Get Up Edina!

HOW TO FIND A GOOD TATTOO ARTIST
By Joanna Wallace

For those of you who are looking to get your first tattoo, or those wanting to change their artist, you know how daunting of a task this can be. Someone that will permanently imbed ink into your skin should be someone you can trust, that you like, and most of all, are comfortable handing over your flesh to. The main reason I'm writing this is because I know how intimidating it is trying to walk into a tattoo parlor and have the artists and their buddies that are hanging there give you the look down. I don't want you to go through that! With a little confidence and research, you'll be able to find a nice and talented tattoo artist that won't freak you out the moment they lay that needle into your skin.

TIP ONE: "LOOKIT THAT GUYS TATTOO!"

When you're out in public, you're bound to see tons of people with tattoos. If you're as picky as I am, you think most of them suck. Yeah, most of them do suck...BUT! Occasionally you will see that piece that is so amazingly done, you'll be burning a hole through the person who calls it his or her own. Don't be a creep and admire from a distance, approach them and ask them, "Do you mind me asking you where you got your tattoo done at?" Usually, they'll be pretty open minded and willing to talk about it. Ask them what shop they went to, where it’s at, who did it, how much it cost, and if they (personally) like their artist and if they'd recommend going to that particular artist. If you decide to pursue that artist, tell them that you got the recommendation from the person you talked to (make sure to get their name, too!) This could result in some sort of discount for you or them. (Maybe!)


TIP TWO: DO NOT SKIP THE PORTFOLIO!

This is very, very, very important! If you have gone into a parlor, and it seems like a kind of atmosphere you like (clean, friendly, informative) flip through all the portfolios (some shops even have their portfolios online, which makes it easier on you). See something you like? ASK! If the artist is there, sit and chat for a while (unless if they're busy with another client). Even if their portfolio doesn't include something that you would get done on yourself, but it shows that the artist has good skill, they are worth talking to. Good things to look for is that they have clean lines, their shading that flows well, and their colors are mature. When I say mature, I mean that they stray from basic colors. This shows that they're good at mixing inks. Another thing that helps is bringing an idea of what you would want. (Your artist is not psychic to what you want) Don't just pick some flash off the walls! When you find an artist you are interested in, ask the them how up to date their portfolio is, what they would charge for your design, what days they are available, and especially if they want to do your tattoo. I know that sounds like a weird thing to ask someone that you would be paying, but if they are willing and like the piece, it will come out better. My artist talks about how sick he gets of doing the same old stuff on people. Also, if they don't answer all your questions about their work or what you want, don't go back. You don't want some prick tattooing you. Another thing I would suggest is don't get tattooed at the first place you visit. Do not rush something like this. It may be exciting and tempting to just go for it, but shop around. You wouldn't make a big purchase without shopping around first, right?



Member of the Yakuza getting tattooed.


TIP THREE: WHERE'S SHOP?

I went on a crusade and called most of the shops in my immediate area from the time I turned 16 until I got my first tattoo. On my "research" I found that most of the shops close to local Universities and downtown hipster areas are a total rip off. Artists at these spots are usually dicks, too. See, I think the thing is that since tourists and students are near these areas, the artists know that they're probably one-timers. And believe it or not, if they think you are a "one-timer", they'll charge you an arm and a leg. My artist told me that himself. Also, these artists in more "hip" areas are used to doing the trendy tattoos.Butterflies, nautical stars, the same sailor jerry-type pin up girls, tribal, simple celtic stuff...So usually, these places aren't really the place you'd want to go for say, an elaborate backpiece. If you want, you can go in with your idea on paper and ask them for an appraisal. Then go to some place NOT near campus or downtown and ask them. I'm sure you'll get totally different prices and attitudes.


Getting my first tattoo as soon as I turned 18.

TIP FOUR: BE COURTEOUS!

Make sure that when you do find your tattoo artist, you have an entire day to yourself (and probably the next day to get over the sting). You do not want to rush these people! I mean, you don't want it to look like Helen Keller did your tattoo. (When I got my second tattoo, I had to leave in the middle of my sitting to go to work. That SUCKED. Then I graduated the next day and I smelled like A&D. Not very smart on my behalf.) When you go in, definitely be clean, fed (low blood sugar is bad while being tattooed!), not sun burnt, and for women, not menstruating. (Some artists say that women who are menstruating while getting tattooed feel more pain due to sensitivity and whatnot. Don't put my word on that! Its only what I've heard!) . Finally, when your artist is done, make sure to thank them a lot and tip them pretty well. (Tip is usually $10-$20 or about 10% of the cost) Usually, the better you tip, the more they like you. A majority of tattoo artists live on commission, so they really need the cash. Also, if you decide to go back and get more (which you probably will) they'll probably remember you better than the dude who stiffed them and ran. Take some cards from the shop before you leave if the artist doesn't give you some. If someone asks you, "where'd you get that done at?" your artist will really appreciate you giving them business. It also helps if you write your name and the artists name on there (so the artist knows that its you that sent them. brownie points, ya know?)
I hope this helped someone out there be a little less intimidated by the world of tattooing. Once you get into it, you'll probably keep going back. Better than spending your cash on utilities, right?