FAQ

Getting a Tattoo?

Here are some things to consider!

A tattoo will be on your body FOREVER.  It’s a commitment that should not be entered into lightly. This brochure was developed to assist you, the customer, in making an educated decision when it comes to finding the tattoo artist and studio that will best suit your needs.

Many people enter a tattoo studio with no idea of what they want.  As artists, we sometimes take for granted that the general public is not familiar with the procedures, practices, policies, or most importantly – the ethics of professional tattooing.

You must first decide what you want to put on your body…forever! It is ultimately your decision.  Great thought & consideration should be put into making the decision to be tattooed.  Most professional studios have sheets of flash on display, as well as portfolios and magazines to assist you in getting ideas for your own tattoo.  However, for ethical reasons the references provided should not be taken and exactly reproduced.  There are many reasons people choose to get tattooed, but ultimately it should reflect your individuality.

Once you know what you want, where you want to put it, a professional artist can collaborate with you from any form of visual reference and/or verbal collaboration to get your ideas in drawing form.

But who will tattoo you?

Remember, it’s the only body you have.  You want to get it right the first time.  Not every artist will be suited to fit your individual needs.  All professional artists will have an extensive portfolio of their artwork.  Check them out! Shop around!  Get a feel for what different studios and artists have to offer!

An experienced tattoo artist is capable of many different art styles, however, every artist has a certain style or technique that separates him/her from other artists of this medium.

Listen to what the artist is saying to you.  Do they seem knowledgeable? Do they make you feel comfortable?  Are they willing to take the time to sit down with you and create an individual pierce of artwork, no matter how large or small?  Or are they just as willing to take a design directly off the wall and reproduce it the exact way hundreds of other people have it done?

Aside from delivering quality artwork, your personal health and safety, as well as that of the artist, should be addressed immediately.  A professional tattoo artist will be up-to-date with annual Bloodborne Pathogen Training, which is required by the State of Michigan and federal law.  Ask your artist to see their current certificate of Bloodborne Pathogen training…YOUR LIFE COULD DEPEND ON IT!!

A professional tattoo artist will have knowledge of proper infection control, disinfection and sterilization techniques.

Every studio should have a steam autoclave for the sterilization of instruments.  Steam autoclaving is the process that destroys all forms of microbial life and prevents any viruses or bacteria from being passed from person-to-person.  If the autoclave is not in plain view, ask to see it!  Ask to see the current spore test results.  Every autoclave should be spore tested at least once a month by an outside monitoring service to ensure the device is working properly.

Ensure that all tattoo needles are single-use.  Tattoo needles should be disposed of into a regulated sharps container immediately after use the procedure to ensure they are never used again. The tables of the work area should be neat and clean.  How are work surfaces disinfected in between each client?  ASK QUESTIONS!  You have the right to know!

There is a difference between professionalism and arrogance.  Tattooing is viewed by professional artists as a sacred art form, not a passing trend.  There are morals and ethics that will not be compromised.  A professional artist will be up-front with you about what will or will not work for you as an individual. Every person is different, so not all design styles and pigment colors will work for all people. Skin type and tone will determine what will work best for you.

If you are indecisive about what you want to get, you may be asked to put more thought and consideration into your decision to be tattooed.

How much is your health and safety worth?  If you’re shopping for a tattoo based on price alone, you’re putting yourself in a situation where infection control and sterilization  practices are lacking, which leaves you open to potential infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or MRSA. Professional tattoo supplies and equipment are expensive! The cost of your tattoo should be fair and consistent according to the quality of the equipment and the experience and education of the artist.  You can not put a price on quality; especially when it is something you will be looking at everyday for the rest of your life! If you are shopping for a tattoo based on price alone, you may be asked to put more thought and consideration into your decision to be tattooed.

A professional tattoo artist will put a great deal of time and attention into creating your custom tattoo, no matter how large or small.  You should feel comfortable with your artist and the environment in which you are getting tattooed.

Your decision to be tattooed should be based on your own research and not that of what was best for someone else.   This way you are not only assured quality artwork in a clean and safe environment, but a positive experience you will carry with you FOREVER!

Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?

Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerancy to pain. I’m not going to kid you, though – it does hurt. Just not that much. Some have compared it to a “hot scratching feeling”. But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad! Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there.

Can I Still Get a Tattoo if I’m Sick?

Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn’t at 100% isn’t a good idea. You’re going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won’t be able to do if it’s already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it’s very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you’re feeling well again.

Why is my Tattoo Peeling and Flaking Off?

Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. Before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it’s covered with a whitish, cracking film. Then you’ll see white or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off and some of the flakes may even contain some ink. Sometimes you can actually see a duplicate image of part of your tattoo peeling off – it’s rather disconcerting, but it is also perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. It’s a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a little lotion (a LITTLE) to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do NOT scratch, pick or peel them. It will all be done in a few days and the color of your tattoo will start to return to normal.

Can a Mole be Tattooed Over?