Today’s blog is about new tattoo hints and tips and all you need to know about a new tattoo.
Start with the style you want then choose the artist that specializes in that style.
So you want a specific style and you just walk into a tattoo studio, don’t be surprised if the artist recommends other artists that could do a better job.
This is because the particular style you are after might not be what they specialize in. They could do it, but not as good as an artist who has a passion for the style you are after.
Keep in mind, you are choosing a piece of art.
First “the art style”.
Then the tattooist (the skilled expert) second.
You are buying two things: 1/. A piece of art, and 2/. A professional to put it on your skin.
Be sure your chosen reputable tattoo artist and studio is registered with their licence on display.
Does the artist doing your work follow safe hygiene procedures?
For example, new gloves (worn at all times) and a new sterilized needle at the start of every session.
Get Your Design Right.
Work on your tattoo design repeatedly until you are completely satisfied with it.
Now you know what you want and it’s in your head … you have to explain exactly what that looks like to your tattoo artist. This can be very difficult so take a few photos, images or sketches of different elements of your future tattoo.
Example: Mermaid tattoo –
The Agreement. Tattoo Hints and Tips.
Take suggestions from your tattoo artist on board, but don’t be guided into something you don’t want. It’s your tattoo, you’re wearing it, but if the artist says, “The words are too small and need to be slightly bigger”, take the advice into consideration. After all, the artist does this all day long and sees small mistakes that could have made a good tattoo great.
At the other end of the spectrum … don’t nit-pick on the exact shade of colour, distance between A and B, or the number of eyelashes. If you’ve done your research and chosen the right artist and conveyed your idea properly you will be really pleased with the results. Remember, a good tattoo artist is intensely proud of their work and wants you to wear it with pride, too. And it goes without saying, ‘you become their advertising billboard’, so they want you to have exactly what you want so you recommend them to your friends.
There are always customers that have no idea what they really want, or they know exactly what they want in infinite detail. These customers force the artist to simply replicate someone else’s work.
The dream customer and the new tattoo.
The dream customer has researched the artist, knows their style and caliber. They come into the studio and say to the artist something along the lines of, “I want mermaid sleeping underwater with her head resting on her hands on the sea bed. Her hair and tail gently moving in the current as she rests. And, … I want it placed here somewhere. I want it to exude a sense of calm”. This gives the artist creative licence. After all, they are an artist and they want to express themselves. The dream customer doesn’t come back for add-ons or modifications to bespoke artwork and they are very comfortable and proud wearing a unique piece from a specific artist; like wearing a Monet. You could think of it like ‘commissioning a painting’, with you being the canvas.
Flash: The ability to walk in and get an image off the studio wall to be tattooed. There may be an opportunity to use an artist’s flash sheet. Go through their portfolio to see their unique art ready to be put on a client who loves it.
Sessions
Ask how many sessions it may take to complete your new tattoo.
Price
A professional tattoo artist will have a set price to do your artwork. This is not negotiable. Haggling with an artist is disrespectful of their expertise, reputation and professionalism. Always remember great tattoos aren’t cheap. If you want a great tattoo and don’t have the budget for it yet … save some more money, it will be worth it. True, some artists have an hourly rate but again be respectful; you will get exactly what you pay for.
If you are in another country where it is customary to negotiate price then make sure you agree on an hourly rate and the estimated total cost. Don’t pay a cheap price and get a cheap job because you will regret it and end up spending more on a ‘cover-up’ piece.
If you have a strict budget, tell your tattoo artist before you start so together you can manage the outcome.
Tipping: Not expected, but greatly appreciated. It’s a direct reflection of how you feel about your tattoo. Normally 20-30% in monetary terms or consider a cool gift of the same value you know the artist will be into.
Paperwork
Complete any necessary paperwork.
Check It!
Check all tattooed word spelling thoroughly before you start and during; because it’s too late at the end of the job to realise something is spelled incorrectly.
Starting a new tattoo on the upper arm. new tattoo hints and tips.
Whether a tattoo is small or large … you’re going to feel it. When the pain gets a little too much, tell your artist when you need a break.
Do not consume any ibuprofen or aspirin before your appointment as these can thin your blood and may cause excessive bleeding. Immediately tell the tattoo artist if you start to feel unwell during the session. Pain is an interest beast and even the strongest of individuals can have their body over-ride their metal willpower resulting in passing out. Speak up and let the artistknow.
New Tattoo Hints and Tips. Things Your Tattoo Artist Needs To Know Before Starting
Discuss any medications you are on with you tattoo artist.
Your Preparation
The Consultation
Make an appointment to go in and talk to your tattoo artist of choice. There you will get to discuss colour, size, style, location, price and every other aspect of your work.
The night before getting a tattoo
It’s important to not have alcohol the night before. Alcohol can cause the body to thin the blood which will cause you to bleed more unnecessarily. Obviously, being drunk on the day is not a good idea and has proven to be the catalyst for poor decision making and regretful tattoos.
More New Tattoo Hints and Tips. Number one thing on the day: “Get your personal hygiene in order”.
Make sure you shower, shave, brush your teeth just before your appointment. Your tattoo artist is going to be up close and personal and they will be very appreciative if you are clean and odour free. Whats more, you will have less chances of issues if you have good personal hygiene.
Eating
Make sure you have something to eat before you start. Eating whilst being tattooed is unhygienic and causes movement which is not ideal. Additionally, it is illegal to eat while being tattooed in some places so eat before you go to your appointment.
Be patient
Arrive for your appointment a few minutes early and relax! Don’t squeeze the appointment in between your other things. Set a big slice of your day aside; especially if you are a ‘walk-in’. Be patient. It takes a while to clear, clean and sterilise a workstation from the last client in preparation for you. Discussing, designing and placing a piece also takes time. It all must be right.In the chair. More new Tattoo Hints and Tips.
As long as you are ‘still’ you can bring a book, or movie to watch. You may just want to listen to music. Whatever you do, consider your tattoo artist. Some artists talk a lot, others are very quiet while they concentrate on making you a masterpiece. Don’t initiate a conversation first with your artist. If they are quiet and focused, put some buds in your ears and tune out. They are making your tattoo something special. It’s how some artists work best.
In the chair with the artist at work on a full color tattoo.
Don’t ‘stare at the tattoo artist at work’. There is nothing more off-putting than having someone stare at your work while you’re doing it and trying to live up to their expectation at the same time.
Don’t touch the cleaned and prepped stencil area because it will have to be re-done.
Don’t touch the new tattoo as your hands have bacteria and you don’t want to transfer it around the studio. You also risk infection in your fresh wound.
Your entourage
Preferably, go to your appointment alone. If you need support, take a friend. Don’t take a group of people who are going to distract the artist, fill up the studio and be a nuance. Your artist needs to concentrate on the task at hand and for you to be still, not jiggle about laughing with your friends.
Clothing
Wear soft, loose clothing that is easy to remove, free of loose fibres and will not rub or have scratchy seams.
Ladies only
Try to avoid having your tattoo session at the same time as your period because the pain will be amplified. Even areas normally moderate in intensity will be magnified and unpleasant.
SUMMARY
The tattoo culture may seem ‘rough and ready’, but the truth is it is full of wonderfully talented professional artists who love art, love tattooing, love happy customers and are intensely proud of their work.
So take these new tattoo hints and tips and utilize them to both your and the artists advantage.
