Q: How much will it hurt?
A: There is no way to tell how much a tattoo is going to hurt. Everyones pain tolerance is different and your current state of mind can play a big roll in how much pain you feel… meaning if you convince yourself that it is going to be terribly painful then it will! Or if you are not well rested and or haven’t eaten or if you are just stressed out then usually this makes the pain a bit worse. A good rule of thumb is the “meaty” areas USUALLY n I use that word loosely, less painful while the bony areas are more painful. Some areas that are definitely MORE painful are the ribcage, the sternum, the elbows and knees both inside and outside and the neck… this doesn’t mean it is unbearable on these spots , just a bit more painful.
Q: How long will it take?
A: Your artist should be able to give you a semi-accurate estimation on time but keep in mind we usually under-estimate and many things can add to the time such as changing designs, bathroom breaks etc. So your best bet is to leave your schedule wide open on the day you are getting tattooed so that neither you or your artist feel pressured or rushed and you will have a much better experience this way!
Q: Is everything clean/sterile ?
A: All tubes and needles used at Gen X are individually pre-packaged and professionally sterilized by the manufacturer. They are opened in front of you, as are the inks poured into individual caps, and all this is disposed of in front of you when your tattoo session is finished. We also cover everything that is touched in the tattoo process with a plastic protective barrier to avoid cross contamination which is also disposed of in front of you at the end of the session. Then we spray down the area with an anti-microbial spray as a secondary precaution to kill any microorganisms that may have made it past the protective barrier.
Q: How do I choose an artist?
A: First start by looking through all the artist portfolios. See who’s work jumps out at you and who is working in a style that appeals to you. Then ask to speak to that artist and tell them your ideas, express any questions or concerns and see if you feel comfortable having this artist tattoo you. There are many other things to consider here but this is a good starting point… Your best bet is to listen to your gut, if it doesn’t feel right don’t do it and find someone who feels right to you!
Q: Can I get this design smaller?
A: Possibly, but it depends on the complexity of the design. There are certain limitations in tattooing that will prevent a RESPONSIBLE tattoo artist from doing a design TOO small. As the tattoo and the body ages the ink migrates a small amount and if there are lines too close together these areas just close up creating a muddy looking tattoo and possibly destroying the design all together. So ask your artist and be sure to listen to his/her thoughts on the size as they are the professional!
Q: Can I get this design bigger?
A: YES…it will take longer depending on size and cost more but you can always go BIGGER!
Q: Can i get fluorescent/glow-in-the-dark inks tattooed at Gen X?
A: Absolutely not!! These inks have been used quite a bit at other shops and I have never heard anything but horror stories of many problems arising from reactions to the ink. And while there is a small possibility of having an allergic reaction to any tattoo inks, from what I have heard it is almost guaranteed with those inks. So I must say I do not know this to be fact but its enough to convince me to NEVER use these pigments… it’s just not worth the risk to me. Sorry.
Q: Can I bring my friends with me when I get my tattoo?
A: Yes, you can bring your friends with you but please be considerate and don’t expect all of your friends to be in the room with you during the tattoo. One friend can usually come in with you but anymore than that and all you are going to do is impede the concentration of your artist and possibly irritate them. And if you do have a friend in please be courteous and remain still even when talking to your friend so the artist can do their job.
Q: Can I bring my child/children with me when I get tattooed?
A: You are much better off finding other arrangements for your children as a tattoo shop is an adult atmosphere with many hazards for children to get into… but if you must bring them with you please bring another RESPONSIBLE adult to supervise them while you are getting tattooed as the children ARE NOT allowed in the tattoo room for any reason. And please make sure they are both QUIET and WELL-BEHAVED.
Q: Why is my tattoo peeling off?
A:Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. In most cases before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it’s covered with a cloudy, cracking film. Then you’ll see cloudy or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off and some of the flakes may even contain some ink. Sometimes you can actually see a duplicate image of part of your tattoo peeling off - it’s rather disconcerting, but it is also perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. It’s a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a small amount of lotion (a LITTLE) to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do NOT scratch, pick or peel them. It will all be done in a few days and the color of your tattoo will start to return to normal.
Q: Can I still get tattooed if I am sick?
A: Getting tattooed when your immune system is not at 100% isn’t a good idea. You’re going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won’t be able to do if it’s already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it’s very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you’re feeling well again.
Q: Should I tip my tattoo artist?
A: If you are happy with the tattoo you received, then by all means a tip is a great way to show it! Tipping is very much appreciated but not required. And as far as how much to tip…well that depends on the circumstances, there is no set percentage and anything you tip will be greatly appreciated! On the other hand a tip does not have to be monetary either, it can be a small gift, or simply telling all your friends to go and see your artist to get tattooed. So basically it is all up to you and how happy you are with the tattoo and the experience.
Q: How much will my tattoo cost?
A: When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. Yes, there are plenty of people tattooing out there that will tattoo you for next to nothing, and you’ll be crying to a real artist to have it repaired or covered up. Look for quality, and be willing to pay for it. NEVER haggle over the price of a tattoo. It is disrespectful to the artist. If you can’t pay for quality, don’t bother. This is not a bargain bin. It is a piece of art you will wear for life.
Q: Can I use some sort of numbing cream before getting tattooed?
A:These kinds of products are really not recommended and some consider applying these creams “practicing medicine”. We will not use them and do not suggest that you do either. The pain of getting tattooed is not that terrible and if you are that worried about it you may wish to reconsider getting tattooed at all!
Q: Can I shave over my tattoo?
A: Yes you can shave over a tattoo once it’s healed - you just shave like you normally would as if the tattoo wasn’t even there. But the key is knowing when the tattoo is healed enough to be shaved over.
Q: Is it ok to go tanning with tattoos?
A: Sunbathing and tanning beds might be really tempting, but are not a wise choice if you have tattoos. And you should surely avoid them for about 1 month after being tattooed to avoid causing your tattoo to raise and possibly scar!
Q: How old do I have to be to get tattooed?
A: You must be 18 years old to be tattooed on your own (with proper I.D.) or 16 years old with a parent present (also with proper I.D.) who must sign a minors consent form.
Q: Can my brother/sister/uncle/aunt sign for me to get tattooed if I am underage?
A: Absolutely no one can sign for you except an actual birth parent or legal guardian (with the proper papers to prove it)!
Q: How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
A: First off, Get a good nights sleep prior to being tattooed. Avoid any alcohol and or drugs for at least 24 hours prior to being tattooed (that does not include prescribed medications, for that follow your doctors advice). Take a shower and brush your teeth prior to being tattooed, no one wants to get up close and personal with someone who has B.O. or dragon breath. Eat a meal at least a couple hours prior to being tattooed. And finally, dress appropriately, we CANNOT tattoo through clothing and cannot hold your clothing out of the way while tattooing you.
Q: Can I get tattooed over scars or stretch marks?
A: Depending on the severity of the scar Yes, but to a varying degree of success. Due to the nature of scars and stretch marks, there can be differences in the color of a healed tattoo. The texture of the skin will not be changed by a tattoo; thus, some of these marks will still be visible but may be less noticeable.
Q: Can I get tattooed if my skin keloids?
A: We do not suggest getting tattooed if you keloid. While it is impossible to tell if your new tattoo will keloid or not it is much better to avoid it all together than to end up with a raised scar instead of a nice tattoo!