To make your decision about whether your first tattoo should be a meaningful one or just a cute design, we’ve asked Nicoletta’s opinion on the matter. She told us that, “Usually, on the first tattoo, it is much more common to get a meaningful one - something for yourself or to be done together with friends or family. But this trend is changing quickly, and I have tattooed many people for the first one with something they just like because they like my work.” She also added that “I guess nowadays people are much more informed and passionate about the tattoo industry than before.” I think that it’s the internet to be thankful for that - whole lotta articles and ideas to read and to choose from!

Nicoletta has also confirmed our guess about the designs people choose most often for their first ink. And no, it isn’t usually a dragon covering half of your body or your ex’s name on your chest, but rather “little symbols or a quote”. Nothing that requires a considerable commitment, but rather some cherished memorabilia or daily inspiration.

Purely out of curiosity, we asked about Nicoletta’s, as a professional tattoo artist, pet peeves from a tattoo design perspective, to which she replied, “I normally refuse to ink something downloaded from the internet, which is some other artist’s work.” But what to do if you’ve already fallen in love with the design? Well, then Nicoletta advises to “modify it to make it custom and unique.” See, there’s always a way! Besides feeling strongly about stuff downloaded from the internet, she refuses to ink something even remotely suggestive or related to disrespectful ideologies.

Lastly, she kindly shared her advice to every tattoo first-timer and emphasized the importance of talking to your tattoo artist before actually going under the needle. “Ask as many questions as you need to make you feel confident about it and comfortable with the process - there are no stupid questions or requests.” She also added that she’s always open to listening to people’s stories, which helps give sense to a tattoo design that’s being created. So there you have it - trust in your chosen tattooist, don’t forget to speak to them openly about your wishes, and you’ll be fine!  

Thank you, Nicoletta, for sharing your insights with us, and if you’ve missed it before - here’s her Instagram profile and her stunning tattoo designs! Oh, and best of luck in this year’s The Great British Tattoo Show!