Someone looking for an awesome, potentially life changing tattoo, has some work to do before just popping into the local tatt shop. It’s not like trying out a new hairdresser or barber and taking a chance that they’re going to give you a rad cut. Not that that doesn’t happen on occasion, but a tattoo goes with you for life and randomly choosing an artist and parlor is risky business.
Tattoos are not to be taken lightly. I mean, have fun with your choices, but do some research before you step into the local parlor and get inked up. Tattoo choices are based on emotion. For example, one of my friends owns a towing company and business is great. He decided to get a line of Fayetteville tow trucks inked up his left arm as homage to a business that has given him a wonderful lifestyle.
When choosing an ink shop and an artist, here are 5 things to consider when getting a tattoo.
Allergies
On a very personal note, check to be sure you don’t have any allergies to the product. Not all skin is created equal, and if you are prone to breakouts, rashes, eczema or just have sensitive skin, talk with your doctor first. I realize that this step might take the glamour out of the whole idea, but it is even less glamourous walking around with an infected tatt site.
Cleanliness
A shop should be the epitome of the industry’s standards. Equipment must be impeccably clean. Blood borne illnesses can be transmitted if the shop is careless in their cleanliness standards. Hepatitis and Aids are just a couple of the life changing issues that could be easily transmitted with contaminated tools.
The Right Artist
Due diligence. Research on-line and through visual testimonials. Schedule a meeting with the parlor’s manager and ask about the expertise of each artist. It’s recommended that you work with someone who has at least 10 years of experience. When possible, talk with past customers. Ask around. If you discover that the price may be a bit higher for one artist over another, there is likely good reason for it. The artist’s reputation has earned him or her the right to charge more. A reputable artist won’t be in a funky parlor. Quality matters and they want to protect their name. This fact translates to faultless work along with satisfied and returning clientele.
Design
Remember this goes with you to the grave. Bring your own, or choose from thousands of designs already in print. Size is something often overlooked. If you are a small person, getting a huge tattoo on your arm is not going to showcase well. If you are dead set on having it, consider putting it on your back. Double think portraits. They don’t always translate well to skin and over time the nature of sagging skin will distort an inked likeness to beyond recognition. Also play to your personality, shadow side and all.
Limits
The only limit is surface space. How far do you want to go? Only you can determine that, but keep it fun. Wear it well and with pride. A good tattoo parlor will offer guidance – naturally you don’t have to take it, but it’s always good to get professional feedback. An honest shop will have their client’s best interest in mind and not just their bottom line. When all is considered, you set your own limits.
After you take these things into consideration you should be able to make a well informed choice. What’s been your experience? Leave a comment below and let me know if you have a favorite tattoo artist you could recommend.
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