The tattoo process is lengthy and detailed. A tattoo enthusiast may not know all of the factors that go into getting a tattoo like how painful it will be, how much it will cost, how big they want it, or even something as simple as not know what design to get. The tattoo process is a lengthy one that requires the individual to be patient and 100% confident in the decision they are making; after all this is irreversible. Tattoos can be fantastic and beautiful but if the correct precautions are not taken then they can turn hideous and disgusting very quickly. One needs to think about how to pick a design, how to choose an artist, and many more factors that will determine how it looks over time. The tattoo process is filled with many unknown factors that can only be determined after getting tattooed. The tattoo might come out terrible and you might hate it, the ink may cause you to have an allergic reaction, you may lose your job, your family might excommunicate you, and most importantly IT IS PERMANENT (unless you can afford laser removal surgery which is very expensive).
The Concept: The tattoo process begins with the individual picking a tattoo design and then deeply reflecting on why they want it. The concept of a tattoo should revolve around something that is meaningful to the individual; after all a tattoo is a form of self expression. When people see your tattoo they will be curious about it and will automatically judge you. One should take this into consideration when coming up with a concept. In order to come up with something meaningful then sketch a rough idea of what you want or go to a website with a tattoo design gallery to help inspire you. This does not mean that you should resort to using flash or other people’s designs. You should use flash and other pieces of tattoo art to help inspire your own individual piece.
Where to put it: The next step in the tattoo process is to thoroughly consider where to put the tattoo. For a first tattoo it’s probably a good idea to put it somewhere that can be covered up. It’s also important to consider the size of the piece because it should be proportional to the area of the body you will want to place it on. Another factor to consider is that most tattoo parlors will refuse to tattoo hands, feet, and the face which may be disappointing to some people.
Where do I find the artist: So you have brainstormed about your design, thought about the things that mean most to you, and have a concept in mind. You know where you want to put it but you don’t know where to turn next. The next step in the tattoo process is to find a reputable artist. There are so many great resources online to help locate the best artists in the country. Ask the tattoo artist about their credential; where they had their apprenticeship, how long they have been freelancing, how many years they were drawing before becoming a tattoo artist etc. Also, don’t be shy to inquire about their sterile techniques. Make sure they change gloves and that they pull fresh needles and tubes from CLOSED sterilized envelopes. Furthermore, one should also consider the style of tattoo they want. Some artists are better at portraits or more realistic looking designs, while other artists are experts in color mixing etc. These are important things to take into consideration because very much like a Zales diamond; tattoos last forever.
How Much Do I Want to Spend: The answer to this should be nothing else but “AS MUCH AS IT TAKES”! Thinking about ways to cut costs on tattoos is pointless. This is an important part of the tattoo process because it can end with a very ugly and unsatisfying tattoo. Going into a shop and telling an artist “I have $200, what can you do for me?” is not the way to go. After conceptualizing a design and getting it down on paper one must go to a tattoo artist and consult it with them. The artist will help you give the design shading, color, and life. After the consultation the tattoo artist will give you an estimated cost – take that number and then start saving up to get a tattoo. Some of the most beautiful tattoos cost thousands of dollars to get and their beauty is reflected in their price. Cheap tattoos look cheap and that’s all there is to it.
Reflection Period: The next part of the tattoo process is to think really really hard about the design the artist drew up for you. The tattoo artist isn’t going anywhere and you are better off taking time to reflect and sit on it. A common method that is suggested by tattoo artists is to take the picture and tape it to the wall facing you while in bed or on the ceiling so it’s something you look at often. If you get sick of the design then chances are you will not want to get it inked permanently. These small steps may sound tedious but it’s better to realize that you don’t like the design before it’s permanently tattooed to your skin then after.
I like it – Let’s do it!: This is the part of the tattoo process that people are most familiar with. They like the design the tattoo artist drew for them weeks before, reflected on it, and now are coming into the shop to get it inked! Don’t forget that at this point the design can still be altered if need be. Don’t feel like you are being a pain or annoying – you are the customer and this tattoo will be permanent so you should never settle for anything less than perfect.
Aftercare: This is the last step of the tattoo process and probably one of the most crucial. Every tattoo artist has different methods and suggestions for keeping your tattoo healthy while it’s healing and looking good for once it has healed. Keep the bandage on for 3-5 hours and moisturize the area while it heals. Some parts of the wound may scab but you should never pick at it, just be patient and let the wound heal properly so that there is no damage to your tattoo. Do not go swimming or sit in saunas because this will impede the healing process and can cause infections. For more detailed aftercare instructions go here
The Concept: The tattoo process begins with the individual picking a tattoo design and then deeply reflecting on why they want it. The concept of a tattoo should revolve around something that is meaningful to the individual; after all a tattoo is a form of self expression. When people see your tattoo they will be curious about it and will automatically judge you. One should take this into consideration when coming up with a concept. In order to come up with something meaningful then sketch a rough idea of what you want or go to a website with a tattoo design gallery to help inspire you. This does not mean that you should resort to using flash or other people’s designs. You should use flash and other pieces of tattoo art to help inspire your own individual piece.
Where to put it: The next step in the tattoo process is to thoroughly consider where to put the tattoo. For a first tattoo it’s probably a good idea to put it somewhere that can be covered up. It’s also important to consider the size of the piece because it should be proportional to the area of the body you will want to place it on. Another factor to consider is that most tattoo parlors will refuse to tattoo hands, feet, and the face which may be disappointing to some people.
Where do I find the artist: So you have brainstormed about your design, thought about the things that mean most to you, and have a concept in mind. You know where you want to put it but you don’t know where to turn next. The next step in the tattoo process is to find a reputable artist. There are so many great resources online to help locate the best artists in the country. Ask the tattoo artist about their credential; where they had their apprenticeship, how long they have been freelancing, how many years they were drawing before becoming a tattoo artist etc. Also, don’t be shy to inquire about their sterile techniques. Make sure they change gloves and that they pull fresh needles and tubes from CLOSED sterilized envelopes. Furthermore, one should also consider the style of tattoo they want. Some artists are better at portraits or more realistic looking designs, while other artists are experts in color mixing etc. These are important things to take into consideration because very much like a Zales diamond; tattoos last forever.
How Much Do I Want to Spend: The answer to this should be nothing else but “AS MUCH AS IT TAKES”! Thinking about ways to cut costs on tattoos is pointless. This is an important part of the tattoo process because it can end with a very ugly and unsatisfying tattoo. Going into a shop and telling an artist “I have $200, what can you do for me?” is not the way to go. After conceptualizing a design and getting it down on paper one must go to a tattoo artist and consult it with them. The artist will help you give the design shading, color, and life. After the consultation the tattoo artist will give you an estimated cost – take that number and then start saving up to get a tattoo. Some of the most beautiful tattoos cost thousands of dollars to get and their beauty is reflected in their price. Cheap tattoos look cheap and that’s all there is to it.
Reflection Period: The next part of the tattoo process is to think really really hard about the design the artist drew up for you. The tattoo artist isn’t going anywhere and you are better off taking time to reflect and sit on it. A common method that is suggested by tattoo artists is to take the picture and tape it to the wall facing you while in bed or on the ceiling so it’s something you look at often. If you get sick of the design then chances are you will not want to get it inked permanently. These small steps may sound tedious but it’s better to realize that you don’t like the design before it’s permanently tattooed to your skin then after.
I like it – Let’s do it!: This is the part of the tattoo process that people are most familiar with. They like the design the tattoo artist drew for them weeks before, reflected on it, and now are coming into the shop to get it inked! Don’t forget that at this point the design can still be altered if need be. Don’t feel like you are being a pain or annoying – you are the customer and this tattoo will be permanent so you should never settle for anything less than perfect.
Aftercare: This is the last step of the tattoo process and probably one of the most crucial. Every tattoo artist has different methods and suggestions for keeping your tattoo healthy while it’s healing and looking good for once it has healed. Keep the bandage on for 3-5 hours and moisturize the area while it heals. Some parts of the wound may scab but you should never pick at it, just be patient and let the wound heal properly so that there is no damage to your tattoo. Do not go swimming or sit in saunas because this will impede the healing process and can cause infections. For more detailed aftercare instructions go here
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