I consider getting a tattoo

[Rappalores]

So yea, I am considering to get a tattoo, maybe not even one but two. This has been on my mind since around September last year.

 

I don't want to rush things, to avoid a regrettable decision on the one hand and to have a long enough period of time to think about it, if I really want it, on the other hand. The thing is, I know nothing about them. I'm living in a pretty rural area, so I should/could/want to visit a studio in a big city, I also got something on my mind about what they should display. What do I have to take care of? What is there that I need to know? Where can I check and see for the best studios/artists in my area? What would you recommend me to do?

 

I know this is a rather painful procedure, I know it's costly, I know it is not done in a breath, I am fully aware that people might look at me differently.

 

Maybe you can point me into the right direction, emphasize things I probably didn't think about yet, especially by the people that have a tattoo already.

 

Thanks!

[Volbet]

The prep you have to do depends on the studio. Some wants you to come up with your own designes, while others are more than happy to help you design one (at a cost, of course).

As for picking a studio/artist you would have to look at their portfolio, both in terms of overall quality of their work and at what type of work they specialize in.

An artist that's good at portraits might not be good at abstract patterns and vice versa.

Online resources is also your friend. Everyone from Google to Yelp will have reviews you can look at.

 

Another thing, which I unfortunately see way to many people skip, is to check the hygiene of the establishment. Do they use disposable needles and/or do they sterilize their needles. You won't be happy if your tattoo comes with a complimentary dose of hepatitis.

Also check if they wear gloves and also wrap the tattoo gun and cord in protective wrap.

 

You should also be aware of potential allergies. Some people can have a very serious allergic reactions to tattoo ink (especially red and green ink), which, in a worst case scenario, can lead to necrosis.

[Ithanul]

1 hour ago, Volbet said:

Another thing, which I unfortunately see way to many people skip, is to check the hygiene of the establishment. Do they use disposable needles and/or do they sterilize their needles. You won't be happy if your tattoo comes with a complimentary dose of hepatitis.

Also check if they wear gloves and also wrap the tattoo gun and cord in protective wrap.

 

You should also be aware of potential allergies. Some people do get very serious allergic reactions to tattoo ink (especially red and green ink), which in a worst case scenario can lead to necrosis.

This, ask question on how they handle the needles and what the ink formula is made up of.

Also, researching about the tattoo studio helps as well. 

 

Also, there are care products that help with the healing process of the skin once a tattoo is done.  Usually a good studio will sell those or advise which products to use and how to take care of a new tattoo.

[RoyalGamer1]

Usally before you get it done you go in and talk with the artist and they go over everything with you and then you set up a date and time for the real deal. They never just give you a tattoo and let you leave if you never had one before. They make sure you know everything about it beforehand. And if they don’t it’s a shitty shop and get out ASAP

[RoyalGamer1]

beat way to pick an artist is word of mouth. Ask people you know ask on like Facebook. People who live around you and can point you in that direction. Because we can’t unless we know where you live and happen to have a user live in the same town that has tattoos from more then one artist in your area. I think that's a slim chance compared to a Facebook post 

[LAwLz]

If you want a tips I'd say don't get a tattoo you can't cover up with clothes. So nothing in the face, on the neck, on your hands or places like that. Those tend to look inappropriate.

Go for something like your back, high up on your arm or leg.

[Rappalores]

I have no known allergies, though my test didn't include tattoo ink I guess

 

Thanks for your answers - I guess my places of choice (forearm and wrist) aren't the best spots then. One thing I was thinking about today, do they do some sort of pre-ink test if you haven't had a tattoo before, to test that one can sit through the session itself and/or to see if you are fine with it? Also, does wound healing affect the outcome of it in any way?

 

Also yea, I doubt someone from here would be from my area, tbh, such a dullsville where I'm living.

 

I was thinking of looking for a studio/artist in the Ruhrgebiet area - Krefeld and Düsseldorf are easily reached.

[Volbet]

3 hours ago, Rappalores said:

Thanks for your answers - I guess my places of choice (forearm and wrist) aren't the best spots then. One thing I was thinking about today, do they do some sort of pre-ink test if you haven't had a tattoo before, to test that one can sit through the session itself and/or to see if you are fine with it? Also, does wound healing affect the outcome of it in any way?

The placement is all up to you, honestly. While I 100% agree with @LAwLz on not being tattooed on hands, neck, face, ect, it's up to you in the end. 

Although, I will just warn and say that getting a tattoo on your wrist will hurt like a motherfucker. At least it did for me. 

If you want to minimize pain you'll need to stick to areas with a layer of  muscle and/or fat, so, your back (although bot on your spine), stomach, thigh, calves, upper arm are all good choices. 

 

I have never experienced a tattoo artist do a pre-ink test. Nor have I known anyone that have done that. 

If you want to "try" getting a tattoo without the ink, then grap a sewing needle, press it against your skin (without puncturing the skin) and drag it along your skin. 

That is kinda what getting inked feels like. 

 

Wound healing does have an effect on how much ink you can accept in one sitting. You can risk that your skin basically rejects the ink, which is usually made worse if your skin doesn't heal too well. 

My usually recommendation for this is to apply some moisurizing cream, panthenol cream or medical olive oil to the tattoo while it's healing. 

 

These reasons are also why your artist should include a revist in the price. Most tattoos needs a touch-up after a months time due to the above mentioned rejection. 

[Rappalores]

49 minutes ago, Volbet said:

Wound healing does have an effect on how much ink you can accept in one sitting. You can risk that your skin basically rejects the ink, which is usually made worse if your skin doesn't heal too well. 

My usually recommendation for this is to apply some moisurizing cream, panthenol cream or medical olive oil to the tattoo while it's healing. 

 

These reasons are also why your artist should include a revist in the price. Most tattoos needs a touch-up after a months time due to the above mentioned rekjection. 

I have not that great wound healing, or very "rigid" skin, got some strech marks here and there, all faded by now but you can still feel where they were. Does that affect it much? Also thanks about the tip with the needle, I'll try that out.

 

As for colours, I actually wanted it to be black and not colored. The thing I want to get would work both ways, but I guess black/one coloured is cheaper

[DFX12]

1. Dont cheap out. If anyone ever says " i know a guy who will give you a good deal"  just stay away.

 

2.  Shop around and don't be afraid to go into a shop and tell them your thinking about getting a tattoo and want to see some of their designs. If they give you the "your a newb and your stupid" feeling they can go f themselves. Just walk out and leave. Yes this may happen but this leads to number 3

 

3. Tattoos dont make you cool, anyone who thinks they are better than you for having more ink is an idiot.

 

4. Don't get hung up to much on what to get. No one ever looks down at their arm at age 70 and goes "ohh i really love this blank skin I have"

There's nothing wrong with getting a tattoo because it's done by a good artist and looks nice. It doesn't have to have a fancy meaning, i mean if it does, great but tattoo's can just be something you think looks nice.

 

5. Aftercare. Your going to find different schools of thought. Everyones skin is a little different and will heal differently. 

I can't find the link that i like but coles notes version: clean it with scent free handsoap, apply a small amount of product like  aquaphor and again keep it clean. You dont need to be expensive aftercare products but you can if it makes you feel more comfortable.