Introduction

Getting your first tattoo is a big deal. It’s exciting—maybe even something you’ve been thinking about for years—but it can also come with a lot of nerves. What if it hurts more than you expect? What if you pick the wrong artist? What if you mess up the design?

You’re not alone. Every day in St. Louis, people walk into a shop for the first time with those same questions. And it makes sense—tattooing is personal. You’re trusting someone to mark your body, and hopefully, it’s something that’ll still feel good decades from now.

The good news? You’re in a city full of custom tattoo artists who care about doing solid, thoughtful work. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from figuring out what you want to making sure it heals right. Whether you’re just starting to look around or you’ve already got an idea brewing, you’ll find something here to help make your first tattoo a good one.

Before You Book: Research Comes First

Before you set a date, take a breath and start with research. The artist you choose matters more than anything else. Every artist has their own style, pace, and approach to the process, and it’s worth finding someone whose work and vibe align with what you’re looking for.

Spend some time going through portfolios. Instagram is useful, but make sure you’re looking at healed work, not just fresh tattoos. You're looking for consistency—not just one or two nice tattoos, but a whole body of solid work that shows they know their lane. Pay attention to how they handle different styles, how the lines hold up, how they shade, and whether they’re doing the kind of tattoos you want. Avoid looking for “your tattoo” in their portfolio. More than likekly, you wont find the exact tattoo already finished by someone else.

Reviews can give you a sense of how the artist handles communication and professionalism. But if something feels off when you reach out—vague answers, weird energy, or rushed responses—trust that feeling.

At Ragtime, we put a lot of emphasis on the consultation because it’s where everything starts to click—or not. We’d rather postpone a tattoo than push a tattoo that isn’t a fit. That first meeting is about seeing if we’re a good match creatively, personally, and practically.

A few red flags to watch for? If an artist doesn’t have much healed work to show, can’t explain their process, or seems irritated by questions—that’s probably not someone you want to spend hours with.

Choosing the Right Design

Picking your first tattoo design can feel like a lot of pressure. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to feel right to you at this point in your life. You can go small or bold, simple or detailed. There’s no rule saying you have to start tiny, but there’s also no shame in easing in.

Some people go with fine line tattoos because they’re light and subtle. Others dive right into bold blackwork or small traditional pieces with strong lines and solid fill. Black and grey tattoos are a big deal in St. Louis—and with good reason. The style has a softness to it, and when done right, it ages beautifully.

Placement matters, too. Some people want something visible right away—like a forearm or wrist—while others prefer to keep it tucked away on the upper arm, leg, or back. Think about how it might move with your body, or how visible you want it to be at work or in certain social settings. None of that’s about shame—just practical stuff to consider.

A good custom artist will help refine your idea. You don’t need to show up with a finished drawing. Bring inspiration, reference photos, or even just a vibe, and let them help shape it into something that works well on skin.

And about trends—don’t worry so much about what’s in style right now. What’s popular will fade. What matters is whether you’ll still love it in five or ten years.

The Consultation Process

When you sit down for a consultation, the goal isn’t just to lock in an appointment. It’s about building trust.

At Ragtime, consultations are relaxed and collaborative. We’ll ask what you're thinking, why this tattoo matters, and where you want it. You don’t need all the answers—we can figure that out together. We’ll talk through size, placement, budget, and style. Sometimes we sketch ideas, sometimes we just listen and take notes. It’s a conversation, not a pitch.

If you’ve got reference images, bring them. If you're nervous, say so. The more we know, the better we can guide the process.

A good consultation should leave you feeling clearer than when you walked in. You should walk away with a real sense of what to expect, how long it’ll take, what it’ll cost, and most importantly, whether this feels like the right artist to bring your idea to life.

And if it doesn’t feel like a fit, that’s okay. A consultation isn’t a contract. It’s a conversation—and the right artist will respect that.

 

-Click here to discover why everyone picks Ragtime Tattoo Shop!

 

Getting Ready for Your Appointment

The day before your appointment, try to treat yourself like you’re prepping for something important—which you are.

Eat a real meal. Stay hydrated. Don’t show up hungover or underfed. It’s harder for your body to sit still and heal properly when you’re depleted.

Wear comfortable clothes that give your artist easy access to the area you’re getting tattooed. Loose sleeves, gym shorts, zip-ups—whatever makes it easy without you having to fully undress or feel exposed.

Bring water, maybe a snack, and headphones if you think music or a podcast will help you zone out. If you’re nervous, let your artist know. There’s no shame in that. A lot of people feel some anxiety before their first session, it’s totally normal. We’re used to it, and we’ll walk you through it.

The better shape your body’s in that day, the smoother the experience will be.

During the Session

A lot of people ask what it feels like. The honest answer? It’s uncomfortable, but usually not unbearable. Think of it like a scratch that lingers a bit. Some areas hurt more than others, but everyone’s pain tolerance is different.

The first few minutes are the hardest. Then your body starts to settle. Focus on your breathing. If you need a break, say something—there’s no award for pushing through when you’re lightheaded or clenching every muscle in your body.

Most first tattoos take anywhere from one to three hours. Time flies faster than you’d think, especially if the vibe is relaxed.

You don’t have to chat the whole time, but if you want to talk or ask questions, go for it. If you’d rather zone out, that’s fine too. It’s your experience. Good artists can read the room and adjust accordingly.

But if something feels wrong, if the pain spikes, or you feel dizzy, or you just need a minute—don’t be quiet about it. We’d rather pause than push you past your limit.

Aftercare: The Healing Process

Once your tattoo is done, your artist will clean it up, bandage it, and explain aftercare. This part matters. A great tattoo can heal poorly if you don’t take care of it.

Check out our healing instructions here: Tattoo Aftercare 

If you’re wearing a second-skin style wrap, leave it on as directed—usually three to five days. Then wash it gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. If you’re wearing a traditional bandage, you’ll need to wash it sooner—within a few hours.

Your tattoo might peel like a sunburn around days three to seven. That’s normal. Don’t pick at it, even if it itches. Don’t soak it in water. No baths, pools, hot tubs, or tanning beds while it’s healing.

Use a simple, unscented lotion or a tattoo-specific balm. Don’t slather it on—just a thin layer. Too much moisture is just as bad as letting it dry out.

And don’t freak out if it looks dull or flaky for a few weeks. Healing takes time. Let your body do its thing.

Wrapping It Up

Your first tattoo is something you’ll remember. It is not just the design, but the whole experience. If you’ve done your research, asked the right questions, and trusted your gut, chances are you’re going to walk away with something you love.

At Ragtime, we work hard to make first-timers feel welcome. We’re not about rushing people in and out because we’re about building something thoughtful and lasting. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to discuss your idea.

Click here to book a consultation—no pressure, no sales pitch, just a space to see what’s possible.

Let’s make your first tattoo a good one.