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?

TIPS ON AFTER CARE OF TATTOOS
By Joanna Wallace

So you just got your first tattoo, and you keep reiterating what your artist said in your head over and over, but you aren't 100% sure....Then he mentioned aftercare products other than the ones he gave you...Then those special lotions...Then your friend said to use something that your artist said not to do...All of those contradicting views and do's and don'ts aside, this is what I've found to do for after care from most artists and people with dozens of tattoos.

When your tattoo is done, whether its saran wrapped or bandaged, keep it that way for at least a few hours after it has been done. Even over night if you feel like it. Make sure there's lots of A&D on there and remember, DON'T FUCK WITH IT! Keep it on, and just try not to think about it. Your artist covered it up for a reason- to keep all those germs out. This is just like an open wound, you wouldn't leave a fresh wound open to germs that could infect it, would you?

When you decide to remove the wrap, take it off gently and wash it with lukewarm water and non-scented anti-bacterial soap. DO NOT SCRUB! Pat dry and put a dab of A&D or Bacitracin (or what you prefer) on top of your new ink. Make sure to keep it very moist and reapply if it gets patchy or dry. Personally, I like A&D (medical kind, not baby rash kind) the best because it doesn't really absorb as fast as Lubriderm or Jergens because its very thick, making for less applications and touch ups. Don't use Neosporin. This was not made for tattoos, just scrapes. It usually has weird after effects and tends to pull ink. You'll find over the next couple of days, it might get a sort of gummy film on it. Wash this off! This is breeding ground for germs and could get infected, which would not be good. Make sure to wash it 3-5 times a day for the first week. You want to be OCD with this thing. Its the fanciest scrape you ever got, right?

After the first couple days, your tattoo will probably start to scab a little and peel. IT IS CRUCIAL..CRUCIAL!!! that you don't pick at it. I know, its so tempting and itchy, but don't! This could damage how even the ink may come out and will make your healing time last longer. Instead of itching, slap at it (it does work!) and apply lotion. Move away from the thicker stuff and move onto an unscenting moisturinzing lotion. Apply this like there is no tomorrow. If you put it in the fridge, it seems to help, especially if it is stinging.

Your scabs will eventually start falling off and should be completely gone within two weeks of your visit to the parlor. If you need touch ups, then would be a good time to get them, because you want the ink to "age" all at the same time. Don't be afraid to go back, as most artists don't charge for touch ups. Ask them before you actually do commit to get your tattoo.

After all your touch ups are done and your tattoo looks great, from here on out, I would suggest putting sunblock on them every time you leave the house. Make it a habit! Also, don't shave over your tattoo. I've gotten some weird effects on my tattoos and it hurts! I also have some friends who get them all the time and its a constant battle for them.

Now that your tattoo is beautiful and healthy, go back and get more! Do it over again! The more you go back, the less it hurts (at least to me). Good luck!