How To Get A Tattoo

Stepping into a tattoo shop can be an intimidating experience for someone who has never gotten a tattoo. I will try to demystify the process.

How Much Will It Cost?

The price of a tattoo is determined by its size, location, detail, colors, and time it will take.

Ask for price quotes. If you think it is reasonable then make an appointment. Don't argue about the price. Personally, I think that is a rude thing to do. You wouldn't haggle with a car repair shop or a dentist would you? If you think the price is outrageous take your business somewhere else.

Most tattoos start at $50. My tattoos ranged from $40 (the triangle/fist) to $450 (for the butch/femme pair). You are not only paying for the artist's time, but their experience and any materials they have to use for your tattoo. If you want them to draw something for you, they will most likely charge you for that time. Remember cheap does not mean good when it comes to tattoos.

Who Should I Go To?

There are many, many great tattoos artists out there. Visit different shops. See how comfortable you are there, see how clean it is, look for licenses, awards, etc.

Ask to see their work (often available in photo albums or on a website). If you like someone's work, request that person. Don't just let the shop assign you an artist. The artists will have different abilities and specialties.

Ask around. If you know someone who has gotten a tattoo ask about their experience. If you see someone with a tattoo that you are impressed with, ask them where they had it done and who did it.

What Should I get?

Find something you like, but don�t go out and get it just yet. Keep it around for a few months and at the end of that time look at it again to see if you still like it.

I personally prefer drawing my own tattoos, but you can pick flash from the wall (which you can alter: switch colors, remove or add elements), or discuss an idea with the artist and have them draw something for you.

Anything Else I Should Know?

Eat and drink something before your tattoo. Don't drink alcohol or take asprin (blood thinners).

Remember to tip! If you are happy with your tattoo, give them a tip. I would recommend tipping if you plan on going to the same place to get a tattoo again. It builds a good artist/client relationship. Tips depend on the price of the tattoo and if you were happy with the end result. $5 to $20 is a good tip.

Don't whine, squirm, cry, or make faces. It not only distracts the artist, it annoys them. Artists respect you (and are thankful!) if you just sit there quietly and let them work. You know it is going to hurt, mentally prepare yourself! If you need to take a break, inform the artist. They most likely will welcome the break too.

It is not advisable to ask for tattoos on your hands or neck (except the back of the neck, since that is often covered by hair) if you are just starting out. Most places will not tattoo those areas unless you already have a good amount of visible tattoos. There are very real consequences to having visible tattoos and I can say that from personal experience. It is very taboo to have tattoos on your hands or other highly visible area and it makes it very hard in terms of employment. No matter how educated you are, an potential employer will probably make an assumption about you based on you being tattooed. I just think of it as a screening: if they don't want me to work there because I have tattoos, then I probably wouldn't have liked that work environment anyway!

One of the most common questions I get asked is: which one hurt the most (this question is usually asked after "Did it hurt?"). I would say my chest was the most painful (hence why it is spotty, because I was not brave enough to go back and get it touched up). Getting my hands done was also extremely painful. Anywhere where there is not much fat, the skin is thin, and/or where the bone is close to the surface is going to hurt A LOT.

After the Tattoo

The artist will verbally explain how to care for your tattoo and give you a piece of paper with the instructions. Be sure to diligently follow the instructions. This will most likely include information on how to clean your tattoo and keep it moist after it scabs, and info about not swimming or generally getting it wet until it heals.

For me, it is not unusual to feel sick and lightheaded after I get my tattoo. I've noticed that eating a candy bar or drinking juice, along with some rest afterwards helped.

Remember to always put sunscreen on the tattoo if you are going out into the sun (after it is healed. Don't expose it to sun if it is healing). The higher the SPF, the better. Tattoos will fade and become hazy if they are exposed to too much sun without protection.