There is an amazing amount of dis-information out there concerning Tattoos. Over the next few issues I will try to help you sort through some of this.
First off, let me say that there is very little in today's disposable society that you will purchase today that is going to last you a lifetime, let alone that you will wear forever.
So let's start with choosing a studio/artist. There are a lot of people operating tattoo machines out there but very few tattoo artists. Far too many “ tattooers” are working on clients way before they are ready (and I was one of them). With little regard to the client that has to wear the learning stage tattoo. There are many shops that employ substandard tattooists just as money generators. Caveat Emptor!
Good tattoo artists take pride in their craft and strive to excel and exceed customer expectations with every piece they do. A good Tattoo artist also does the best to ensure that the experience is as safe, comfortable and professional as it can be. Continuing education in the arts, blood borne pathogen procedures and products, equipment, techniques, inks and after care.
The biggest MISTAKE I see is when people are thinking about ink is asking online “who's the best”. More often than not, the responses are a long drawn out popularity contest. Filled with undeserved praise or disrespectful comments.
Do your research. If you see GOOD INK on some one, ask them about it, the majority of people with good ink are more than willing to help guide you in the right direction. Most reputable shops have a web presence, search out the portfolios on line. You don't have to be an Expert® to tell quality from substandard work.
When you have a few narrowed down. Visit the studio, Check for cleanliness, professionalism, and equally or more importantly look at the portfolios. Be careful of being tricked by pretty /cute pictures. Look for quality of lines, saturation, techniques, variety etc. That being said, I know a few world class, amazing artists that haven't updated their portfolios in years.
Studio parlor or buddy's basement. Sadly, this has to be addressed. The professional artist will provide a clean sterile environment to tattoo. With proper disinfectants, protective barriers on surfaces and equipment. Proper disposal of contaminated material, and on and on. At the time of this printing I am unaware of a health board approved, licensed home studio. I am aware of some big name artists that do tattoo out of home. However they have a separate clinically clean area designated for tattoo. Not an area that served hamburger helper and needs to keep the dogs off you while being tattooed. A quality artist will have no problem finding a reputable studio to work in, temporary or otherwise. Again, these are strong suggestions, there are some exceptions to the rule, but what kind of nose job are you going to get with your friends home surgery kit.
Another factor to look at is pricing. Although fairly subjective, as with other businesses the studios that are reputable are generally with in a few dollars of each other. Those prices are based on normal business practices. The costs of operations, wages, rents, utilities, and a whole medical pre care, after care, inventory. Not to mention good grade inks, machines, sterile needles, medical supplies. The point is that the tattooers that are offering cut rate tattoos must be cutting corners somewhere.
There are other considerations in pricing as well, speed, quality, ability etc.
Please be safe, do your research, get a tattoo that you can be proud of. Think before you Ink.
#1 shop in quality & safety | 10215 102 St | (780) 830-3633 | www.inkspottattoo.ca
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