How do I get a good tattoo?

It’s not a simple or instant process, so don’t go thinking you can just walk into the nearest shop and come out with something fantastic. You’ll need to do research. Go to as many tattoo parlors as you can and look carefully at the artists’ portfolios. Never mind the flash on the walls. Concentrate on what the artist puts out as examples of his or her work. Also, when you’re out and about, if you see someone with tattoos that appeal to you, don’t be shy. Most multicolored people are delighted to hear you like their artwork. Ask where they got it. Carry something you can write on so you can make a note of where to look.

How much does it cost?

This is something each artist determines for him/herself. Most charge by the hour, and many have a one hour minimum. You should get an estimate from the artist when you discuss your design. The final price may or not be the same as the estimate, but it should give you an idea of what to expect. And be sure to bring extra money to tip the artist. Good work should be rewarded.

Can’t I just find something on the wall in the tattoo parlor I like and go with that?

Absolutely, if what you want is something that’s on the tattoo parlor wall.

What do I need to do to prepare to get tattooed?

Bathe or shower that morning. Wear clothing that you can adjust or remove without flashing the neighborhood. Eat a light meal shortly before your appointment but don’t stuff yourself. Don’t drink a lot of water or soda, because you don’t want to interrupt the artist repeatedly to go to the bathroom. Do not, under any circumstances, get drunk. If you’re nervous, have a good friend or family member go with you for support.

What do I do after I get tattooed?

Besides pay the artist and tip him or her, you mean? Be sure your artist gives you aftercare instructions. Don’t let him/her put plastic wrap over your new ink. You may want to keep the bandage on overnight so you don’t stick to your bedsheets. Wash your tattoo according to the instructions and keep it moisturized with the product your artist recommends, or with Burt’s Bees Hand Salve, which contains just about the same ingredients as proprietary after-tat products and is much more widely available. Do not pick the scabs off, do not scratch no matter how much it itches (and it will) and don’t be in a hurry to get out in the sun. Healing takes time and your body is unique, so don’t go by someone else’s timetable.

And the #1 frequently asked question: Does it hurt?

You betcha. But getting it removed hurts worse. So be very sure of what you want, where you want it, and whom you want to apply it before you start!

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The Art of Tattoo
National Geographic on the history of tattoos
British Tattoo History Museum
World Wide Tattoo Designs
About.com on plastic wrap
Alliance of Professional Tattoists: Advice for tattoo artist wannabees
Pat Fish, Celtic tattoo artist
Tattoo history sourcebook

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While I’m all in favor of this girl going ahead (and of course having a father who owns the tattoo shop makes it spectacularly easy for her) I wonder if the widespread publicity won’t lead other people to believe that if a kid can do it, anyone can.

I read several boards and blogs devoted to body art and from what I’ve read there (I have no personal experience with this) it’s not easy to get an apprenticeship. I do know that the apprenticeship is vitally necessary, because there is a lot more to being a tattoo artist than the general public realizes. (We multicolored people are much more likely to understand.) It’s not just a matter of learning to color inside the lines with a buzzing needle–there are health and safety issues that are of vital importance.

And the girl herself isn’t quite ready for prime time. Her dad has to support the needle apparatus because it’s too heavy for her to hold, and her designs are about what you’d expect from someone her age. But she’s growing, and both her hand strength and designs will improve over time if she keeps at it (the nationwide publicity might well insure that she keeps at it, too).

So I’m torn between cheering for the girl who has already gotten a foot in the door (OK, if your dad owns the shop, it’s not exactly tough) and who may inspire other young people to consider tattooing as a profession, and wondering whether the publicity surrounding her will convince people that there’s nothing special about tattooing if a kid can handle it.

Have you seen the story? What did you think?

Here is about.com’s Karen Hudson’s common sense guide to becoming a tattoo artist.

photo credit: mborowick

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For a long time, the number of female tattoo artists was vanishingly small compared to that of males. That was
understandable, because tattoo parlors themselves tended to have mostly male clientele and the “ambience” reflected that. But as more and more women (other than biker babes and circus performers) began to get inked, it stood to reason that women would also brave the rigors of tattoo-artist apprenticeships and take up the needle themselves.

I can’t really tell if styles differ by gender or whether one group tends to pick one style more or less than the other. Two of my tattoos were done by men, and the third and its revival and extension were done by women. All the artists were equally good, as far as I can tell. The two women artists were noticeably younger than I am, which seems to be more or less the case everywhere–another indication of how recently women were able to break into the profession in larger numbers.

If you’re getting a tattoo in a private spot, perhaps a same-gender artist would make you feel more at ease, but that’s not necessarily so. After all, piercers have been doing intimate work for ages, gender notwithstanding. If you’re having custom artwork designed, perhaps a same-gender artist would find it easier to express your point of view, but again, that’s not necessarily the case.

In the end, I think tattoo parlors are one place where people really are created equal–except that some are better artists than others, and that’s got nothing to do with gender and everything to do with talent.

photo credit: nextagain

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Maybe not.

Here’s a few things you need to consider before you sit down in the chair.

• Be sure your artist knows about any medical conditions you have and any medications you’re taking. Yes, it’s possible that the artist may not want to put ink on you if you have a chronic health problem. You may be taking a real risk of serious complications if you lie about your health and go ahead with it. Is getting that tattoo worth the risk? Be honest with the artist. Decide on this together. You will probably be asked to sign a release if you want to go ahead.
• Don’t show up drunk or stoned. This seems like a no-brainer, but a lot of people with no brains try it anyway. You may think it’ll make the inking process easier. It won’t. It will hurt just as much, but your fogged-out brain won’t be able to process it properly and you may react in ways you wouldn’t even contemplate if you were sober.
• Take a shower before you go get your ink. Think about it. Tattooing pierces the skin. Do you want sweat, dirt, pollution and who knows what-all else pushed into your epidermis? Didn’t think so.
• Don’t use skin-numbing creams. They don’t work long enough or well enough to make a difference, and that stuff is getting pushed into your skin, with who knows what consequences. If you don’t think you can take the pain, get your artist to try a trial patch with a dry needle. If that’s more than you can take, opt out. And pay the artist for his or her time.
• If you’re nervous and afraid you’ll chicken out, take along a brave friend and a recording of some kind of soothing New Age music. You can always crank up the headphones to help you get past the sensation of the needle.
• Bring along extra cash to tip your artist. Good artwork shouldn’t be its own reward.

Next up: What does it feel like? Beyond, “Yes, it hurts.”

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