Top Tips You Must Know Before Getting A Tattoo
Be in the know before you go
Tattoos have been around for a very long time. They’ve been found on Ice Age remains and Egyptian mummies. The word “tattoo” comes from the word “tattau” which means “to mark.” If you are considering getting a tattoo, keep in mind they become a permanent part of your skin.
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Tattoos are created with permanent ink being placed underneath the skin. A needle is connected to an apparatus with tubes which contain dye (ink). These needles pierce the skin multiple times (similar to a sewing machine on a piece of cloth). The needle inserts tiny drops of ink creating the tattoo. Depending upon which part of your body you are having the tattoo, getting a tattoo can hurt…sometimes quite a bit. If the tattoo is on the bonier parts of your body, they’ll tend to hurt more than if the tattoo is over a fleshier part of your body. Also keep in mind, the larger the tattoo, the longer it will take to get the tattoo.
Your tattoo will require cleaning and maintenance. Your tattoo artist should give you detailed instructions on how to clean and maintain your tattoo. Remember to avoid too much exposure to the sun right for your tattoo, especially in the beginning. Your tattoo will take several days to heal, give your tattoo plenty of time to heal properly. And whatever you do, do not pick at the tattoo.
Getting tattooed is a very personal experience. It’s important to find the right artist for your needs, besides finding that “right” tattoo design for you. While tattoo artists are more trained and professional than ever before, there are still some unskilled and dishonest artists out there doing tattoos. Make sure you’ve found a top quality, professional tattoo artist for doing your tattoo.
A. Experience
Find out how many years of experience a person has had as a tattoo artist. How long have they been in business? Is this their own studio, or is it someone else’s studio? Steer clear of someone who’s brand new to tattooing. Ask them if they specialize in any style, and make sure they have relevant experience with that particular type of style.
B. Professionalism
Are they a member of any professional body for tattooists in the country? What specific qualifications do they possess? What health standards does their studio meet? Has the health department been called to this location, and if so, how many times in the recent past has this occurred, and why?
Have there been any complaints with the local Better Business Bureau? If you have friends who also have tattoos, who do they recommend, and what was their experience?
Find out which businesses have the best history and make sure their equipment is clean. This is a critical factor when it comes to tattoos. If the artist isn’t a professional, and the business isn’t licensed, there is no guarantee their instruments are clean or properly maintained. Your health is a big concern, so if you are considering tattoos, be sure to select the best parlor for the job.
C. Portfolio
Ask to see the artist’s previous work. All reputable artists will have a portfolio of their work (and will be more than happy to show it to you). Be very concerned if they don’t have a portfolio and/or seem evasive when you ask them questions about their previous work. Also, see if you can talk with anyone who’s had a tattoo done by this particular artist. See what that person says – would they recommend this tattoo artist? Why would they, or why wouldn’t they recommend this artist? Follow up with references and do as much of a background check as you can before agreeing to have your tattoo created.
Look carefully at the pictures in their portfolio. Check out the specific tattoos. Are the black lines smooth and crisp? Or are the lines shaky and substandard? Does the tattoo contour with the shape of the body and look natural? Are the colors bright & vibrant, or are the colors dull and flat? Are the colors blended smoothly? Does it appear the character of the tattoo’s been properly captured?
D. Personality
Spend some time getting to know the tattoo artist. Do you like how they speak with you and the other clients? Do they answer your questions in an open and relaxed manner? Or are they only answering your questions with mostly yes and no, or single word answers?
Do they share your ideas and enthusiasm for your planned tattoo? Are they prepared to give you what you want? If they try and convince you to alter your designs significantly, then it might be worth your time to look for someone else who is more open to your ideas.
Do you have faith in their skill and ability? Do they make you feel confident? Do you trust them?
All artists are different and it might take several visits to several studios until you find the professional who’s right for your needs. Tattoos are colorful and can be an expression of art if done correctly. Taking the time to find the right tattoo artist & studio for you is time well spent, and will help lead to your perfect tattoo.
