"Does it hurt?" is the question I get more than any other. After more than 15 years of tattooing, my honest answer is yes, a little, but probably not the way you're picturing it. Most people tell me afterward it was easier than they expected.
Everyone feels it differently, so I can't promise you how your tattoo will feel. What I can do is share what I've seen from years of clients in my chair here in San Diego, so you can pick a placement and plan a session with your eyes open.
What a tattoo actually feels like
Most people describe it as a scratchy, hot feeling, kind of like a cat scratch or a bad sunburn being traced over. Shading usually feels softer and more spread out. Fine lines and detail work can feel sharper.
The first few minutes are usually the hardest, because your body doesn't know what's going on yet. After that, a lot of people settle in. Some clients scroll their phone, some talk my ear off, and a few fall asleep.
Easier placements
These spots usually have more padding and fewer nerve endings near the surface, so they're a good place to start, especially for a first tattoo or a big realism piece:
- Outer upper arm and shoulder. One of the most comfortable spots, and great for portraits.
- Forearm. The meaty middle of the forearm is usually easy. It gets spicier near the wrist and the inner elbow.
- Outer thigh. Lots of room for big black and grey or color realism, and most people handle it well.
- Calf. The muscle of the calf is usually manageable. The shin bone in front is a different story.
Spicier placements
These are the ones people warn their friends about. They're absolutely doable, and I tattoo them all the time, but go in knowing they take more grit:
- Ribs and sides. This is the classic tough spot. The skin is thin and you're breathing under the needle.
- Sternum and center chest. It's close to the bone, and the vibration can feel intense.
- Inner arm, armpit, and inner elbow. The skin there is soft and sensitive.
- Knees, shins, ankles, and feet. Bony areas tend to be sharper.
- Hands, fingers, neck, and head. They're sensitive, and they also take extra planning for how they'll heal and age.
A small tattoo in a spicy spot isn't automatically easy, and a large piece in an easy spot can still wear you out. Size and session length matter as much as placement.
Long sessions and realism
Realism takes time. A detailed portrait or a full cover-up often means a longer sitting, or a few sessions spread out. The longer you sit, the more tender the skin gets, so hour four feels different than hour one.
That's why I plan big pieces in sessions that make sense for you. We'll talk about breaks, how long you can comfortably sit, and whether it's smarter to split the work up. There's no prize for toughing out a marathon. A relaxed client sits better, and that helps me do my best work.
How to make your session easier
Small things make a real difference:
- Sleep well the night before. Being tired makes everything feel worse.
- Eat a real meal before you come in, and bring a snack and water.
- Skip alcohol the night before and the day of.
- Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the spot we're tattooing.
- Bring something to do, like headphones, a show, or a friend to talk to (check with me first on guests).
- Breathe and speak up. If you need a break, tell me. It's your session.
If you're thinking about numbing products, ask me first instead of putting something on at home, since some products change how the skin takes ink.
Picking the right spot for your design
Pain is only one part of choosing a placement. The design matters too. A realistic portrait needs enough flat space to keep the face proportions right. A cover-up has to go where the old tattoo is, and sometimes a bit bigger. A memorial piece might belong somewhere you can see it every day.
During a consultation I'll look at your idea, the size it needs, and your comfort level, and I'll give you my honest recommendation. Sometimes moving a design a couple of inches makes it a lot more comfortable and better looking.
Ready to plan your tattoo?
If you've been putting off a tattoo because you're nervous about the pain, let's talk it through. I specialize in realism, black and grey, color, and cover-ups here in San Diego, and I'm happy to help you pick a placement that works for your design and for you.
Head over to the Appointments page to request a consultation. Tell me your idea, where you're thinking of putting it, and any questions you have, and we'll go from there.
