Tattoo Talk Thursdays: Prepping For A Tattoo!
It feels like I haven't done an episode of Tattoo Talk Thursday in forever. It's been a year now since I started this series! Jesus, time really is racing. You won't have to wait as long for the next instalment because I've got one for you guys next three weeks! Don't get all excited, it probably won't last.
Before booking a tattoo appointment it's important to have an idea of what you want to get. Nothing is more irritating than someone walking into a shop and saying, "I'd love to get a tattoo, but I don't know what I want." That's never any help to the artist. Sure, some shops have flash you can choose from, but even still if you're on the fence about a rose or a skull it doesn't make the job easier. A tattoo isn't something one should really rush into, it's on your body forever. Trust me, I've rushed into a few tattoos and now I'm needed to have some of then either re-worked or covered up entirely. (No, the Taylor Swift one is not in that regret pile. I think it's pretty funny and the story behind it is always a crowd pleaser.) Most of the times when I'm wanting to get a tattoo I come in with a complete drawing. Some artists love it, some hate it. Or I'll come in with a design I'm wanting to do and ask them to tweak it, make it flow with the other pieces a little bit more, clean up the lines, shit like that. Always bring in reference material! That's the best thing you can do. Font ideas, images, colours, photos. Bring them to your artist. It's their job to help you get the best tattoo possible. They'll be able to tell you sizes, colours and what can work as a tattoo and what can't. Any good artist won't just look at something and be like "Yeah, I can do it." despite the fact it won't look good as a tattoo or won't hold up over time. Don't settle for their suggestions if it's not something you want either. Be open and honest with your artist; don't get something you're not really into because you're shy about things. Communication is what helps make great tattoos.
So number one is having artwork, photos or an idea you can give your artist to work with. Number two is a short and easy one. When you make the appointment, make sure that you have nothing right after getting tattooed. You don't want them to rush it and you don't want to have to rush someplace after sitting for a long session. I like to clear the entire afternoon/evening when I'm getting tattooed. It's not just cause the lads and I like to chat afterwards like we're a bunch of ladies in a knitting circle. It also allows for breaks if you need them.
Three through seven are self-care before your tattoo! It's so important to be well hydrated before a tattoo, but not so hydrated that you have to wee all the time. Bring something to drink with you, don't ask if you can dash next door for a soda or something. I've actually seen this done in a shop before and the artist was like "Excuse me?" And the woman was like, "Yeah, I just have to nip to the shop next door for a vitamin water. I'll be back in two shakes." She then got off the body table, grabbed her purse and went out. None of us could believe what the fuck just happened. Everyone was so stunned by what she said that no one thought to stop her; She could have left the shop with a half-finished tattoo she didn't pay for. Most, if not all, artists won't put up with this kind of shit. They expect you to come prepared for your tattoo, just as you expect them to be prepared to do it.
For me, I can't eat before a tattoo. So many people will tell you to eat an hour before a tattoo, but I just can't do it. If I do eat something before I get one its a few hours before I go under the needle. I know my body and I know what works for me. It's important to listen to what your body has to say. If you need a break during the tattoo for a snack or a drink. Trust me, they're used to it. They'll gladly stop so you can re-charge or get to a place in the tattoo where they can let you rest. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Some of the toughest guys and gals that are heavily inked have had to take breaks or even stop halfway through a tattoo session. Don't try and impress your mates, your girlfriend/boyfriend or at worst, the internet. Your body will thank you for it.
I've only had to take a break one time and I felt so awkward asking if we could. It was when I was getting the anatomical heart on my inner upper arm. The guy was really drilling into me, which is apparent in the tattoo, and me, being shy didn't know how to tell him I wanted him to stop. I let him hammer on for an hour and a half before I just jerked away. I knew it could have ruined the tattoo, but it just didn't matter. And actually looking at his "finished" product it wouldn't have made all that much difference. The tattoo isn't that great, some lines are way too thicky lined and the shading leaves a lot to be desired. He went way to heavy with the black shading. It probably could have been saved if I'd had the courage to stop him sooner. If I'd listened to my body, I'd have been able to stop him from going so deep and so long.
It's nice to arrive with the area pre-shaved for a tattoo if it needs to be. Don't lotion or use a heavily perfumed body wash on the area you're wanting to be tattooed. Don't wear cologne or perfume either if it's in an area you're tattooing. This may come as a shock but wear deodorant. That thought doesn't occur to some people. You're going to be in close contact with someone for at least an hour in most cases and they don't want to smell your sweat. Arrive clean to your appointment. It's not rocket science people. I always like to shower a few hours before the tattoo, that way the skin is clean and dry so there won't be problems applying the stencil. And clean clothes too. Don't dig something out of the washbasket or pick something up off the floor. I shouldn't have to say these things, but you'll be amazed at some of the shit that happens in tattoo shops.
Wear clothes that are loose or are easy to remove. Your artist has to be able to access the spot he or she is tattooing without clothing getting in the way. Tattoo appropriate clothing isn't something that always occurs to people, but it's important. Restricting clothing can also make you uncomfortable and more likely to move which is never good for a tattoo! Remember, it's a tattoo shop, not a fashion gala.
Lastly, don't show up drunk or high for a tattoo. I know, hypocritical of me, but it's not only for legal reasons. Some drugs and alcohol can thin the blood making you bleed more heavily when you're being tattooed. Always tell your artist if you take medications, any conditions you might have, especially those that impact healing and blood so that they can advise you on how to heal your tattoo and be prepared to alter or slow their tattooing style for you. Always check with your doctor before being tattooed if you have any medical conditions.
Bring an iPod and listen to music, that can help a tattoo go by faster, especially if it's a long session or if it's in an area where you can't really talk. Or bring something to watch if it's okay with your artist. Don't walk in and set up your laptop and be like "Imma watch a film here, mate." Always ask them beforehand; they may find it distracting or they'll have to have you lay/sit a certain way for a tattoo that wouldn't allow you to do that.
What do you guys do to get ready for tattoos? Do you guys have any tattoo tips you'd like to share?
LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjathesickboy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darkdreamingdan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkdreamingdaniel/
So number one is having artwork, photos or an idea you can give your artist to work with. Number two is a short and easy one. When you make the appointment, make sure that you have nothing right after getting tattooed. You don't want them to rush it and you don't want to have to rush someplace after sitting for a long session. I like to clear the entire afternoon/evening when I'm getting tattooed. It's not just cause the lads and I like to chat afterwards like we're a bunch of ladies in a knitting circle. It also allows for breaks if you need them.
Three through seven are self-care before your tattoo! It's so important to be well hydrated before a tattoo, but not so hydrated that you have to wee all the time. Bring something to drink with you, don't ask if you can dash next door for a soda or something. I've actually seen this done in a shop before and the artist was like "Excuse me?" And the woman was like, "Yeah, I just have to nip to the shop next door for a vitamin water. I'll be back in two shakes." She then got off the body table, grabbed her purse and went out. None of us could believe what the fuck just happened. Everyone was so stunned by what she said that no one thought to stop her; She could have left the shop with a half-finished tattoo she didn't pay for. Most, if not all, artists won't put up with this kind of shit. They expect you to come prepared for your tattoo, just as you expect them to be prepared to do it.
For me, I can't eat before a tattoo. So many people will tell you to eat an hour before a tattoo, but I just can't do it. If I do eat something before I get one its a few hours before I go under the needle. I know my body and I know what works for me. It's important to listen to what your body has to say. If you need a break during the tattoo for a snack or a drink. Trust me, they're used to it. They'll gladly stop so you can re-charge or get to a place in the tattoo where they can let you rest. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Some of the toughest guys and gals that are heavily inked have had to take breaks or even stop halfway through a tattoo session. Don't try and impress your mates, your girlfriend/boyfriend or at worst, the internet. Your body will thank you for it.
I've only had to take a break one time and I felt so awkward asking if we could. It was when I was getting the anatomical heart on my inner upper arm. The guy was really drilling into me, which is apparent in the tattoo, and me, being shy didn't know how to tell him I wanted him to stop. I let him hammer on for an hour and a half before I just jerked away. I knew it could have ruined the tattoo, but it just didn't matter. And actually looking at his "finished" product it wouldn't have made all that much difference. The tattoo isn't that great, some lines are way too thicky lined and the shading leaves a lot to be desired. He went way to heavy with the black shading. It probably could have been saved if I'd had the courage to stop him sooner. If I'd listened to my body, I'd have been able to stop him from going so deep and so long.
It's nice to arrive with the area pre-shaved for a tattoo if it needs to be. Don't lotion or use a heavily perfumed body wash on the area you're wanting to be tattooed. Don't wear cologne or perfume either if it's in an area you're tattooing. This may come as a shock but wear deodorant. That thought doesn't occur to some people. You're going to be in close contact with someone for at least an hour in most cases and they don't want to smell your sweat. Arrive clean to your appointment. It's not rocket science people. I always like to shower a few hours before the tattoo, that way the skin is clean and dry so there won't be problems applying the stencil. And clean clothes too. Don't dig something out of the washbasket or pick something up off the floor. I shouldn't have to say these things, but you'll be amazed at some of the shit that happens in tattoo shops.
Wear clothes that are loose or are easy to remove. Your artist has to be able to access the spot he or she is tattooing without clothing getting in the way. Tattoo appropriate clothing isn't something that always occurs to people, but it's important. Restricting clothing can also make you uncomfortable and more likely to move which is never good for a tattoo! Remember, it's a tattoo shop, not a fashion gala.
Lastly, don't show up drunk or high for a tattoo. I know, hypocritical of me, but it's not only for legal reasons. Some drugs and alcohol can thin the blood making you bleed more heavily when you're being tattooed. Always tell your artist if you take medications, any conditions you might have, especially those that impact healing and blood so that they can advise you on how to heal your tattoo and be prepared to alter or slow their tattooing style for you. Always check with your doctor before being tattooed if you have any medical conditions.
Bring an iPod and listen to music, that can help a tattoo go by faster, especially if it's a long session or if it's in an area where you can't really talk. Or bring something to watch if it's okay with your artist. Don't walk in and set up your laptop and be like "Imma watch a film here, mate." Always ask them beforehand; they may find it distracting or they'll have to have you lay/sit a certain way for a tattoo that wouldn't allow you to do that.
What do you guys do to get ready for tattoos? Do you guys have any tattoo tips you'd like to share?
LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjathesickboy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darkdreamingdan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkdreamingdaniel/
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