Choosing your first tattoo can be overwhelming and intimidating considering they are like permanent pictures on your body. The biggest advice of other UB students who have experienced the needle’s sting: do not gamble with something you will wear for the rest of your life.
Grey Havens Tattoo is one of the most favored and trusted shops in Buffalo. The shop does not accept walk-in appointments; all information about booking sessions, artists, styles and prices can be found on their website.
Buffalo local and UB alumna, Sydney Doane, has been getting fine-line and sticker sleeve (patchwork) tattoos from Joe Ruhlmann at Grey Havens Tattoo since her freshman year. Expressing nothing short of happiness and love for her tattoos, Doane highly recommends Ruhlmann to UB students looking for a welcoming environment that prioritizes comfort and privacy.
“Find an artist that you’re comfortable with,” said Doane. “My first artist, who did my first tattoo, was not a good tattoo artist and he made me feel super uncomfortable about wanting to switch where it was. So now I’ve gone to [Ruhlmann], and [Ruhlmann] is the best person to get a tattoo from.”
She adds that he can “design and create a tattoo that feels as if it was made for your skin.”
Majestic, intelligent and cuddly animals, elephants resemble giant teddy bears — it’s hard not to smile at them. When exploring tattoo inspiration, Doane combined her love for elephants with her love for her family: three fine-line elephants with her mom’s, dad’s and brother’s initials etched into the linework.
“I like to carry it with me. It’s cool, it’s art... I can’t imagine not having them,” said Doane.
Madison Schubert, a senior environmental studies major, praises @haetae_tattoos on Instagram for the work she did when creating all three of her tattoos. Haetae specializes in black-and-grey traditional, realism and fine-line tattoos. Since she does not work out of a traditional shop, she travels directly to her clients.
“If you are a UB student and you don’t have a car or don’t have good transportation, she can come to you,” said Schubert.
Two small fine-line butterflies trace Schubert’s hand, honoring her grandmother who passed away. The tattoo serves as a permanent signature of her grandmother's love and guidance.
“She’s leading the way like she’s still with me,” said Schubert.
Tattoo artists place a great deal of pressure on themselves to create the perfect piece for each client. The competitive nature of the industry forces artists to master specific styles, negotiate prices and build clientele to stay relevant.
“As the tattoo artist yourself, the expectation to be perfect for the person you’re tattooing is so much more significantly stressful,” said Maeve Grady, an emerging tattoo artist and UB alumna.
Grady has been immersed in the industry for years. She received her first tattoo at 18 and began tattooing in July 2023. Her portfolio can be found on Instagram under the handle @inked.mcg. With several tattoos covering her body, Grady speaks highly of New York-based artist Payton Digangi, who used her degree in Business Marketing from UB to open a shop in East Aurora, NY, specializing in fine-line tattoos. The studio is a light and airy space with large windows that allow the sunlight to radiate in. Like most tattoo artists, Digangi schedules appointments through her website or her Instagram handle, @pld.ink.
“Slow it down,” simple, delicate and matching with her two older sisters, the phrase is the title of a Lumineers song. Grady’s love for the band reflects the deep connection she shares with her siblings.
“I share it with my sisters, and the song has heavy meaning to it. It reminds you to slow down in life and appreciate the small things,” said Grady.
As tattoos age, they begin to change along with your skin. Some may fade or stretch, but one thing remains unchanged: the meaning behind them. Even if your tattoo doesn’t make sense to others, you are the one who will wear the ink for the rest of your life. Your opinion is the only one that truly matters.
Though, whether you’re getting ready for your first tattoo, or getting your tenth, here’s a list of tips for getting the best results:
- Most importantly, follow the care instructions given by your tattoo artist.
- The pain of tattooing on bone is a myth. It’s joints and nerves you need to watch out for.
- Eat and hydrate before your appointment.
- Advocate for yourself; don’t be afraid to say no to what makes you uncomfortable.
- Research your artist and their style.
- The tattoo will begin to itch during the healing process — do not scratch it.
- Keep out of the sun.
- Good, fast, cheap, you can only have two.
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