638 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6BJ
28 New Road, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9HU
Beginner's Guide to Getting a Tattoo
Where do I go?
Choice of artist and studio has never been so great, there has recently been
a huge increase in the amount of new places opening and even though these
may be registered with the local council, this is no proof of their expertise
or skill. It is entirely up to you to satisfy yourself of this so ask questions,
has the artist or studio you have chosen got a proven track record? Have they
been in business long? Can they give you assurances in writing of their history
and their capabilities? Many places will make extravagant claims as to who
taught them and where and how long they have been working.
John's advice is
If they don't, won't, or can't put their claims in writing ignore them and
look elsewhere.
What design should I choose?
This is a very personal choice, a good artist can advise but should not choose
for you, but might in extreme cases refuse to carry out the work if thought
unsuitable or offensive to someone.
John's advice is
A tattoo is a permanent mark, even though lasers can remove some inks they
are not guaranteed to work on all tattoos, it is safer to consider your choice
as permanent and be wary of having names of clubs or affiliations which may
not be as permanent, also remember a tattoo will outlast the majority of romances.
Upon which part of my body do I put my
tattoo?
Again your own choice but a good artist will use his/her skill and experience
to advise on placement, this is a part of the process where it is probably
best to give the artist a little freedom (this does not mean letting them
totally change the area but allow them to use their skill to position it correctly).
John's advice is
Stand naked in front of a mirror and mark the spot with a pen, then you can
move around looking and checking the aesthetics of your choice, then maybe
add clothing to see what it would look like in every day situations. It is
doubtful that you will want to show it at all times so it will probably be
best that your clothes can cover it.
What is the risk of infection or disease?
If you choose your artist with care (as in your first question) none at all
, provided you follow the simple aftercare procedures given to you. At our
studios (and in this matter we can only speak of our own studios) you will
be given a totally new needle, unlike some studios which sterilise and reuse
them. The tube or part of the equipment that holds the ink will have been
ultrasonically cleansed and then autoclave sterilised, eliminating any possibility
of passing on through soiled equipment any virus or germ, but of course we
cannot be held responsible for any negligence in your not following our simple
aftercare instruction once you have left the studio.
Should I have a small one first to try
it out?
This is sadly the choice of most people when they enter the world of tattoo,
the majority who take this path normally later regret it and want to enlarge
or cover with a bigger piece than their first choice.
John's advice is
Try to think deeply what your plan is going to be eventually, maybe make a
choice of design which can easily be added to or carried on to cover a larger
area. It is a fact that larger pieces of work tend to weather the test of
time better than small works. Don't be led into believing that lots of intricate
lined details are good, if you look at the majority of 20 year old tattoos
you will see that this is in fact the opposite. The famous Japanese skins
are a testament to this as they still look good and clear even after the death
of the wearer. Don't make the mistake of thinking a sleeve is made by joining
little tattoos together, this is only the case if you have made the wrong
decision in the first place, start as you mean to end.
The million dollar question is does it
hurt?
Yep it sure does! Varying from a mild irritation to a sharp smarting (but
still bearable) sensation, but just look around, if it was so bad would we
all have so many? And in 80% of cases return for more !
John's advice is
Be sure you enter the studio in a relaxed state of mind - don't come in after
a night on the tiles. Be sure to eat a little a few hours before your appointment.
Maybe bring a friend to accompany you whilst you wait but don't bring an audience,
inevitably this will add to your stress and will annoy or distract the artist.
What ingredients make a good tattoo?
Good equipment, clean hygienic surroundings, a skilled and experienced practitioner,
and last but absolutely not least, a relaxed, sensible, imaginative and patient
client. At Dragon Fashions studios we are happy that we can satisfy all of
the above criteria and more. All we need is the aforementioned client. If
this is you we look forward to meeting you soon. If for some reason you cannot
make it to one of our studios (or see us at a convention) please make sure
that your choice is a good one. There are good places out there but sadly
also extremly bad ones.
"We only use disposable needles at this studio."
OK, we know every body tells you that but how can you check? Well its quite simple, after you have recieved your tattoo you will see the artist reach for a 'sharps-safe' (a container used for the safe storage of contaminated needles). Then you will see that they take off the needles (normally using a candle, cigarette lighter or flame of some kind) and dispose of them immediatly into the 'sharps-safe'.
If it's your first tattoo you can feel safe with this knowledge. If you have previously been tattooed elsewhere ask yourself "did I get and witness this assurance?" If you plan to use another studio or artist will they give you this assurance? Further more will they allow you to witness the disposal of the needles?
Another indication can sometimes be price, if the tattoo studio works too cheap how can they possibly be making a profit with out skimping on equipment, quality, and replacement? Some places will fob you off with excuses or might even tell you that their needles are so special they can indeed be sterilised. If you are so gullible as to believe this then go ahead, after all its your life and health, isnt it?