DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO !!!

Tattoo Etiquette 101: Tattoo for Dummies

So you want a tattoo?  Good, that's the first step and you've come to the right place.  I'd like to "educate" people on the finer points of getting a tattoo.   This course will aid both the first time "fresh meat canvas" as well as those with a few tattoo's.  Most first timers have little to no idea what questions to ask, what NOT to say, concepts involved in the tattoo process as well as the design of a custom kick ass tattoo.  So let's get started shall we !!!!  Take notes, there might be a quiz at the end.

Questions to AVOID

1.  "Does it hurt?" 

    Of course it hurts !!!  Its several small needles piercing into the skin at several hundred RPM's per second.  This question comes  up about 99.9% of the time and it has a simple, common sense answer.  You ask this question, expect to get laughed at by everyone in the shop.

2.  "That sounds expensive, can I get it cheaper?"

    There's an old tattoo saying.  "Great tattoo's ain't cheap, and cheap tattoo's ain't great".  Tattoo artists have set prices on their work.  Time is money to us.  You are not shopping for a car.  Tattoo's are not products, they are services.  Sure you can find someone else who might do the work you want cheaper, but you want the work to be of top quality.

3.  "Can you draw me something?"

    Sure I can draw you something.  But if I do its going on your body TODAY !!  Some artists will be happy to take time to draw a rough sketch for you, but my brain doesn't work that way.  If I put time (ie money) into a sketch or drawing, I will expect to transfer that to your body and get paid accordingly.

Questions to ASK

1.  "How long will this take?"

    This question comes up in addition to the pain question.  The tattoo process includes a sketch, a stencil, placement, pouring of inks, adjustment of equipment as well as positioning of the body.  This process can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes depending on the complexity and size of the tattoo's design.  Do not expect the actual tattooing to take "just a few minutes".  Be fully prepared to devote the necessary time to your tattoo.  This could be anywhere from a couple of  hours to an entire day !!!

2.  "What are your specialties?"

    Some artists have a 'preference' to certain types of tattoo art.  Some enjoy doing tribal, others prefer old school. While any respectable artist should be able to perform any tattoo design, it makes this a more enjoyable and 'comfortable' experience for the newcomer.  Feel free to look thru an artists portfolio.  Any reputable tattoo'er will have a portfolio album with photos and/or sketches of their work.

3.  "Can this design be bigger?"

    Words that puts smiles on tattoo artists faces !!!  While it rarely comes up, this question is usually asked the opposite. "Can we make it smaller?".  A dreaded question with an appropriate answer, "A mean ass looking grizzly bear the size of a plum will always look like a chipmunk.  THINK BIG !!!  While it will cost more, wouldn't you rather have someone notice that big grizzly bear from across a room, rather than them say "why the hell did you get a chipmunk on your arm?" Some tattoo designs can be small and retain quality.  But the more complex and intricate the detail of the design, the bigger the piece will need to be to retain that awe inspiring quality.

Common sense "STUFF"

DON'T MOVE !!!

Squirming, jerking, flailing around is a good way to screw up your PERMANENT Tattoo.  Do not keep trying to look at your tattoo while the artist is working.  You will inevitably move your body part getting tattoo'ed and could cause the artist to lose his/her place, frustrating them.

NO ALCOHOL, NO DRUGS !!!

Alcohol and certain drugs can cause you to bleed more during the tattoo process.  This is BAD and can cause your tattoo to be disfigured during the healing process.  Most tattooists will NOT work on someone who is high, drunk, or pregnant.  This protects you as well as the artist.

NO FAMILY REUNIONS !!!

The tattoo artist can only work on one person at a time.  This means YOU are the focus of my attention, not your entire Brady bunch family.  Leave the kids, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, cousins, and neighbors at home or at a local restaurant/bar.  Having one or two guests with you is fine.  More than that and you are filling up the waiting room and parking lot for other potential customers.  Be courteous of others.

NO PLAGIARISM!!!

While samples of art, photo's, sketchs and similar are helpful in the design/concept of a tattoo, I personally will NOT use a photo of another's tattoo.  This is out of respect for the other artist.  You should want something unique and of your own.  Just because someone famous has something, you shouldn't want it for that reason alone.  BE UNIQUE !!

THINK YOU'RE READY !!?!?!?

Well that covers some basics.  If you think you're ready, come see me and I'll let you know how you do !!!!