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.

Life Lessons you can learn from People with Tattoo 0

Up until today, there are still some people who find tattoos terrible and unattractive. Others think people with tattoo will never have a successful life or career. What these people don’t know is that even though tattooed people are often being misjudged there are lots of life lessons we can learn from people with tattoos.

See what’s beyond a person’s physical appearance

This may be a cliché but people with tattoos can definitely relate to this. Not everyone who has tattoo are gang members, or ex-cons. If you just try to see beneath what you see outside, you will realise that people with tattoos are just like everybody else, except that they are more colourful. Having a tattoo or being friends with people with tattoo teaches you that appearance is insignificant. Don’t miss out the chance to meet amazing people just because of how they look.

Your happiness should not depend on other people’s standards

The fact that there are people who still can’t appreciate tattoos, simply means that not everyone is going to like your tattoo. But who cares right? As long as you love it, it makes you happy, and it makes you feel good other people’s opinion should not matter. Do what you love, and keep spreading positivity.

There’s a rainbow always after the “pain”

Anyone with a tattoo can attest to this. Pain is definitely temporary. But once the pain is over you’ll see and understand that all the pain you went through was worth it. The same goes with life, sometimes you need to make sacrifices to achieve greater things.

Accept and be proud of who you are even though others can’t

Embrace your individuality and uniqueness. Don’t expect everyone to understand and accept you. It’s totally okay to be yourself. Nothing is more painful and sad than trying to be someone you’re not just because someone wants you to. Once you accept and love who you truly are, you will be more confident and realise that other’s opinions and judgement don’t matter.

Don’t be afraid to take risks

Getting a tattoo is one hell of a risk, it’s scary, and painful. But nothing is more painful in life than having regrets. Face your fears and don’t be afraid to take risks. If you fail, just stand up and carry on. As the saying goes, “a comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”

Not everything has to have a deeper meaning

Some people get tattoos because of a significant event in their lives. Others get a tattoo just because they want to. And to be honest, nothing is wrong with that. There are things in life that exist just because, you should keep in mind that not everything needs a universal purpose. Don’t judge someone based on what you think their purpose is.

Money can’t buy experience

One of the most common questions tattooed people get is “How much did that cost?”. Getting a tattoo isn’t cheap, but what does it matter? There are things in life that can’t be defined by money. The fulfillment, experience, and the way you felt right at that moment is priceless.

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.