Tattoo Info

There are som things you should think about before you get a tattoo. Not only what you`re gonna get and where on your body, but also who`s gonna tattoo you and is he/she using sterile equipment?

A tattoo will be on your body forever, and it is a commitment that you should not enter into lightly. Many people walk into a tattoo studio with no idea of what they want. And we as artists sometimes take for granted that the general public is not educated on the procedures, practices, policies, or most importantly, the ethics of professional tattooing. This article was developed to assist you, the customer, in making educated decisions when it comes to finding a studio and artist that will fit your needs.

The first thing you must decide on is what you want and where to put it on your body. It is ultimately your decision. Remember, this is something that will be on you forever! Great thought and consideration should be put into making this decision. Most tattoo studios have flash on the walls as well as portfolios and magazines to assist you in getting ideas for your own tattoo. The references provided should not be taken and reproduced. There is nothing wrong with choosing a simple design, however, it can still be made into an original piece of artwork! The purpose of getting a tattoo should be to express your individuality. To duplicate the artwork of another person should not even be considered.

Artists should be able to assist you in getting your ideas on paper from any form of visual reference. The key here is to have an idea of what you want and be able to express it to your artist.

The next step after deciding on exactly what you want is to decide who will do it! Not every artist is suited to fit your needs. A professional artist should have an extensive portfolio of their artwork. Check them out! Take note as to what kind of work each particular artist seems to "specialize" in. Is this the type of work you are looking for? There are many different styles an experienced artist is capable of, however every artist has a certain style or technique that separates him/her from other artists of this medium.

Listen to what the artist is saying to you. Do they seem to be knowledgeable? Do they make you feel comfortable? Are they willing to take the time to sit down with you and create an individual and unique piece of art, no matter how large or small it may be? Or are they just willing to take a design directly off the wall and put it on you the exact same way hundreds of other people have it done?

You should never compromise your choice of artwork because of price! A tattoo will be on you forever! It's a small price to pay when you consider that you'll be looking at this piece of art for the rest of your life! It is much more important to be assured of getting quality artwork in a sterile environment rather than getting a "deal" on the price and regretting your decision later.

STERILIZATION - EVERY artist should have an extensive knowledge of proper sterilization techniques! Aside from being capable of delivering quality artwork, your personal safety as well as that of the artist should be addressed immediately!

Check out the studio thoroughly. If the autoclave is not in plain view, ask to see it. Every studio should have one. (Autoclaving is their process that pressurizes the instruments & kills any viruses or bacteria that might be passed on.) Do the artists use single use or disposable needs? Are the floors and tables clean? How do they disinfect the work area (tables, floors, chairs, etc.) after each client? ASK QUESTIONS! You have the right to know!

Please note that there is a difference between single use and disposable needles. Single use needles are a higher quality needle than a disposable. This is not to say that all disposable needles are poor quality, just that single use needles are higher quality needles. The difference is probably reflected in the pricing of your artwork. Professional tattoo supplies and equipment are expensive, thus the pricing of artwork should be fair and consistent according to the quality of the equipment and the experience of the artist.

You cannot put a price on quality; especially when it is something you will be living with for the rest of your life!

There is a difference between professionalism and arrogance! Tattooing is viewed by professionals as a sacred form or art. There are morals and ethics that will not be compromised. If you are indecisive about what you want to get, you may be asked to put more time and consideration into the design you want before an artist will tattoo you. If you are making decicions based on price alone, you may be asked to consider getting a tattoo at all!

Professional artists will put their heart and soul into creating your custom artwork, no matter how large or small. You as a customer should feel comfortable with your artist and the environment in which you are receiving your tattoo. Shop around! Get a feel for what different studios and artists have to offer!

Your decision should be based on your research and not that of what was best for someone else. This way you are not only assured quality artwork and a sterile environment, but a positive experience you will carry with you forever!!

10 Things to Look for When Purchasing a Tattoo or Piercing

Our team is made up of artists, not tattooists...what is the difference? An artist can not only take any image you provide them with and create the art on your body, but they can also take a concept or desire of yours, design it, and then put it on the canvas, your body.

1. Are you comfortable in the atmosphere of the studio and is the studio pleasing to the eye?

2. Is the studio clean and well lit?

3. Do the artist and piercers keep their apperance and area clean?

4. Does the artist have previous work available for you to view? Look carefully at how the work has been applied.

5. Does the artist/piercer explain the procedure and the long term-care of the tattoo or piercing prior to beginning the procedure?

6. Does the studio own an autoclave that they should be able to show you there on the premises? (Autoclave: sterilizer used by the medical and dental fields)

7. Do they use a new needle for every client? Needles must be one-time use only!

8. Do they break open the package with the needle and tubes in front of you?

9. Do they wear gloves before starting any work with you?

10. When you talk with the artist or piercer, do they appear to have the knowledge it takes to provide you with the best possible tattoo or piercing? Do they take the time to answer all your questions? If you are feeling rushed, then take your business elsewhere.

Recognize the difference between an artist and tattooist. Artists can render any picture you ask them to draw and they can alter pictures that you bring in to them. Tattooists cannot change pictures or draw their own work. They take the pictures you bring them or the pictures they have in their studio and copy it exactly the way it appears without any changes made and apply as is to your skin.

Remove the bandage after one hour, two maximum. All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly.

Wash the tattoo using your fingertips or hand only. Use a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Take care to remove all traces of blood as this will cause scabbing. Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the two week healing period. Always gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean soft cloth or just let it air dry.

Apply a thin coat of ointment to the tattoo, Helosan, Spenol or Natusan Baby Oil are all very good. (Just enough to make it shine, a little goes a long way...) Work it in well. Dab off all the excess with a paper towel. You should barely be able to tell that it's there... This is just enough to keep the tattoo moist and to keep it from scabbing. Too much ointment will only suffocate the tattoo and liquefy any scabs that may have formed causing the ink to fall out and look blotchy. There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo.

Ointment should be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry. Normally, between three to five times a day for weeks. Do not use lotions that contain perfume, color, fragrance or sparkles until the healing is complete. (Usually anywhere from ten days to two weeks; Possibly longer for slow healers.)

Your skin will form a protective layer no matter what you do. If you do not keep it moist, it will form a thick, hard scab that may crack when you move. When you form this kind of a scab the ink sits within it and slowly heals into the skin. When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn't have a chance to form a scab but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn (do not peel your tattoo, you will pull the ink out!) and it is normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during this stage of healing.

You must keep your tattoo clean, however, long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can and will loosen scabs if any have formed, or will soak through the soft tissue and cause your ink to flow down the drain. This includes Swimming in the Ocean or a Pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas. Short showers are best, under ten minutes if possible.

Please refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colors to fade. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. To relieve this, spray the tattoo with rubbing alcohol or slap it with your hand (this will sting it and take away the itch).

No but's about it, the sun is BAD for your tattoo, even if you've had it for a loooooong time. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. It will dry out your tattoo and cause it to form a horrendous scab much of the time causing the tattoo to fade before it is even healed. It will take much longer to heal completely. It promotes scarring in a new tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high quality SUNBLOCK. (Do not apply sunblock while the tattoo is healing.) The tattoo is under your skin, and your tan will form above it. If you get too dark, some colors (white, yellow, pink, and orange) may not show up as brightly as they could. Over time, excessive exposure to sunlight will cause your tattoo to fade no matter what colors are used.

Just a note:
Remember that hands and feet reproduce skin cells much faster than other parts of the body. A tattoo in these areas will sometimes take an extra two weeks to heal. During this time refrain from washing dishes, wearing gloves, or wearing socks and shoes (sandals must not rub the tattoo). Any friction of this type WILL wear away the tattoo within a very short period of time.
Tattoos in these areas are almost never guaranteed.