NationStates Jolt Archive

When a person is getting a tattoo, what steps should they do before getting an actual tattoo?

Personally I've been thinking of getting a tattoo for several months. I've looked around looking at different pictures for inspiration, but I cannot for the life of me actually draw out my ideas.

Should I print out some pictures and take them to a local tattoo artist and explain what I want? Should I go to friends and have them sketch out what I want and then go to a tattoo artist?

I'm thinking of having some friends doing some sketches, and then going to a tattoo artist.

Also, once I've decided on what I want and am getting ready to get it, is there anything I do before I go and get the tattoo? Should I eat beforehand? Are there any foods I shouldn't eat before going? Things like that...

Should I tip the artist? I've heard people say yes and no. So I'm confused.

Also, any tips about caring for the tattoo after I get it would be helpful. I have friends with tattoos, so I have some first hand advice, and if I get one I'll no doubt get advice from the tattoo shop.

Any advice on the process of getting tattoos o' great nsgers?

When a person is getting a tattoo, what steps should they do before getting an actual tattoo?

Lots of booze

Personally I've been thinking of getting a tattoo for several months. I've looked around looking at different pictures for inspiration, but I cannot for the life of me actually draw out my ideas.


Get something simple, or you can find on the internet.

Should I print out some pictures and take them to a local tattoo artist and explain what I want? Should I go to friends and have them sketch out what I want and then go to a tattoo artist?

Yes.

I'm thinking of having some friends doing some sketches, and then going to a tattoo artist.

Sure.

Also, once I've decided on what I want and am getting ready to get it, is there anything I do before I go and get the tattoo? Should I eat beforehand? Are there any foods I shouldn't eat before going? Things like that...

Coffee with two drops(no more) of vizene (the eye drops).

Should I tip the artist? I've heard people say yes and no. So I'm confused.


Depends.

Also, any tips about caring for the tattoo after I get it would be helpful. I have friends with tattoos, so I have some first hand advice, and if I get one I'll no doubt get advice from the tattoo shop.

Pour rubbing alcohol on several hours laters.


Any advice on the process of getting tattoos o' great nsgers?

See above.

I think the idea of having friends do sketches is a good idea. That's what I'd do if I were getting a tattoo.

Don't actually have one, though, so I can't speak to what you should/shouldn't eat, etc.

Don't drink alcohol beforehand.
Get as many sketches as you like, you can normally then discuss with the tattoo artist if he/she can do any of them exactly, or if he/she will draw up another sketch based on those ideas.

My advise would be to take a look through the artist's portfolio and see if you like the work. Have a good look round the place and if it looks in any way dodgy or dirty, go elsewhere.
Don't have your tattoo done on the same day you decide on the place. You should at least wait 2 or 3 days, and see what second thoughts might come up.

Eat breakfast and be hydrated beforehand. Do not drink alcohol or donate blood by any means. Avoid otc painkillers (tylenol, ibprofen, and esp. asprin).

Get it drawn up however you want. I've done two of mine before, one is a logo, and the next will be done entirely by my artist.

Follow your artists care instructions.

Personally, I think you need to be solid on what you want and sit with it for awhile before you commit. Print pictures, have friends sketch if they're good artists, but also talk it out with the artist you choose.

Do your research! Don't just go to a place because you've heard of it, check it out. See if the place you're thinking of has a good reputation, look at artist portfolios, inspect the shop. The tattoo chair and surrounding area should be very clean and professional. Ask artists about their specific strengths (I like word tattoos, so I went to an artist that specializes in lettering).

I tip my artist. This is especially important if you're going to return to get more tattoos later.

Do not drink any alcohol or alter yourself in any way beforehand. First, it's dumb, and second, it's against most places' policies.

Last, follow ALL the artist's instructions afterwards. It will itch, it will scab, it will flake. RESIST. Otherwise you can pick out bits of the ink. Then you will have to slink back later for a touch up and the artist will scold you. *hangs head*

Lots of booze

Get something simple, or you can find on the internet.

Coffee with two drops(no more) of vizene (the eye drops).

Pour rubbing alcohol on several hours laters.

You are so cruel.

Once you've considered what tattoo you want, and where, imagine yourself as a seventy-year old with that tattoo. If you like that image go for it. :P

I took a drawing - the artist has to redraw it anyway and can do it a couple of times until you're happy so make sure they're a good artist first, some are not actually that good.

Other than that, be prepared to spend a while getting it done, it's rarely a half hour job and, this should be taken into consideration when thinking about the drawing, large single coloured spaces take ages so think about that, getting a huge balloon on your back is going to bug the artist.

The alcohol is, I think, about thinning the blood, how much you bleed and I suspect it's more of a bother for the artist to wipe away than any real problem for you, unless you're a hemophiliac, in which case, I suspect it's inadvisable overall.

Is hemophiliac spelled differently in the US, I want to put an 'a' into it, is it cos I is British?

When a person is getting a tattoo, what steps should they do before getting an actual tattoo?

First, figure out where you want it to go. Make sure you're comfortable having something quite permanent in that location. Personally, I have made sure that all of my tattoos are coverable by a standard t-shirt and shorts. That way, if I'm ever in the company of people I'd prefer not be aware of my ink, I can reasonably keep them unaware.


Personally I've been thinking of getting a tattoo for several months. I've looked around looking at different pictures for inspiration, but I cannot for the life of me actually draw out my ideas.

This is enormously important. Figure out what, exactly, you want done. Even if it's just a picture in your head, make sure you know what it is you envision being tattooed. Then sit on the idea for a good long while, to make sure it's not something impulsive. Once I decide on an idea for a tattoo, I think about it for a good two or three months. I've backed myself out of at least a dozen ideas that way. It has to be something you're totally in love with or you'll end up regretting it.


Should I print out some pictures and take them to a local tattoo artist and explain what I want? Should I go to friends and have them sketch out what I want and then go to a tattoo artist?

If, like me, you're not an artist, then find pictures on the internet of the major elements of your tattoo idea and print them out. Take them to a tattoo artist you trust. The best way to find a good artist is word of mouth. Ask people you know with multiple tattoos who did their favorite ones. Take your images and your idea to that artist and explain to him/her as clearly as you can what your vision is, and ask him to make you a sketch.


I'm thinking of having some friends doing some sketches, and then going to a tattoo artist.


This is a good idea, but be sure to take it to your tattoo artist and have him/her do their own sketch. You need to remember that they're the one that will be drawing it onto your body, so you want to be sure that their drawing will match your ideal image.


Also, once I've decided on what I want and am getting ready to get it, is there anything I do before I go and get the tattoo? Should I eat beforehand? Are there any foods I shouldn't eat before going? Things like that...

Don't go tired. Definitely don't go on an empty stomach. But don't necessarily go on a full stomach, either. If you're the squeemish type, bring some sort of antacid like Tums or Pepto with you. Bring one of those squishy stress balls to squeeze on during particularly painful moments if your pain tolerance is low.

It all depends on where you're getting the tattoo how much pain you'll experience. Biceps, thighs, upper back, chest...not so painful. Anywhere where bone is very near the surface...more painful.


Should I tip the artist? I've heard people say yes and no. So I'm confused.

A lot of the managers will tell you not to tip their artists, but I do anyway. Treat it like a restaurant. 15% or so. If you're getting some enormous, $600 tattoo, feel free to maybe tip a bit less.


Also, any tips about caring for the tattoo after I get it would be helpful. I have friends with tattoos, so I have some first hand advice, and if I get one I'll no doubt get advice from the tattoo shop.

I keep mine covered for the first couple of hours. Then, let it breathe. Ask your artist for some of the tattoo gunk that they use when they're doing the tattoo. Use that stuff for the first couple of days, then just use lotion afterwards. I would lotion mine up about 3 times a day for like 2 weeks or until it stops peeling, if it does peel. Make sure not to use lotion with any fragrances in it.


Any advice on the process of getting tattoos o' great nsgers?

It's going to itch. A lot. For the love of god, DON'T SCRATCH IT.

Also, they're addictive. Be ready to want more.

Is hemophiliac spelled differently in the US, I want to put an 'a' into it, is it cos I is British?Yes and yes.

Think about it for another year, eat a good meal, don't do any drugs o booze before you. Take plenty of drawings, both to scale and scetches of any ideas. It all depends on what sort of artist you go to, not all of them draw free hand.

Get someone to draw it on with henna first, live with it on there for a while and see if you like it.

I've wanted a tattoo since I was 8, a specific one since I was 15 but I promised my grandmother and mother I wouldn't do it until I was 25... I still haven't, I'm researching artists.

A tattoo is NOT something to be taken lightly, it's forever, even if you get it removed you will scar in the shape of the tattoo.

*snip*

All of this. If you do this, you'll be golden.


Only thing I could add is, especially when the tattoo is new, keep it covered with sunscreen if you are going to be out for a long time. Also, in the first two weeks, do NOT go into a pool, and especially not the ocean or a hot tub.

Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours beforehand. In fact, many places make you sign a waiver to affirm that this is the case. You'll bleed more if you have alcohol in your blood. For the same reason, Asprin isn't a good idea. Don't think about trying to numb the pain, it's not worth it, and it may affect the healing of your tattoo - which is not what you want on something permenant.

The best person to talk to about this is your tattoo artist. If they're any good (you should make sure they are) they'll be able to answer all your questions.

All of this. If you do this, you'll be golden.

Only thing I could add is, especially when the tattoo is new, keep it covered with sunscreen if you are going to be out for a long time. Also, in the first two weeks, do NOT go into a pool, and especially not the ocean or a hot tub.


Oh yeah, this is pretty important. People heal differently. Some people peel, others scab. Either way, try not to get your tattoo excessively wet for at least two weeks after it, otherwise the scab will absorb the water and the inks will leak out. Short showers! No baths!

You'll be told to moisturise it too, but for the reason above, don't go overboard. Obviously moisturise it if it's feeling dry, but don't massage it into a pulp. Don't use greasy moisturiser too, it'll make the inks run. Water based moisturisers are the best.

When a person is getting a tattoo, what steps should they do before getting an actual tattoo?

Personally I've been thinking of getting a tattoo for several months. I've looked around looking at different pictures for inspiration, but I cannot for the life of me actually draw out my ideas.

Should I print out some pictures and take them to a local tattoo artist and explain what I want? Should I go to friends and have them sketch out what I want and then go to a tattoo artist?

I'm thinking of having some friends doing some sketches, and then going to a tattoo artist.

Also, once I've decided on what I want and am getting ready to get it, is there anything I do before I go and get the tattoo? Should I eat beforehand? Are there any foods I shouldn't eat before going? Things like that...

Should I tip the artist? I've heard people say yes and no. So I'm confused.

Also, any tips about caring for the tattoo after I get it would be helpful. I have friends with tattoos, so I have some first hand advice, and if I get one I'll no doubt get advice from the tattoo shop.

Any advice on the process of getting tattoos o' great nsgers?

The old school traditional way is to get stinking drunk, and have your friends take you to the tattoo parlor when you're barely conscious. They pick the tat, the location, and take the money out of your wallet to pay for it.

You wake up the next morning, and there's your new tat.

Thanks everybody! Some great tips!

When a person is getting a tattoo, what steps should they do before getting an actual tattoo?
...
Any advice on the process of getting tattoos o' great nsgers?
Consider what it will look like in 10 years, 20 years, or when you're old and gray...
Consider what it will take to remove it if you are unhappy with it in a few...
Consider whether or not it will be prominently visible and whether that might affect your choice of career...

The old school traditional way is to get stinking drunk, and have your friends take you to the tattoo parlor when you're barely conscious. They pick the tat, the location, and take the money out of your wallet to pay for it.

You wake up the next morning, and there's your new tat.
What my shipmates and squadron buds may have done to me while I was drunk was one of the best excuses I ever had for not drinking to excess on cruises. Better to do it at home, when I only had to contend with my wife.

1. Think good, long, & hard about what you generally want, about how big, & about Where on you body you want it, (f.y.i.- some shops charge slightly more depending on body location).

2. Shop around for your shop, look at as many places as feasible, try to talk to people about where they got their work done, and if they were pleased with their experience. *** IF YOU DO NOT SEE SURGICAL GLOVE USE, AUTOCLAVE(S), AND EXCELLENT SANITARY PRACTICES, DO NOT GET INKED AT THIS SHOP!!!***

3. Sticker shock- yes they are expensive, but keep in mind that a tatoo is for life. Having said that, some shops are more expensive than others, of course, some with good reason, some, not so much.
a. shop around.
b. DO NOT HAGGLE WITH THE PERSON PUTTING PERMANENT MARKS UPON YOUR BODY.

4. Yes, yes they DO hurt, but not alot, and not for long. I would estimate the discomfort level as somewhere between a continuous mosquito/horsefly bite, but usually only for the outline, (which comes 1st), because by the time the outline is done, your body has dumped enough endorphins in the area to pretty much numb the site for coloring and/or shading.

5. REMEMBER! THE TAT YOU GET NOW IS THE TAT YOU WILL HAVE WHEN YOUR 90! CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN WISELY! (maybe SpongeBob isn't such a hot idea?)

6. Most shops nowadays WILL NOT work on you if you have been drinking, alcohol thins your blood, and makes you bleed more copiously, which is a huge pain in the ass for the artist, and can potentially affect their work, and they just don't want to deal with it.

Hope this helped. :)

If you've never shanked a fat dude whilst blind drunk, you have no business getting a tattoo of anything besides a pasty unicorn living in its parents's basement.

Don't get it anywhere visible. Don't drink before. Don't be hasty. Tipping has always been appropriate in my area of the country. Maybe this varies based on region?

Also, let the tattoo artist draw the final tattoo, they know what does and doesn't work on human skin. I've seen many great drawings by friends that look great on paper look like crap on the body.

Definately resarch your tatoo artist and make an appointment to talk to him or her ahead of time. Most of the time, they want to do that anyway. If you do have artwork a friend drew, or artwork off the internet, or whatever, make sure the artist knows you don't mind if they adapt it. Also, don't be afraid to speak up. If something looks off, say something. If you don't like the placement, or whatever, mention it. They would rather you say something. Their work on your body is a walking advertisement for them. They want you to be happy with it, and they want it to look good.

Oh yeah, this is pretty important. People heal differently. Some people peel, others scab. Either way, try not to get your tattoo excessively wet for at least two weeks after it, otherwise the scab will absorb the water and the inks will leak out. Short showers! No baths!

You'll be told to moisturise it too, but for the reason above, don't go overboard. Obviously moisturise it if it's feeling dry, but don't massage it into a pulp. Don't use greasy moisturiser too, it'll make the inks run. Water based moisturisers are the best.
mmm....not quite. It is fine to get it wet...the issue is more that pools, oceans, and especially hot tubs are laoded with germs and will easily lead to a nasty infection. To my knowledge, showering is fine. Baths are, however, probably a bad idea as you sit in your own dirt.


Moisturizer is also a great way to stop itching (itching is caused by the dry skin)

If you've never shanked a fat dude whilst blind drunk,

I don't think I understand your prison lingo. Straight guys can get tats too.

Also, any tips about caring for the tattoo after I get it would be helpful. I have friends with tattoos, so I have some first hand advice, and if I get one I'll no doubt get advice from the tattoo shop.

I put anti-biotic ointment (neosporin specifically) on both of mine for the first couple of days...

When a person is getting a tattoo, what steps should they do before getting an actual tattoo?

Personally I've been thinking of getting a tattoo for several months. I've looked around looking at different pictures for inspiration, but I cannot for the life of me actually draw out my ideas.

Should I print out some pictures and take them to a local tattoo artist and explain what I want? Should I go to friends and have them sketch out what I want and then go to a tattoo artist?

I'm thinking of having some friends doing some sketches, and then going to a tattoo artist.

Also, once I've decided on what I want and am getting ready to get it, is there anything I do before I go and get the tattoo? Should I eat beforehand? Are there any foods I shouldn't eat before going? Things like that...

Should I tip the artist? I've heard people say yes and no. So I'm confused.

Also, any tips about caring for the tattoo after I get it would be helpful. I have friends with tattoos, so I have some first hand advice, and if I get one I'll no doubt get advice from the tattoo shop.

Any advice on the process of getting tattoos o' great nsgers?

Personally, I want mine to 'mean' something. I don't much care for 'picture' tats, and I don't much care for writing - so for me, it always comes down to how good the artist is at doing what I, specifically, want.

You are the customer - so don't be pushed into a tattoo... but, at the same time, you are paying an artist for their work. That doesn't mean you should let someone paint Snow White on you, because that's what they feel like doing... but they should be giving you input too.

Coffee with two drops(no more) of vizene (the eye drops).

The active ingredient in Visine eye drops is Tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%. Swallowing this substance can result in a number of nasty effects, including:

Lowering body temperature to dangerous levels
Making breathing difficult, or even halting it entirely
Blurring vision
Causing nausea and vomiting
Elevating and then dropping blood pressure
Causing seizures or tremors
Sending the ingester into a coma
http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/visine.asp

Just watch a show called London Ink or Miami Ink

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/visine.asp

I'm pretty sure that was the intention, if you look at the rest of the advice.

Plus, we're all seen Wedding Crashers.

I put anti-biotic ointment (neosporin specifically) on both of mine for the first couple of days...

I've always been told not to put antibiotic ointment on, to just use the cream they give you... something about scabbing.

I've always been told not to put antibiotic ointment on, to just use the cream they give you... something about scabbing.

That's what I was told too. I'm betting advice has changed over the years for tattoos like it has for piercings (remember at one point they wanted you to rotate the jewelry! *gasp*). I'd go with whatever the artist reccomends for aftercare. If s/he is reputable, they'll be up on the latest reccomendations.

I'm going to ask two of my buddies sketch some ideas out, and then in a couple weeks, or months talk with a tattoo artist.

Some ideas I've been mulling over:
Thor's Hammer
Celtic Boar
Wolf
Raven or Crow
Lion
Bear
perhaps some other celtic design, I'm not yet. I have some vague ideas of where I'd have the tattoos put on my body, but again, I still need to do some more thinking.

Don't do it. By the time you are 60 it'll be all old, wrinkled and shriveled. Go for those sticker tattoos that wash off or something.

I'm going to ask two of my buddies sketch some ideas out, and then in a couple weeks, or months talk with a tattoo artist.

Some ideas I've been mulling over:
Thor's Hammer
Celtic Boar
Wolf
Raven or Crow
Lion
Bear
perhaps some other celtic design, I'm not yet. I have some vague ideas of where I'd have the tattoos put on my body, but again, I still need to do some more thinking.

What significance do these have for you?

I decided that if I get the job I want, as a reward/celebration I'll get some version of the Libertatis Æquelibritas (or something similar) on my right arm, provided there aren't any copyright issues.

That's what I was told too. I'm betting advice has changed over the years for tattoos like it has for piercings (remember at one point they wanted you to rotate the jewelry! *gasp*). I'd go with whatever the artist reccomends for aftercare. If s/he is reputable, they'll be up on the latest reccomendations.

Yeah... that bit of advice was probably one of the 458734 things that led to my navel piercing migrating through my body. Some of the others were getting it done at a shitty place (which is now closed), playing with it way too much, and being a stupid enough teenager to get a navel piercing. *sigh*

Don't do it. By the time you are 60 it'll be all old, wrinkled and shriveled. Go for those sticker tattoos that wash off or something.

Or the new-fangled ones where they inject little packets of powder under your skin or something, and you can get them removed by zapping them with a laser. For those who want to be trendy without the commitment!

Over my mother's (horrified) objections I got my first tattoo to cover a scar from a back surgery I had at the tender age of 18. My rationale was that I was going to have an ugly scar I didn't choose forever, so I might as well cover it was something I did choose.

Of course, I had to endure years of "tramp stamp!" comments (even though it's not) and people thinking they could touch my back because it had ink on it.

Yeah... that bit of advice was probably one of the 458734 things that led to my navel piercing migrating through my body. Some of the others were getting it done at a shitty place (which is now closed), playing with it way too much, and being a stupid enough teenager to get a navel piercing. *sigh*

I made that mistake. It took years to heal after I took out the jewelry. I still have a nasty hole.

Don't do it. By the time you are 60 it'll be all old, wrinkled and shriveled. Go for those sticker tattoos that wash off or something.

Well, if I'm still alive when I'm 60, I'll probably be wrinkly, too. Hell, maybe I'll have my tattoo's redone when I'm 60!

What significance do these have for you?

Well, the Thor's hammer is religious.

Boars were highly regarded in Celtic beliefs, usually as symbols of strength. So this one, and other Celtic designs (if I got them), would be semi-religious, semi-ancestral, semi-historical themed.

Same goes for the Crow/Raven- religious, historical.

The Lion is the king of beasts- strong, proud, and fierce. Also- people at my work say I look like a lion with my beard and hair- especially on windy days. (that isn't the reason I would get a lion tattoo, but I thought it was pretty funny and nifty)

Bears have always been one of my favorite animals- strong, cunning, big- what's not to like about them?

Same with wolves- one of my favorite animals. Loyal, cunning, strong- amazing creatures.

Animals have always meant a lot to me, I love 'em. They also meant much to ancient people's, so having 2 meanings in one tattoo seems like a good idea.

Well, if I'm still alive when I'm 60, I'll probably be wrinkly, too. Hell, maybe I'll have my tattoo's redone when I'm 60!



Well, the Thor's hammer is religious.

Boars were highly regarded in Celtic beliefs, usually as symbols of strength. So this one, and other Celtic designs (if I got them), would be semi-religious, semi-ancestral, semi-historical themed.

Same goes for the Crow/Raven- religious, historical.

The Lion is the king of beasts- strong, proud, and fierce. Also- people at my work say I look like a lion with my beard and hair- especially on windy days. (that isn't the reason I would get a lion tattoo, but I thought it was pretty funny and nifty)

Bears have always been one of my favorite animals- strong, cunning, big- what's not to like about them?

Same with wolves- one of my favorite animals. Loyal, cunning, strong- amazing creatures.

Animals have always meant a lot to me, I love 'em. They also meant much to ancient people's, so having 2 meanings in one tattoo seems like a good idea.

I can definitely relate to both the lion and the wolf, since both of those are likely to end up among my eventual collection (in suitably celtic icon form, of course... that's my thing).

Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours beforehand. In fact, many places make you sign a waiver to affirm that this is the case. You'll bleed more if you have alcohol in your blood. For the same reason, Asprin isn't a good idea. Don't think about trying to numb the pain, it's not worth it, and it may affect the healing of your tattoo - which is not what you want on something permenant.

The best person to talk to about this is your tattoo artist. If they're any good (you should make sure they are) they'll be able to answer all your questions.

Oh yeah, this is pretty important. People heal differently. Some people peel, others scab. Either way, try not to get your tattoo excessively wet for at least two weeks after it, otherwise the scab will absorb the water and the inks will leak out. Short showers! No baths!

You'll be told to moisturise it too, but for the reason above, don't go overboard. Obviously moisturise it if it's feeling dry, but don't massage it into a pulp. Don't use greasy moisturiser too, it'll make the inks run. Water based moisturisers are the best.

I got mine done at Laughing Buddha in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. The artist drafted the design I dreamed up into inkable art and voila (http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc76/Infradog/100_0766.jpg).

My aftercare was specified: Lubriderm twice a day, and massage it in. It's a bit uncomfortable but the massage action prevents the scars from raising (the kneading breaks up bulkier scar tissue, apparently) and making your tattoo readable by blind people. Sure, a nice gesture, but not the way a tattoo is supposed to turn out.

What significance do these have for you?

Meh tats don't have to have any significance, you can just like the picture.

Both my tats are tied to events. One of them is significant as far as the design, the other is totally random. I love them both because of the memories.

When a person is getting a tattoo, what steps should they do before getting an actual tattoo?

Personally I've been thinking of getting a tattoo for several months. I've looked around looking at different pictures for inspiration, but I cannot for the life of me actually draw out my ideas.

Should I print out some pictures and take them to a local tattoo artist and explain what I want? Should I go to friends and have them sketch out what I want and then go to a tattoo artist?

I'm thinking of having some friends doing some sketches, and then going to a tattoo artist.

It is absolutely a good idea to go in with a picture (or many pictures!) of the design you want. However, if you can, try to find a tattoo artist who is a real artist themselves. They can possibly help modify the design based on what the limitations and strengths of tattooing are, and based on where you want the tat. They will be experienced and know how something looks on flesh as opposed to on paper, so find a tattoo artist who has taste that you trust.


Also, once I've decided on what I want and am getting ready to get it, is there anything I do before I go and get the tattoo? Should I eat beforehand? Are there any foods I shouldn't eat before going? Things like that...

Make sure you use the bathroom before you sit down for the tat. Srsly.

If you get nauseated at the sight of blood, or get queasy about pain, then maybe don't eat anything much beforehand. Otherwise, it shouldn't make much difference.


Should I tip the artist? I've heard people say yes and no. So I'm confused.

I tipped mine. Honestly, you should probably just ask the artist if they accept tips, and I'm sure they'll be happy to tell you ;).


Also, any tips about caring for the tattoo after I get it would be helpful. I have friends with tattoos, so I have some first hand advice, and if I get one I'll no doubt get advice from the tattoo shop.

CLEAN YOUR TATTOO. You should receive instructions from your tattoo artist on keeping your tat clean and helping it heal. FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

I stopped tending my tattoo a bit earlier than I was supposed to, and it ended up scabbing over in one area and taking much longer to heal.

Oh, and get a non-scented soap to wash with, they tend to irritate less during the healing process.


Any advice on the process of getting tattoos o' great nsgers?
Don't go alone.

A friend of mine was stoked about her tattoo, but during the process of getting it she started really getting bothered by the sensation. Some people don't like it. It was really good for her to have friends with her, since we could talk and distract her and hold her hand.

Unless you've already got one you can't be sure how you'll react to getting a tattoo, so bring a buddy!

Also, when choosing the location for your tat, keep in mind the position you might have to be in for the inking.

One friend of mine got a large lower back tattoo, and she had to be in this bent-over posture for like 2 hours. The tattooing didn't bother her much, but the position was hell. She was really cramping up and sore and miserable. She ended up being happy she did it, of course, it's just something to factor in when choosing your ink.

I'm going to ask two of my buddies sketch some ideas out, and then in a couple weeks, or months talk with a tattoo artist.

Some ideas I've been mulling over:
Thor's Hammer
Celtic Boar
Wolf
Raven or Crow
Lion
Bear
perhaps some other celtic design, I'm not yet. I have some vague ideas of where I'd have the tattoos put on my body, but again, I still need to do some more thinking.
A tattoo artist I know is willing to sell the "stencils" they use for tattoo designs. These are the outline things they put on your skin right before they do the tat. This artist will let you just buy the outline and then you can wear it around for a day (or until it rubs off) to get a sense for how the tat will look on your body.

I don't know if all artists are willing to do that, but it's something to consider. When you have the design you want set, you could ask to have the outline rubbed on and then go get lunch or something before they actually ink the tat. That way you can have a little time to make sure it's right where you want it.

That's what I was told too. I'm betting advice has changed over the years for tattoos like it has for piercings (remember at one point they wanted you to rotate the jewelry! *gasp*). I'd go with whatever the artist reccomends for aftercare. If s/he is reputable, they'll be up on the latest reccomendations.

If possible, try to find a tattoo artist or piercer who is a registered nurse. There's a surprising number of them who go that direction, and it's awesome because they are definitely aware of the appropriate after-care info!

If possible, try to find a tattoo artist or piercer who is a registered nurse. There's a surprising number of them who go that direction, and it's awesome because they are definitely aware of the appropriate after-care info!

Not to mention you're far less likely to get hepatitis or some other nasty virus.