Frequently Asked Questions

What about sterilization? Can I get AIDS from tattooing?

This is the most important question you can ask. To cover what you should know, a complete sterilization section follows these questions. Remember, no matter how good an artist or how bad you want the tattoo, improper sterilization is NOT worth the risk. To date, there has NEVER been a single transmission of the AIDS virus through tattooing. Perhaps because of the shallow penetration of the needle. However, that does not excuse the need for proper cleanliness and sterilization of tattoo equipment. Other blood-born diseases such as hepatitis and syphilis are life threatening and can be spread without adequate precautions. Receiving a tattoo CAN BE COMPLETELY SAFE as thousands of people are tattooed every year. Professional tattoo studios have been in the forefront of proper sterilization for years, long before it has so recently become fashionable. Familiarize yourself with the sterilization information below, not only for your tattoo but also for your knowledge when at your doctor, dentist, or hospital. These guidelines are standards in medicine and should be upheld by all professional personal service workers.

What does it feel like? How bad will it hurt?

Usually the first question asked. It is similar to a sting or slight burning sensation during the first 5-10 minutes. The discomfort will then lessen to an irritation. Afterwards, the tattoo will feel like a sunburn, warm and slightly irritated, but not painful.

How deep does the needle go?

A tattoo is a shallow wound or penetration to the skin. Your skin is made of two main sections: the epidermis and the underlying dermis. A tattoo is placed into the dermis area. When you pluck or tweeze a hair, you are pulling from the same area that the tattoo needle will go. As and example of depth, look at the inside of your wrist, where the veins can be seen. A tattoo in that area will NOT puncture the vein, when applied properly by an experienced professional.

Is there any blood?

We do not tattoo into the circulatory blood system. However, there is some body fluid involved and minor skin surface bleeding similar to a shallow scrape. Most people are amazed at the lack of bleeding involved.

How long does it take to heal?

This answer varies as to the person, the health of the person, type of tattoo and location of the tattoo. Generally, you will care for your new tattoo for the first two weeks, with healing time averaging 7-10 days. Your artist will go over the BEST method for you and your type of tattoo.

Is it better to get Black or Color work? What about the brightness of colors?

Although generally a choice or preference, if you work outside or enjoy sun tanning or a tanning bed, realize that you will have to make an effort to maintain your colors. A tattoo is under the skin surface. The amount of melanin (skin color) or suntan you have will affect the colors of your tattoo much the same as looking through a tinted window. You can consult with your artist for the individual attention in this area. A sunblock of at least 45 or higher is recommended for the care of your tattoo against the sun.

How is the tattoo applied? What can I expect?

Basically a solid needle will push a small amount of dye into the skin surface. The body will heal the skin over the dye, resulting in a permanent tattoo when healed. To receive a tattoo, your skin will be washed and shaved in the area you desire your artwork. A pattern or a guideline will then be applied. Your tattoo will begin with an outline where the basic form is laid out. Then the artist will begin the shading, basically putting shadows and dimension to your tattoo. Then, if desired, coloring is added one color at a time until the tattoo is completed. Your tattoo will then be washed and bandaged with the instructions as to healing care of your new tattoo.

What about covering old tattoos, reworking an old design, or tattoo removal?

Covering old tattoo work is possible and no longer requires the traditional black panther or eagle. With skill and knowledge, a competent tattoo artist can rework or cover your old tattoo with a completely new work of art. Removal is done only by a doctor, by dermabrasion or with lasers. There will be scarring to the skin in both of these methods. Just as with a tattoo artist, pick your doctor CAREFULLY, asking for before and after photos and asking about possible complications.

How can I tell a bad tattoo from a good one?

The quality of work will depend on the artist who applies you tattoo. Be sure of WHO you are dealing with. Ask to see examples of their work. Pay attention if they offer only one or two photos, or if the quality jumps from good to poor (some artists will put other artists work in their photo album along with their work and forget to tell you its not all theirs). Many tattoo artists have reputations, ask around. Look for breaks in the lines, shaky lines, lines that do not meet or overrun each other. Gaps in color or shading. Does the tattoo look like art or Something you would like to have for the rest of your life? There should be some consistency to the artwork.

How much does it cost for a tattoo? Why are they so expensive?

Most studios have a sterilization fee or base cost to cover medical supplies. Then the tattoo is based on size, color, amount of detail and location that you desire to place your tattoo. Also the quality and skill of your artist comes into play. Although not a true test of skill, expect to pay more for top of the line tattoo artists. Your tattoo will be with you permanently. Now is not the time to pinch pennies. Do not settle for less than you want or you will spend a lifetime regretting your decision. If you could only own one car in your lifetime with no trade in, would you rather buy an economy car or a luxury car?

How should I prepare for my tattoo?

An important question that does not get asked often, but is so important to the outcome of your tattoo. The better health, the more rested the individual, the better you will receive and heal your tattoo. No professional studio should ever touch anyone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, no matter how small the amount. This will cause difficulty in applying the tattoo. It is recommended that you do not drink any alcohol, take any aspirin (Tylenol is ok) or antihistamines for 24 hours prior to your tattoo appointment. A vitamin supplement with zinc is recommended. Arrive at your appointment well rested and it will help to have a small to medium meal approximately 1-2 hours before your tattoo.

CHOOSING YOUR TATTOO, STUDIO, AND ARTIST

Your tattoo is a permanent choice which will actually outlive you. Care should be taken in selecting the correct design and location for you and your lifestyle. Whim decisions are not usually appreciated years down the road. Also, consider the option of custom work by your artist or your own piece of artwork.

The studio should look clean. The artist should have knowledge on the subject of tattooing and while you should not expect trade secrets, you should be able to get answers to general questions about tattooing and its background. Time in the business does not mean the best work. You must judge the artist on his/her capabilities in the present work they produce. Your artist should be able to intelligently answer your questions regarding sterilization and show you previous work done. If the artist is too high and mighty to talk to you, go somewhere else. Ask to see photos of previous tattoos that were done by the artist. Don't be fooled by books or magazines. Check out the studio. It should be just that, a tattoo studio, not someone's garage, pawnshop, or basement. And while you're checking out the studio, notice whether the shop is clean and well lit. Is the shop organized and not overcrowded? If there is more than one artist, does each tattoo artist have enough workspace? If you would like privacy, can that be provided for you without problems? ASK!!!

Does the artist appear to be clean, net and most important of all, straight and sober? You have the right to ask the artist if you can watch him/her work, as long as you do not interfere with the work in progress. As the artist is working, ask questions or have him/her explain the process as he/she goes along. Notice if the tattoo artist is wearing rubber gloves. Is he/she using clean, sterile tubes and needle clusters that have been assembled in front of the customer? Notice how the tattoo artist lays down the outline. Watch to see if the lines are consistent or if they skip or explode. Also watch for lines that cross over where they are not supposed to cross. Skips in lines are caused by too light a hand, which often occurs if the artist is lacking in confidence. Explosions are caused by the opposite -- too heavy a hand and burying the needle too deeply (often a result of inexperience or lack of confidence).

If you want a tattoo with depth, form and shape to it, proper shading is essential. Too much shading can make the tattoo look like a silhouette. In any form of art, color must be balanced to make sense and be pleasing to the eye. In a tattoo the color should be laid down evenly and consistently. A piece calling for solid color should be the same all the way through. It takes experience and control for a tattoo artist to lay color.

Choose your design, studio, and artist wisely. Do not fall prey to all the bullshit and brag about being the best in the world. Only a handful of people in the world are close to that title. You would know them if you met them. AVOID the artist who tries to talk you into something you do not want. AVOID the guy who bought some tattoo equipment and now claims that he can do tattoos. He can buy a guitar, too. This does not mean that he belongs on MTV. AVOID studios that offer bargains, discounts, two for one sales, etc. Please remember that a good tattoo is not cheap and a cheap tattoo is not good. The best bargain that that we will offer you is a clean, safe, professional tattoo. After you have inspected the studio, spoke to your artist, and feel comfortable that they can produce the quality you desire, make your final decision on the tattoo that is right for you. Then RELAX!!! You have done your homework and are on the way to a unique experience -- your own tattoo!!!