We’d all like to believe that bad ink doesn’t happen to good people. But it does. When I was 17 –and not making the best life choices– my friend wanted to get a tattoo. She asked me to go with her, so I did. I knew the situation was sketchy, but I figured all tattoo parlors had that vibe.
The warning signs were there from the start. I’m not even talking about the fact that the guy didn’t even ask for our IDs. He took us to the back room where my friend provided the inspiration for her first ink job: a box of mints with a pretty little design. The “artist” looked at it, gave a slight grunt and shrug, and then traced it on to a paper. From there it was pretty quick. We were in and out in about under thirty minutes. A few weeks later, another friend asked me to go with her to that same shop. I later found out that its popularity was rooted in the fact that it seldom checked to see if their clients were underage. I distinctly remember how, as the months passed, both tattoos began to lose their shape. I don’t know what happened afterwards, since I haven’t seen any of them after graduating high school. Yet I have a slight suspicion that both of them covered up their first piece of ink.
Later on in life I discovered tattoo parlors where the floors were sparkling clean, the artists wore gloves, and the whole process was not unlike going to the dentist or the spa. The potential client made the consultation appointment with the artist. They’d go in and talk about their ideas. The artist would create a couple sketches and discuss with them what they wanted. Then the big appointment was made where every piece of material was opened and shown before it was used. For the first time I realized why my mother had warned me about getting hepatitis or something worse at the other place.
If you’re thinking about getting your first ink job, you should we aware of a couple things, but not terrified. There are ways you can ensure you’ll have a positive experience. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not just the artist’s responsibility that your new ink looks good. There’s plenty of prior and subsequent work you need to do on your part as well:
Research, research, research
Do your homework first. If you have a particular design in mind, you might want to look up and compare costs. Look up local artists; most have a social media account full of images of their work. You can always ask for a consultation with the artist where you can brainstorm together. Take this time to ask them questions about the kind of care you’ll need to put in to this work of art.
Respect the artist
If your local artist has a particular style or esthetic, don’t ask them to do something that’s another artist’s trademark or brand. Most of the time they’ll refuse to copy a tattoo done by someone else because they don’t want to have their name stuck to a style that’s not theirs. However, some artists might agree to do a design using a technique that’s unfamiliar to them. This can be like asking a watercolor technique from someone who does only lettering or super colorful designs. Most of these techniques take time and training to master. Just because an artist knows how to do one style, it doesn’t mean they’re experts in every esthetic.
Hygiene matters
Check the cleanliness standards of the shop. Do they open everything in front of you? Do they wear gloves? Do they place protective material on the tattoo gun? Do you see a certificate from the health department? Considering that this is a process that goes beneath the skin, where blood is involved, it’s your responsibility to make sure that it’s all up to surgical standards.
Don’t go for cheap
When we’re getting our first tattoo, it seems like we can’t wait to get it. However, if you start looking up the prices based on artist, style, size, and detail, you’ll get a ballpark average. Don’t shop around hoping to get a bargain, because most of the world’s bad ink comes from prices that are too good to be true. You don’t go into your favorite restaurant or bar and argue with the server about the cost of your beer or burger, so why do it with a tattoo? Their work is valued upon their training, skill, and time. Anyone who’s willing to give you a hefty discount probably cannot guarantee you’ll love your design.
Pay attention to aftercare
You’ve done all the research and gotten a design you’re happy with. Now comes the part that’s entirely your job: caring for your new tattoo. There are plenty of guidelines online, but I’d pay attention to what your artist tells you, since different inks may need particular instructions. Even if someone tells you that they did not follow any of the care guidelines and still have a vibrant tattoo, stick with the aftercare. Each person’s skin is different, so what worked for them does not mean it will work for you. Don’t throw away all that hard work and cash.
Hopefully these tips will help you get the best design you won’t regret. Remember that removing or covering up a bad case of ink is more expensive and painful than getting a good one from the start.
Single needle tattoos that will give you an elegant design.
Designs full of nineties’ nostalgia.
Sources:
Tattoo Artist Magazine
College Times
