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
Welcome to Tummada Tattoo Talk
Today we'll talk about getting a first tattoo, and as always with our awesome host...Golo!
Tattoo style
When you think that 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 Talk. Today we're kindly joined by Nate, a tattoo artist in the mountains from Baan Khagee Tattoo Chiang Mai. He will give us some good advice about getting a first tattoos, and also share us his customers' experiences getting their first tattoos.
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. Alright, let's get into "Getting a first tattoo 101" then.
So, the first thing is to know what tattoo or tattoo style you're looking for.
Good & Bad news is there are tons out there. But there are some main-popular styles that you can start with. For example...
-
Minimal
-
Geometric
-
Blackwork
-
Fine linework
-
Dotwork
-
Realism
-
Japanese
-
Old school
-
Watercolor
-
Illustrative
These days, a lot of tattoo artists have their own unique styles though, so it might be a bit trickier to find what tattoo you’d like.
But no worries, start searching by any main tattoo styles you like first, then try to add other keywords of what you’re looking for into it.
My tattoo style at Baan Khagee Tattoo is mainly Blackwork animal & nature tattoos with "flow".
Ethereal Tattoos
Blackwork tattoos that get inspired by nature and animal fused with "flow". This style is combination of realism, abstract and fine linework. Ethereal 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
Then it comes to one of the most asked questions...
Does it hurt?
Well, you will definitely feel the needle but people will feel pain differently depending on how their pain tolerance works.
Tattoo style, size and location are also big factors that will determine how much they will feel from their tattoos.
Usually..
-
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
However, most of my customers say that 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
Size
Should they start big or small?
I would say getting a decent size that fits your tattoo location.
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.
This full sleeve tattoo on Gabriel is one of my favorite tattoos. He'd decided to go big for his first tattoo with abstract nature full sleeve.
"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
Some people still hesitate because they feel intimidated by tattoo studio 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 not just a tattoo studio though but also my house that I live in, and the overall vibe is really relaxing and peaceful with nature surrounded. Yes, it’s a bit far but I love to welcome everyone as close as my friend.
"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?
They should but not too much.
Every tattoo studios and artists that I know really cares 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 is on the mountains and you’re all welcome as a friend 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
Not only hygiene but some people also worry about communication.
Is it hard to communicate with tattoo artists especially for people who have no tattoo experience?
Most of the tattoo artists I know are pretty friendly.
I would suggest you to choose an artist who has a style similar to what you're looking for, so he or she will have more understanding for your tattoo. Some tattoo studios might have slightly different process by setting an artist and a person who talks separately but the key idea is the same, which is to find an artist who matches with a tattoo style you're looking for. You can also message a tattoo studio or an artist before to see if they are the right fit for you.
How about you then, is it hard?
I think I'm friendly too, haha.
I have my own tattoo style that I love to work on which is Blackwork animal & nature tattoos with 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 take my design seriously though. I love to work with people and combine their ideas with mine, then transform into art pieces all together and uniquely. Tattooing is art after all. So being open-minded and create a design with me, will be fun for both them and myself 🧡💚
"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 their artists' instruction about aftercare.
Each artist may have different guidelines but the core concept is pretty much the same. For the first couple of weeks, you should..
Take care of it gently
Keep it dry and clean
Do not use hot water
Avoid directly sunlight
Do not scratch it
Keep it moisturized but not OVER moisturized
Where to get a tattoo in Thailand?
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?"
If they plan to have water/sunny/sweaty activities, getting a tattoo afterwards will be easier for aftercare. 3 big tattoo hubs in Thailand are Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
It comes to what city they plan to visit. Bangkok is a big city, Phuket is known for beaches and Chiang Mai is more laid-back and mountains stuff. There are great tattoo artists/studios in all over Thailand. 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 in the mountains, they're very welcome by Baan Khagee Tattoo Chiang Mai ☀️🍃🌸
