BUSTING TATTOO MYTHS
WHAT’S ACTUALLY TRUE (AND WHAT’S A LOAD OF NONSENSE)
There are a lot of myths floating around about tattoos — from what they feel like, to what tattoo artists are really like, to how much a tattoo should cost. Spoiler: most of it’s rubbish.
Let’s set the record straight.
Myth 1: Tattoo Artists Are Scary, Unapproachable, and Hate Feedback
Nope. Not even slightly.
Tattoo artists might look cool (comes with the job), but most of us are massive nerds who love what we do and genuinely want you to have the best experience possible.
Getting a tattoo is a collaborative process — it’s your body, your tattoo, and it should feel right to you. So if you want to move a design, tweak the size, or even change your mind entirely, that’s totally fine.
I’ll always offer my professional opinion on what will look and heal best, but this isn’t a one-way street. I’d much rather we talk things through and make sure you leave feeling completely happy.
Tattoo studios are full of friendly, chatty people — not gatekeepers. Promise.
Myth 2: Tattoos Are Always Excruciatingly Painful
Yes, tattoos hurt — there’s no way around it — but it’s rarely as dramatic as people think.
Pain levels depend on where you’re getting tattooed, how your body feels that day, and your individual pain tolerance.
Some areas (like ribs or ankles) tend to be sharper, while others (like outer arms or thighs) are much more manageable.
And weirdly enough, some people actually enjoy the sensation. (Not for me personally, but you do you.)
Myth 3: Tattoos Fade Quickly or Need Constant Touch-Ups
If a tattoo is done well, healed properly, and protected from the sun, it’ll last for years and years.
Tattoos naturally soften a bit over time — that’s just your skin doing its thing — but that’s not the same as fading.
Most clients never need a touch-up unless it’s a particularly delicate area or super fine detail.
Myth 4: You Can’t Donate Blood After Getting a Tattoo
This one’s half true — but only temporarily.
In the UK, you just need to wait four months after getting a tattoo before donating blood again. It’s a safety precaution to ensure no infection risk. After that? You’re good to go.
Myth 5: Tattoos Are Unprofessional
It’s 2025. Tattoos are everywhere — from teachers and doctors to baristas and CEOs.
If your workplace still has an issue with tattoos, that’s on them, not you.
Myth 6: Colour Tattoos Hurt More Than Black Ink
Sometimes colour work can take longer, so you might just be under the needle for more time — that’s why it can feel worse. But in terms of sensation, it’s not the pigment that makes a difference.
Myth 7: You Can’t Move or Talk During a Tattoo
You can absolutely talk, breathe, and exist like a normal human. Just try not to make any sudden movements when the machine’s running!
It’s a team effort — staying still helps me make clean lines, but if you need to pause or take a breather, that’s completely fine.
Myth 8: Tattoos Are Just for Certain “Types” of People
Nah. Tattoos are for whoever wants them.
There’s no aesthetic requirement, no dress code, no personality type, no age limit.
Whether you’re heavily tattooed or thinking about your very first small design, you’re part of the club.
Myth 9: Tattoo Artists Don’t Send Out Designs Early Because They’re Lazy or Unprofessional
This one comes up a lot — and I get it, waiting to see your design can feel nerve-wracking!
But not sending it out beforehand isn’t about being lazy or secretive.
Unfortunately, tattoo designs do sometimes get copied or taken elsewhere, which can be disheartening when so much thought and time goes into creating something unique for you.
It also helps keep the process collaborative in the right way — I’d much rather chat with you directly about your design on the day, instead of it being passed around group chats for opinions.
That way, we can make any changes together, in person, and make sure it feels exactly right for you.
Myth 10: Tattoos Are Overpriced for the Time They Take
I get why this one comes up — sometimes the tattooing part itself might only take an hour or two, and it’s easy to think, “Hang on… that’s a lot for a couple of hours!”
But what you’re paying for isn’t just the time under the needle.
Behind every tattoo is:
Time spent emailing, planning and chatting about your idea
Drawing and refining the design
Studio fees, materials, and sterilisation costs
Years of practice, skill and experience
(And yes) a good chunk of admin and marketing work
The tattooing bit is honestly the fun part — everything before that is what makes it possible.
A fair price reflects the care, time and professionalism that goes into giving you a safe, clean, and beautiful piece of art you’ll have forever.
Final Thoughts
Most tattoo myths come from outdated ideas or bad portrayals in various media. In reality, getting tattooed is a creative, collaborative process — and the more you know, the smoother (and more fun) the experience will be.
If you ever have questions, just ask. No question is too small, weird, or obvious — promise.
Next Steps
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Ready to plan your next (or first!) piece? Head to Well Good Mate to enquire — let’s bust some myths together while we’re at it.