Question about tattoos!

[MaggieTheCat]

So, I've been really thinking lately that I want to get a tattoo. I don't have any tattoos and don't really know anyone personally who has a tattoo (at least, no one around here, and no one back home who I really trust.) I recently moved to a big city, so I'm unfamiliar with pretty much everything and don't have any recommendations as to which tattoo artist to go to. However, I did a little poking around online and found a place that looks pretty good. I liked their website, they gave bios and pics and galleries of their three tattoo artists, all who have 18+ years experience. They seem really professional and experienced. I emailed them and they said I could come in any time to check out their shop and talk with any/all of the artists.

My question is, what should I be looking for, and what should I ask them? Obviously a clean shop is priority. I think it's a good sign right off the bat that they're so welcoming to have me come in and check them out, without an appointment or commitment or anything. Would it be appropriate for me to ask if I could watch them do a tattoo (with the customer's permission, of course?) I've never seen a tattoo done before and would just be curious as to how it's done...and if I like the style the artist uses.

Also, regarding a design...is it a good idea for me to have an exact design picked out before I even go to the shop, bring in a picture of it, and say "hey, this is what I want, can you do it and how much will it cost?" Or should I discuss it with the artist and let them make suggestions or take some artistic liberties with the design?

Any and all comments/advice welcome. Thanks!

[BookstoreEscapee]

I don't have any tattoos, either, but I would say you should go in with at least a rough idea of what you are looking for, and work out with the artist on paper exactly what you will end up getting.

As far as what to ask, well, I can't really help you there...

[Kittish]

The second biggest thing I'd be looking for (after how clean the shop and artists are) are the tattoo artist's portfolios. Actual photographs of actual tattoos the artist has done. I'd also ask whether they use disposable needles (seems to me that using a new set of needles with each customer is safer in the long run than autoclaving).

And, if you've found a design you like, by all means take it in with you! I have several tats, and every place I've been to, the artists were quite willing to do custom work. One of my tats is even a custom piece drawn up on the spot by the artist. If your design is really complex, or has lots of fine lines, the artist may suggest a few changes to simplify the design.

If the tattoo artist and whatever customer is on hand are comfortable with you watching, it can be a rather educational experience.

And finally, a couple of suggestions. One- don't ever put ANYONE'S name on you. Remember, a tattoo is for life. Whatever relationship you're in might not be. Two- be utterly certain you can live with the design you choose for the rest of your life. To me that means keep it tasteful and be mindful of WHERE it's placed. Three- put your first tattoo somewhere that it doesn't hurt too much while getting it. Shoulder, upper arm, upper leg, someplace that has plenty of muscle before you get to bone and doesn't have tons of sensitive nerve endings.

[Taboo]

If you're really sure of what you want, then bring in the design - if not, bring in references of designs that you like that are close to, but not exactly, what you're looking for, and then see if they can work with you on a custom design from that. Even if the references you bring are not exactly what you want, speaking as an artist, having SOME visual reference is much better than just a spoken description.

Look through the online portfolios closely. Is there a big difference between the different artists at the shop? Is there one artist whose style is closest to what you want? If so, then you should make an appointment specifically with that person.

All of the general questions about shop cleanliness are good. You might also want to ask how many hours/sessions they think your tattoo will take - larger tattoos may be divided up into two sessions (outline, then color) or more. If you get one done on a bony area that will be more painful then you may want to have it divided up into multiple sittings so that you don't have to sit for too long at once.

It's a good idea to get a rough cost estimate before beginning. Some tattoos can be very expensive. Also take into account that it's considered the norm to tip a tattoo artist, especially if it ends up being multiple sessions. Doesn't have to be a lot if you can't afford it, but even just $10 or $20 on top of the cost is just polite, especially if you think you may ever go back to get another tattoo or a touch-up. You can look into tipping suggestions yourself and decide what you think is fair.

Oh, and from a friend's experience: put down crappy sheets or towels on your bed the first couple nights after you've had the tattoo done. You're not going to be bleeding onto the bed or anything, but sometimes the excess ink will run a little and you don't want to wreck your bedding.

[Nurian]

Look for gloves. A good tattoo parlor that is worried about cleanliness requires its artists to use gloves whenever they tattoo.

If you have a design, bring it. Talk to the artist about where, how big, colors, etc. to figure a rough estimate of time and cost. If you don have one, talk to him/her about your ideas and listen to their feedback.

When you figure a design out, find the artist that specializes in that category (machines, tribal, organic, etc.)

Get A+D ointment. It helps. A lot.

Most importantly, post a pic of your tattoo here when it's done

[Amina516]

And most importantly DONT SCRATCH THEM WHEN THEY BEGIN TO ITCH LIKE HELL.

Make sure theyre opening the needles and the gun in front of you. Feel free to ask about autoclave sterilization and all that.

Alot of parlors *around here anyways* have areas in the front or fairly close where someone would be getting a tattoo so you could watch that way. I dont think they would have an issue taking you to the back though, if thats where theyre doing their stuff.

Good Luck! Finding the perfect design is hard sometimes.

And post afterwards!

[Greenday]

Yea, as far as bringing in your own design, if you already have a design set in mind, and you REALLY like it, bring it in. A lot of places will do custom designs, as long as it's able to be done. Plus, since it's pretty permanent, you want to make sure you like it and you shouldn't settle for something you are ecstatic about.

No names. Kittish covered that. Well, unless it's a parent or your own kid, then I don't see an issue with that.

Definitely make sure they have disposable needles. I don't know about Wisconsin, but in NJ, it is mandated by law that every tattoo parlor must have disposable needles. I know PA doesn't so that's why I ask.

Check for a rough estimate. They shouldn't have a problem giving you one. If it's something small and uncomplicated, be prepared to pay more than you'd really expect. I've never heard of a tattoo parlor without a minimum price.

Go ahead and ask about seeing someone else get a tattoo. I highly doubt they will have a problem doing it.

On whether it hurts or not, I think it depends on where you get it. I've heard the closer to a joint it is, the more painful it gets. Mine is on my upper left arm, not near any joints. At first it kind of hurt, but then from the repeated hitting against my skin, I got used to it pretty fast. The outline is the most painful part. Filling it in is easy.

[MaggieTheCat]

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone. I appreciate the tips about the needles, gloves, and autoclaves for sanitary and safety purposes.

Here is a tattoo design that I really like:

http://tattoomachine.blogspot.com/20...sign-idea.html

I might not get that EXACT design, I really like the idea of a black butterfly but I am thinking I'd talk to the tattoo artist for their opinion and see if they have any suggestions/changes that I like. What do you guys think? Is it...inconsiderate/rude/wrong in any way to bring in a pic of an actual tattoo (instead of just a picture that I/someone drew by hand?)

I would like to get it on my upper back shoulder, I've heard that's a good place for a first tattoo as it doesn't hurt as bad as some other places, and it's pretty easy to cover up. I'd also get my first tat pretty small.

[The Last to Know]

I got my first tattoo (posted in the pictures on my profile here) done in May - it is on my upper right back shoulder - it barely hurt - a couple of tiny stings & he was done so fast that even I was shocked at how easy it was. :-)
Good luck & can't wait to see pics

[TheTigress]

*Just got her second tattoo yesterday*

It looks like you've done your research well, so that step is out of the way. From the sound if it it looks like you've picked a great place. One of the most important things next to cleanliness in the shop is the tattoo artists themselves. It makes all the difference in the world on which artist you go to.

Also remember that you will get what you pay for. Some shops vary in price but if you know that the artist charging you the higher price is an excellent artist then I would go for it.

Definitely take a look at their portfolio either in person or their web page if they have one.

I would try finding some videos on youtube if you want to watch a tattooing session. There are probably tons of videos of it on youtube.

You can definitely bring in your own design. I'd definitely go for the design you like the best since it's going to be on you forever. I actually designed both of my tattoos myself and brought in the designs and they had no problems with either of them.

My first one (the tribal tiger) didn't hurt that much at all. It was more like a burning sensation and not too bad. That one was on my upper left arm.

My second one is on my right back shoulder and was quite a bit more intense than the tiger, but when you see the design you will see why.

Here are some important things to remember before you get your tattoo:

-Eat a big meal before you go.

-Don't take pain killers because that will thin out your blood and the ink won't take as well.

-Most tatoo places only take cash, so be sure to hit the ATM and take out more than you think you will need.

-Buy some A+D ointment or Aquaphor beforehand so you will already have it for the aftercare.

Your tattoo artist will go over the aftercare instructions with you after he/she is finished with your tattoo. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. Usually it consists of applying the ointment twice a day for about a week, and keeping it out of sunlight, and also no swimming for two weeks. Most importantly DON'T PICK OFF THE FLAKES. It will start flaking when it heals but let those fall off on their own. If you pick them it might take some of your design away. If it itches, don't scratch it. Instead lightly slap at it.

Here are my tattoos:
-Tribal tiger head: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ss/LiaTat2.jpg

-Collage/mural design representing the house I grew up in. (just got this yesterday) (the only thing that needs to be finished on it is the red glow around the center numbers) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ss/cleo096.jpg

Hope that helps you.

(EDIT) I noticed your username and the part under it. You are are Gargoyles fan, aren't you? Gargoyles = EPIC WIN!

[BlaqueKatt]

Get A+D ointment. It helps. A lot.

bad idea-A&D ointment contains fragrance-big no no for fresh tattoos-aquaphor or eucerin is what most artists recommend

[Nurian]

bad idea-A&D ointment contains fragrance-big no no for fresh tattoos-aquaphor or eucerin is what most artists recommend

Really? I've used A+D for all of mine. I've never had an issue.

[Bella_Vixen]

Does it hurt to get your finger tattooed?

[MaggieTheCat]

(EDIT) I noticed your username and the part under it. You are are Gargoyles fan, aren't you? Gargoyles = EPIC WIN!

YES. I love Gargoyles!! I'm glad you caught the reference, not many people do.

Thanks for sharing your pics, and everyone else who's shared pics of their tats, they're VERY nice and make me even more excited to get one myself! I'll update again when I meet the tattooist(s), but it probably will be at least week till I can meet all of them. At least one of them only works during the days, Mon-Sat, and I can't get to the studio during the day except on Saturdays.

[Kittish]

Does it hurt to get your finger tattooed?

No personal experience with that one, but I would imagine that it probably hurts quite a lot. There are a lot of nerve endings there, plus bone close to the surface on the tops of your fingers. Then you'd also have to take into account the 'twitch factor'. How still can you keep a finger while a tattoo is being done on it? It'd be really easy to twitch or jerk at just the wrong time and seriously mess up the tattoo. And it's not something you can just erase an oops and try again with.