I want to get a tattoo of a koi fish or swallow but cant decide which would be better, also how do i tell if it is a good artist or shop..i have never done this before!
2007-01-30 12:26:59 · 12 answers · asked by reremac10@ameritech.net 1 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
Tattoo artist really like newbies. Even better when they don't pick the first piece of flash off the wall for a tattoo. (Flash is pre-drawn tattoo ideas on the wall) Go to a shop and talk to the artists inside. Ask to see their portfolios. Tell them your idea and have them draw up something totally unique for you. Also, find out if one of the artist specializes in traditional type tattoos.
2007-01-30 12:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by B aka PE 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look for a shop, that is the first thing - make sure it is someone who actually does this as a business and not just a part-time hobby (we call these Scratchers - and you want to stay away from these as far as possible). The next thing is gauge the cleanliness of the shop. If there's garbage everywhere, cigarette butts and burns on the walls I'd be a little weary. I don't know the laws in your state or country but I know in Canada they cannot smoke in the shop (No smoking in the workplace).
Shops that are clean usually have a great reputation. Make sure that the artist uses disposable needles - this is very important you don't want to get Hepatitis C, and uses fresh ink and ink caps (this is also important so that you don't get nasty diseases!)
Friendly front and/or all staff is a great indicator of the atmosphere and environment of a shop. You want to feel welcome even if you are just browsing. This is a business and you are they're customer. Most importantly you want to feel confident and comfortable with the artist and in environment that you are going to be getting your tattoo done in. If you feel uncomfortable then by all means go somewhere else.
Reference material is great. If a shop has photo albums of work that they have done (usually these are divided by artist) this is a good indicator of a legitimate shop. Do not be shy about asking questions - most places welcome this especially if you are asking about needles, ink, methods etc.
Last but not least recommendations. If you see someone who has a great looking tattoo ask them if they got it done locally and perhaps they'd be able to recommend a shop or artist. There's no better word than the word of mouth.
Good luck on your planning and choosing of a shop. Also if you are not sure which would be better (koi or swallow) go with what you feel would suit you and don't get tattoos just because your friends or family say you should. Tattoos are a very personal thing and nobody should be pressured into getting them.
2007-01-30 17:59:17 · answer #2 · answered by Raquel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I like the Koi .....and you can make it unique by using unusual color combinations in the scales..... I saw one the other day that had about 70% Electric blue scales and 30% fire-orange.....really hot. The background around the Koi can also be changed up any way you want. Most of them have cherry blossoms floating in the water.....maybe you could float some other type of flower. Which ever you choose take the time to do your research. I would start on-line and look for artists that you like. The visit with them ....look at their portfolios talk to them in person. Good luck
2007-01-30 14:08:36 · answer #3 · answered by Rider (12NI) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well in order to find a good tattoo artist you should just find a couple of tattoo shops around your area or the area you want to get it done at. Walk in and just look at the artist work. Ask to see some work they have done on other people. Look through their books. ask around to other people and look at their tattoos. ask them where they got their's done at! it's like your shopping around. Make sure you see in the shop, an autoclave, a biohazard container and surgical soap. these are things a very clean and safe environment. Just come in the shop and know what your looking for! if you like the place then go ahead
2007-01-31 05:50:25 · answer #4 · answered by Black Betty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to quite a few shops in your area, check them out to see if they're clean, if the artists have a book of their work, check that out. Ask a lot of questions, they have heard it all before, so it shouldn't be a problem.
As far as picking between a koi and a swallow, Koi swimming upstream represents perseverance, Swallows usually mean a safe journey...
if either of those appeal to you, pick that one
2007-01-30 13:07:47 · answer #5 · answered by ○Lovehater○ 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well first you should go looking at the shops in your area and look at some of the work they have done you could even watch them give another person a tatt if you would like i have several tattoos and the tattoo artists didnt mind people watching
2007-01-30 13:39:05 · answer #6 · answered by Morganna 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen a lot of good koi. look arround visit some shops most artists will have a portfolio of their work. if they don't I would keep looking.
2007-01-30 12:40:30 · answer #7 · answered by pooh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Koi
2007-01-30 12:34:18 · answer #8 · answered by It Co$t To Be Around The Bo$$ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If their tattoo dyes blur in the skin and turn to disgusting smudges, that is not good. Ask to see some of their work that is at least 40 years old, and in person.
2007-01-30 12:35:33 · answer #9 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
really just make sure the place is clean. make sure you watch them open the new needle and ask them if they autoclave there equipment. then the only thing you need to do is just like what the picture looks like. you can even ask the artist to draw up both and you can choose what design you like better
2007-01-31 08:40:47 · answer #10 · answered by play hard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋