hide the ink if the situation calls for it.
It’s the perfect place for a small, delicate design to make its first appearance.
The level of pain in this area is not too high, in comparison to your rib cage for example, but during your time in the chair, the sound of the machine can seem really loud, ‘tricking’ people into believing it’s more painful than it actually is.
5. On Your Chest
The chest is generally an area chosen by men more so than women, and given the proximity to the heart, it’s the perfect place for a tattoo that holds a lot of meaning for the person getting it.
It’s similar to the way a footballer’s badge would be displayed, their team’s crest is sacred to them, and so should the tattoo be to you.
Also, the chest is the perfect place for you to consider a heart tattoo design.
It also allows for larger designs to be chosen, as opposed to the smaller areas on your wrist and ankle.
Places to Avoid for Your First Tattoo
Generally speaking, the biggest concern for someone getting their first tattoo is the level of pain they expect.
Obviously, getting a tattoo isn’t like a unicorn licking rainbows on your skin, the process can be painful and lengthy, depending on the location and the length of time that you sit in the chair.
Also, one factor which is hard to measure is your own level of tolerance for pain. If you’re one to scream when getting a vaccination, then you may want to stick with the list above.
Here are some of the areas that you should avoid if you’re worried about pain:
- The rib cage is extremely sensitive
- Fingers have little cushioning between the skin and the bone, so are quite painful during the tattoo process
- Elbows also lack enough ‘meat’ to create a cushion, so you’ll feel the tattoo needles right down to the bone
- The ankle is not an ideal place for your first tattoo, with the skin sitting so close to the bone, as well as all the weird ways you have to keep bending your foot in order to get the perfect tattoo
Choosing an area for your first tattoo though, shouldn’t be made on the level of pain that you wish to avoid, but rather, on the perfect placement for the design you’ve chosen.
You’ll really want to chat to your tattoo artist about the designs that you have in mind, and where he thinks the tattoo will be showcased best.
Heading Out for Your First Tattoo
Now that you know the best spot for a first tattoo, you should take your time in finding the right artist to do the application for you.
Look out for professional studios that have the right sanitation and disinfection procedures in place, the last thing you want to end up with is an infection.
Also, never make your decision based on price, like the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Rather budget more for your first tattoo, and get exactly what you’re hoping for.
Contact us if you have more questions about the process, or would like to schedule that session for your first tattoo.
Canine Love: 8 Amazing Tattoo Ideas for Dog Lovers
Amazing Dog Tattoo Ideas
Immortalize your love and the ups and downs you had together with your canine best friend with these amazing dog tattoo ideas.
Americans love their dogs: over 63 million U.S. households are home to at least one canine.
Most dog lovers show off their love for man’s best friend by wearing dog t-shirts or hats or putting a sticker on their car. We here at Skin Factory Tattoo, however, think there’s no better way to proclaim your puppy love to the world than by getting a dog tattoo.
The possibilities are endless for dog lovers. Here’s a look at eight inspired dog tattoo ideas. One of these may just be your next tat.
1. Your Dog
The most obvious tattoo design for any dog owner is to get a rendition of their beloved fur baby. The only drawback is that as tattoos are permanent you have to be OK with seeing a reminder of a deceased pet on your body every day. Although, this can also be a wonderful way to memorialize a beloved part of your family.
For this type of tattoo, it’s best to take photos of your dog and narrow them down to two to three possible shots to show to your tattoo artist. You may want them to capture an exceptionally cute or funny expression that shows off your dog’s personality.
2. Go Abstract
Your tattoo artwork doesn’t have to be highly detailed and show every hair on your dog to be beautiful. Many tattoo artists can take an image and interpret it in an abstract, modern way. We’re not talking about drawing an unrecognizable Picasso-esque version of your dog, but maybe incorporating bright colors, hard-edged shapes, and patterns into the image for a design that really pops.
3. Go Minimal
Maybe you don’t want a big, colorful, splashy tattoo of your dog covering a lot of skin. The good news is dog tattoos can be minimal, too! The perfect dog tattoo for you may consist of a few black lines that form your dog’s face and expression, or your favorite breed.
Or you may want something as simple as the outline of a heart tattooed along with a short sentimental quote about what pet ownership means to you. How about the dog constellation Canis Major with an outline of a dog superimposed over it? Going minimal is a great option for the person who wants a more subdued tattoo design.
4. Paw Print
If you don’t want an image of a dog on your skin but still want to convey your love for all things canine, a paw print tattoo may be the perfect compromise.
And we’re not just talking about cute little cartoon-like paw prints (unless you’d like a trail of those along a body area) but a large, realistic-looking paw impression. Many owners with big dogs even opt for a life-sized rendition of their pooch’s paw print on an arm or leg.
Tattoo artists can get very detailed with this idea by inking in the texture of your dog’s toe pads or making it look like they stepped in mud before they stepped on you. Or they can incorporate your dog’s face into the paw print.
Artists can get surprisingly creative with this tattoo design, so this is definitely one idea you may want to explore.
5. Multiple Dogs
What’s better than one dog tattoo? Several, of course! A really cute idea is to have three or four dog heads tattooed on your lower back, inner arm, or calf area.
If you own more than one pet, this is a great way to include them all in your tattoo design.
6. Your Dog’s Name
Another classic tattoo design is to simply have your dog’s name tattooed. You can choose to have their profile illustrated along with the name, or opt to just have the named inked. You can choose a simple, black and white font, or go for a more decorative and colorful one. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is up to you.
Your artist can also incorporate dog imagery with the lettering—such as a paw print or dog bone—so people will know the name is referring to a loved pet. Some people get a tattoo design depicting a heart-shaped dog tag that has their dog’s name.
7. Flowers and Other Decorative Touches
The beauty of tattoos is what they allow you to get as creative as you like, and that means you can include decorative elements in your dog tattoo such as flowers, stars, or other embellishments.
You could also get a tattoo that pays homage to your dog’s roots, such as showing pine trees behind an Alaskan husky, or a Bavarian mountain behind a German shepherd.
8. Your Dog’s Alter Ego
Do you think your dog sees himself as a superhero, keeping your yard safe from squirrels and alerting you to strangers? Or maybe he has an inner rock star, as evident by his howling each time you play music.
You can get playful with your tattoo design by incorporating a bit of your best friend’s personality into the artwork. Your tattoo artist can render your dog wearing sunglasses or include superhero tattoo elements such as a cape and mask.
Explore These Dog Tattoo Ideas
Dog Tattoo Ideas
As you can see, dog tattoo ideas are really only limited by your imagination. Your tattoo artist should also have plenty of other ideas to help you find the perfect way to show off your love of your dog, or dogs in general, to everyone.
Thinking of getting a dog tattoo, or a tat to symbolize another pet or animal? Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your tattoo ideas with us. Our artists will make your vision a reality.
Watch Your Step: Everything You Need to Know About Foot Tattoos
Watch Your Step: Everything You Need to Know About Foot Tattoos
Foot tattoos are unique, sexy, and are easy to hide, but are they really the perfect tattoo? This guide will list the pros and cons of a foot tattoo.
Are you set on the perfect foot tattoo to decorate your dogs?
There are some important things you should know before you take the plunge —and pain is just the beginning.
Foot tattoos are unique, sexy, and are easy to hide, but are they really the perfect tattoo? This guide will list the pros and cons of a foot tattoo.
Do Foot Tattoos Hurt?
It’s well known within the tattoo industry that foot tattoos are among the most painful.
This is because, in order to insert the pigment permanently into your skin, your tattoo artist drives a needle beneath the skin’s surface. Obviously this is going to hurt on any part of your body. But places that have more nerve endings, like your foot, are going to hurt a lot more.
There are two elements to tattoos which include the linework and shading. Both can create an intense burning sensation from the needle scratching your skin. Unlike other parts of your body where flesh or muscle will help to dull the pain.
Your feet have more exposed nerve endings in your feet, over 7,000 nerve endings to be exact. At times you may feel your bones vibrating. Brace yourself for some intense pain if you’re set on a foot tattoo. If it’s your first one you might want to keep it simpler.
The other aspect that makes a foot tattoo a challenge is that your feet tend to react quickly to stimulation. Which is why if you get tickled on your feet your reflex is to kick out.
To stop yourself from jerking you’re going to have the urge to tense your body. This can lead to more pain.
This can be a problem when you’re trying to stay completely still during a tattoo. A skilled tattoo artist will expect this and be able to react accordingly.
Why Tiny Foot Tattoos Are a Bad Idea
If you’re frustrated with a tattoo artist for not giving you a tiny tattoo on your foot, then we can explain. Foot tattoos tend to bleed over time. So something very small can begin to smudge on the parts of your foot you use the most.
Ultimately they’re saving future you from a blobby mess on your foot years down the road. Make sure you find the right tattoo artist. Some will refuse to do foot tattoos at all since they can be dangerous if infected and also fade faster in the wrong places.
Where Should You Get One?
As we mentioned, getting a foot tattoo in the wrong place can lead to it fading or smudging. So where should you get a foot tattoo?
The problem is most areas on your foot are used. For example, the sides of your feet tend to rub on your shoes all day. The top of your foot is an option but it will hurt more.
Ankle tattoos need extra care to prevent them from fading in the sun. Ultimately you’ll have to find the best spot for your design as well as your body. Work with a professional to find your ideal placement.
You will also need to decide the orientation of your tattoo. Such as if the tattoo should face you right side up or be facing other people. This is all personal preference.
Care for Your Foot Tattoo
During the time when your foot tattoo is healing it’s going to be difficult to wear shoes. For this reason, you may want to plan to get your foot tattoo during the summer months or when it’s warmer. This will allow you to wear flip flops, sandals, or ballet flats.
At the same time, you don’t want to expose your tattoo to the sun for too long. In fact, your tattoo is going to need a lifetime of sunscreen applications to protect it and keep it from fading.
Yes, this is true for most tattoos that are exposed. But your foot can be especially prone to direct sunlight when wearing sandals and showing it off. So you need to be extra careful.
It’s important to strictly follow the directions of your tattoo artist. Since a tattoo is an open wound, not caring for it appropriately could lead to serious infection.
Foot tattoos are even more prone to infections than others. You won’t be able to submerge your tattoo in water or expose it to the sun for at least two weeks.
Surprise You Have A Foot Tattoo!
Foot Tattoos
The fun thing about a foot tattoo is once you’ve gotten through the pain and aftercare you’re going to be really excited each time you see it. That’s because you may forget sometimes that you even have a foot tattoo.
Foot tattoos are subtle and you probably won’t notice it every day. So when it catches your eye from time to time, it’ll be like a special surprise you get to experience again and again.
The only thing about the excitement of having a tattoo is it will make you want another one!
Despite the pain, foot tattoos are aesthetically pleasing and increasingly popular. Once you have one you’ll want to show it off to all your friends and family.
Ready to Get Inked?
Foot tattoos may be a bit more painful but they sure look amazing when completed. Once you get through a couple of weeks, you’ll be dying to get a matching one on your other foot!
If you’d like to speak with a professional tattoo artist who can provide you with the delicate foot tattoo you’re dreaming of, then check out our two locations. Our artists are highly skilled and professional.
Want to learn more about types of tattoos and piercings? Along with what to expect? Check out our blog for expert advice.
Forget the Diamonds: The Top Tips and Ideas for Wedding Ring Tattoos
Wedding ring tattoos – With 2.3 million couples getting married each year, it’s hard to come up with a unique idea to represent you and yours. But, modern brides are setting new trends every day.
The traditional wedding ring is no exception. Yet, that ring may not be what you’re expecting, these days. Today’s brides are choosing wedding ring tattoos over the diamond.
You read that right. Couples are getting tattoos. Right on their ring fingers to represent the wedding band.
Well, why not?
They’re beautiful. It’s a permanent symbol of your bond. And, if you get the right one, it’s timeless and classy, too.
It checks all the boxes of a traditional wedding ring, without investing 3 months wages.
So, how are couples choosing the perfect wedding ring tattoos? Let’s find out!
Wedding Ring Tattoos: Tips and Ideas to Help You Choose!
It’s not exactly a new idea, but it’s definitely gaining ground. Maybe because tattoos are more popular than ever. Or, it could be the savings involved.
Wedding ring tattoos are far less expensive than a traditional wedding ring. You can get one for $50 to $2,000, depending on the design and the artist. That’s a lot of money you can save for the honeymoon!
But, the real reason may have more to do with the tattoo itself. The most valuable thing about a wedding ring tattoo is not the price tag. It’s the meaningful design that a couple chooses together.
They’re personalized in a way that the traditional ring isn’t. And, that’s what couples want.
Choose Your Style
Every couple is unique, and so is their personal style. That style will merge into your ring tattoos.
Only about 16% of the world has tattoos. That already makes you unique. But your tattoo style says even more about you.
Here are a few styles to consider.
- Traditional/Classic
- Tribal
- Colorful
- Symbolic
- Bold & Blackwork
- Watercolor
- Cultural
There are many more styles to choose from. The style you choose depends only on your preferences.
Symbolism is Important
Here’s where it gets personal. Choosing a wedding ring tattoo should include something symbolic. Something special that represents the relationship between you and your spouse.
Find good symbolism in your past, present, and future. Consider how you met, what you like to do together, and your favorite things.
Places you’ve traveled to and struggles you’ve overcome can be meaningful symbols, too. Find something that represents your relationship and its special strength.
Here are some ideas to think about.
- Special Places: beaches/waves, mountains, sunshine, palm trees
- Health and Wellness: heartbeats, peace, double hearts, yin/yang, lotus
- Love and Closeness: hearts, love knot, Claddagh, Celtic Knot
- Dreams, Spirit, and Strength: moon, crescent moon, clouds, stars
These are just a few symbols. Do your research and you’ll find one that suits you! Remember, not all symbols are simple enough for a tattoo. So, make sure you choose one that works.
Speak with your tattoo artist to see if it can work in your ring tattoo.
Keep it Simple
A simple tattoo makes a classy statement. It’s also the best bet for this situation.
Why?
To start, fingers are very small areas! Your tattoo artist will have an easier time and do a better job on a simple design.
Here are a few more good reasons to keep it simple.
- It’s a painful area – less is more
- Simple lines and shapes look better
- Simple finger tattoos blurless
- Easier to touch up later
Choosing a simple design doesn’t mean you’re settling for boring. Talk with your tattoo artist to get it right!
Plan It Before You Ink It
This isn’t the kind of tattoo you do on a whim. It’s far more important and symbolic than that. Take the time to plan your design before you have it done.
Choosing an Artist
This is the most important part of the whole process! You need to choose a tattoo artist that understands your vision. And, one that can do the work in the style you like.
Start by checking out some tattoo artist’s online. Look at their web portfolios and read reviews from past clients. Narrow it down to three artists that seem good.
Then, schedule appointments with your top three choices. Meet, ask a few questions, and get to know your potential tattoo artists.
Ask if they have experience with wedding ring tattoos. It’s not a deal breaker if they’ve never done one. But, make sure they are confident they can do the work.
Take a look around the shop. You’ll get a feel for how they handle their business.
Is it clean? Professional? Do you feel comfortable here?
You’ll need to come prepared to discuss your design vision or look at options. Talk about pricing, too. It’s ok if they give you a range, as long as it works for your budget.
Schedule Design Visits
Once you decide on an artist, you’ll need an appointment to plan and complete your tattoo design. Bring notes about your ideas with you. If you’re not sure, as for guidance.
Most artists have many, many options you can choose from right in the shop. But, whatever you choose, personalize it a little bit. Then, negotiate to have it removed from the options.
This is yours. No one else should have it.
Picking the Right Time
Schedule inking appointments, next! It’s up to you whether you do it before or after the wedding.
Talk to your artist about what it’s like to get a tattoo. This can help you choose the right day.
Getting it done on your wedding day is not the best option. Think about everything else going on that day. It’s a very busy day, and you don’t want to add to it.
You can always use plain bands as your symbol during the ceremony. For best results, don’t rush your tattoo appointment. Schedule it during a time when you can relax and enjoy the moment!
Talk to a Tattoo Artist, Today!
Don’t go the traditional route. Look into wedding ring tattoos, instead! They’re personal, symbolic and beautiful.
It’s a unique and meaningful way to represent your marriage!
Looking for your next tattoo? We’ve got locations in Las Vegas and Hawaii. Contact us for details, today!
15 of the Worst Cliche Tattoos That You Should Avoid Getting
15 of the Worst Cliche Tattoos That You Should Avoid Getting
Tattoos are a way of showing your creative self-expression, except when you decide to get a lame cliche tattoo. Here are 15 of the worst cliche tattoos to avoid.
Tattoos can be a beautiful and creative way to express yourself or commemorate something special. Tattoos can also be a permanent bad decision.
Don’t fall victim to an embarrassing tattoo. Here are 15 cliche tattoos you should avoid when you’re planning to get a tattoo.
How to Know if You’re Getting One of the Many Cliche Tattoos
Cliche Tattoos
Below are the most cliche tattoos right now. Like fashion trends, every day more tattoos become a cliche. The best way to predict if that tattoo you’re planning to get will become a cliche one day is, to be honest with yourself.
Ask yourself if the design you’re getting means something significant to you that you will like for years to come, or if you’re just following a trend. Tattoo trends are harder to get rid of than fashion trends.
Here are some of the most common cliche tattoos.
1. The Infinity Sign
The infinity sign tattoo symbolizes rebirth, reincarnation and forever. Similarly, your infinity tattoo will also last forever. This tattoo is everywhere, so go for a sign that’s more unique.
2. The Chest Wings
Chest wings is a very detailed design that covers your entire chest. Sometimes people even get this on their back.
You might be tempted to get this piece because of it’s symbolic and inspiring symbolism. Or how you hope that like in nature, you tattooed wings will help you fly. In myths, wings are earned, but you only have to pay for your tattooed chest wings.
If you’re in great shape, you might feel you need this design. Sure, your chest wings look nice now. But will you still like this design when your pecks sag to man boobs or when your back is hunched over?
Probably not.
If you must get wings, perhaps go for a more subtle design in an area that less likely to hunch or sag with age.
3. The Lower Back Butterfly
Lower back tattoos or “tramp stamps” are never a good idea. Luckily you can hide them with clothes, but they will make an appearance during swimsuit season.
If a lower back tattoo still sounds appealing to you, at least go for a design that isn’t as cliche as a basic butterfly.
4. A Heart on the Wrist
This tattoo is usually gotten after a break-up. Quick, relatively painless, and seemingly subtle, an outline of a heart seems like the perfect ink.
Turns out this tattoo is incredibly cliche. We’re pretty positive it’s a prerequisite to being a contestant on The Bachelor.
5. Tribal Tat
Tribal tattoos are also incredibly common, and we’re guessing most people who have these tattoos have never been in a tribe. Often this design will take up the entire arm, making it difficult to ever look classy in a short-sleeved shirt.
6. The Dandelion Birds
This tattoo of a dandelion blowing in the wind and transforming into flying birds seems to be everywhere these days. It’s meant to symbolize your fate and the fulfillment of your wishes.
The dandelion stalk symbolizes to let go of the past, so this design can also represent rebirth and resilience. Or also “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” a motto as cliche as this design.
7. “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost”
Speaking of cliche lines, having the phrase “not all those who wander are lost” tattooed on your arm is incredibly cliche. So don’t get lost with this tattoo after wandering into your local tattoo parlor.
Try to think of a phrase that actually means something to you, and perhaps get that tattooed somewhere.
8. “Carpe Diem”
“Carpe Diem” or “seize the day,” is another cliche tattoo text to get. Instead, try seizing the day with a more original phrase.
9. Om Sign
We get it, you do yoga. You talk about it all the time, you don’t need to get the om sign on the back of your neck too. Also, don’t you want to be able to admire your tattoo without using a hand mirror?
10. Anchor
Either you have a boat, have been on a boat, or need a reminder to stay grounded. Maybe look into another way to stay grounded or show of your love for boats because an anchor tattoo is incredibly cliche.
11. “This Too Shall Pass”
Getting the phrase “this too shall pass” tattooed on your body is a great way to remind yourself that things get better. Unfortunately, your tattoo will not pass and it’s also cliche.
12. Dreamcatcher
You might be tempted to get a dreamcatcher piece on your back or neck to symbolize that nice dreams will travel through and bad dreams will be caught, and the feather at the bottom is the breath of air which is key for life.
You also can just get a dreamcatcher and hang it up in your room. Dreamcatcher tattoos tend to be big pieces, that unlike an actual dream catcher are cliche and will last forever.
13. Barred Wire
Barred wire tattoos symbolize that you are not an open book, you’re unapproachable and difficult to understand. They also likely show you got this tattoo sometime around the 90s.
These tattoos are also really cliche, so perhaps find another way to symbolize that people should leave you alone. Like not a tattoo that will for sure spark conversation.
14. Geometric animals
We’ve been seeing a lot of geometric animals lately, mainly foxes. While these designs look cool and unique now, they’re becoming a cliche and soon they will feel incredibly dated.
15. Area Code
If you might want to get your area code tattooed on you in either large block numbers on your forearm, or in subtle small numbers somewhere else on your body. You might think that this tattoo is key, to remind you where you came from.
You know you grew up, it’s in your cell number. Unless you keep forgetting your area code when you call your parents, avoid this cliche tattoo.
Get a Unique Tattoo
Don’t blend in when you were born to stand out. Your tattoo should express yourself in a unique way. Don’t be one of the many people with cliche tattoos.
Talk to a tattoo artist at the Skin Factory Tattoo shop before making your final decision. We have tattoo shops in Las Vegas, Henderson and Maui Good luck!
For more resources and insight on tattoos, check out our blog.
