A first tattoo is a decision you make once and wear for the rest of your life, so it deserves a little more thought than a spur-of-the-moment stop on Constant Spring Road. Here is what matters, in the order it comes up.
Choose the artist before the design
Every artist has a hand. Look at a portfolio and ask two questions: is this the kind of work I want on my body, and does it hold up close, with clean lines, smooth shading and skin that healed well? A healed photo tells you more than a fresh one. At Soulraven the portfolio is built from real client work, most of it black and grey, and it should give you a clear idea of what Ricardo does best before you ever message.
Small is fine, but small still needs to be right
Many first tattoos are small: a word, a date, a fine-line symbol. Small pieces are unforgiving, because every wobble shows and there is no shading to hide behind. Give the artist room to size it properly for the placement; a design that is too tiny for its detail will blur as it ages.
What the consultation is for
For a custom design, a large piece or a cover-up, Soulraven asks for an in-studio consultation (J$2,000) before anything is booked. You bring reference images and a photo or a clear idea of the placement; you leave with a plan, a price and a date. For a simple first tattoo you can often book directly by message.
Deposits, in plain terms
Reputable studios take a deposit, and Soulraven’s policy is straightforward: a non-refundable 50% deposit holds your date and your design, the balance is paid on the day, and the deposit counts towards the total. Give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to move the appointment, and be sure you are ready before you book.
The day itself
Bring photo ID (you must be 18 or over), eat a proper meal, skip the alcohol the night before and avoid aspirin for 24 hours. You will complete a consent form, the placement will be shaved and cleaned, and a stencil goes on so you can check the position in a mirror before a single line is tattooed. Say something if it is not right; moving a stencil takes a minute, moving a tattoo takes a laser.
What it feels like
Discomfort rather than pain for most people: a hot scratch that you settle into after the first few minutes. Placement matters more than size, and the outer arm, forearm and thigh are the gentlest places to start. Breathe, do not hold your breath, and tell the artist if you need a break.
Healing in this climate
Jamaica’s heat, sweat and sea are the main threats to a new tattoo. Keep it clean, keep it out of the sun, stay out of the water until it is healed, and follow the instructions you are given at the studio. Our aftercare guide is written for exactly these conditions.
When you are ready, start your tattoo and tell us what you have in mind.
Keep reading
How to prepare for your tattoo appointment
The night before, the morning of, what to wear, what to bring and what to leave out, so your session goes smoothly and your tattoo heals well.
Tattoo aftercare in Jamaica’s climate
Heat, sweat, sun and the sea are the four things that spoil a new tattoo here. How to manage each of them through the first month.
How to choose the right tattoo placement
Pain, visibility, ageing, clothing and the shape of the design itself all pull in different directions. A practical way to decide.
Kingston, Jamaica
Have something in mind?
Let’s talk about it. Tell Soulraven the idea, the placement and the size, and send your references in WhatsApp.