So here's a list of the most important questions to ask your tattoo artist. Don't feel bad or awkward about asking any of these questions. Tattoo artists will have heard them all before and true professionals will be only too happy to give you honest, open answers.
1) How long have you been a tattoo artist?
This is an important part of working out the strength of a tattoo artist's reputation. In general, the longer they've been in the business, the more experience they'll have and the better their reputation. Artists with a bad reputation don't tend to last that long.
2) What are your qualifications?
As with all professional trades it's important that tattoo artists are properly qualified. Tattooing is a precision job that involves the use of needles, so it's vital that a tattoo artist has been professionally trained and has a thorough knowledge of hygiene procedures.
3) How many tattoos have you done?
This is a good indication of an artist's level of skill and experience. Tattooing is an art, and the more designs a person has created, the better they're likely to be. The answer to this question also allows you to work out roughly how busy the artist has been, which is again closely linked to their popularity and reputation.
4) Can I see some of your previous work? Can you provide references?
Top quality artists will be able to provide you with pictures of their work and references from previous clients that they have worked on. But make sure that you see their work once it has healed properly to give you an accurate idea of what it looks like.
An artist who doesn't have a portfolio of their work or appears evasive when you ask these questions should be avoided at all costs.
5) How much will the work cost?
Large tattoos that are full of intricate detail can be extremely expensive, often running into thousands of dollars. Even smaller designs can cost over a hundred dollars. So if you're on a tight budget, make sure that you agree on the full cost of your chosen tattoo before work begins. This will avoid any nasty surprises or misunderstandings.
6) Do you guarantee your work?
What happens if you're not happy with the completed design? Will they drop the charge, or just reduce it? Do they have a refund policy? Make sure you find out your artist's guarantee policy before work begins as it will have a bearing on the quality of after sale service that you receive.
7) How long will the tattoo take?
This depends upon the size of your chosen design and the level of intricacy. Ultra small tattoos may take a matter of minutes to complete, while a full sleeve design may take several hours spread over a number of sessions. But if it's your first tattoo, it's important to know as much about the procedure as possible so that you feel more relaxed about it.
8) How should I care for my tattoo during the healing process?
Aftercare is an important part of the overall tattoo process. Poor aftercare can damage your tattoo design, lead to scarring of your skin and increase the chance of an infection developing. So all competent artists should be able to give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo during the healing process. If they seem more interested in getting the tattoo started, go find another more responsible tattoo artist.
9) How can I reduce the chances of an infection occurring?
All tattoo artists should be able to give you advice that will help you to keep your tattoo clean and reduce the risk of infection. They'll also be able to advise you what to do if you think that an infection is developing.
10) Are there any medical conditions that can prevent a person from getting a tattoo?
Certain medical conditions mean that individuals should either avoid tattoos completely or take certain precautions prior to being tattooed. Your tattoo artist should be able to give you general advice on this matter. However, if you have any doubts about the effects of a tattoo upon your health, please consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner.
With thousands of Real Estate Agents in every city in the US, and funny stories about incompetent Agents everywhere (that aren't so funny to the clients) how do you make sure that you'll deal with a great Agent? Ask these simple questions to any agent before signing any agreement, and you have a great chance of walking away from closing a happy client.
Everywhere you look, there are advertisements for Real Estate, and for Real Estate Agents. We're everywhere! The reason is pretty simple: It's not extremely difficult to get your real estate license, a college degree is not required, and the income potential is pretty high. Unfortunately, this means that there are a lot of BAD Real Estate Agents out there. The BEST way to find a good professional ? in any industry ? is to ask for a referral from a trusted friend or colleague. This does not, however, mean that any person referred to you is a quality professional ? everyone has a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or cousin who is in the business, after all ? but it will increase your odds. There are a few questions that you should ask ANY Real Agent before signing a buyer's agency or listing agreement.
1) How long have you been in the business?
Pretty much any average person could decide they want to get their license today, and have that license in their mailbox a month later. Because of this, your Real Estate Agent's experience is VERY important. A new Agent will learn a LOT their first year, and will continue to learn more with every transaction. Don't automatically choose against a newer Agent ? they typically bring a lot of energy to the transaction, and they will have LOTS of time for you. However, if you do decide to use a newer Agent, make sure they have a great support system behind them.
2) Are you a Realtor?
Not all Real Estate Agents are Realtors. Members of the National Association of Realtors have to adhere to a strict code of ethics, or otherwise face having their membership revoked. Also, you must be a member of the National Association of Realtors to have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) which is what gives Realtors access to almost every home for sale in their market area.
3) What certifications do you hold?
There is an ?alphabet soup? of advanced certifications that Real Estate Agents can earn. While it doesn't automatically mean that they are a good Agent, it does mean they are serious about their job. Keep an eye out for GRI ? this is the most time consuming certification to obtain.
4) What is your specialty?
Real Estate Agents typically categorize themselves as either ?commercial? or ?residential? which are vastly different. Even among Residential Real Estate Agents, though, agents will specialize in Buyers, Sellers, or Renters. Some Residential Agents successfully handle Buyers & Sellers, but make sure they come with plenty of satisfied customers. Agents typically cut their teeth working with renters.
5) Can I have a list of past customers?
Take the time to call a few of an Agent's past customers. Ask for their strengths and weaknesses (and make sure they don't share the Agent's last name.)
6) Who is your Broker? Can I call him/her?
Real Estate Agencies are moving towards the ?mega-brokerage? mentality which means that many Agents today have never met their Broker. If an agent doesn't have their Broker's cell phone number, find out who they will call if they run into questions. <---****HYPERLINK****--->"http://www.ericbramlett.com">Austin Texas Real Estate
7) How many sales did you complete last year?
A good agent will complete at least 25 sales per calendar year. You want to make sure that the agent helping you through the largest purchase or sale of your life is a GOOD agent. <---****HYPERLINK****--->"http://www.onesourceaustin.com">Austin Texas Real Estate
8) Is this your full-time job?
It always surprises me how many people are willing to let their office mate down the hall handle the purchase or sale of their home. You need someone who handles real estate transactions full-time, day in and day out, to make sure that your best interests are taken care of. <---****HYPERLINK****--->"http://www.austinhomesource.net">Austin Texas Real Estate
There are plenty of fantastic Real Estate Agents working today. Unfortunately, the incompetent Agents really stand out. (Did you hear about the Agent who contracted the wrong house?) Make sure that you find your Agent through a trusted source, and ask any Agent these important questions.
Both Gustavo Gomez & Psmith are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gustavo Gomez has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tattoo, Cars and Tattoo. Gustavo Gomez runs SuperTattooDesigns.com. For more information about and a wide range of other tattoo related issues, check out Super Tattoo Design. Gustavo Gomez's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Psmith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Entertainment Guide and Travel and Leisure. Eric Bramlett is the Broker and co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin Texas. He has seen considerable success in real estate, and looks forward to many more years in the business. Eric currently invests, renovates, and develops real estate in the Grea. Psmith's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.