Thinking of getting a tattoo ? (0)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 by admin under Thinking of gettin a tattoo?
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER.
A tattoo will be on your body forever and is not a commitment that should be entered into lightly!
Many people walk into a tattoo studio with no idea of what they want. We, as artists, take for granted that the general public is not educated on the procedures, policies and ethics of PROFESSIONAL tattooing. This information is provided to help you make educated decisions on finding a studio and artist.
The first thing you must decide on is what you want to put on your body. It is ultimately YOUR decision. Most studios have flash (sheets of tattoo designs), magazines and portfolios to help you get ideas. However, the references provided should never be taken and simply reproduced. Do you really want the same tattoo as MILLIONS of other people?
A professional tattoo artist should be able and willing to help you get your idea or ideas onto paper. The key here is TO HAVE AN IDEA of what you want and being able to express it to your artist. Any kind of reference material that you may find is EXTREMELY helpful. Even a scrawl on a bar napkin is better than nothing!
The next step is deciding on WHO you want to do your tattoo. All professional artists should have an extensive portfolio of their work. Take notice of the kind of work each artist “specializes” in. There are many different styles an experienced artist is capable of, however, each artist has a certain style or technique that separates them from other artists. Does your artist seem knowledgeable? Do they make you feel comfortable?
EVERY ARTIST SHOULD HAVE EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF PROPER STERILIZATION TECHNIQUES.
Check out the studio. If the autoclave is not in plain view, ask to see it. (Autoclaving is the process in which instruments are sterilized, and kills viruses and bacteria that might be passed on.) Do the artists use single use needles? Are all work surfaces, including machines, covered? Are the tables and floors clean? How do they disinfect between clients? Look at the common areas too, such as the lobby and bathroom. ASK QUESTIONS! You have every right to know!
Things to Know Before Getting Tattooed
-It’s always a good idea to be tattooed in as natural a state as possible. It is better not to come in under adverse conditions.
-Pain killers, aspirin, ibuprofen and anesthetics are not necessary prior to a tattoo. In fact, most compromise the experience and may possibly cause problems such as increased bleeding.
-Make sure you have had some food a few hours before hand. Getting tattooed on an empty stomach may cause you to feel faint, nauseated or dizzy.
-Allow plenty of time for your tattoo to be completed. Your session will be the most enjoyable if you have time to appreciate it and your artist doesn’t feel rushed.
-If you are sick or feeling under the weather, you may want to wait until you’re felling better.
-Proper hygiene is extremely important. Clean clohing and a recent shower will get your tattoo off to a great start. Fresh breath is a bonus too.
-It’s a good idea to bring some water to drink to keep you hydrated throughout the tattooing process.
Checklist for Choosing a Studio
You should be able to answer a confident “yes” to ALL of these questions. Even one “no” should lead you to consider a different studio if you value your health and safety.
-Has a professional, open attitude?
-Is the studio clean and well lit?
-Is tattooing done in a separate room from the rest of the studio?
-Has an autoclave that is spore tested regularly?
-Uses sterile, single-use needles?
-Used individually bagged and sterilized tools?
-Changes gloves frequently?
-Complies with all state licensing requirements?
-Disinfects hard surfaces between tattoos?
-Do they explain the process and proper aftercare?
-Are they willing to provide on-going assistance and follow-up with your new tattoo?
Tattoo Supplies and equpment are expensive, thus the pricing should be fair and consistent according to the quality of the equpment and the experience of the artist. You cannot put a price on quality, especially when it is something that will be with you for the rest of your life!
A professional artist will put their heart and soul into your artwork, no matter how large or small. You should feel comfortable with your artist and the enviroment you are receiving your tattoo.
If you are indecisive about what you want to get, you may be asked to put more thought into what you want before an artist will tattoo you. If you are making a decision based on price alone, you may be asked to consider not getting tattooed at all!
Please trust your artist! They have years of experience and know what will and will not work. The human baody is an amazing canvas, but what will sometimes work on paper, will not work when applied to the skin.
Take good care of your tattoo while it is healing and it will show for years to come. Take BAD care of it and that will show for years to come as well!
Your decision on what, where and by whom you should get tattooed should be based on your own research and NOT what was best for someone else. This way you are not only assured of quality artwork and a clean environment, but of a positive experience you will carry with you forever.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.