Getting your first tattoo is a decision that needs some thought and consideration. The tattoo is permanent, although there are methods of removal that are quite successful, the tattoo should only be considered as a life long commitment. Take your time and prepare yourself properly so your experience will be a safe and enjoyable one. Below you will find answers to some common tattoo related questions as well as some helpful tattoo information.
The first recommendation is to read our "Getting a Safe Tattoo" article. This will give you a good foundation to prepare for your first tattoo.
How to find yourself a professional tattoo artist.
The best advertisement for a tattoo artist is word of mouth from tattoo customers that are pleased with the tattoos they already have. Your best start is to look for local professional tattoo studios that are supervised by local and state health departments. Look around the studios until you are able to find a tattoo artist you are comfortable with and can give you the tattoo you desire. Some tattoo artist specialize in certain styles of work, so if you are looking for portrait tattoos, old school tattoos, Japanese tattoos or black and grey tattoos ask around the studio for the tattoo artist that can best suit your tattoo needs.
How to i go about choosing the right tattoo design.
Most street tattoo studios have tens of thousands of images for you to choose from. You may want to allow yourself some extra time if you are not sure which tattoo you are going to get, you could spend a long time going through all the tattoo designs available.
Tattoo art websites have been a recent arrival to the tattoo scene. These websites have professional tattoo designs that are ready to download. They come with the working outlines that are important for the tattoo artist to lay down the tattoo foundation. If you are not sure about which tattoo design you would like, a visit to www.tattoo-art.com could be a good place to start.
You may also want a custom designed tattoo. This is usually done by setting up an appointment with your tattoo artist and going over your ideas. The tattoo artist will most likely make some sketches and take few notes then set up an appointment with you, allowing him or her to draw up your tattoo design.
Can i walk in or do i need an appointment?
Most tattoo parlors take walk ins, it may be a wait that sometimes could be hours. It is generally best to call ahead and check with your studio to see what the schedule is like for the day you are planning to get your tattoo. Making an appointment for your tattoo gives the tattoo artist time to prepare your artwork, the work area and the equipment before you show up. If you are having a custom designed tattoo then it is quite possible that you will need to make an appointment.
Does it hurt to get a tattoo?
For the most part tattoos do hurt. Solid pins that are used to push the ink into the upper layers of the skin. This is often referred as getting a bad sunburn or a slight burning sensation. There are areas of the body that tend to be more painful than others. It seems that most of the body parts that are exposed more than others are somewhat easier, like your arms and shoulders. Boney areas like feet, elbows and knees are somewhat more sensitive to tattooing. Everyone has a different tolerance to tattoos, so what one person says will differ from the next person.
Should i drink alcohol before getting a tattoo?
NO! Drinking alcohol does not make the tattoo any easier. It usually causes more problems by thinning out your blood and making you unable to concentrate like you should be doing. Most tattoo studios will turn you away if they sense that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. So it is best to stay away from drinking and do everyone a favor.
Do tattoo studios only accept cash?
This is something you need to call ahead and find out what the tattoo shop policy is when it comes to paying for your new tattoo. Not all tattoo studios have the same payment policies, so to avoid any problems find out before you start your tattoo. In general most studios nowadays accept cash, credit and debit cards as well as some studios taking verified checks.
Should i tip my tattoo artist?
If you are pleased with your tattoo and your experience was a pleasant one, then yes, you should tip. It is common practice as with most industries to tip your tattoo artist 15-20%
How do I prepare for my appointment?
The day of your appointment it is best to:
1. It is best to get plenty of sleep the night before.
2. Eat a satisfying meal an hour or so before your appointment
3. call ahead and check that you have proper form of payment with you as well as one form of proper identification showing your age.
4. Wear proper clothing that will allow the tattoo artist easy access to the area you are getting your tattoo. Loose clothing, shorts, button up shirts just to name a few examples.
5. Bring a book or magazine if you are getting a tattoo that will take a few hours to complete.
