10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Tattoo

Michael Hollman
It's a perfect Saturday afternoon in Portland, and you're thinking about it—finally taking the plunge and getting your first tattoo. It's an exciting, nerve-wracking, and totally unforgettable experience. But for...

Does Weight Gain or Weight Loss Affect Tattoos? A Realistic Guide

Michael Hollman
Our bodies are not static. Over a lifetime, it's completely normal to experience changes in weight, whether through building muscle, pregnancy, weight loss, or just the natural shifts that come...

How to Make Old Tattoos Look New Again: A Guide to Reviving Your Ink

Michael Hollman
It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Portland, and you're looking at a tattoo you got years ago. You still love the design and the memory behind it, but time, sun,...

Black and Grey vs. Color Tattoos: Which Style Lasts Longer?

Michael Hollman
You're planning a new tattoo and you've come to a major fork in the road: do you go for the timeless, classic look of black and grey, or the vibrant,...

Aquaphor vs. Aftercare Balm: Why a Specialized Product is Better

Michael Hollman
You've just left the tattoo studio with a fresh piece of art. Your artist's final instruction is echoing in your head: "Keep it clean and keep it moisturized." You head...

Saniderm vs. Traditional Healing: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Michael Hollman
It's a perfect Saturday afternoon in Portland to get a new tattoo. You’ve just left the studio with a fresh piece of art, and your artist has given you the...

Tattoo Balm vs. Lotion vs. Ointment: Which is Truly Best?

Michael Hollman
It's a perfect day for planning your next tattoo. You've picked your artist, finalized your design, and you're ready to go. But now you're facing one of the most confusing...

Head Tattoo Pain: What No One Tells You

Michael Hollman
There are bold tattoos, and then there are head tattoos. It is one of the most committed, visible, and intense tattoo placements a person can choose—a true statement of dedication...

How Badly Does a Rib Tattoo Hurt? A Pain-Level Guide

Michael Hollman
Rib tattoos, which trace the natural and elegant curve of the body, are one of the most popular and aesthetically stunning placements you can choose. But this beautiful placement comes...

The Pro's Guide to Using Mid-Session Numbing Gel (like Final Mile Gelâ„¢)

Michael Hollman
It's Friday night, and you're getting ready for a big, all-day tattoo session this weekend. You've prepared for the first few hours, but what about hour four, five, or six?...

Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Actually Work? A Realist's Guide

Michael Hollman
In a world full of "quick fixes" and "miracle solutions," it's smart to be skeptical. So when a product promises to make a notoriously painful experience like getting a tattoo...

What Is the Strongest Tattoo Numbing Cream You Can Buy in 2025?

Michael Hollman
You're planning a tattoo on a notoriously painful spot—the ribs, the spine, the foot. Or maybe you're booking an all-day session for a sleeve and you're determined to sit through...