| Think Before You Ink! Part 1: Some Basic Tattoo | | | | painful, especially on areas with a lot of nerve |
| Do’s and Don’ts. Hey Tattooed Fans and | | | | endings, and different people react differently to |
| Friends…it’s finally time for your first (or | | | | pain. The pain IS tolerable, but start with a |
| second or twenty-second) Tattoo! Here are some | | | | smaller, simpler design to see how YOU handle |
| BASIC Do’s and Don’ts to think about | | | | the pain before you get that huge, intricate back |
| before you walk into the tattoo shop, and most | | | | piece! (You CAN do those LARGE pieces in |
| apply whether it is your first or twenty-first | | | | multiple sittings.) |
| Tattoo… | | | | Do choose an appropriate location for your |
| Do make an appointment. And be patient when | | | | tattoo(s). Think twice about where you place |
| waiting to get your tattoo. Tattoo Artists do not | | | | tattoos (and piercings) on your body. I would |
| rush through a sitting to get to the next person. | | | | never (nor will I ever) tell you what you should or |
| They take their time with each customer in order | | | | should not do to YOUR body, BUT - There IS |
| to do their best work. Tattoo Artists tend to be | | | | Body Modification Discrimination out there in the |
| perfectionists and YOU are their canvas AND | | | | REAL world! Consider placing your tattoo or |
| their best advertisement. Besides, you don’t | | | | piercing in an area that can be covered by clothing |
| want them to rush through your tattoo, do you? | | | | worn in the work place. More on Discrimination in |
| Do wear comfortable, loose fitting, appropriate | | | | future posts. |
| clothing. Think about your tattoo placement and | | | | Do ask for recommendations. If you see |
| wear clothing that will easily allow access to that | | | | someone with beautiful, detailed tattoos |
| area. And remember that your tattoo session | | | | compliment them and ask where they were |
| may take one or several hours, be cool and | | | | done, and WHO did them and find THAT Tattoo |
| comfortable. And try to be very….still. | | | | Artist. Tattoo Artists have ‘specialties’. |
| Do some advance research on your tattoo. A | | | | There are experts in Tribal work, Fine-Line work, |
| tattoo is a lifetime commitment, know what you | | | | Lettering and Text, Portraits, etc. Ask to see |
| want, or at least have a general idea of what you | | | | their Portfolios. Find YOUR expert. |
| want before you go. Unless you are VERY | | | | Do take a shower. It’s not a good idea to go |
| free-spirited and a live-in-the-moment type | | | | get a tattoo right after work. Be considerate, go |
| person, impulse buying isn’t a good way to | | | | home, and take a shower. Your Tattoo Artist will |
| choose a tattoo. Your Tattoo Artist can help you | | | | appreciate it (and possibly spend more time on |
| explore and develop ideas, but have some idea or | | | | the details of your new body art). |
| direction. | | | | Do listen to your Tattoo Artist. Once your tattoo |
| Do research the shop. Know the precautions they | | | | is completed, your Tattoo Artist will tell you the |
| are taking for YOUR safety and theirs. Sterile | | | | best way to take care of your tattoo. Don’t |
| equipment and supplies should always be used for | | | | listen to your family, friends or neighbors…follow |
| tattoos and piercings. Watch for unacceptable or | | | | your Artist’s tattoo aftercare instructions. |
| unsafe conditions, such as the re-use of STERILE | | | | Do TIP your Tattoo Artist! If you didn’t know |
| single-use needles or Artists who don’t wear | | | | that tipping a tattoo artist is customary, and |
| gloves….and | | | | expected, now you do! Many Tattoo Artists are |
| Do ask questions. Tattoo shops can be | | | | not paid an hourly wage, they work for a |
| intimidating, but don’t be afraid to speak up | | | | percentage of the money you pay for your |
| — it’s your body! Make sure you see them | | | | tattoo. OR, they are independent contractors who |
| take the tattoo needles from a fresh sealed | | | | pay the owner rent and overhead. Either way, |
| package. The Tattoo Artist will generally open this | | | | they depend on tips. Tip your Bartender, Tip your |
| package directly in front of you prior to your | | | | Waitress, Tip your Barber or Stylist and TIP |
| sitting. Alert your Artist if you know you’re | | | | YOUR TATTOO ARTIST! And if you receive |
| allergic to red ink, or Latex or any other condition | | | | exceptional service, show your appreciation by |
| he or she should be aware of. | | | | tipping exceptionally well! |
| Do keep things simple. This rule applies if this is | | | | Next time (in Part 2) we’ll go over the Tattoo |
| your FIRST tattoo. Start small. Getting a tattoo is | | | | Don’ts. Talk to you then. Thanks! |