Important information Everyone should know before their first tattoo-
The art of tattooing has blossomed over the last few years, and as a result, there are lots of people with even more questions. With television series making season after season of successful show, the momentum doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon. With all of this success, a lot happens; most good, some bad.
With all of the new restrictions that are being enforced, new advancements are being made in how tattoo equipment is made, which means better, more consistent equipment. Tattoo artists are required or encouraged to take first aid classes (depending on state or local laws). Shops are cleaner, more sanitary environments. Organizations are formed to both educate and police the industry.
Unfortunately, because of tattooing's popularity and ease of obtaining equipment, it's easier for people to get into the industry without having any form of education or knowledge in the fundamentals of tattooing. It is because of the questions we as tattoo artists get asked, I have created this section to help better inform you about your first tattoo regardless of whether you come to me or not.
With all of the new restrictions that are being enforced, new advancements are being made in how tattoo equipment is made, which means better, more consistent equipment. Tattoo artists are required or encouraged to take first aid classes (depending on state or local laws). Shops are cleaner, more sanitary environments. Organizations are formed to both educate and police the industry.
Unfortunately, because of tattooing's popularity and ease of obtaining equipment, it's easier for people to get into the industry without having any form of education or knowledge in the fundamentals of tattooing. It is because of the questions we as tattoo artists get asked, I have created this section to help better inform you about your first tattoo regardless of whether you come to me or not.
- First and foremost is your health. A lot of people worry about health issues, especially with the increase over the last few decades of resistant strains of bacteria and viruses. I could pussyfoot around the subject, but health concerns are very real. Keep this in mind when you go looking for a shop. Is the shop clean? Are staff well groomed? How does the shop smell? How is it lit? Are work areas open and free of clutter? Use common sense when it comes to getting your tattoo. Now for the good news: it is very hard to transmit most bacteria and viruses. Many die within seconds of leaving the body, and if the shop uses proper sterilization techniques, the chances of transmitting anything harmful is very very low. Check your state laws that regulate tattoo artists and piercers. I know my state (Arizona) currently does not have any regulations as far as certifications and special training go. Even still, I have certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens. It's for your benefit to take the extra step to ensure your artist follows simple precautionary measures.
- This should go without saying but make sure the artist who is about to do work on you is qualified to do it. The only way to do this is to talk to them and see their portfolio. Things such as time in the industry and how much work they have are not always good qualifiers. There are some amazing artists who have only been tattooing for a year, and even more bad artists who have decades of work under their belt. You'd be amazed at the number of large complicated pieces I've done without the buyer having asked for my portfolio first.
- Do NOT get work done at someones home. It should be common sense, but it's harder and more expensive to repair "scratcher" work than it would have been to just get it done properly in the first place. If someone is willing to ignore laws regarding age limits to tattoo you at home, what else might they be overlooking? Most cases of a bloodborne disease transmitted via a tattoo occured from getting work done out of someone's home.
- Be willing to pay for good work. That's not to say go out and get gouged out of your money, but there's a reason tattoos are expensive; not everybody can do them well. Not to mention you are buying something that will last you a lifetime and beyond. I have a saying I tell a lot of my customers: "you can only take two things with you when you leave this world, your tattoos and your Sunday best." It gets a chuckle, but it's true. I'm not saying don't shop around, but keep in mind the artists skill level too.
- Lastly, have fun. Tattooes are awesome. They can be either a statement to the world, or a personal reminder of a summited mountain, either big or small. They are marks that define who we were, are, and will be. So come in, joke around, tell me who you are, and what it means. If you don't, I'm going to....
