TATTOO ARTISTS ANSWER 11 QUESTIONS YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO ASK THEM
HOW DO TATTOO ARTISTS PRACTICE WHEN THEY’RE JUST STARTING OUT?
A professional tattoo artist told us that learning to ink usually involves practicing on people you know.
„Most people start with very patient and understanding friends who are willing to be worked on,” „A shop may also allow an apprentice to practice on clients who consent to working with a beginner.”
DOES IT HURT MORE TO BE TATTOOED WITH A LARGE OR SMALL NEEDLE?
Large needles may actually be less painful when used on certain areas.
„Lips, especially, are really painless when using a larger needle,” „It seems counterintuitive, but the larger needle means the pressure is dispersed more evenly.”
You can consult with an artist to determine what would be the best option given your skin type and chosen design.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT INKING INTOXICATED CUSTOMERS?
Tattoo artists usually won’t agree to tattoo a client that seems to be under the influence.
„Drunk clients have a harder time keeping still, which makes the tattoo session difficult for us both,”. „Having alcohol in your system also increases bleeding and healing time.”
We also note that tipsy clients are more likely to regret their new ink, so if you’re looking to get a tattoo, it’s best to attend your appointment with a clear head.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH CLIENTS WOULD STOP DOING?
It may not be a respectful idea to ask an artist for their hourly rate.
„Asking about an hourly rate enables the client to nitpick over how fast I work when what they are really paying for is the end result. You wouldn’t ask a surgeon or painter for their hourly rate.”
Some also don’t appreciate when customers ask for an overly trendy tattoo that they’ve seen online.
„Just because you saw it on Pinterest doesn’t make it a good tattoo for your skin tone, muscle structure, or size desires. Getting a custom piece is a much better way to go.”
WHAT HAPPENS IF ARTISTS MAKE A MISTAKE WHILE TATTOOING?
Even professionals make mistakes so, if a tattoo artist notices an error while inking, flushing the area can help.
„I’ve never needed to use this technique, but a tattooer can use a saline removal solution to pull out fresh color,”
It’s also possible to use flesh-colored ink to camouflage an error, but this can leave the area looking chalky and discolored as the tattoo ages.
The best approach to handling an error is being honest with the client.
„It’s better not to make mistakes, but if you do, you should own it. Learn from it, fix it, and move on.”
DO CLIENTS EVER CRY WHILE GETTING THEIR TATTOO?
It’s not unheard of for clients to shed a tear or two while being inked.
„Not many clients cry, but it does happen. [Tattoos] can be very painful, so a little crying is OK.”
„Crying happens from time to time, but I find that it’s most often connected to an emotional release rather than physical pain.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST AND LEAST PAINFUL PLACES TO GET TATTOOED?
Sternum, chest, and groin tattoos can be particularly painful. How much a tattoo hurts depends on a number of different factors such as the thickness of the skin, whether the area is over bone or muscle, and the concentration of nerve cells.
„In my experience, the sternum, chest, and groin hurt the most when tattooed,” „The least painful are usually the arms and thighs.”
That areas with extremely thin and sensitive skin also may hurt.
„Eyelids, in particular, can be painful, as many people are very twitchy when getting their eyelids tattooed. The areolas can also hurt, especially if scar tissue is present there, it means extra pressure is needed.”
HOW DO ARTISTS FEEL ABOUT GIVING FACIAL TATTOOS?
Although we’re happy to give clients facial tattoos, they should be aware that body art in certain places can have professional and social implications.
„In the industry, we call tattoos on the neck, face, and hands ‘job stoppers,” „Unfortunately, tattoos in these places really affect the way people view and interact with you.”
We suggests that clients with no previous tattoos be inked in less visible places before committing to facial art.
„Neck or face tattoos have become a lot more common and acceptable recently, but you want to make sure what you’re displaying on your forehead is a good idea,”
SHOULD CLIENTS TAKE A PAINKILLER BEFORE GETTING A TATTOO?
Some painkillers can possibly increase bleeding and complicate recovery.
„I don’t usually recommend clients take a painkiller before their appointment,” „In particular, some topical numbing creams can have adverse effects on the quality of the tattoo.”
It’s also important to note that some over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, including ibuprofen and aspirin, are also blood thinners, so they may increase bleeding and interfere with the healing process.
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE NOT REALIZE ABOUT LIFE AS A TATTOO ARTIST?
„Tattooers make their jobs look cool and fun, but most of us work long hours and the apprenticeship is hard work,”
„The majority of tattoo artists that I’ve personally met actually hate getting tattooed. Most of them really don’t like pain.”
WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING TATTOO YOU’VE EVER GIVEN?
Although all tattoos are incredibly personal pieces of art, the artists admitted that some designs are more memorable than others.
„The most interesting tattoo I’ve ever done was a belly button,”. „A previous surgery had erased the client’s natural belly button, so I tattooed a new 3D version for her” says a professional that we’ve asked.
Also, many clients aren’t shy about asking their tattoo artist for unique designs in unusual places.
