So I want to get a tattoo...?

Question

And I am really not sure what to expect or what's the best way to go about it. Dose anyone have an information, or some good questions to go over with my artist before hand that can help me get what I want in the end... I have a pretty clear idea of what I want, but I am worried it won't translate very well.

Also what are some good guidelines aside from word of mouth to help me determine what a reputable tattoo shop is?

Thanks so much in advance

Just so everyone knows, I have thought about this tattoo for almost five years... I wanted to make sure that I wasn't just going to get something I wouldn't still feel the same way about down the road. It has been very carefully considered. I am also going to have it placed on my butt so that no matter what I want to wear I don't have to share my tattoo with everyone. My tattoo is for me, and I don't need to parade it around. Thanks so much for all the helpful anwers, and too all the concered ppl out there don't worry like I have said, I want this, and I have thought about it long and hard.

Answer 1

Since you have an idea of what you want and where you want it, a good tattoo artist will help you, translation shouldn't be a problem. If you are worried that you won't be able to translate it, draw a rough sketch of your idea and take it with you.

Word of mouth is the best way for finding a reputable shop, also if you can find how long a shop has been in business, because that will tell you a lot about the shop and if it is liked or not. In my little town, we've had tattoo shops in and out for ages, but the best one has been around for about 15 years or so.

I don't think I should reiterate everyone else says, but you should choose a tattoo that you will not want removed ten or twenty years down the road, so smaller is probably better. Just be aware that employers may judge you on tattoos, so if you want to work for a lawyer or executive officer in some company, you may want to have the tattoo somewhere that can be hidden easily by clothing that you wear or would wear most often.

Tattoos will cause some people to judge you to be harsh with no manners and overall an awful person, but if you act polite, nice and basically smash the reputation of people who have tattoos, then you might find doors that were not there before.

Answer 2

Ignore the "intellegent" remark before, some people...*tut*

As mentioned before, word of mouth is a good way to find a good reputable tattooist. If you see someone with ink that you like, then just ask them where they had it done and if they would recommend going there? When you find somewhere you can also ask to see their autoclaves and sterilising equipment, if they're a reputable place they won't mind. Also make sure they use a new sterilised needle when they tattoo you. I'm not sure how it works in America but in the UK you can ask to see their hygiene and health and safety certificates as well. If you have any doubts about a place then don't use them to have your tattoo done! I'm sure you wouldn't do that anyway!

If you can, sketch out a drawing of what you want, it doesn't have to be a brilliant sketch as the tattooist will be able to work from that and your description to help you get the final design you want.

Also beforehand ask them about the aftercare, they should give you detailed instructions for looking after your tattoo and how to keep it clean etc. A good ointment to use is "Tattoo Goo", it's specially designed for tattoos and won't leech the colour.

Most of the things I've mentioned are just common sense, and you seem like a sensible person so I'm sure you've thought of these already!

Happy tattooing!

Answer 3

Ask people who have tattoos you like where they got theirs done. Different artists use different styles. Some are better with black and white some are better with fine nuances of color ect ect. If you know what you want then bring a drawing of it when you first go in to the studio. The artist will fine tune your drawing to your final approval before he picks up the gun (this can take several days and attempts sometimes)

When the drawing is the way you want it, they will make a reverse stencil on a printer. Then they will shave the area if necessary and apply something to transfer the stencil (I've seen petroleum jelly used most) the stencil will be applied and positioned and you get final say about the positioning. Then they should piut on surgical gloves, pour out ink into single use containers and open a fresh needle. From there they trace the stencil with black or blue ink.. fil in colors and shading and then apply an antiseptic liquid or ointment when they are done. They might photograph it for their portfolio if it is unusual. You get bandaged and a care sheet and you are on your way.

Answer 4

You can check with the health department for their inspection records, better business bureau for any complaints, and you can take a look around the shop to make sure it's clean and that you feel comfortable there. Look through portfolios, make sure you like the style of the artist. Do a consultation and talk to the artist about what you would like, ideas that you have, and have them draw something up for you. It will go smoothly, and you will have a tattoo that you love, if you spend some time doing your homework. You could do a google search of tattoo shops in your area to get started, many have websites, and will show work of their artists online. Good luck! =0)

Answer 5

Find a good artist, together plan the picture, when you plan the placement do you want it exposed, will fade faster, or in an area where not every one will see.
If it is on bone, it will hurt a lot more then on a fleshy area. I have 2 and they have a lot of meaning to me.
One of the best placement I saw was at the top of the arm, it was upside down, so the owner could see it right side up, and with a tee shirt on you could cover.

Answer 6

word of mouth goes a long way when selecting a tattoo artist, i did my first tattoo & payed $200 than was blown away when i met other tattooed people with $200 sessions that were amazing so by word of mouth i met my current tattoo artist & i've already had 8 sessions with him & have many more to go, you always want to make sure you're clear about what you want, i dont care if he has to draw 20 times to get it just right it stays on your body permanently. make sure everything is clean & they're certified, most of the time they frame their liscenes on the walls in plain view, if this is your first IT WILL HURT! but mostly it's your nerves & beware tattoos are addictive!

Answer 7

draw or find a picture that resembles what tattoo you want. word of mouth is the best way to find the right artist ,i think. just make sure the place is clean, artists wears gloves and uses new needles.

Answer 8

With tats, just make sure you get something you can live with, because it's not going anywhere. Size and location does matter, because nobody wants "PEACHES" on their rt or lft tit when they have a job interview and you're trying to look professional. lol

Word of mouth is actually the best way to choose a shop, because it is based off of experience. Someone who has actually been to a particular place can tell you if they were professional, if their tattoo came out the way they wanted etc.

Answer 9

People who give tatoos are artist. You can tell them a brief description of what you want.. and then they will draw up a design. And you can tell them whether or not you like it. Before hand, the tatoo artist will go over what to do and what not to do when taking care of it. Hope you enjoy it :)

Answer 10

I GOT MY FIRST TATTOO ON MY 50TH BIRTHDAY.AND I AM VERY HAPPY TO HAVE IT DONE.ITS A LITTLE ANGEL ON THE LEFT SIDE ON MY WREST AND I AM VERY HAPPY TO HAVE IT.WHY I HAD MADE A TATTOO IS FOR MY DAUGHTER MEMORY CAUSE SHE DIED YOUNG.AND ONCE YOU HAVE A TATTOO YOU WANT ANOTHER ONE,ITS ADDICTIVE.NEXT TIME IT GOING TO BE A HEART OR A STAR.HAPPY HOLIDAYS.XO