The Right Thinking For Tattoos
There are so many nice tattoos out there and man, do I a few more lined up which has given me the itch to go see who has got the time for me to get it done fast!
There is artist #1.
- He is good, he is fast, knows what he is doing. But the wait is 8 months. TOO LONG!
Artist #2
- She is pretty awesome, but too expensive. The wait is not as bad as the other but I don't want to pay that price.
Artist #3
Everyone says he's good, has done work on people in town and are satisfied. The pictures online are good but he doesn't had a shop.
He is cheap, and has put on a great deal!
He even has time to do it tomorrow, BONUS!
Time to book with Artist #3!!!
WRONG, WRONG, WRONG AND WRONG!
Its time to have this chat about finding the right artist.
You've got that tattoo stuck in your head and you don't want to waste anymore time, you want it done now. Well slow down. Have you stopped to think this through? I mean really go through all of the chances you may be taking?
This is some serious stuff and its not just because that tattoo will be on you for the rest of your life. It is your health that will be at risk too.
So let's start with what artist #3 has got going on.
We know that he doesn't have a shop. What's wrong with the part of not having a shop? Perhaps nothing, but it should raise some questions. Is his place sanitary? Not just neat and tidy, I mean disinfected tidy. If this person has animals, lots of coming and going in his house, there is no certain way to know how clean it is. You'll want to make sure that he has disinfectant spray to clean up right before you lay down that body part that is going to be tattooed on. More on this in a bit.
The other thing you want to think of is why he doesn't have a shop. Most reputable artists have their personal life separate from their work and bringing random people to the home isn't a good thing. So that might put his reputation in question. Is it because no one wants to accept him as a partner in their shop and why not?
Perhaps he doesn't want to be in a shop, and that creates concerns because he might just not be that good as people say he is.
"But he has pictures online, on his facebook page." Are you really sure those are his? Have you met someone that has actual art done by this person and have a chance at taking a good look at the art? This is a big red flag because I'm sure you don't want to be tattooed by a fake. If you are keen on wanting to go with this person after verifying it all, I suggest asking to check out the place first. A true artist will have their drawings decorating their walls or may have a portfolio. Don't fall for a portfolio with pictures. They can be photoshopped, twisted and redone to make it look like the person did it. If that is all they have, then demand that they draw something up quick to make sure that he is true to his word.
With all that verifying, it all checks out. But what about the part where he is cheap and has a special going on?
Sometimes cheap means cheaply done. What is the price versus the cost of his time, skills and supplies. Ask him where he gets is ink and needles from and have a look online for the prices. Your tattoo might require him to use various needles and different ink colors. There are different kinds of needles that do different things, think of it like paint brushes. You wouldn't use the same brush to paint a big blue background as you would for painting small tiny flowers. Also when going online, you can look up to see if they are good quality. After all it is in your skin that those needles will be poking in. You'll want to keep an eye open to make sure the needles are in good shape, not bent in anyway.
If his base price is lower than the cost of all that put together, then you got a major problem. No artist would charge less than the mount it cost him, if anything, he would price to break even.
So with that really low price in mind, things to think about are the needles itself. Is he reusing them, repackaging them even? Is he doing the same thing with the ink? Would you want to have needle and ink stabbing away at you when its already been used on someone else?
What health risks arises when such a thing can happen? Let's have a look!
Infections
Sepsis (if infections are not properly treated)
Disease
More prone to having allergic reactions
If the word infection isn't problematic, have a look at some of these pictures of infected tattoos:
Understand that tattoos can get infected in many which way. It is important to take care of your tattoo properly as well to remove any further risks of infection.
I'm sure the other points speak for themselves but if you are still unsure, I suggest not getting one if you are still questioning these things.
Artist #1 and #2 usually go hand in hand. A long wait and a nice hefty price to pay is actually what you are looking for.
I can understand the craving of getting a new tattoo but this is where you want to be.
Long waits usually means the artist has a huge line up of people waiting to be tattooed. That is a very good thing. The one I go to has a minimum of 8 months wait.
An artist that doesn't have much of a long wait more likely means that they are newer to the field. That or there is something wrong and are not much good at it. Newer isn't a bad thing here. They may lack some experience but if you find that person is within a good reputable shop, be assured, that person is getting/had a proper training from the others that are there and they wouldn't let him/her be there if they were bad at it. They often work as a team and if something comes up that one of them are unsure of something, that person won't hesitate to ask the others and ask you if you are ok with it.
A good artist will take the time to talk with you and even meet with you ahead of time to talk about what you want so he/she can get in your head and draw out what you really want. They will have all the questions to ask you to make it that perfect tat you always wanted. If if not, don't be shy to point it out. It's your body.
The price of a tattoo really equals out to the skills of that person. If the artist has really great skills, he/she will not underestimate their worth. For example, where I live, no good artist charges under $100/hr. It is a fair price to pay to keep you healthy, well taken care of and have a beautiful tattoo that you will want to show off.
Here are some more things you can keep in mind while determining which place and artist is the best for you:
Make sure the shop is clean.
Artists where gloves when tattooing.
Ask the artists about their artistic background and experience
*Don't be afraid to ask questions.
How reputable is the shop?
A good artist won't be shy to refuse your tattoo idea. If they think it's a bad idea, they will tell you why and will want to work with you to getting something even better. It is not a bad thing.
Look at their equipment to sure its safe. Usually they have them in boxes and will lay it out after you have arrived to prove that it's good.
If you can, try to hang out a little at the shop to get to know the artist. If you click with them, chances are, you will have a better outcome.
I'm sure there are more points to think of but the most important one is research, research, research. The more knowledge you have, the better. But make sure you have the proper research as, if you look up only a little and act like you know everything, you might just piss off your tattoo artist. The beauty of your skin art is on the line.
There is so much information you can find on the internet about tattoos, the good, the bad and the ugly. Really take the time to know it. It is so important to be as sure as can be.
Most of all, enjoy your time while needles are stabbing away at you thousands of times per second. It hurts, but it's a nice kind of pain... sometimes ;)
Great public service announcement meuf! It's really important to not let emotions take over, particularly impatience, when you make a choice about something! Particularly something as permanent as a tattoo.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and hope whoever reads this finds it helpful!
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Thank you ^_^ And thank you for the idea of putting it out there too <3
I hope it can be helpful. Not everyone is informed of the chances they take, some trust others too quick. Good to have those points to think about especially when its the very first tattoo as you'll want a good experience.
Oh, this is such a well thought out and written piece! I wish every person that wanted a tattoo took as much time reading through this as they do ordering a taco off a menu.
It is the points that you made with #3 that really should make them stop in their tracks. I personally don't have any ink, but, I have cousins and family that does, a couple even made such gross errors in judgment, they had them removed eventually.
It is so much easier to get one put on then have it taken off. Plus... all it would take is a little education on the subject. Awesome post.
!tip
Thank you @dswigle! I appreciate that. What you are saying is true, it creates a lot more grief and to pay out more to get it removed isn't so nice either. People get cover ups most of the time but some tattoos are not so great to be able to get covered.
I wrote this post, keeping people in mind but also because someone close to me went for #3 and I thought I had educated the person enough on making people choices. She paid $25 for her tattoo. I was like, Noooooooooooooo!
Keeping in mind it wasn't me that first thought of putting this as a post though. Thank you @nickyhavey!
He's got a great mind and is very helpful.
He has a beautiful mind... very.
Good approach in general. By the way, I don't have my own photo studio yet.
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Well, if you do tattoos and show pictures only, draw me something up first to prove its you ;)
Are you saying you are a tattoo artist or thinking of becoming one?
No, sorry, my comment was too short. I made a referance to any freelance business, image, trust, quality and pricing. I don't threaten anybody's health, though ;)
LOL If a picture threatens health, we are all doomed! Doomed I say :P
Although it can in this manner for making a fake artist appear good. It's actually happened to me. That is why I say for people to question the artist as much as they can. Back then, I thought I knew enough. The man was actually in a shop. His portfolio consisted of pictures of art. I never thought of anything back then. It seemed legit. Well he made a pretty shitty ass tattoo. Grumpy guy too. That should have raised some alarms and I should have been able to speak up, I was naive back then and without good knowledge.
So doth good knowledge cometh with bad tattoos.
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Mhm!
My good friend is a tattoo artist and usually works in shops but when he changes the shops he works at and has his equipment at home thats when I get ink because he does not have to give half of what he earns to the shop whoever tattoos from home can give you a better deal because they will still earn the same amount if you paid $400 at a shop or $200 directly to him. Some artists bounce around shops my friend was a good artist but that brought envy from his co workers and he moved around a lot and changed the shops he worked at to one closer to where he lived so he was able to do tattoos at home sometimes.
I agree with you though you have to be really careful who you let tattoo you.
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I agree with you on this. That can happen. Definitely have to be careful.
A good artist could still not be in a shop but would still value his or her art skills. Meaning if the artist charges you $25, you should be weary of whats going to happen. All Im saying is for people to make sure everything mentioned here and then some, if none of it is a problem go right ahead. Be safe, not sorry.
Thank you for bringing this up, tattoo stuff is serious stuff.
I wish I had this blog when my best friend did his tattoo, maybe he would be got a better tattoo than the bad one he has now xd at least it's a good joke.
Oh no! It's the same for my sister and a few others I know. That's why i put this post out thinking there are people that need it.
Its good to have a joke though ;)
Good shops that operate like a Guild should have standards that members must adhere to convey a sense of safety as how they deal with cleanliness and handling of the equipment as well as his or her shop or home. A well chosen and done tattoo is good as advertising, and a good reputation of the Artist is priceless for the what you or I'd be wearing for the rest of our lives. It's worth the extra research to even just to avoid complications and health risks to have it done just because of price and convenience.
Exactly, that's why most of the time (I'm hoping) the artists ask the person if it's their first tattoo. If they don't the client should mention it and ask the questions to be clear on everything. Better to take the matters in our own hands as to remove all suspicions. Sometimes the artists forget to ask because there are so many tattooed people, but yes, I agree with you.
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Putting this comment as a place holder so I can come back and read fully through later! ;)
Right on ^_^ thanks!
Ok, I'm back, haha! Definitely some great tips. I agree that getting to know your artist is not only a great way for you to know how they work, but also for them to get a better sense of your personality. Makes for a more custom piece all around. You may not have that option, but it can definitely help. If you want multiple pieces, you could always start out with a smaller piece to make sure you like it and grow from there.
The price can be a sticking point for many, but like you said it's 100% worth it for artwork you will be carrying with you for life. I often have that trouble asking money for my services, but as a few people have pointed out you are not just paying for those few hours of time in the chair--you are also paying for all the years of experience for the artist to get to that level.
On a side note, I can't even look at the images of the infected tattoos! Just the thought alone is enough to make me choose wisely! 🤣
Absolutely! Just to say the artist that I go see has been to art schools, has studied in advertising, has worked in advertising for companies, even has some art on cereal boxes :p hes studied in science, history, frig I dont even cover half of it. He is so intelligent and that makes it well worth going to him when asking for a particular thing. He had to pay his way around all that knowledge so that it pays off for his future. It's an artistic line of work to appreciate. One of the things that I didn't think to mention till now. It is important that the artist knows about skin. He/she has to know how deep to go to make the tattoo's stay. Too deep, there are problems, not deep enough, the tattoo will fade fast. If he can't tell you the names of the layers.... Well... send him back to school LOL.
Ya I went to look for a link to share... Oh boy am I glad that I didnt have to go through any of it. Some are nasty!
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Hey very impressive article foxy You are a professional. I have a small tettoo on stomach, done by hand bamboo and needles. A small one which only took an hour.
Thank you :P
That must be such a neat way to get tattooed. We don't have the option here, always done by a tattoo gun. What did it feel like?
I can imagine. The bamboo was a rare opportunity. It was tolerable because it was small.