Fort Wayne, Indiana
Your first tattooin Fort Wayne.
Before you start
Nervous?That's normal.
Almost everyone feels a little nervous before their first tattoo. The good news: our team has completed over 200,000 tattoos since opening on North Clinton Street in 1999, so we've walked thousands of first-timers through it. Nothing you ask will be a strange question.
The best first tattoos come from a bit of planning. Knowing what to expect — what it costs, how to prepare, what happens in the chair and how to look after it — takes most of the worry away. This guide covers each step, and our artists in Fort Wayne, IN are happy to talk you through anything else in a free consultation.
Step by step
Getting yourfirst tattoo.
Start with the idea
Think about what the tattoo means to you, where you want it, and roughly how big. Save reference images — designs, styles or details you like. You don't need a finished drawing; your artist can design from scratch.
Pick a style and an artist
Our Fort Wayne artists work in realism, black and grey, traditional, neo-traditional, fine line, anime, color work and more. Browse portfolios on our artists page and choose someone whose existing work looks like what you want.
Book a free consultation
Share your vision, placement and sizing with your artist. They can sketch concepts, discuss placement, estimate pricing and answer questions. Consultations are free and especially helpful for first-time clients.
Prepare for the day
Sleep well, eat a full meal, stay hydrated and skip alcohol for 24 hours before. Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area, and bring your photo ID. For longer sessions, bring snacks, headphones and a phone charger.
The session
Your artist prepares the stencil, checks placement with you, and sets up a fully sterile workspace with single-use needles and supplies. Speak up if you need a break — then sit back while your design comes to life.
Aftercare
You'll leave with detailed aftercare instructions. Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours or as directed, wash gently, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer, and let peeling skin fall off on its own.
Choosing a style
Find yourartist.
Different artists excel in different styles, so look for someone whose existing work matches what you want. Fine line suits delicate, minimalist pieces and script. Traditional brings bold outlines and vibrant color. Black and grey and realism create depth and lifelike detail.
Every artist's portfolio is on our artists page, and you can browse finished work in our gallery. You can request any artist by name when you book, or describe your idea and our front desk will recommend the best fit.
How much will it cost?
Most first tattoos are small, but every piece is different. Pricing depends on size, detail and placement, so your artist talks it through with you at a free consultation. Book a consultation to get started.
Getting ready
What tobring.
You must be 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID to get a tattoo in Indiana. If you're feeling sick on the day of your appointment, please reschedule.
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Reference images saved on your phone
- Comfortable clothing with easy access to the area
- Snacks and water for longer sessions
- Headphones and a phone charger
Can I just walk in?
Yes — walk-ins are welcome at all three studios, subject to artist availability, and a small first tattoo is a good walk-in. If you want a particular artist or a bigger custom piece, book ahead. Find hours on our walk-ins page.
Healing
Aftercarebasics.
The outer layer of skin typically heals within 2–3 weeks; the deeper layers take 4–6 weeks. Always follow your artist's specific instructions.
Do
- Wash with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap
- Apply thin layers of unscented moisturizer
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Use SPF 30+ sunscreen once healed
Don't
- Pick, peel or scratch the healing tattoo
- Submerge it in pools, baths, hot tubs or the ocean
- Expose it to direct sunlight or tanning beds
- Exercise intensely for the first 48 hours
Where to find us
Fort Waynestudios.
Two studios in Fort Wayne — on North Clinton Street and inside Glenbrook Square — plus one in Indianapolis at Castleton Square.
Questions
First tattooFAQ.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Indiana?
You must be 18 years old with a valid government-issued photo ID to get a tattoo in Indiana.
How much does a first tattoo cost?
It depends on size, detail and placement. We don’t quote prices online — your artist goes over pricing with you directly at your free consultation.
Can I walk in for my first tattoo?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at all three studios, subject to artist availability, and smaller tattoos are a good fit for a walk-in. If you want a specific artist or a larger custom piece, book in advance.
How should I prepare the day of my tattoo?
Get a good night's sleep, eat a full meal, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before, wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area, and bring a valid photo ID. If you're feeling sick, reschedule.
How long does a new tattoo take to heal?
The outer layer of skin typically heals within 2–3 weeks, and the deeper layers take 4–6 weeks. Keep moisturizing, avoid sun exposure and don't submerge the tattoo in water during that time.
What if my first tattoo doesn't heal perfectly?
Touch-ups are a normal part of the tattoo process. Many of our artists offer complimentary touch-ups within the first year for areas that healed unevenly — contact your artist or the shop where you were tattooed.
How do I choose the right artist?
Look for an artist whose existing work matches the style you want. Every artist's portfolio is on our website, or call any location and our front desk will help match you with the right artist.
Ready foryour first?
Book a free consultation at our Fort Wayne studios and we'll help you plan a first tattoo you'll love for life.