Does Your Weight Affect How Much a Tattoo Hurts?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain
You're planning your first tattoo, or maybe just a new piece in a new location. As you research, a common question often comes up, especially for those with a leaner...

How to Manage Pain for a Tattoo Near a Major Joint: A Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain placement
Tattoos that flow over major joints—like a mandala on a knee, a web in an elbow ditch, or a design wrapping around an ankle—are some of the most impressive and...

The Psychology of Tattoo Pain: Why Mindset Matters

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain
When you're getting ready for a new tattoo, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about the physical side of pain. How bad do tattoos hurt? What's the most painful...

Does Drinking Caffeine Really Make Tattoos Hurt More?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain
It's the day of your tattoo appointment. You're getting ready, and as part of your routine, you reach for your morning coffee or a big energy drink to help you...

How to Tell Your Artist You're in Too Much Pain: A Client's Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist pain
You're a few hours into a tattoo session. You've been sitting like a rock, but the pain is building. Your adrenaline is gone, the skin is raw, and every pass...

How to Handle Swelling on a New Ankle or Foot Tattoo: A Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
You've just gotten a new tattoo on your foot or ankle. The art looks incredible, but within a few hours, you notice something dramatic: the area is incredibly swollen and...

Can You Get a Tattoo With a Low Pain Tolerance? A Complete Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain
You love the artistry, the self-expression, and the beauty of tattoos. You've spent hours saving references and dreaming of the perfect design. There's just one huge, daunting barrier standing in...

How Long Does a Tattoo Stay Sore? A Healing Timeline

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare pain
You've just left the studio with a fresh tattoo. The art is perfect, but now the physical reality is setting in: your skin is tender, warm, and definitely sore. As...

How to Protect a New Foot Tattoo in Shoes: A Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
You've just gotten a beautiful new foot tattoo. It looked amazing in the studio, but now you're faced with a daunting reality: at some point, you're going to have to...

A Woman's Guide to Hip Tattoo Pain: What to Expect

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain placement
The hip is one of the most popular and aesthetically powerful placements for a tattoo on the female body. A well-placed design can beautifully accentuate your natural curves, creating a...

Are Shoulder Blade Tattoos Painful? A Pain-Level Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain placement
The shoulder blade is one of the most popular and versatile placements for a tattoo. It's a broad, relatively flat canvas that's perfect for a wide range of designs, from...

How Badly Does a Tattoo on the Side of the Neck Hurt? A Pain Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: pain placement
A tattoo on the side of the neck is a bold, high-impact statement. It's a placement that's both elegant and edgy, and it has become incredibly popular for a variety...