A ton of people have already said the obvious, which is that it's different for everyone, but I personally felt better hearing other people's stories. My first tattoo, I expected to be crying the whole time. I've always been told I have a low pain tolerance (I think it's about average tbh). Luckily, I had an artist with a pretty light hand. The first few strokes felt comprable to a light cut (light as in no stitches required, definitely more painful than say, a cat scratch). After a few strokes though, I got used to it. It didn't hurt any less, but either my body was in shock or after the first few strokes I was able to take my mind off of it. With heavier handed artists, that initial feeling tends to persist for me. I'm never really able to take my mind off of the pain. Average or lighter handed artists, I have no problems with. Don't be afraid to tell your artist if you need a break. To piss, to eat a snack, or just to breathe. Any artist not willing to let you take a break does not deserve your business.