I am talking about studios—places dedicated to tattooing work
“Backyard” or home tattooers (also called scratchers) generally work out of their garages, backyards, sheds, kitchens, and living rooms,but some take there work to a “shop” It’s true that some very talented artists produce decent tattoos in their home studios. Notice, however, that You will be able to tell the difference between a Legitimate studio and a scratcher’s den by checking out a few things.
How to tell if your Tattoo or BodyPiercing artist or studio are Legitimate
Before you make an appointment
- Have you done your research on the Shop and the artist? Check out their online profiles such as their Facebook and Google reviews.(just because your friend thinks they are amazing doesn’t always mean they are)
-
- When you walk into the studio is it clean and welcoming? are the artists full of attitude?Does the studio seem like a hang out or an actual place of business?
- Does the studio and workplace appear clean & sanitary (check out the bathrooms) This includes the benches,Floor and equipment is the trash emptied or overflowing.
- Watch them working Do they wear gloves when tattooing?
- Can you see the sterilization station? Hint: a sterilization station should not just be a pot boiling on the stove.
- Does the artist consume alcohol or drugs (yes marijuana is a drug) while tattooing or piercing? This is a huge red flag.
- Do they give only vague or confused instructions on how to take care of your tattoo or piercing?
Now, if you have the slightest of concerns about any of the above, you need to go now! Besides getting a dodgy tattoo, you may also take home a lot more than you bargained for in the shape of an infection or even a disease. Plus, you may experience more pain if you get a tattoo by a crappy artist instead of a professional.
Because they often cut corners, scratchers can offer tattoos at bargain prices. Even though you’ll save a bit (maybe even a few hundred on a large tattoo), in the end, you’ll triple the money you initially spent by either having to cover it up or get it removed.
Tattoo removal is costly, painful, and takes a long time.
Laser tattoo removal costs around $200 to $500 per session and will require at least six painful sessions. This could set you back $1,500 to $5,000! If you end up with a bad tattoo and don’t want to go through the pain of laser removal, the only other choice is to get a cover-up tattoo, which will cost as much or be even more expensive than you original tattoo because it will be more complicated for the tattooist to design.
On the other hand, if you want your tattoo to last long, a professional artist will use better quality ink that won’t smudge.
Spend a bit more and, by the first payday after you get inked, the pain of your poverty will disappear as you gaze at your fantastic new tattoo.
Tips to Keep in Mind Before Getting a Tattoo:
By knowing the general standards and asking questions beforehand, you should be able to estimate the general price range of the tattoo you want and make a good decision.
Talk to the artist and make sure you feel comfortable with them and their skill.
Consider the timing. Some tattoo designs will take several sessions, and you need to make sure that you will not be out in the sun between sessions or for a while after the design is complete. I’m looking at you beach bums!
If you don’t currently have the cash to afford a decent tattoo artist, keep saving. The dude down the road will not make you happy, I promise.
I’d also advise you to wait if you are under 18. Your body art will be there forever, and when you’re 50 it won’t matter what you spent—your crappy tattoo will still be just a crappy tattoo. That is, of course, if you haven’t died or lost your limb from a deadly disease.
If there is something awry, don’t be afraid to speak up or go back and ask for a touch-up if the ink comes out too light. Sometimes tattoo artists practice caution the first time, so going back a second time to ask for stronger coloring is okay.
Just like when you buy a car, you shouldn’t buy your tattoo from the first parlor you see. Shop around! See what the tattoo community is offering in the way of amazing artists. You might end up being $300 poorer, but you’ll definitely be happier over the years. Start saving. It’s not that far out of reach.
