FAQs
Tattooing can be beautiful.
Tattooing can be exhilarating.
Tattooing can open a whole new world for you.
...but make sure to do it RIGHT.
Tattooing can be exhilarating.
Tattooing can open a whole new world for you.
...but make sure to do it RIGHT.
Q: Does a tattoo hurt?
A: This is usually the first question people ask. The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin hurts. A better question is "How much does it hurt?" It's not nearly as bad as you think.
The pain will vary depending where on your body you get tattooed. Skin right above bones tend to be more painful than other areas. Getting a tattoo is not very painful nowadays because modern tattoo equipment is such that the needles go in and out of your skin very quickly. In addition, certain types of needles seem to hurt more than others. This sensation doesn't feel like the pain of an injection - it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins, which dulls the pain significantly. You’ll be completely able to carry on a normal conversation while getting your tattoo.
*No, you do not need to be drunk or high to get a tattoo. In fact, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, any professional artist will refuse to tattoo you.
Q: Where is the least (most) painful spot?
A: Probably the upper arm, yet it is more important to get your tattoo where you want it as opposed to getting it where it might hurt 10 % less. If you never had a tattoo, how would you know the difference ? The most important fact is your tattoo should be fun, and part of the fun is getting it where it will work the best for you. I have never had anyone stop in the middle of a tattoo, (although everyone thinks about stopping), because the pain was unbearable.
Q: Is it safe to get a tattoo?
A: If you go to a professional tattoo shop where the proper tattoo equipment is used, getting a tattoo is very safe. Decades ago there was concern about getting hepatitis C from tattoos, but this is something all professionals are very conscious of nowadays. If new needles are used for each and every customer, there is no chance of contracting a blood-borne disease. Most tattoo artists will be glad to set your mind at rest by showing you the unopened package of needles they will be using before the tattooing begins. After your tattoo is finished, they should dispose of the needles. Ask about safety policies such as these before you select a tattoo shop.
Q: How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
A: You must be eighteen to get tattooed in the state of NY. Some tattoo shops are more diligent than others about asking for I.D., so some people do succeed in getting a tattoo before they’re eighteen. It’s usually not a good idea, though. The older you are when you get a tattoo, the less likely you’ll be to regret it later on! Plus your body goes through changes (weight gain/loss) as you get older and would probably have to re-touch the tattoo anyway.
Q: I’ve heard that getting tattoos can be addictive. Is that true?
A: It isn’t true in the sense of a real addiction, but it is a fact that people who already have one tattoo are more likely to get another one … or so. It is possible to get ‘hooked’ on the excitement of getting a tattoo, just as some people get ‘hooked’ on shopping, but that’s not a real addiction. Most people who end up with multiple tattoos do so simply because they like them.
Q: When should I not get a tattoo?
A: You shouldn’t get a tattoo if you’re drunk or high (and most tattoo shops have a policy in place about this; they’ll refuse to tattoo anyone who appears to be drunk or high or as a sign in one shop says, “just plain stupid”). The other reason for not getting a tattoo is if you’re not sure. Wait until you do feel sure or just don’t get one. This is not a good thing to feel ambiguous about. There are no specific medical considerations, but use your common sense. If you’re sick, wait till you get better.
Q: How much does it cost to get a tattoo?
A: This is an old debate, so the following is basic. You usually pay for work either
by piece or by hour. The smaller pieces in the artist's flash book are "standard stock" material that usually don't take the artist too long to do. For these, you might find prices listed right next to the artwork. The artist may have a minimum charge that vary with each artist.
If you are very pleased with their work and service, you are strongly encouraged to tip the artist, even if they own the shop. Even shop owners don't pocket 100% of what they make (remember--it's a business!). Be prepared with cash on hand. I personally recommend a tip for any work which you are pleased with, or any custom work where the artist spent time drawing up your illustration (since drawing time is usually not included in your price). Nothing brightens up a day for the artist, or helps to build a friendly relationship with your artist more than a tip. If you're very happy with the artist and you think you might get more work from them later, tip.
The best tip is good word of mouth. If you are happy with your tattoo, show it off to your friends and tell them where you got it done.
Q: Where on my body should I get a tattoo?
A: It’s true that skin and flesh may sag in some places as you age, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your tattoo will look bad. Just use your common sense. You know roughly where skin tends to sag as you get older, so don’t get a large tattoo in those areas. A small one is usually okay, though, and there are several places where you can get a tattoo that won’t change substantially over the years – such as your ankle, shoulder or upper arm. These are the most popular tattoo locations at any rate. Keep in mind that any tattoo may fade over time though, and you may need to get it re-inked. Colors tend to fade faster than black. The ONLY places you cannot technically get permanent
tattoos are your hair, teeth and nails.
Q: What kind of design should I get?
A: There are two basic types of tattoos: Flash, and custom. As you can imagine, "custom" means you have a design you like that you take in with you. "Flash" is the stock designs you see on the walls of the shop.
A few of the major styles of tattooing:
BIO-MECHANICAL: A style popularized by illustrator H.R. Giger, who designed the creature from the Alien movies. Bio-mechanical work usually involves an anatomical flesh intertwined with some technical drawings of machines. A close relative of this style involves just the biological look of flesh without the mechanical parts.
BLACK & GREY: Refers to the colors used, this style requires the artist to have advanced shading techniques for subtlety.
Celtic: Beautiful, intricate knotwork of the Celts (a hard "k", NOT a soft "c" like the basketball team). These are much harder for artists to do, and is best done by someone who specializes in it. Also usually done in just black ink.
Oriental: Big, bold pieces of Oriental images (carp, clouds, dragons, etc.) based on the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of 18th Century Edo-period Japan. Note: It is fine to call this "Oriental" and not "Asian," because it references an object and not a person.
PORTRAIT: Images taken from photos, best done by someone who can renderrealistic photographic images. Usually done in black and grey ink.
Sailor Jerry: Traditional sailor tattoo style made famous by Jerry Collins in Honolulu.
Tribal: Usually bold simple lines, simple patterns. Almost always donewith just black ink.
With a good artist working for you, you can get practically any image you'd like. Accomplished artists can render portraits, wildlife, psychedelic and biomechanical styles with impressive results. Your main challenge is to find the artist who can best do the design YOU want. Think about what inspired you to want a tattoo in the first place. Chances are, you saw a tattoo you liked on someone else – what style was it? What did you like about it?
Q: What can I do if I’m dissatisfied with a tattoo?
A: Unfortunately, your options are limited. Depending on the tattoo design, it’s possible that it can be added to and that might make the appearance of the tattoo more to your liking. Or you can look at tattoo removal methods – they are rather costly, but the results tend to be much better than they used to be.
The key, however, is to make sure that you’re getting the tattoo you want before the inking process actually starts. That’s why the tattoo artist will apply an inked stencil to the surface of your skin before he starts tattooing – you’ll get to see what the tattoo will look like and to adjust the positioning of it if you need to. The artist will then use the stencil lines as a guide.
Q: Will hair still grow through my tattoo?
A: Yes, the skin will still be the same as before. If you have dark or long body hair it might obscure the tattoo, if the tattoo is too small.
Q: Is it permanent?
A: Yes, but all tattoos will age. Sun, improper healing, and poor health, will affect the final results. Your skin is not linoleum", all tattoos age. How well they age depends on the size, and placement. Older tattoos can be redone and recolored. Unwanted tattoos can be covered with a new tattoo (cover up) or removed (laser).
Q: If I am pregnant, can I still get a tattoo?
A: Pregnant women, or anyone with a chronic serious condition, should get the advice of their doctor before getting a tattoo.
Q: Can I be allergic to the colors?
A: It is possible to be allergic to anything, however allergies to the colors is very rare. If you do have allergies, you might want to consult your doctor, for the proper tests and for an explanation.
Q: How do I care for my new tattoo?
A: There are three things to remember about caring for your new tattoo:
Q: Can you fix my old tattoo?
A: Old tattoos can be easily reworked into a fresh work of art. Color can be added to brighten your existing tattoo or with a little creativity even turned into a completely new tattoo. Why go through life with "Wilma" tattooed on your arm if you love "Betty"?
Q: How does weight gain/loss affect my tattoo?
A: Tattoos can definitely be affected by stretch marks. Whether you will or won't get stretch marks is apparently determined genetically, so placement is a consideration if you are planning on getting pregnant.
Q: How does lifting weights affect my tattoo?
A: For most people, the amount of muscle gain is nowhere near as quick or as dramatic as what you would see with the stretching of skin on a pregnant person. For this reason, you don't really have to worry about your tattoo changing shape when you start lifting weights.
Q: How does pregnancy affect my tattoo on my stomach?
A: If you are planning on getting pregnant, you should be very cautious about the placement of any tattoo near the abdominal area. Not only will the tattoo stretch during pregnancy, but there is no guarantee that the tattoo will go back to its original shape after the birth. Be particularly wary of getting any tattoo where the shape is important, such as with symmetrical tribal pieces, or Celtic knots. Even geometric patterns such as a circle could end up looking like an oval (or worse, an irregular blob). A more "giving" image, like clouds, might suit you better.
Q: Can a tattoo be removed?
A: There are several methods listed below. However, you either still end up with a tattoo (albeit a better looking one), a scar or a skinnier wallet. In other words, it is much easier to get a tattoo in the first place than to get rid of one. If you are considering getting a new tattoo, think carefully before you do, or you may end up re-reading this section.
IMPORTANT: Most health insurance companies do not cover tattoo removal in their coverage. The removal of a small tattoo (2-inch square) could end up costing you over $1,000--and there are "hidden costs" to the concept of tattoo removal. The bottom line is, tattoo removal is very expensive.
Q: Can I get a white tattoo?
A: Most artists use white ink to highlight certain parts of your tattoo design. However, white ink is a special color that requires your artist to work closely with you. The effect of white ink differs greatly among clients, and its visibility and retention on the skin has much to do with the natural coloration of your skin.
White ink seems to work best on very light-skinned people. Unfortunately, this means people with dark skin would not able to get a white ink tattoo on their skin to have a "photo negative effect" that looks like a negative of a dark colored tattoo on light skin. This is because the ink sits under your skin, and the layer of skin over the ink is tinted with your natural skin color. So if you have very dark skin, the white will be overwhelmed with your natural melanin. Those who have very light skin however, may use white ink exclusively to get tattoo designs that are very difficult to discern at first glance. This might be an interesting option for ankle or wrist tattoos, or other areas where a regular non-white tattoo would show up too easily and possibly cause problems for the wearer.
Q: How long do I have to wait before I can donate blood?
A: The standard question they always ask at blood banks is whether you've had a piercing or tattoo within the last 12 months. A lot of discussion has been made over RAB about some centers allowing for exceptions, but it looks like the general concensus is that you have to wait 12 months.
Q: How do I temporarily cover-up my tattoo?
A: If you are going to a job interview or some other event that requires you to conceal your tattoos (and clothing is not an option), there are two cosmetic products recommended:
1. Joe Blasco's line of theatrical cosmetics
2. Dermablend cover-up make-up
A: This is usually the first question people ask. The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin hurts. A better question is "How much does it hurt?" It's not nearly as bad as you think.
The pain will vary depending where on your body you get tattooed. Skin right above bones tend to be more painful than other areas. Getting a tattoo is not very painful nowadays because modern tattoo equipment is such that the needles go in and out of your skin very quickly. In addition, certain types of needles seem to hurt more than others. This sensation doesn't feel like the pain of an injection - it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins, which dulls the pain significantly. You’ll be completely able to carry on a normal conversation while getting your tattoo.
*No, you do not need to be drunk or high to get a tattoo. In fact, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, any professional artist will refuse to tattoo you.
Q: Where is the least (most) painful spot?
A: Probably the upper arm, yet it is more important to get your tattoo where you want it as opposed to getting it where it might hurt 10 % less. If you never had a tattoo, how would you know the difference ? The most important fact is your tattoo should be fun, and part of the fun is getting it where it will work the best for you. I have never had anyone stop in the middle of a tattoo, (although everyone thinks about stopping), because the pain was unbearable.
Q: Is it safe to get a tattoo?
A: If you go to a professional tattoo shop where the proper tattoo equipment is used, getting a tattoo is very safe. Decades ago there was concern about getting hepatitis C from tattoos, but this is something all professionals are very conscious of nowadays. If new needles are used for each and every customer, there is no chance of contracting a blood-borne disease. Most tattoo artists will be glad to set your mind at rest by showing you the unopened package of needles they will be using before the tattooing begins. After your tattoo is finished, they should dispose of the needles. Ask about safety policies such as these before you select a tattoo shop.
Q: How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
A: You must be eighteen to get tattooed in the state of NY. Some tattoo shops are more diligent than others about asking for I.D., so some people do succeed in getting a tattoo before they’re eighteen. It’s usually not a good idea, though. The older you are when you get a tattoo, the less likely you’ll be to regret it later on! Plus your body goes through changes (weight gain/loss) as you get older and would probably have to re-touch the tattoo anyway.
Q: I’ve heard that getting tattoos can be addictive. Is that true?
A: It isn’t true in the sense of a real addiction, but it is a fact that people who already have one tattoo are more likely to get another one … or so. It is possible to get ‘hooked’ on the excitement of getting a tattoo, just as some people get ‘hooked’ on shopping, but that’s not a real addiction. Most people who end up with multiple tattoos do so simply because they like them.
Q: When should I not get a tattoo?
A: You shouldn’t get a tattoo if you’re drunk or high (and most tattoo shops have a policy in place about this; they’ll refuse to tattoo anyone who appears to be drunk or high or as a sign in one shop says, “just plain stupid”). The other reason for not getting a tattoo is if you’re not sure. Wait until you do feel sure or just don’t get one. This is not a good thing to feel ambiguous about. There are no specific medical considerations, but use your common sense. If you’re sick, wait till you get better.
Q: How much does it cost to get a tattoo?
A: This is an old debate, so the following is basic. You usually pay for work either
by piece or by hour. The smaller pieces in the artist's flash book are "standard stock" material that usually don't take the artist too long to do. For these, you might find prices listed right next to the artwork. The artist may have a minimum charge that vary with each artist.
If you are very pleased with their work and service, you are strongly encouraged to tip the artist, even if they own the shop. Even shop owners don't pocket 100% of what they make (remember--it's a business!). Be prepared with cash on hand. I personally recommend a tip for any work which you are pleased with, or any custom work where the artist spent time drawing up your illustration (since drawing time is usually not included in your price). Nothing brightens up a day for the artist, or helps to build a friendly relationship with your artist more than a tip. If you're very happy with the artist and you think you might get more work from them later, tip.
The best tip is good word of mouth. If you are happy with your tattoo, show it off to your friends and tell them where you got it done.
Q: Where on my body should I get a tattoo?
A: It’s true that skin and flesh may sag in some places as you age, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your tattoo will look bad. Just use your common sense. You know roughly where skin tends to sag as you get older, so don’t get a large tattoo in those areas. A small one is usually okay, though, and there are several places where you can get a tattoo that won’t change substantially over the years – such as your ankle, shoulder or upper arm. These are the most popular tattoo locations at any rate. Keep in mind that any tattoo may fade over time though, and you may need to get it re-inked. Colors tend to fade faster than black. The ONLY places you cannot technically get permanent
tattoos are your hair, teeth and nails.
Q: What kind of design should I get?
A: There are two basic types of tattoos: Flash, and custom. As you can imagine, "custom" means you have a design you like that you take in with you. "Flash" is the stock designs you see on the walls of the shop.
A few of the major styles of tattooing:
BIO-MECHANICAL: A style popularized by illustrator H.R. Giger, who designed the creature from the Alien movies. Bio-mechanical work usually involves an anatomical flesh intertwined with some technical drawings of machines. A close relative of this style involves just the biological look of flesh without the mechanical parts.
BLACK & GREY: Refers to the colors used, this style requires the artist to have advanced shading techniques for subtlety.
Celtic: Beautiful, intricate knotwork of the Celts (a hard "k", NOT a soft "c" like the basketball team). These are much harder for artists to do, and is best done by someone who specializes in it. Also usually done in just black ink.
Oriental: Big, bold pieces of Oriental images (carp, clouds, dragons, etc.) based on the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of 18th Century Edo-period Japan. Note: It is fine to call this "Oriental" and not "Asian," because it references an object and not a person.
PORTRAIT: Images taken from photos, best done by someone who can renderrealistic photographic images. Usually done in black and grey ink.
Sailor Jerry: Traditional sailor tattoo style made famous by Jerry Collins in Honolulu.
Tribal: Usually bold simple lines, simple patterns. Almost always donewith just black ink.
With a good artist working for you, you can get practically any image you'd like. Accomplished artists can render portraits, wildlife, psychedelic and biomechanical styles with impressive results. Your main challenge is to find the artist who can best do the design YOU want. Think about what inspired you to want a tattoo in the first place. Chances are, you saw a tattoo you liked on someone else – what style was it? What did you like about it?
Q: What can I do if I’m dissatisfied with a tattoo?
A: Unfortunately, your options are limited. Depending on the tattoo design, it’s possible that it can be added to and that might make the appearance of the tattoo more to your liking. Or you can look at tattoo removal methods – they are rather costly, but the results tend to be much better than they used to be.
The key, however, is to make sure that you’re getting the tattoo you want before the inking process actually starts. That’s why the tattoo artist will apply an inked stencil to the surface of your skin before he starts tattooing – you’ll get to see what the tattoo will look like and to adjust the positioning of it if you need to. The artist will then use the stencil lines as a guide.
Q: Will hair still grow through my tattoo?
A: Yes, the skin will still be the same as before. If you have dark or long body hair it might obscure the tattoo, if the tattoo is too small.
Q: Is it permanent?
A: Yes, but all tattoos will age. Sun, improper healing, and poor health, will affect the final results. Your skin is not linoleum", all tattoos age. How well they age depends on the size, and placement. Older tattoos can be redone and recolored. Unwanted tattoos can be covered with a new tattoo (cover up) or removed (laser).
Q: If I am pregnant, can I still get a tattoo?
A: Pregnant women, or anyone with a chronic serious condition, should get the advice of their doctor before getting a tattoo.
Q: Can I be allergic to the colors?
A: It is possible to be allergic to anything, however allergies to the colors is very rare. If you do have allergies, you might want to consult your doctor, for the proper tests and for an explanation.
Q: How do I care for my new tattoo?
A: There are three things to remember about caring for your new tattoo:
- Moisturizing
- Don't overmoisturize
- Don't pick scabs
Q: Can you fix my old tattoo?
A: Old tattoos can be easily reworked into a fresh work of art. Color can be added to brighten your existing tattoo or with a little creativity even turned into a completely new tattoo. Why go through life with "Wilma" tattooed on your arm if you love "Betty"?
Q: How does weight gain/loss affect my tattoo?
A: Tattoos can definitely be affected by stretch marks. Whether you will or won't get stretch marks is apparently determined genetically, so placement is a consideration if you are planning on getting pregnant.
Q: How does lifting weights affect my tattoo?
A: For most people, the amount of muscle gain is nowhere near as quick or as dramatic as what you would see with the stretching of skin on a pregnant person. For this reason, you don't really have to worry about your tattoo changing shape when you start lifting weights.
Q: How does pregnancy affect my tattoo on my stomach?
A: If you are planning on getting pregnant, you should be very cautious about the placement of any tattoo near the abdominal area. Not only will the tattoo stretch during pregnancy, but there is no guarantee that the tattoo will go back to its original shape after the birth. Be particularly wary of getting any tattoo where the shape is important, such as with symmetrical tribal pieces, or Celtic knots. Even geometric patterns such as a circle could end up looking like an oval (or worse, an irregular blob). A more "giving" image, like clouds, might suit you better.
Q: Can a tattoo be removed?
A: There are several methods listed below. However, you either still end up with a tattoo (albeit a better looking one), a scar or a skinnier wallet. In other words, it is much easier to get a tattoo in the first place than to get rid of one. If you are considering getting a new tattoo, think carefully before you do, or you may end up re-reading this section.
IMPORTANT: Most health insurance companies do not cover tattoo removal in their coverage. The removal of a small tattoo (2-inch square) could end up costing you over $1,000--and there are "hidden costs" to the concept of tattoo removal. The bottom line is, tattoo removal is very expensive.
Q: Can I get a white tattoo?
A: Most artists use white ink to highlight certain parts of your tattoo design. However, white ink is a special color that requires your artist to work closely with you. The effect of white ink differs greatly among clients, and its visibility and retention on the skin has much to do with the natural coloration of your skin.
White ink seems to work best on very light-skinned people. Unfortunately, this means people with dark skin would not able to get a white ink tattoo on their skin to have a "photo negative effect" that looks like a negative of a dark colored tattoo on light skin. This is because the ink sits under your skin, and the layer of skin over the ink is tinted with your natural skin color. So if you have very dark skin, the white will be overwhelmed with your natural melanin. Those who have very light skin however, may use white ink exclusively to get tattoo designs that are very difficult to discern at first glance. This might be an interesting option for ankle or wrist tattoos, or other areas where a regular non-white tattoo would show up too easily and possibly cause problems for the wearer.
Q: How long do I have to wait before I can donate blood?
A: The standard question they always ask at blood banks is whether you've had a piercing or tattoo within the last 12 months. A lot of discussion has been made over RAB about some centers allowing for exceptions, but it looks like the general concensus is that you have to wait 12 months.
Q: How do I temporarily cover-up my tattoo?
A: If you are going to a job interview or some other event that requires you to conceal your tattoos (and clothing is not an option), there are two cosmetic products recommended:
1. Joe Blasco's line of theatrical cosmetics
2. Dermablend cover-up make-up