Most Common Things Tattoo Artists find Annoying 0

Tattoo artists are called artists for a reason. They aren’t just some slave you pay to put ink on your skin. These people are skilled professionals who spent years to study the art, and just like everybody else tattoo artists should be treated with respect. Having a tattoo supply shop, I’ve encountered and spoke with a lot of tattoo artists. Some of them even became good friends. One of the most discussed topics aside from technicalities of tattooing, are their experiences as tattoo artists. We recently talked about some annoying things customers do when they enquire or while they get their tattoo. I’ve listed down some of these thing so you know what to avoid when dealing with tattoo artists.

Late and No Show Clients

Time is precious even for artists who don’t work regularly like the 8-5 people. And really, who wants getting stood up right? If you book an appointment with tattoo parlours or tattoo artists, make sure you show up, and when you do please be on time. If you can’t make it on time or if you suddenly felt you’re not yet ready to get a tattoo, have some courtesy and inform them ahead of time. This way they won’t waste time waiting for someone who will never show up, and they can give your slot to another customer.

Bringing the Whole Crew

I understand, getting a tattoo is an amazing experience and you want your friends to witness that unforgettable experience. But you don’t have to bring your whole neighborhood, or your whole clan. One or two is enough, not because they won’t fit in the tattoo shop, but because the noise of people chattering, asking questions, and taking photos will disturb your artists focus. The last thing you want is an artist putting a permanent ink on your skin, and getting distracted with your cheerleading squad.

Cheapskate and Hagglers

Like what I have said, tattoo artists are called artists for a reason. They make art, and art costs money. When getting a tattoo or asking for a quote, keep in mind that tattoos are no different form paintings displayed and sold at galleries. In fact, the art of tattooing may be a bit harder, because the artist uses your skin as the canvass. Aside from experience and skill, you are also paying for the equipment and the quality of ink. Next time you get a quote for a tattoo, don’t scoff and don’t negotiate. It’s rude, and no artist wants to see, feel, and hear their craft undervalued by some cheapskate.

Know-it-alls

I think everyone will agree to this (except those who are guilty of being know-it-alls of course), in classrooms, in the office, and yes even in tattoo sessions know-it-alls can be really annoying. Experienced tattoo artists know what they are doing, and they know what will make your tattoo look better. Listen to them when they say that the design should be a bit larger in size so it won’t smudge etc.

Keep these things in mind and try to avoid them when getting a tattoo, to make sure you don’t piss your tattoo artist off.

Things you need to consider before getting a tattoo 0

So you have finally gathered enough courage to get your first tattoo. Before anything else here are some important things to consider before getting a tattoo.

The Design

Choosing the design is one of the most crucial part of getting a tattoo. Most people choose a tattoo design that has personal significance to them. Getting a tattoo is one way of expressing one’s individuality. Some people search on Google, Pinterest, and Tumblr. But if you want yours to be unique I suggest you ask an artist to customise a design for you.

The Artist

Once you have a design, or a concept next step is to look for an artist. Ask your friends for recommendations, or search online. Thanks to technology finding a great artist have become a lot easier that before. Most artist have Instagram and Facebook Pages, and use these as their portfolios. Read online reviews to know customer’s feedback. If you’re eyeing to get a tattoo from a well-known artist, make sure you book ahead, these artists usually have a waiting list which can take up to a month or a year.

Your Skin

If you have sensitive skin and allergic to make-ups or other skin products, make sure you consult your dermatologist and run some tests so you know what type of inks are best suited for your sensitive skin. Why? Go ahead and search “allergic reaction to tattoo”.

Your Budget

Heard of the saying, “you get what you pay for”? Well, same goes for tattoo. A good tattoo isn’t cheap, and a cheap tattoo is not good. The price of your tattoo will depend on the size, colour, area of the body, and of course the artist.

Which Part of your Body

Aside from the design, you have to think thoroughly on which part you want your design to be tattooed on. They say the ribs, feet, butt, and neck will hurt the most. But I think it still depends on your pain tolerance. I know someone who found getting a wrist tattoo more painful than getting a rib tattoo, that she even fell asleep while having a tattoo on her rib.

The Pain

No, getting a tattoo does not in any way feel like getting a vaccine. Unlike getting a vaccine the tattoo needle doesn’t go very deep, but it doesn’t mean getting a tattoo is less painful than getting a vaccine. Imagine your skin being pierced by a needle and dragging that needle across your skin, that’s how it feels because that’s what exactly happens. They say the lesser the needle the more painful it will be. But, again it depends of your pain tolerance.

The Aftercare

A fresh tattoo is literally a wound, when it’s healing it will be itchy and sensitive like a sunburn. You’ll notice it will scab, when that happens do not peel it so it heals correctly. Make sure you keep it clean and moisturised. Stay away from the beach, the lake, pool, and even the tub to prevent infection.

Eternal Ink and other Non-toxic Tattoo Inks - Shop The Best Tattoo Inks 0

Most people enjoy the beauty and aesthetics of tattoos, but very few people know the potential risks from getting a tattoo. Although the idea of a tattoo can be fun and exciting, every clinical procedure carries some form of risk, so minimising any risk factors and making the procedure as safe as possible is of the utmost importance.