TATTOO QUESTIONs?

Question

I'm getting my first tattoo at a very nice shop this saturday. It's about 1 hour and 15 minute drive from my place. The session is 4-5 hours for a sleeve from shoulder to little past the elbow (75% of arm). MY QUESTIONS ARE..........

1. Will I be fine to drive there myself (that is, driving back home myself)?

2. Is it rude to listen to an I-Pod during my session?

3. If the artist asks if I want to take a break... does that actually mean the ARTIST wants a break? Because I know I won't want to take a break....

4. I've been saving $ up for a long time now... I can barely afford this but should I tip the artist? It is $150/hour...where does the money go? (mostly to the shop or artist?)

5. Are there any foods I should avoid? (acidic foods? fatty foods? high-sodium food?) I know not to take aspirin but what about tylenol?

6. Should I wear short-sleeve as much as possible or is a sweater ok? Will the fabric bother the tattoo?

I think that's it... Unless?

Everything sounds good from everyone so far except I would disagree that I am taking up the artist's time.... it's work so really, I'm giving him time.

ONE MORE QUESTION.......

Tell me how to replicate the most painful feeling of getting a tattoo (example- scratching a tack against the skin in one spot for a couple minutes kind of hard? etc)... I'm anxious to know!

Answer 1

1. Yes you should be fine to drive there and back, the only thing I can think that would hinder you on the way home is the fact that you might be pooped after. Usually I have a nice little rush after a session so driving isn't a problem for me (I make an hour + drive for my work as well).
2. No, most artists won't mind if you listen to music while they're working on you, however do ask before and keep it low enough so that if they do ask you something you can hear them without being yelled at. I've had one artist that had a pet peeve with people answering cell phones but never any problem with listening to an ipod, reading a book or me being on my laptop.
3. If you don't need a break don't take one, but make the counter offer of asking if they need one. Chances are your going to get tired of sitting in that chair holding still and taking a few moments to get up and walk around actually help the process in the long run.
4. Tip your artist. Even if it's a small tip, it lets the artist know that you appreicate their time and the work they've done. Most shops take about 50% or more of what the artist actually charges and even then the artists are still responsible for their needles, ink and other supplies, plus the time that they spend getting ready, drawing your design and cleaning up after you leave.
5. It doesn't really matter what you eat, just as long as you have a good meal before you hop in the chair. It helps keep up your blood sugar and you'd be suprised how draining a long session can be. On taking anything, I wouldn't just for the fact that it's not going to help numb you to any real degree, but the best thing to do if you have other problems you need to take a pain killer for, like a bad back, is to call and double check with your artist and they'll let you know what they prefer.
6. I prefer to have as little clothing on during the healing process as possible, but since I can't run around naked all the time and I usually need to keep my ink under wraps, I end up wearing long sleeves or pants. Try to wear loose fitting clothing as much as possible, that way you won't feel like your clothes are sticking to your healing arm.

In regards to how bad it can feel... pain is different for everyone and for the most part very tolerable, I think it most feels like being scratched very lightly or kind of a tingly burning sensation... However, I've had moments where certian parts have felt like someones slicing my skin open or driving a jack hammer into a bone, and some parts have even tickled like crazy.

Answer 2

1. Will I be fine to drive there myself (that is, driving back home myself)? YOU WILL BE FINE!

2. Is it rude to listen to an I-Pod during my session? NOT NECESSARILY, THE ARTISTS' JOB IS TO CONCENTRATE!

3. If the artist asks if I want to take a break... does that actually mean the ARTIST wants a break? Because I know I won't want to take a break. YES, THE ARTIST USUALLY NEEDS A BREAK TO KEEP FROM CRAMPING HIS HANDS.

4. I've been saving $ up for a long time now... I can barely afford this but should I tip the artist? It is $150/hour...where does the money go? IT MAINLY GOES TO THE TATTOO ARTIST.

5. Are there any foods I should avoid? (acidic foods? fatty foods? high-sodium food?) I know not to take aspirin but what about tylenol? BRING A GATORADE WITH YOU, OTHER FOOD ARE JUST FINE.

6. Should I wear short-sleeve as much as possible or is a sweater ok? Will the fabric bother the tattoo? THEY USUALLY COVER THE TATTOO SO IT WILL BE ALRIGHT. IF IT DOESN'T GET COVERED, DON'T WEAR A SWEATER AFTER.



It feels more annoying then painful,
I got two tattoo's on my wrist which
Is a very sensitive spot, but it didn't hurt
At all. It felt a little itchy and very annoying.

Don't worry, IT DOESN'T HURT! GOOD LUCK.

Answer 3

That's a big piece... I have 11 tattoos and my brother does them for a living - here are my answers to your questions.

1. Yes, you'll be fine to drive there!

2. No, it's not rude... it may be helpful for both of you - you can get your mind off it, and he can concentrate.

3. Yes, he wants a break. You know how heavy those guns are? He also wants you to take a break, though - and with a piece that big, you probably will want one.

4. You can tip the artist (the person who said above that you should not tip is full of crap!). A lot of the money the artist doesn't get to tip - read the section about "How do tattoo artists get paid?" here: http://www.helium.com/tm/703717/proud-wearer-eleven-tattoos

5. If you think you'll need tylenol, take it. Motrin and aspirin will thin your blood, as will drinking, and you don't want your new tatt bleeding all over the place.

6. Yes, fabric will bother it. Wear a tank top that day! If you live somewhere cold, use the heater in your car - you don't want anything rubbing up against it. Your endorphins will be pretty much used up after an hour and a half - so it's best not to irritate it!

Answer 4

You are getting a sleeve for your first tattoo?? Holy crap, isn't that a bit extreme? My first was a small flower on my wrist. I slowly worked my way up to bigger ones, the last being 9 inches across my lower back. That was 3 1/2 hours and very painful after a couple of hours as the skin gets raw.
You will want to take a break, aside from the pain which will come after the first few hours, sitting still that long is uncomfortable. And yes, the artist may need a break as well.
You really should tip, that is a lot of his time you are taking and tipping is just the right thing to do. I would not wear anything long sleeved,. they will need to cover it at first to protect it and the sleeves may make that uncomfortable for you.
Don't worry about foods, but watch the aspirin and alcohol before hand, as they thin the blood and can cause more bleeding than usual which makes it hard for the artist to do the tattoo.
Driving.. no problem.
Good luck.

Answer 5

1. you should be fine to drive but it never hurts to bring a friend along anyway to have someone to talk to if you get bored.

2. it is not rude to listen to an i-pod, lots of people do and it helps them to keep their mind off of the pain.

3. my artist doesn't ask if you want to take a break, they will take breaks when they need one. NOBODY can tattoo non stop for 5 hours, it would cause major cramping in the hands and probably of their back and neck too and the tattoo work will suffer. i also don't agree that you won't want to take a break, i have had quite a few long tattoo sessions and it gets brutal.

4. if you can tip the artist and you are happy with the tattoo then you should tip. it depends on what arrangement the artist has worked out with the shop. many shops get a cut of the artists pay like 30% or something other artists just rent their space monthly and they have to pay rent but everything they make after that is theirs but they also have to buy all of their supplies. tips however do not have to go to the shop so i'm sure it's appreciated.

5. there really aren't any foods that should be avoided but you should eat something filling before you go and you should bring along a snack because being tattooed for a long time will take a lot out of you, also bring some water to keep yourself hydrated. i usually bring a candy bar and a pack of gum and some water. if it's going to be a real long session i get a sandwich from subway to eat during one of my breaks.
all pain relievers thin the blood so it is best not to take any of those for 24 hours before or after getting tattooed.
6. if it is cold where you live then you can wear a sweater, just wear a loose fitting long sleeved t-shirt under it so the sweater fabric doesn't aggravate the fresh tattoo.

Answer 6

I got my firs tattoo this paswt summer and can say it was a great experience and I am ready for another! Mine is a smaller area than what you are talking about. Everyone is different, I would wear short sleeves for awhile where as the rbbing of a sweater may not be very comfortable. You shouls be ok to drive home but never hurts to brin a friend for support.. As for taking anything before hand I didn't and they were glad I didn't. They don't care if you listen to your music read a book or sleep. They are being paid for their art and as long as your not interfering with their progress what ever makes you comfortable will work for them... As for where the money goes, that depends on the shop. But it is safe to say a portion goesd for supplies and labor but usually you can expect a good chunk to go the owner of the shop!
As for a break if the artist asks u if u need a break... they want u comfortable u wantthem comfortable... communicate most will be up front...

Answer 7

Driving should be no problem. I usually bring a friend just to talk to but listening to music really shouldn't be a problem..but ask your artist.
I only took a break for my last one (8th) because it was big and the constant scratching and buzzing got to me...I had a ciggie 1/2 way thru and was fine. Kept a bottle of water with me too.
ALWAYS TIP YOUR ARTIST! This question comes up a lot. They are doing you a service. Just like a hairstylist, waiter/waitress etc.... Most artists rent their spaces and are responsible for their own equipment.
I always take two Tylenol before I go. Stay away from alcohol...pot isn't good either.
Usually, they will cover the tatt with something for the 1st 24 hours but I'd wear loose clothing.

Answer 8

This is my opinion:

1. I had a small tattoo on my left inner wrist and drove home and it was fine but I think you'd be unable to drive with 75% of your arm being tattoo'd.

2. No, it's not rude. The artist would understand that you are not going to sit there for 4-5 hours listening to the buzzing of the needle.

3. If he asks if you want a break, say no I'm fine, I don't mind if you want to though. It might ache his hand and you may also change your mind when you're in the seat.

4. Don't tip, they charge enough already and as you say...you can't really afford it. If they are great and your artwork is looking fantastic after a month, go back and tip them then when you know for sure that they've done a good job.

5. Don't drink any alcohol 24 hours before your tattoo and don't take aspirin. Not sure about tylenol, you'd have to ask a pharmacist.

6. Wear short sleeves, a long sleeved shirt might cause friction with the bandage that they will put on after the tattoo is done.

Hope I helped.

To me, it felt as if I was having my arm hairs plucked and the tweezers kept pinching my skin. Feels different for everyone though.

Answer 9

1-I would think so
2-No
3-You both will need breaks
4-You should tip the artist...but it does depend on the parlor who gets what percentage
5-I wouldn't drink alcohol a couple days before and anything that thins your blood
6-you will probably want to wear loose clothing, especially since it is your first and you don't know how much it will bug you

You may wanna take a cold drink with you. And good luck! I can't believe your first tattoo is a sleeve! You are more daring than I am. But it really only hurts at first you get used to it.

Answer 10

1 you should be ok as long as your not in to much pain had my whole tattooed was able to walk ok after.
2 try and talk to the tattooist but it's not rude to wear your i pod
3 he will have to change needles every so often it shouldn't take to long.
4 most artist own the shop but the equipment costs alot
5 don't think there any foods to be avoided. not sure bout tylenol ring the tattooist to check
6 does't matter they will cover it and when you get home wash it but not hot water and patt it dry then wear short sleeves for a day or so.