The Tattoo Way of Life
Tattoo Shops: What to Look For and What to Run From
Brittney Dominquez
Date created: 11/18/09 Section: FEATURES
Once you've decided on your tattoo, let's talk shops. The first thing you should do is scope out your tattoo shop. While you're there, thumb through some portfolios and examples of their art to get a feel for what that shop has to offer. These collections of artwork on display are commonly referred to as flash.
You'll notice that some shops specialize in a specific type of art work, although there is a growing aim to be more diverse and have an artist cover each major tattoo style. You should try to get someone that specializes in what you want. For instance, if you want a portrait tattoo, don't go to the guy specializing in graffiti who tells you "Yeah, sure, I can do that."
If you walk in and see anything funky on the floor-a tissue, napkin, sock-your red flag warning should be on high alert. If you happen upon something sticky, icky, questionable, or if you see blood anywhere but directly on a person, walk out. If anything is out of place, you should go.
I'll be honest, not every shop is going to be outgoing and friendly at first. But if you are truly uncomfortable for any reason, besides being in a new environment, leave. Imagine that if you're uncomfortable now, how will you feel when there's a needle pulsing over your skin for hours?
Once you pick an artist, one that specializes in your specific style and has a personality that you won't mind being stuck with for a few hours, make an appointment prior to the actual day of getting inked. That way, you can talk about design and have plenty of time to change it into your perfect tattoo.
When talking design, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, know that some tattoo artists will want you to pay for the sketch and this is normal. Their hard work and artistic flair have gone into creating something personal for you and for all they know, you may take the sketch to another artist, so don't be cheap.
Secondly, if a tattoo artist designs something that you don't like, refrain from saying "That's ugly!" unless you enjoy getting ripped a new one. If you don't like it, politely tell them that you had something else in mind and try to be as descriptive as possible. You cannot afford a miscommunication when the artist's final creation will be stuck with you forever.
You'll notice that some shops specialize in a specific type of art work, although there is a growing aim to be more diverse and have an artist cover each major tattoo style. You should try to get someone that specializes in what you want. For instance, if you want a portrait tattoo, don't go to the guy specializing in graffiti who tells you "Yeah, sure, I can do that."
If you walk in and see anything funky on the floor-a tissue, napkin, sock-your red flag warning should be on high alert. If you happen upon something sticky, icky, questionable, or if you see blood anywhere but directly on a person, walk out. If anything is out of place, you should go.
I'll be honest, not every shop is going to be outgoing and friendly at first. But if you are truly uncomfortable for any reason, besides being in a new environment, leave. Imagine that if you're uncomfortable now, how will you feel when there's a needle pulsing over your skin for hours?
Once you pick an artist, one that specializes in your specific style and has a personality that you won't mind being stuck with for a few hours, make an appointment prior to the actual day of getting inked. That way, you can talk about design and have plenty of time to change it into your perfect tattoo.
When talking design, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, know that some tattoo artists will want you to pay for the sketch and this is normal. Their hard work and artistic flair have gone into creating something personal for you and for all they know, you may take the sketch to another artist, so don't be cheap.
Secondly, if a tattoo artist designs something that you don't like, refrain from saying "That's ugly!" unless you enjoy getting ripped a new one. If you don't like it, politely tell them that you had something else in mind and try to be as descriptive as possible. You cannot afford a miscommunication when the artist's final creation will be stuck with you forever.
Be the first to comment on this story