Once you have decided on your particular design, the location of the tattoo on your body and have chosen the tattoo shop, you are pretty much ready to be inked. Always remember...when choosing a tattoo studio and artist, there is a checklist that should be performed. Asking the artist how long they have been with the tattoo studio, how long they have been tattooing and who they trained with is a must, as it must be taken into account that anyone can open up a studio with ink, a machine and a little money. It is the clients responsibility to do their own research and to not to be afraid of asking questions.



Essential when choosing a tattoo artist is to ask to see photographs representing the artists work. Most artists will take pictures of their work to keep in a portfolio to show future clients their skills as a tattooist. As a client you should make sure to peruse these books carefully as the tattoo artist can claim skills in drawing anything. The last thing you want is to have a poorly done representation of your tattoo permanently inked to your body.

In addition, the client should check the tattoo shop for easily cleanable surfaces inside as well as for modern sterilization equipment. Be aware that as a client, you are completely within your right to ask to see the sterilized, individually packaged equipment. The packaging for the tattoo equipment should be opened in front of you and if the equipment is already opened and laid out, new equipment should be requested.

The cleanliness of the tattoo shop is paramount. There should be no animals in the establishment or food and drink of any kind. These factors may sound obvious, but if you are a first time customer, you should be aware that a tattoo shop should be a sterilized environment and that it should present itself as professional and as clean as a medical facility.

Before the tattooing can start, the artist will usually ask the individual to fill out a form consenting that they are not pregnant, nursing, under the influence, among other things. Legal documentation of age will also be required. The area where the client is actually tattooed should be an entirely separate room situated away from waiting areas or other sections of the shop.

The tattooing process itself will begin with the artist making a stencil of the tattoo and placing it onto your skin. Once the location of the tattoo has been agreed to by you and the artist, the artist will take out new, individually packaged equipment and attach the needle to the machine. This machine injects ink into the skin using a cluster of needles that are soldered onto a bar and this bar is then attached to an alternating unit. The unit constantly and swiftly drives the needles to puncture the skin at a rate approximately 80 to 150 times a second. The tattoo artist is obliged to wash their hands before the procedure can begin and also prepare the area where the tattoo is to be placed by thoroughly washing it to prevent cross contamination. When the preparation is complete, the tattooist must wear gloves at all times, changing them frequently. During the procedure the artist should wipe the tattooed area frequently with a disposable towel or cloth. The outline of the design will be done first and the artist may change the needle or the whole machine itself when coloring in larger spaces of the tattoo if the design is large or where there is color involved in the tattoo.

How much does getting a tattoo hurt? It's true that everyone has a different threshold of pain. What one person considers not painful at all could be excruciating to another. Some people describe the feeling as a hot scratch. Some say it's annoying...like a bad sunburn. Most say it was not nearly as bad as they feared. Consider this...nearly everyone is nervous when they go to get a tattoo. It doesn't matter how many tattoos you already have, there is always a feeling of apprehension when you sit in the chair. This is your body's natural defense...endorphins. Your own endorphins will kick in and help to ease any pain or discomfort you may experience. The first minute is usually the worst, and then when you realize it doesn't hurt that bad, you calm down and the rest is a cake walk

Now that your new tattoo is finished and clean, it needs to be treated just like a wound. A protective layer of unguent (usually A&D ointment) will be applied to the tattoo to prevent invasion of airborne bacteria that can cause infection. Then a bandage will be applied, and it will be taped up to make sure it is secure. It is important that you keep this bandage on for the amount of time your artist instructs.

Your artist will now give you aftercare instructions. These should be given both verbally, and on a piece of paper for you to take home with you. It is very important that you listen and follow the instructions you are given. From this point on, it is your responsibility to make sure your tattoo is well taken care of. The artist cannot be blamed if you get an infection because you didn't follow their directions.

You are now the proud owner of a beautiful new tattoo. Before you walk out the door, be sure to thank your artist, and please don't forget to tip them. Show how much you appreciate their work and dedication. Refer your friends to them. When you go back for your next tattoo, you will have established a good relationship with your artist, and you can be assured they will be there to help you if you ever have any problems or questions in the future.