Getting a first tattoo at Baan Khagee Tattoo Chiang Mai
When you think you will get your first tattoo (especially outside your home country), it might make your heart banging and your head filled with many questions.
Im Golo, from Tummada Tattoo chanel. Today we're kindly joined by Nate from Baan Khagee Tattoo Chiang Mai. He will give some good advice for those who are getting their first tattoos, and also share us his customers' experiences getting a tattoo for the first time.
Hi Nate, how's it going? Thanks for joining us. Let's jump for the first question then.
What is the first thing people should do when they're getting their first tattoos?
Hi Golo, Im good. Thanks for having me.
So, the first thing is knowing of kidda know what tattoo or tattoo style you're looking for.
Today world is full of talented tattoo artists. Many of them have experimented and created their own unique tattoo styles, which honestly Im not even know what to call it anymore. Spending your time exploring and see what attract your heart the most.
I, myself, love to have my tattoos represent animal and nature because that's my passion. And they are mainly presented in black and grey style, integrated with my signature flow and fine linework.
"I would suggest if you are looking for the tattoo with the nature style just simply give Nate a shout."
Phyllis Ng
"I recommend Nate to whoever wanna natural and animal styles."
Yi-Cheng Li
Then comes to one of the most asked questions...
Does it hurt?
Well, they will definitely feel something but they will feel it differently depending on how their pain tolerance work.
Tattoo style, size and location are also big factors that will determine how much they will feel their tattoos.
Usually..
-
Shading and fine lineworks hurt less than solid coloring and bold lineworks
-
Simple/minimal works hurt less than complex-time consuming works
-
Getting it on fleshy areas hurts less than getting it on more sensitive-boney areas
However, most of my customers say their actual tattoos hurt way less than what they expect in their minds. Well, if it's an art piece that you truly want, no pain no gain eh? 😊
"I was really scared of the pain but it's pretty bearable."
Lorraine Wang
"I was pretty nervous but he made everything a lot better!"
Maggie Smith
Should they start big or small?
I would say getting a decent size.
If they look for a minimal piece, sure! starting small is good. My tip is you may want to put it on small canvas. For example, a 1"x1" tattoo will look good on your wrist but it will look a bit off if you put it on your thigh or back. I would say save your bigger area for a bigger tattoo because after you get one, there will probably be another, haha.
But of course, if you'd love to go big from start, why not 👊Talking with your artist will be suggested because they might prefer a decent size that fits their tattoo styles.
This is one of my favorite tattoos on Gabriel. He'd decided to go big for his first tattoo with abstract nature full sleeve.
"I made the tattoo in 2 sections and even stayed for the night, he showed some extremely local places with nice food."
Gabriel Koeche
Some people still hesitate because they feel intimidated by tattoo studio atmosphere.
Are tattoo studios still intimidating?
It is sometimes to be honest even for me 😅
But as tattoo artworks have been evolving, many tattoo studios have become more customer-friendly too.
Baan Khagee tattoo studio is up on the mountains in local village, and it's my house I'm living in too. Getting a tattoo from somebody you don't know could be intimidating especially your first. So my idea is to make coming to my studio be like visiting your friend's house, and get a tattoo from your friend instead ✌️
"Nothing cold as a conventional image of a tattoo shop but more of a friend’s home."
Lorraine Wang
"To be honest we were pretty intimidated by the tattoo shop atmosphere. The tattoo experience with Nate was up in the mountains in nature."
Maggie Smith
"When I got there I felt like at home."
Gabriel Koeche
I see that your studio is clean but
What you say if people still worry about hygiene?
They should but not so much.
I want to give credit to all the tattoo studios and artists that I know. They're very clean and care a lot to their customers.
"Clean studio tucked away in the beautiful mountains."
Franklin Paniagua
"The studio is just so clean, neat, cozy and welcoming."
Not only hygiene but some people also worry about a talking part.
Is it hard to communicate with tattoo artists especially for people who have no art background?
Hmm, I think it depends on each artist's style
Some artists talk rough while some talk smooth. Some are pretty understanding while some are not. In term of talking design, you don't need to have any art background but it will be easier for you and an artist if you know what tattoo style you're looking for first. Then go to an artist who loves to tattoo in that style because they will have more understanding on that specific design. Some tattoo studios might have slightly different process by setting an artist and a person who talk separately. But the key is the same, knowing what you look for first, then the talk will be easy 😊
What if you're really not sure what you look for? That's fine. Just message any tattoo studios that you feel right, they might have some advice.
How about you then, is it hard?
I think I'm an easy type, haha.
I have my own tattoo style that I love to work on which is Ethereal style (animal and nature tattoos that flow) but I'm also open to something else too if they'd like to work with me 😊
Well, even though I talk easy but I design hard though. I love to work with people and combine their ideas and mine, then transform into art pieces all together and uniquely. Tattoo is art but it will be on them forever (or at least very long time), so I understand, and it's okay if they have some specific details in minds. It will be hard for me though if it's TOO specific because after all I'm just a guy. And sometimes, I just can't get every single details done exactly like what they have in minds. So being open-minded and explore a design with me, will be for fun for them and myself too 🧡💚
"He is personable, hospital, communicable, and easy going."
Walter Ballesteros
"He communicated with me for weeks ahead of time to make sure I got the exact design and size that I wanted."
Maggie Smith
"Nate is lovely, sweet, patient and easy to communicate with!"
Yi-Cheng Li
"Nate's attention to detail and service is outstanding!"
Franklin Paniagua
Yeah, it should work for both customer and artist. Last question from me..
People come to Thailand and plan their traveling trips. Then they ask, "Where should I get a tattoo in Thailand?"
Water and sun will not be so friendly with your fresh tattoo.
If they plan to go get some water and sun, getting a tattoo after that will be ideal. 3 big tattoo hubs are Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
There are ton of good tattoo studios in Bangkok and Phuket. Some studios do only specific styles while some studios can work on many different ones. But if they plan to visit Chiang Mai and want to get a tattoo on the mountains, they're very welcome by Baan Khagee Tattoo Chiang Mai.
Getting a first tattoo at Baan Khagee Tattoo Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Having a tattoo is getting more common these days. It's easier to access with more friendly atmosphere and social acceptance. But still gettiing-a-tattoo knowledge is not something we're commonly taught anywhere. So here is what could guide you and hopefully help you decide.
Tattoo work and Artist
What is the first thing people should do when they're getting their first tattoos?
So, the first thing is to know what kind of tattoo you're looking for.
But more likely that you might have ideas/"the thing" that you want already but looking for an artist who can turn that into a tattoo.
There are so many style in the business now you may heard of. Some called by the technique and some called the look. For example - realism, blackwork, old school, dot work, fine line, minimal, water color etc.
But these days, artists focus on particular styles and craft their own unique style more. Spend some time to find an artist/tattoo artwork that resonates with you the most then.
Baan Khagee Tattoo crafts varieties of tattoos but mainly present Animal & Nature tattoos with "motion" and Thai tattoo especially Thai Naga.
Flowing Tattoos
Flowing animal & nature tattoo. This style is combination of semi-realism, and fine linework and "motion". Flowing Tattoo Works
Thai Tattoos
Thai tattoos that represent Thai art and culture especially in a form of mythical creatures like Thai Naga or Garuda. Thai Tattoo Works
"I would suggest if you are looking for the tattoo with the nature style just simply give Nate a shout."
Phyllis Ng
"I recommend Nate to whoever wanna natural and animal styles."
Yi-Cheng Li
Pain
Does it hurt?
Well, you will definitely feel something 😅 but people feel pain differently depending on how their pain tolerance works.
Tattoo style, size and location are also big factors that will determine how much you will feel from their tattoos.
Normally..
-
Shading and fine linework hurts less than solid coloring and bold linework
-
Simple/minimal work hurts less than complex-time consuming work
-
Getting it on fleshy areas hurts less than getting it on more sensitive-boney areas
Here is the pain chart, showing how it is in general. But again, it depends on each person too.
However, our customers often say that their actual tattoos hurt less than what they expect in their minds. Well, if it's an art piece that you truly want, no pain no gain eh? 😊
"I was really scared of the pain but it's pretty bearable."
Lorraine Wang
"I was pretty nervous but he made everything a lot better!"
Maggie Smith
Size & Placement
Should they start big or small?
I would say best getting a decent size that fits your tattoo placement.
For example, a 1"x1" tattoo will look good on your wrist but it will look a bit off if you put it on your thigh or back. I would say save your bigger area for a bigger tattoo because after you get one done, there will probably be another, haha.
But of course, if you'd love to go big from start, why not 👊 Talking with your artist will be recommended because they might prefer a decent size that fits their tattoo styles.
Here are some of our customers' first tattoos
Our customers' first tattoos
"When I got there I felt like at home. I made the tattoo in 2 sections and even stayed for the night, he showed some extremely local places with nice food."
Gabriel Koeche
Studio's atmosphere
Are tattoo studios still intimidating?
Depending on different tattoo artists/ studio theme I think BUT as tattooing in Thailand has been embraced more by new generation, many tattoo studios have presented themselves differently with their own customer-friendly tastes now.
Baan Khagee Tattoo is up in the mountains, around 1.5 hour away from Chiang Mai city. It's surrounded by greenery from the mountains and songs from birds and bugs. It’s not just a tattoo studio here but also our home.
"Nothing cold as a conventional image of a tattoo shop but more of a friend’s home."
Lorraine Wang
"To be honest we were pretty intimidated by the tattoo shop atmosphere. The tattoo experience with Nate was up in the mountains in nature."
Maggie Smith
"His studio is a hidden gem! The journey to this quaint location is an experience of its own."
Manushi Sharma
Hygiene
What you say if people still worry about hygiene?
Every tattoo studios and artists that I know really care about their customers' health.
I believe that tattooing is pretty safe these days. But yet, choosing reputable tattoo studios or getting to know your tattoo artist’s hygiene standard before you go, will still be highly recommended.
Even though Baan Khagee Tattoo in the mountains sounds relaxing but your safety will be treated professionally.
"Clean studio tucked away in the beautiful mountains."
Franklin Paniagua
"The studio is just so clean, neat, cozy and welcoming."
"His studio is incredibly clean and has an open-feeling, unlike most other studios I have been to."
Carmelle Hyson
Communication
Is it hard to communicate with tattoo artists especially for people who has no tattoo experience?
Tattoo artists are surprisingly friendly, especially here in Chiang Mai.
I would suggest you to choose an artist who has done tattoos in similar style of what you're looking for, so they might have more understanding on your tattoo project and the talk will be easier. Or sometimes, if their vibe click with you, then go for it 😁
Here at Baan Khagee Tattoo, we keep all the chat and process pretty easy and simple. Our works are pretty much animal & nature and Thai tattoos but we're also happy to work on different ideas too.
"He is personable, hospital, communicable, and easy going."
Walter Ballesteros
"The communication provided before the tattooing is professional and polite, a real people person. His patience is amazing!"
Gijs de Jong
"Nate is lovely, sweet, patient and easy to communicate with!"
Yi-Cheng Li
"Nate's attention to detail and service is outstanding!"
Franklin Paniagua
"Talk with Nate, then you know he is the right artist who really enjoy offering unique tattoo."
Lucy Jiang
Aftercare
How to take care a tattoo after getting it?
After getting a tattoo, I would recommend to follow your artist's aftercare guidelines.
Each artist may have different guidelines but the core concept is pretty much the same.
We will put tattoo film on after your tattoo is finished then for the first couple of weeks, you should..
Take care of it gently
Keep it clean
Avoid directly sunlight and sweaty exercise
Do not scratch or pick up healing skin
Keep it moisturized but not OVER moisturized
More of Tattoo Aftercare
Baan Khagee Tattoo Chiang Mai
