So, you’ve already decided on what you want to get, and where on your body you want it.
You’ve taken into account how big the design is, how much detail it has, where on your body it would look the best, and you have even picked out all of the colors you want. So, the next thing to do is to find a reputable tattoo studio to get inked at!
Here are some things to consider:
- Different states have different health laws. In Kentucky where I live, your tattoo studio does not have to be state certified. Now, just because a studio isn’t state certified, that doesn’t make it a bad place right off the bat, but state certification is rather strict. If a studio is state certified, then you know that you are in a clean environment with an owner that cares about the health and well being of their customers.
- Smoking in a studio is not good for your tattoo. It is not practicing good hygiene where there is so much contact between the cigarettes, your fingers, and your mouth. Just think of a tattoo artist that is getting ready to puncture your skin with a lot of tiny holes, setting ink permanently in your dermis, smoking and touching their mouths. Would you let them lick you after they finished the tattooing process? That’s basically what you are getting if they aren’t practicing proper hygiene.
- Make sure that when you go to get the tattoo, that the shop you go to knows exactly what you want and that they don’t try to change anything about your tattoo if you are dead set on what you want.
- When they go to give you the tattoo, make sure that all the needles and disposable equipment that they are going to use it pre-packaged and individually wrapped. All of my needles and tubes are disposable, and I wait until the customer can see me open them before I do so. It gives the customer the assurance that everything is sterile and has never been used before.
- You may even want to go into various studios prior to choosing one just to see what kind of environment it is, and how the artists act. If they seem to get distracted rather easily, then its probably not a good idea to go there. When I tattoo, I am a very focused person, and not much can distract me at all. Some artists prefer to talk to the customer while tattooing them to make them feel more relaxed and not have to concentrate on the pain so much.
- Ask to view the artists portfolios! This will give you an idea of the skill level of the artist that is going to tattoo you.
- If you go somewhere and you want a specific artist to tattoo you, don’t let the studio try to make someone else tattoo you. If the person you want is busy, ask to make an appointment. If you don’t really care who does it and you know you are in a shop where all of the artists are almost equally skilled, then go ahead, but stick to your guns when you want someone specific.
I think that about wraps it up for what to consider about the shop you go to. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments!
Very insightful and informational Good man.
Because of my affliction with the needles I doubt I’d ever get a tatoo, however it is not entirely out of the question. I think your blog would be extremely helpful for anyone getting started and hopefully beyond that. Keep up the good work.
I am Dustin’s mom and I can tell you, Kennie, that Dustin, when growing up would always pass out at the sight of needles, but yet he has several tattoos. I myself have three, one that Dustin did, and the pain was very bearable. If you are using that as an excuse to not get tattooed then you probably shouldn’t get one. And yes, Dustin does a good job!!
Very well said Mom! Needles used to terrify me when I was a kid. More so getting my blood drawn rather than just shots, which I could tolerate somewhat. Let me tell you, it is definitely a totally different experience. I will go into more detail on another post.