Your first tattoo in Amsterdam
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Getting your first tattoo is exciting, and doing it in Amsterdam makes it a story you'll keep forever. Whether you live here or are visiting for a few days, here's how to make it go smoothly.
1. Choose your artist, not just a shop
When looking for an artist, try and find their healed work. This will tell you a lot about the quality of the tattoo, fresh pictures can be photo-shopped and might seem spectacular but only a healed tattoo will tell the real story.
Look at portfolios and pick someone whose style matches what you want. My focus is fine line, blackwork and Asian-inspired work. If that's your taste, we'll get along just fine.
When approaching a studio it is best to check their reviews and general rules as not every studio follows the same way of doing business. Pay attention to the hygiene of the studio, poor hygiene will set you up with a nasty infection.
Not sure if your studio is following guidelines? Check for licenses at
2. Think about placement and size
First tattoos often go on the forearm, upper arm, thigh or shoulder. These are easy to show, easy to cover, and less sensitive. Fine line work needs enough room to age well, so going a little bigger is usually better than tiny.
Think of the future, would you like a back piece at some point? Then I wouldn’t recommend getting a text in the middle of your spine.
Some places might be more painful but this really depends on your own experience and don’t forget to research your tattoo! Micro tattoos can fade fast so it’s worth looking into the specifics of tattoo styles.
3. Book ahead, especially if you're travelling
Amsterdam is busy, and good dates fill up. Send your idea a few weeks before your trip so we can lock in a day. Mention your travel dates in your message or email and don’t forget to do the same with your stay.
I would recommend to stay in the surrounding areas of Amsterdam as the city hotels can be very pricy and fully booked. Amsterdam has a great public transportation network so it is very easy to enter or leave the city.
Think of areas like Zaandam, it’s a short train ride from the Central station but can save you quite a bit.
4. Prepare for the day
Make sure to be in time, the artist might already have someone booked after you so be sure to check your travel time in advance. Avoid consuming alcohol and/or drugs before your tattoo, not only does this affect the tattoo negatively but the shop or artist might also decline to tattoo you.
Don’t bring many people, most shops in Amsterdam are small and don’t have a lot of seating. It’s best to ask the artist in advance if you do want someone to tag along.
Be rested, eat well and bring food/snacks depending on how long your tattoo session takes, the last thing you want is to pass out because you only drank energy drinks all morning..
5. What happens at the appointment
Usually the artist and you look at the design together and tweak it if needed. I usually place a stencil so you can see exactly where it will go, and we only start once you're happy. Any changes can always be made so be sure to speak up if in doubt. Then I tattoo, clean it and cover it with foil or second skin, and walk you through the aftercare process.
Not every studio works the same, some might have different aftercare and some might have different rules. Be sure to check in advance.
Unfortunately, some studios and artists can leave you with a bad experience. Always be sure to speak up if you don’t agree!
SEXUAL HARASSMENT is absolutely not okay. Consent is very important, your artist might ask you to remove certain clothes and this should only be for the tattoo placement, nothing else. Think if this request makes sense. If you are uncomfortable, share your concerns with the artist or studio. If this does not help, LEAVE.
6. Take care of it
Now that you got a successfully tattoo experience in Amsterdam, it’s time to take care of your cherished new art piece. Ask your studio/artist for a brief rundown of the aftercare and what kind of cremes/procedures you should follow. I have mine listed in the ‘aftercare’ section of the website.
In doubt? Contact your artist or local GP.
Enjoy Amsterdam and treat your tattoo with care.