What do you all think of this tattoo?
POSTED BY: Sardonica
UPDATED: Monday, August 16, 2004 15:30
VIEWED: 4679
PAGE 2 of 2
It looks pretty cool. I have a few tats, from many different artists, so my advice:
1. If you can get your hands on one of the trade magazines, i.e. "Tattoo" or "Skin & Ink" or the like, you might want to check out who advertises there for your area. You might also want to visit a shop (or a library) to see if you can find some back issues. They generally do interviews with shops they think are above-average.
2. Each shop should have an artist's "black book," or photos of what each artist has done. Take a look for someone who is good with grays, since the astronaut looks like it will needs lots of shading. Gray work is favored by some artists while others hate it because of the detail. Be sure to ask the artist in the shop what he/she prefers as far as gray work.
3. Price depends on how long the artist must work, as well as colors. You can get a quote from the artist before they start. You may want to go around to shops you've chosen and ask for a price.
4. When you bring in your artwork, make it as big as possible. It's much easier to shrink a drawing than to make it bigger, and it will give the artist a clear idea of what you want. Sit down with the artist to discuss it. You may have to pay a little extra to have the artist redraw the original rendering to make it perfect for a tattoo transfer.
5. Every shop must follow cleanliness and Autoclave procedures, but many shops don't have a No Smoking policy. To be extra sure of cleanliness, look for a shop that doesn't allow smoking inside. It's just a better idea to have a smoke-free zone inside. Also, every time a new client comes in, the inks must be used for that client only. The artist should prepare the inks in front of you, in individual cups. The needle is often opened there in front of the customer, too. Often, the artist will make you wait while he/she preps, but again, don't be afraid to make sure of cleanliness.
6. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Artists are willing to share their expertise and ideas for your artwork. Like I mentioned, reading a few trade mags will let you learn the "lingo" of tattooing, and you will have the knowledge that research offers.
7. Depending on the size of your tattoo, and detailing of course, be prepared for at least 3-4 initial hours, by the looks of it. As a rough guesstimate, allow $100 for every hour of work. Don't be afraid to ask the tattooist for a break, or to be allowed to get up, or to let them know this is your first tattoo. Good artists will help you prepare for what it will feel like. You can even ask the artist to use the needle on you without ink, to see how it feels. A conscientious artist should also check on you during the work, to see how you're feeling.
8. Pain is relative, but be aware that the beginning hurts the most, usually during the "outlining" of the tattoo. Then your endorphins kick in and it feels more like someone bruising you. Closer to bone hurts more, true, but the closer you get to nerves (i.e. the base of the spine) can be worse.
9. And since you said this would be your only one, I can also bet that once you get one, you'll want more!
Good luck and enjoy the experience!
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"Revenge!"
Vince in Rex the Runt
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