As a professional tattoo artist, I am always giving this advice to people who are either new to tattoos or are getting a large tattoo. It's imperative that you are prepared for the procedure. I hope this helps.

Before you get a tattoo:

1. Know what you want (and where you want it). Or at least have an idea. Do a little research and think about it – it will be inked onto you forever. But it’s also easier for the artist if you know what you want; bring pictures for them to see, explain what you want, and they’ll draw it out for you until it’s the design that you want. Some artists may require a deposit so be prepared to pay them to do the work.

2. Don’t think you’ll just be in and out. If it’s a small, simple tattoo, true it might not take very long. But depending on how busy the shop is, you may have to wait an hour or so. Sometimes the artist you may want to work with could be booked out for months. If your design is more complicated, you may have to schedule an appointment. Some tattoos take multiple sessions depending on the size and detail.

3. Prepare the night before. For instance, don’t drink heavily (preferably not at all) because it can thin your blood. Go to bed at a decent hour so you can get plenty of rest. Depending on where you’re getting your tattoo and how long it takes, you might have to sit or lay in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time.

4. EAT BEFORE YOU INK! Eat something before the task and remember to drink lots of water. You want something in your stomach, and you want to stay hydrated. Otherwise, you might risk passing out.

5. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor about it. You might need a doctor’s note at the shop in certain cases. The waiver at the tattoo shop will ask you these questions so be honest with the artist.

6. Make sure you have the money. Some tattoos can be only $50, but others can be several hundred, so make sure you can afford the tattoo you want.

7. TIPPING MAKES IT HURT LESS!! Not every shop requires tips, but have money for a tip anyway. The artists put their time, effort and talent into giving you something you’ll treasure forever; you should always tip them.

8. Remember to bring your ID. You must be eighteen to get a tattoo. If you’re not, you need to bring a parent with you (in certain states and counties in the USA)

Hope this helped!