5.15.2009:
How To Actually Get A Decent Tattoo (or At Least, Not Get A Bad One)
12:09 AM
So, by this point in my "tattoo career", I've pretty much done everything you can do, both the wrong way and the right way. I've got a full sleeve, several calf pieces (soon to be "pant leg" - whatever you call a sleeve on your leg), and some back pieces I hate and will be getting covered very soon. And through it all, I've learned quite a bit of stuff. Given that God has somehow decided that my entire existence is to serve as an example to others, I figured I'd take a bit and pass on some of my hard-won knowledge to you, the tattoo newbie.Now, there's going to be some debate here, as some of my advice flies in the face of the standard guidelines of most franchised / smaller tattoo shops. And while I'm sure there are other ways than mine to achieve great results, the things I tell you NOT to do, I assure you, lead to BAD results. You don't have to do the things I suggest, but I highly, highly, highly suggest you DON'T do the things I say don't do.
So to start with:
Coming Up With Your Tattoo
What You Want: I can't tell you what you want. Your friends can't tell you what you want. The artist cannot tell you what you want. Only you know what means enough to you to put on your body for the rest of your life - and it's VERY important you realize that's what you're doing. You're putting an external avatar representing you on your body for the rest of your life. Don't count on being able to get it removed - removal is tricky, and doesn't work on all people.
Take your time. And I don't mean a few hours to look through art books - take a few weeks or even months to plan out your piece. This is going on your body FOR. EV. ER.
My advice to everyone is to start with thinking about the things you love. Don't be afraid to look through books of tattoos, flash art, or other "premade" stuff for inspiration - but definitely take it to another level and make it unique. You don't want to be at a party and see your tattoo on someone else's arm. Or maybe you do, who knows... I can't tell you what you want, after all.
Also, don't be afraid to ask your artist to work up something unique for you. Most, if not all, artists LIVE for the chance to come up with something new and unique for their clients. They're artists, after all - and if they're not willing to work with you on a unique piece, that says a lot about them as an artist.
Just know that every tattoo is a story... And picking "E-17" off the wall tells a story that ends with you eventually being sorry.
And really... If you're going to get Kanji, KNOW WHAT THE FUCK IT MEANS. The collection of tattoos in this video is full of stuff that's just plain wrong, and anyone who speaks / reads Japanese will get a big kick out of it:
Where you want it: Again, I can't tell you what works best. I rock a full sleeve, with many below-the-shorts-line pieces on my leg. I also work for myself, so I have no one to answer to.
It's a sad fact, but we live in a judgmental society, and you will be judged based solely on the fact that you have a tattoo no matter what the tattoo is of. So if you work in an environment where tattoos may not be socially acceptable, or if your community is particularly judgmental of tattoos, keep these facts in mind. Most people will opt to stay above the sleeve line on their arms, or go for the back or legs for their art. Some place they can cover it. Your mileage may vary.
A question I get a lot is "where does it hurt most / least?" The very basic rule is "The closer you get to bone, the more it hurts." This is 100% true in my experience. But there are also areas that are covered with muscle and tissue that still hurt, such as the little gap on the inside arm between the bicep and tricep, or on any joint.
That said, there's no place on your body that you'll get inked that you WON'T feel at least something... But for the most part, shoulders, forearms, biceps, quadraceps, chest and back don't hurt much at all. The sensation is much like a rug burn - it burns more than it "hurts" if that makes sense, and all but the most pain-sensitive people can tolerate it. But each individual is unique, so to determine how much it may hurt for you, you can try one of two simple tests:
"Slap Test" - get a friend to take two fingers, hold them about 4 inches from your skin, and "slap" you with them. If it feels like "pressure", the tattoo won't really hurt. If it feels like "stinging," pack your ibuprofen and a bite stick :)
"Tickle Test" - lightly rake your fingernails over the area you plan to get tattooed (or get a "special friend" to do it. Tell them it's in the name of science, they won't be able to resist). If it feels pleasant, like a nice back / arm scratch, it probably won't hurt to be tattooed there. If it tickles... Yeah. Probably going to hurt.
Beautiful... And probably painful.The bottom line: ribcage pieces hurt. Inner thigh pieces hurt. Armpit pieces (or any piece that goes "inside the arm", like an upper arm wrap) hurts. Ankle pieces hurt. The elbow joint (both inside and on the bone) hurts. The wrist hurts. And don't even get me started on the knee pit. Know this going into your decision of where you want your piece.
Selecting Your Artist
Do NOT Bargain Shop. I can't emphasize this enough - price, while important, should not be your determining factor. I can't tell you what the going rates in your area should be, but really, what you pay today for your tattoo will matter MUCH less than how it looks in 3 years. Will the inks fade? Are you scarred? Does your "photo-realistic" piece actually look photo-realistic? Will your artist work with you on their own time to come up with a nice piece for you? Trust me, $20-50 more dollars an hour is a small, small price to pay for someone worth a damn.
The submitter of this pic is a close friend of mine. She says (and I vouch):"The photo isn't blurry. This is what the tattoo actually looks like. Be careful what you get and
who you get it from... It's on you for life."
Stay Away From The Chains. We have a chain here in Georgia called Ink Wizard Tattoo. They boast 17 locations. They SUCK. It's basically the puppy mill of tattoo artists. Summer jobs for kids who passed their bloodborne pathogen test and can put ink into the skin of a grapefruit. That's not to say every chain sucks, but it's a pretty decent rule of thumb. Some things to look for - if they require a "needle fee", push retail sales of aftercare products and / or body jewelry, or have walls covered in flash art, you're likely in a tattoo mill, looking to churn customers. Keep your wits about you.
If You Can Afford It, Go To A Named / Known Artist. Even if you have to travel. They're known for a reason, and the wait list is WELL worth it. My artist is Todo of ABT Tattoo. He's done everyone from Joe Perry of Aerosmith to Scott Wieland of Stone Temple Pilots to Slash of Guns N' Roses / Velvet Revolver. I also get work from Jeremiah (JET), who apprenticed under Todo. He's unbelievably talented, and will someday be a rockstar in the tattoo world. Neither are cheap, but the work is worth it. I trust them. I know them. But before I met either one of them, I knew who they were - and they came highly recommended.
Trust me, Kat Von D is worth every penny of the $400 an hour she charges, because she's Kat Von fucking D. You know her name for a very, very good reason.
If you find a guy who claims he can do your piece for $75 an hour, and you know a guy who you KNOW can do your piece for $150 an hour, SAVE UP FOR THE $150 GUY. You've waited this long for your piece. Wait just a bit longer and do it right.
Yeah, no.Lastly, beware of "flat-rate" tattoos. Some artists may claim a rate of $75 an hour, and tell you they'll do a piece for $100 bucks when it takes them 30 minutes to knock it out. That's not to say all flat-rate artists are bad or shady, but the vast majority of them are (this is pretty much true of every contractor in every field, by the way... Think about the last "flat rate" website you saw if you doubt me).
RESEARCH YOUR ARTIST. Find out if there are any health department complaints on the artist or the shop. Ask everyone you know with a tattoo who they went to, and begin looking for dotted lines between the quality of their piece and who did it. Go to their website (do they even have a website?). Study their portfolio. This is your body you're about to have inked with needles - do not rely on a kind smile and a promise that they'll do a good job, make damn sure they will (and that you won't catch staph or Hep B from them).
Go watch for a day. The good ones don't mind, and you'll learn a LOT about their style, hygiene, and attitude. You are looking to see if your artist examines their needles under a jeweler's loupe (hooked / bent / hole-spotted needles are BADDDDDDDDDD), how well they clean and prep their area, their demeanor while tattooing, their needle policy (how often they change - a good rule of thumb is new needles every 5 hours), if they use paper towels / extra gloves to reach for items that aren't already sterilized, if they eat and drink in their station, etc. Oh, and I don't think I need to say this, but I will anyway: You want brand new needles. Not "cleaned" needles, not "sterilized" needles... NEW. Never been used before. Ever. If they're not brand new needles, run - don't walk - to the health department and report that shop.
Getting Ready
Don't shave the area. Let the artist do it. They're used to it, don't be embarassed. Besides, if you're not used to shaving your arm / leg / whatever, you may nick yourself there - and they won't be able to finish your tattoo there (most artists won't even approach an open wound with their needle). You really don't want to wait another 2-3 weeks for your piece, I'm sure.
Absolutely NO Alcohol. You don't want to bleed all over the fucking place. Also, no aspirin or acetaminophen for the same reason. BUT:
You Can (And Should) Take Ibuprofen. Take some about 30 minutes before you start, and recharge every 3.5 hours during your sitting. It'll keep swelling and inflammation down, and helps a bit with pain issues.
Bring Your iPod (or Zune). It helps to drown yourself in some music if you're nervous.
No Working Out The Day Of. Seriously, I need to repeat this: Do NOT work out or lift weights or run or anything before your tattoo session. Just... Trust me on this (and regular commenter Jeremy can vouch). Your skin gets tighter and tougher, blood pools around the muscles, your metabolism is higher... It's just plain unpleasant.
Eat An Hour Before. Keep your blood sugar level, get some food on your stomach before you go. It'll also help buffer the Ibuprofen.
During The Tattoo
To prepare you for what to expect from a great artist, here's a video of my artist Todo at work on one of my favorite pieces of his:
A video of Todo doing a Jack Nicholson piece from The Shining - this is a really great example of what you can expect from a good tattoo session.
So, while all of this is going on, keep the following stuff in mind:
Think Before You Speak. Some artists like conversation. Some do not. You should respect your artist's attitude and try to read them - if they're a "zone" type artist, they're not being rude by not talking to you. They're concentrating on giving you the best job they can. But if they do like to chat, don't hesitate to get to know them. I've made two lifelong friends that way.
But Don't Be Afraid To Speak Up. A good piece is a collaboration between you and your artist, so if you see a spot that they didn't hit or you change your mind on color during the session, don't be afraid to mention it. But be polite, ask their advice - don't demand. And if they're flat-out not doing things right, say so. This is your body they're working on.
Pain is not Pansy. It's okay to wince or grit your teeth or even groan if it hurts. You are not a wuss or a pansy if you do this. Trust me, they've seen worse.
Flinching is BAD. Yes, you shoudn't feel bad if you show that you're feeling pain. However - if you're feeling jumpy or flinching, this is going to negatively impact the artist. A GOOD ARTIST knows how to pull away if / when this happens (everything goes back to your choice of artist), but even the best can't read your mind and know exactly when you'll flinch. So, do your absolute best to stay calm and go into your happy place.
It's Okay To Come Back Another Day. If you feel you can't hang on and begin flinching heavily, go ahead and "tap out" (call it a day). Come back later. It's not worth screwing up your piece (or scarring yourself) to prove you can take pain.
After The Tattoo
For God's Sake, Tip. Unless your artist just flat-out sucked, TIP THEM. You will be remembered, and they will treat you right next time. It's not just proper ettiquette, by the way - even artists who own their own shops have costs they factor into their rate, and the tip is a nice little bonus they will appreciate.
Ask About Aftercare. Don't just let them hand you a sheet and tell you what's up - ask questions if you don't understand. Aftercare is the single most impactful part of how your tattoo will look (after the quality of your artist, of course).
No Tattoo Goo. I don't care what the aftercare instructions say, do NOT use TattooGoo or any other specially-made "aftercare" product. They suck. They are expensive, and do very little to actually heal your tattoo with no color loss. Don't use them.
My Aftercare Advice: I've got one of the best sleeves and two of the best leg pieces I've ever seen - the color is still as bright as the day I got them, and they're super clear and healthy. Here's how I did it:
Your artist will apply something like A&D Ointment, then they'll "bandage" the area with saran wrap (or at least they should). This should stay on for 2 hours MAXIMUM. Once it comes off, you want to use antibacterial soap and gently wash the area. I personally use Liquid Dial and a little warm water. Lightly rub the area, do not scrub (you won't want to anyway). Wipe down with a warm wet paper towel. Dab dry.
Apply Neosporin CREAM (not ointment) + Pain Relief every 4 hours for the first 24 hours, then every 6 hours for the next 24 hours. LESS IS BEST - apply only a THIN film across the entire tattoo, don't saturate it. If you can't see the tattoo clearly through the white cream, you need to remove it. DO NOT GO PAST 48 HOURS with the Neosporin Cream, or you risk your color falling out.
After the 2 days of Neosporin Cream + Pain Relief (again, I stress, NOT OINTMENT - use only Neosporin Cream), use Curel, Eucerin (that's what I use), or Lubriderm. In all three cases, use perfume-free, oil free lotions. Do not use the "hand cream" versions - make sure it's lotion. Test a little bit in the store before you buy - if it stings, DON'T USE IT. Apply this lotion every 6 hours for the next 5 - 7 days. Again, less is best - you want to keep it moisturized, not wet. The skin needs air to heal, don't block it.
This is the lotion I use. Not too thick, doesn't stink, and works. Your skin will go through at least two peels - DO NOT PICK AT THE PEEL. Just let it fall off. Picking at it may pull into non-peeling skin and scar you.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT PICK ANY SCABS THAT MAY FORM. If you've done all of the above, you shouldn't scab at all, and if you do, it'll be only in spots of heavy, thick needlework. No matter how long the scab is there, do NOT pick it. You will scar, and the color will fall out there. Additionally, unless it's a horribly bad scab, don't put Neosporin on it to heal it faster. Just let it heal.
That said, if your artist sucks and you've got a monster scab that won't heal up, Neosporin it and insist they touch-up the area once it heals. Then never, ever go to that artist again.
Keep It Clean: No matter your shower habits the rest of your life, you need to wash your tattoo at least once a day with antibacterial soap, and after every workout / gardening session / whatever-gets-it-yucky. You don't want an infection... At least, I assume you don't.
Don't Sweat Too Much the Next Few Days: This may not happen to everyone, but for me, I went right into the gym the next day after getting tattooed quite a few times. Sweat cannot come out of the freshly-inked area, and you may form a heat rash around the area where sweat soaks under the skin. It's not contageous or dangerous, it just itches like crazy. So feel free to work out, just keep it cool.
Sunblock Rocks. SPF 50 or more is recommended on any and all ink you've got to keep the color vibrant over the years. It's tedious, yes - but you want your tattoo to look great years from now, and sun will fade the inks. More importantly, if you've got light blues, whites, light yellows, etc. and you tan underneath them, they're going to turn green and brown, and your tattoo will look all fonky.
Take Advantage Of The Touch-Up Session: This is time the artist will (should) not charge for, to go over the piece and get it to a standard she or he sets for their work. You will likely need a touch up after healing, and you absolutely should take advantage of this session - you'll be surprised how much tighenting-up can be done on your piece, no matter how great you think it looks.
And that's pretty much it. Years of tattoo experience condensed into an article on a blog that you'll probably comment on with "TL;DR". But seriously, I hope it helps you in your next tattoo adventure. If done wrong, tattoos are usually synonyms for "mistakes" - but when done right, they're life-long representations of you and what's important to you. Make the right choices early on, and you'll have a lifetime of staring at your own piece in awe.
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64 Comments:
The guy doesn't lie... I worked out legs before getting my calf piece and god did it suck, not to mention the fact that it makes it harder for the tattoo artist, he said something along the lines of your body fights the needle more or something.
I think a point Joe missed though is don't get a tattoo, and don't rush a tattoo to spite anyone. That's how you end up with a stupid high school nickname that no one has called you in 10 years across your upper back...or..you know...something like that :P
"(everything goes back to your choice of artist)"
This. A thousand times this.
Getting an artist you trust is key, and mine is now pretty much one of my best friends. I knew I'd found a good artist when I saw that he constantly walks business out the door when someone comes in and wants a girlfriend's name tattooed on him or similar -- artists in the big chain shops just don't have that kind of ethics.
Great, great article, Joe. I thin you've covered pretty much everything.
Very good article Joe I hope people will learn from this and stop screwing up their bodies with crappy tattoos. They need to remember cover ups are possible but only 20% are successful, so choose your artist carefully. Also attitude is a very important personality for artist, If they act like arrogant ass holes walk out because all they care about is themselves and $$$$ not your art. OK if I think of anything more I will ad it later. Thanks for the perks and great job.
Great article.
I worked in a shop for a while as a piercer/errand boy and have a few comments from things I learned there. Some expound a bit on Joe's points, some are new.
Re: Price. The phrase "cheap tattoos aren't good, good tattoos aren't cheap", while cliche, has always been proven true in every tattoo I've ever seen. Every. Single. One.
Re: No Alcohol. This means drugs of all kinds. If it is not legal, you shouldn't be doing it in the first place. If it is prescription, ask your pharmacist if it thins the blood or has any other side effects that may be detrimental to getting work done.
If you are diabetic, DO NOT hide it. Lots of artists won't work on a diabetic. Respect the ones that do enough to be honest with them.
DO NOT HAGGLE. You're not at a flea market. You're talking to a skilled artist. Put yourself in their place. Imagine someone comes to you for a piece of artwork that is there FOREVER and you get one, ONE chance to get it right. There is no tossing out the canvas and starting over if you screw it up.
Joe mentioned calling it a day if it gets too much. Also, don't be afraid to say stop if you need to at other times. Certain parts of my ankle were extremely tender and I needed a moment to prepare myself. It is not a natural thing to sit there and let someone inflict pain on you. Your body wants to move away. If you need a moment to get your head in the right place, politely ask them to stop and do it. The artist would rather take a few moments than have you jerk your arm/foot out of their hand.
I don't have a tattoo (my point probably just became null to the few people that may read this) but I have enough friends who do tattoo or have tattoos: A+D = Good
Most lotions = bad (because it will "bleach" your tattoo and dry it out, which leads to scabbing).
Other than that I think you pretty much covered it Joe.
MAKE SURE you research your tattoo and that you are 100% happy with the design before you get it. Even if the artist is creating a new piece for you, have them draw out the piece on the transfer paper so that you can ok the idea.
Sometimes the artist may want to outline the tat on you with a Sharpie, that's ok, but again make sure that you are happy with the piece BEFORE they start inking it.
If you absolutely have to get a tattoo that is a foreign symbol, word, etc: MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT IT TRANSLATES TO!!!! You may not want to go through life thinking your "Peace" or "Harmony" tattoo really says "Chicken Lo Mein".
Don't be afraid to ask your friends where they got their ink done if you like their design too. Like in any other business, word of mouth travels faster than anything else, so if your friend got ripped off, they will tell everyone else not to go to that artist.
TRUST YOUR ARTIST, but don't be afraid to ask them questions.
MAKE SURE YOU WATCH THEM OPEN UP THE NEEDLES FROM THE PACKAGING AND THAT THEY ARE USING FRESH INK. A good artist will ALWAYS use new needles and pour new ink into the little containers, but you definitely want to make sure you don't get an infection or worse a disease because you weren't paying attention.
Finally, I've heard that wrist pieces are also a little bit more painful than some other tattoos. If you're getting your first one done, you might want to consider getting it on your bicep. There's a reason that's one of the most popular places to get a tattoo.
Take it or leave it, that's just what I've picked up from friends that have tattoos and friends that create tattoos.
@Shawn: yes, make sure that you are going to be happy with this piece of art FOREVER.
Ink lasts forever, (sorry but) the relationship may not.
Use your head.
@themikebrown You said it, sir. Getting a significant other's name tattooed on you pretty much reduces the lifespan of said relationship to a matter of weeks, as near as I've seen.
Fantastic stuff. Way to neatly slice through all of the absolute BS that surrounds the inked experience, and coalesce it all into a single, unifying common-sense piece.
Everyone else has said it, and I'll back it up: this piece is spot-on. Follow this advice, and you WILL have a VASTLY better experience.
Bravo!
Great article. I have several tattoos (I count 17, but that includes separate pieces worked into one piece in more than one place) and this is an extremely helpful article for anyone interested in getting a tattoo.
Another extremely painful spot (for me at least) is the lower back. Kidney nerves, spinal cord, plus I'm skinny, so there's not too much to cushion. I sat for two hours a couple of weeks ago and almost passed out, and that has *never* happened to me. Not in nine years.
Though it should be mentioned that Neosporin makes some people break out in a rash around (not on) the new tattoo. I got prickly red bumps (not that scary, just tiny ones) from using anything antibiotic. I stick to Lubriderm. In fact, I swear by it.
Happy Inking!
*applause*
All good advice, and vouched for by yet another multiply inked person.
I'd like to add one additional suggestion, primarily for those who are considering their first tattoo. Have the design you are considering made into half a dozen temporary tattoos and wear it around for a couple months to see how it feels as well as how it integrates into your daily life. Switch its location if you need to, perhaps get some of them in different sizes so you can change that as well. In the end, after a few months if you are still comfortable with it then take it as a sign you are headed in the right direction.
Good article, but I feel like you were over-opinionated about the pickle tattoo.
Pickles are fucking awesome, and if someone wants one, that's their choice.
You don't have to mock it when it doesn't even look that bad.
As a doctor, let me correct one assertion you make regarding medications to use/avoid. You should avoid aspirin AND Ibuprofen as they both can exacerbate bleeding. Tylenol/acetaminophen does not cause bleeding and helps with inflammation. Also, avoid Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Ginko, St John's Wort, and Garlic for 2 weeks before because they also worsen bleeding.
THANK YOU! That is one of the best informative pieces I have ever seen about aftercare and getting work done. It's good to know that there are people like you in the world not only enjoy body modification but also want to share with others for the best experience possible. Things like this go a long way to remove stigma about tattoos in society.
Yay! You got farked!
BRILLIANT article! Thank you for such great advice. I've seen WAY too many stupid people get inked and then either regret or not take care of their tat. I have 9 tats, including one that takes up my entire back, and every one of them looks fresh (even though some are over a decade old) because of aftercare. I don't think enough artists stress that on folks. :)
Excellent article. Another thing to remember: do not be afraid to ask your artist about their hygiene practices! When I went to get my tattoo, I came in with a list of questions my boyfriend had given me, which included "Do you mix fresh inks for every tattoo?" "Do you use brand-new needles for every tattoo?" "Do you sanitize the tattoo gun in an autoclave?" The artist was actually very pleased that I came in with smart questions to ask and told me that no reputable artist would be offended by questions like that. He made the entire process very easy and transparent, and I will definitely be going back to him for my later tattoos.
What is the standard tipping rate on a tattoo? I tipped 20% on mine like I would at a restaurant, but I'm not sure if that's right.
Figure this would be the place to get this settled before I get any more.
Thanks!
To add to the part about good artists refusing to do idiotic tattoos (girlfriend's name, etc.), when I was in college I decided to get a tattoo on a whim. I was incredibly, incredibly fortunate to happen to choose a reputable place, because the artist actually talked me out of getting it done.
I was impressed enough by this to come back 6 months later, after working out a piece that I really wanted. Couldn't be happier with it.
"It's a sad fact, but we live in a judgmental society".
Irony much?
As another inked guy, this is all right on. A&D is definitely a good thing. I use something called Eucerin, which is a lot like A&D and similar products. After that, I use Lubriderm. I prefer Lubriderm because it doesn't feel oily on the skin. And definitely tip your artist. I can't say this enough, and I'm a guy who hates tipping. This guy is working on your body, it serves your interest to make them happy.
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for this. I have lots of friends who are looking to get tattoos and this article has almost everything I tell them myself. I'll be pointing all of them here.
I've had (the tops of) my feet tattooed four times. Far and away these are the most painful of my tattoos - by comparison, the one on my hip tickled.
Thank you, again, for this post.
Just thought I'd let you know that the Dr. above is correct. I'm a pharmacist & the bottom line is ..
Aspirin -- Very bad .. stop taking for 7 days before getting inked. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) does not have any blood thinning issues. Ibuprofen is not as bad as aspirin but I'd skip it beforehand and then DO take it afterward to help with the swelling. Also in this category is Aleve or Naproxen. If you take any kind of prescription pain medicine you might wanna talk to a pharmacist & make sure it doesn't have any aspirin in it or anything else that should be avoided.
Yes, Exactly. Everything does go back to your choice of artist, and how well YOU understand and follow the aftercare process.
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Someone above mentioned being honest about diabetes.
You can't get or give diabetes to another person. It is not communicable, and the main reasons they will not tattoo diabetics is the healing process can be slower, and you are at a higher risk for infection.
I see no reason for us diabetics to be persecuted for a disease that only affects us. If I want to take my healing into my hands, I will.
For the record, I have five pieces, some of which are quite large.. and have had no adverse affects from my diabetes.
And none of my tattoo artists have caught the disease, either.
Thanks for the guide! I will feel much more comfortable having these steps to follow. I have been contemplating my sleeve for about 8 years now, and I am finally sketching it. After the sketch, my lifelong buddy who is a comic book artist will do the final draft. Then I will pick my tattoo artist! I might have it finished in just under a decade;)
Is there some sort of tipping rate that people give? Is it a percentage of the total tattoo fee? is it just some arbitrary number that you feel comfortable giving?
As our Senior Chief told (OK, yelled at) us young pups when I was in the Navy, "The ONLY name you should ever get tattooed on your body is Mom! And if I EVER see any one of you with any other name on you, I'll personally kick your ass!!!" I watched him do it to one Seaman Apprentice too.
Very good article. I've said almost the exact same things over and over again to people. Yours is better written.
As to aftercare, it's agreed: The aftercare products SUCK. Personally, I use A & D ointment. The same stuff my (and your) tattooist uses. I even have the same tub because I use so much of it. One difference: I use only that, nothing else. And I pretty much slather it on. Enough to be greasy, but not enough to stain clothing. I like the area to be nice and wet until the first skin falls off. Since I started this routine, in fact, I've not had a second skin fall off.
One thing you could've added: KEEP IT OUT OF THE SUN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Even if you use sunblock. May not always be feasible, but the sun kills tattoos, and I spent WAY too much on my ink to let it bleed (as it were)....
Regarding diabetes, it's not about catching something. Diabetes and a host of other medical issues do complicate healing greatly. It's about the artist being liable if your family sues after you die or become incapacitated due to an infection. Or so the customer doesn't get regrets later if they later lose a leg to an infection.
It's about doing work that isn't going to harm another person.
@Joshua...
The worry about diabetes is not contagion, but neuropathy. Many folks with diabetes see a change in nerve sensations in the extremities, and also decreased circulation. An advanced diabetic might not feel when the needle hits wrong and causes an injury that's not immediately apparent to the artist. Diabetics heal more slowly, too.
It's not persecution, it's a safety concern. To hide or downplay any risk factor is uncool, no matter how minor it is. Many salons are unable to do pedicures on diabetics for the same reasons.
I have worked with diabetics who end up with amputated extremities simply because they didn't notice an injury or complication till it was too late to fix.
@Harriet
So, the whole catching diabetes thing was sarcasm, which I didn't think i'd have to point out. :P
My point was that its unfair to be turned away from a great artist because we are diabetic. Give us a consent form, make us sign something that says, "If I am stupid and don't have my blood sugar under control, and I end up losing *insert limb here* I won't sue anyone."
I have gone into shops that had awesome reputations, only to see in the shop rules that diabetics are not tattooed. Don't just turn us away, just make sure we know what we are getting into.
The best advice- DON'T!!! ten years from now you will seriously regret it. Think. Still want the same couch, tv, or car you had twenty years ago? That is what you get with a tat, unless you want to undergo painful and expensive laser removal.
That Akira tattoo is epic man. really well done.
Excellent!
One other thing I do is to wait 6 months minimum after I decide on a design. If I still want it 6 months later, I probably won't regret getting it (I've NEVER regretted either of my tattoos, and am in the process of designing the third). It's been almost 15 years since I had work done, and the only downside to getting another is that I won't be able to donate blood for a year. :(
Really enjoyed this article, thanks Joe.
I like to fart.
Bacitracin ointment. Ihave used it on everyone of my tattoo's. Plastic surgeons recommend it because it reduces scaring and prevents scabbing.
Just a note about 'new' needles... that works fine for the line needles, but I believe the shaders (ie 5 point) are expensive and are generally cleaned using sonic/UV disinfectors.
i am a 50 year old biker with no tats
never needed some one to paint on me what i could do with a little road rash and orthopedic surgery scars
but you guys go for it
i have seen some really great stuff that seems such a waste when put in the ground in the end
The chest doesn't hurt? Are you freaking kidding me? Chest is one of the worst places bar none. For bonus points go to the sternum. Inside of the armpit? Fantastic. Been there, done that. The chest being an easy place to get a tattoo cracks me up. I have a traditional Japanese tattoo that covers my entire arm and goes on to my chest around my nipple. After you've done 20+ hours under the tattoo gun you learn to eat pain killers in my experience.
www.hanzismatter.com for those of you who may want Asian characters you don't understand.
Amen to the article above. I have seen Todo's work and have know people who waited for weeks to see him and he is well worth it.
what is your opinion on blacklight tattoos?
Have to agree with sun devil with the chest......have star on each side of chest and out of my 20 tattoos that was the WORST place ever to get done......the article was GREAT, usually wait about 8 mos. to a yr before i get inked, just because i do not want to regret getting something done.....have had all of my tats for 5 yrs now and no worries about any......aftercare is the most important thing!!!!! i personally use a&d for all tattoos on me however everyone is diff. just like article says NO TATTOO GOO! after 5 yrs have needed no touch ups, my artist checks them out every yr to see if one is needed an he has been very pleased with results in them so far.....which again is very important to find a great artist!!! thats it for me later yall
I noticed that you advocated "packing an ibuprofen." in the first bit. While it may have been in jest, I'd worry that there are those who might do just that. By taking any sort of blood thinner (and yes, this, rather than "Oh crap, what did I do while drunk?" is why you avoid alcohol) you, as a client, will bleed more. Not only is it a pain to keep a bleeder clean, but your artist is at higher risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens. This means hepatitis, HIV, and any other nasty thing you can get from exposure to blood. A reputable artist will have the exact same certification for working with blood that a doctor or nurse will.
As an artist I do things to keep clients safe - new needles, autoclaved tubes, sanitized station... Eye protection, gloves, and masks are for me. The less blood, the better.
Good Article. However, "antibacterial" soap is not necessary. Antibacterial soap does zero compared to regular soap except cost more. Sure, in the greater scheme of things, it won't make things any worse, but the "antibacterial soap" pseudoscience is something we can all do without. Google for specifics.
another thing to add o the list of things not to do before getting that new ink:
Dont smoke weed before you hit the shop. Weed may help with certain types of pain relief... tattoos/skin penetration is not one of them. Infact, it will amplify the sensation/pain.
i have two full sleaves and 8 more tats. and i agree with your advice. but i would have to say that tats are over priced. and i wish they had not become so mainstream. also i need to say that my 600.00 is loved my everyone but i hate it. the one i have above my elbow that i paid 150 is way better. so again i think tats are way over priced and that tat artest, are like car sales men and should not be trusted.
I agree 100% with everything said (although I can't personally vouch for neosporin cream). This is one of the best guides I've ever seen for someone wanting to get a tattoo.
"Hedgecore said...
Just a note about 'new' needles... that works fine for the line needles, but I believe the shaders (ie 5 point) are expensive and are generally cleaned using sonic/UV disinfectors."
!!! i am a tattoo artist.needles cost about 1-3 dollars each.if some 'artist' is too concerned with a 3 dollar bite out of their profit to keep you safe from hepatitis,which neither sonic nor UV disinfectors kill spores of,get up and leave their shop.unless of course, you WANT to get sick. where else are they cutting corners? also,international (north american) law states new needles are to be used on each client, every session.
re-used needles are dangerous, period.
Thank you so much for this Joe.
I'm getting ready to get my first tattoo done (I can finally afford what I want), and I've been looking for info. BMEZine has been helpful, but this all-in-one-place piece has been great.
I plan to get a japanese phrase down my spine. I've gotten a lot of crap over the kanji thing, but I wrote it myself (I speak the language) and I had it double checked. It's something I've wanted to get for 4 years now, but I've only come to a point where I can afford it. The only thing I'm waiting on now is finding a good artist in my area (Northamptonshire, England)
I will be the first to admit that the piece I'm getting is in a rough spot and might get some occasional scorn, but it means somehthing to me, and that's what matters.
~Kurai~
If all of what he said FAILS, you'll end up at http://loltatz.com/
This is great man, thank you for writing this. I'll be getting a tattoo soon, and I'll definately read this article again.
Re-Reading this again today. Kind of like cramming for an exam. Got my appt with Todo this coming Monday so I'm rather excited. :)
I really enjoyed your article, I am getting ready to get a tattoo for the first time. I have wanted one since I was 14 and am now 27 and finally getting the time and money to do it. Your advice really helps though! Thanks.
Good article. When I was 18, I wanted a tattoo - my mom pulled out a tattoo I'd designed at 16, and asked if I still wanted it. The answer was no. I'd advise anyone under 25 not to get inked. At the very least, take a 6 month cooling off period after getting the final design, and try living with temps.
I have ink now, which I love, but it took me another 5 years to reach a final design.
Never, ever, get inked on the spur of the moment, or choose a design that is fashionable, or 'looks cool'. Design one, or have one designed, that is personally meaningful. Stars? Kanji? Cartoon characters? What does that really say about you?
Always ask the artist for photos of past work, or ask current clients if they have other ink by the artist they can show you. Just seeing a design on paper is not always a good indication of skill.
Everybody who is think about getting a tattoo should read this before doing it! Great stuff, Joe. Just got my first and what you say is true!
By far, this is the most superlative "walk through" of getting a tat. Well done.
I would like to add that, even when you've chosen your design and location, make sure that it's going to work there, no matter what you wear or how your body moves. The strap of a tank top lays right across the tat on my right shoulder. I was wearing a racer-back shirt on the day; neither I nor the artist thought about a strap. 'Tis a small thing, but make sure you consider how your new tat will work with all the clothes you wear, and vice versa.
Also, I have a Maxfield Parrish-inspired ring of morning glories circling my wrist. When I bend my wrist, the tat wrinkles a bit. If I'd had it placed just a wee bit higher on my arm, this wouldn't be a concern. Be aware...be present enough so that you will think about all the possible factors and scenarios your forever ink will create.
Love my tats...the good ones and the baddish ones. They illustrate my story. Namaste'.
Great Article. one thing i must say is that some cheap tattoo's are good. I have a friend who does tattoo's out of his house and almost all of them turn out great. He did a cross and bible verse on my arm for $35 and it looks professionally done...all the shading looks awesome btw, where if i went to a shop it would of been about $150. how ever i did know him for a few years and studied his work to make sure he was decent. I mean i wouldnt go to him to get a portriat or anything with a bunch of vivid colors in it. But i do think it's OK to go to a "cheap artist" for words, symbols, and simple tattoos.
another thing i that is HORRIBLE to do is to smother your tatto in A-D ointment the day you get it, i did this for one of my tats and i went to wipe it off with paper towel and a bunch of the ink smeared off...i was PISSED.
one last thing...do NOT, i repeat do NOT put vaseline on your tattoo
One thing I can advise against is letting the artists pick the colours. I thought that as an artist, this one tattooist would at least have a good eye for it. Apparently he doesn't do too many bleach white people where colour stand out like crazy, because he picked the dullest, ugliest green and pink. There is no way to save this tattoo, and it is huge.
And I ALWAYS lie about being diabetic. I want the tattoo not some ambiguous reason why they think I shouldn't get one (5 tats, no healing issues).
Alcohol actually causes blood to clot faster, not thin it.
And expensive =/= good.
Nice work.
Hopefully some of the mindless douchebags out there read this.
I have extensive tattoos on my head, face, arms, legs etc.
I am a counselor and find that people judge me harshly on how I look, but I knew the risks I was taking.
I love my tattoos and they are a part of me, but making sure that people have as much information they can get their hands on before going in is important!
Happy tattooing folks!
I didn't realize we have tattoos in common, too! I have four of them :)
I have three tats myself. I think spending time considering your design can't be stressed enough. I know that many others have said that, but I got all three when I was 18 and 19 years old, and here are my experiences:
#1 Chinese characters --
(I know what it says because I had a native speaker/writer write it out for me, and I had it independently read/verified.)
I love it best, as I spent the most time considering what I wanted. But if I had it to do again, I would have gotten them bigger, and placed higher on my back, with flourishes.
#2 Wolf/Dove Morph
I like the concept, but the execution is terrible. I knew what I wanted, but I didn't spend time contemplating design. I did however, get a recommendation from my then girlfriend (now wife) about the artist. I may consider a cover-up; same design but better executed.
#3 Dragon (flash)
This was a classic young-and-dumb move. I had money burning a hole in my pocket. I stopped by a shop on a whim, and ended up with flash. Wow... I am definitely getting this one covered-up! I have spent years now contemplating what I really want.
I can attest that the suggestions in this article are well worth reading and taking heed to before you get inked.
Great post!!!
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