Tattoo FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Please note: We do NOT do piercing at this time--so please, if you have questions, ask your piercer!

MEDICAL:

1) Does it hurt?

A) in a word....Yes. The tattooing process involves puncturing the surface of the skin, and this results in an unpleasant sensation. However, on most areas of the body this sensation is minimal, and in no case is it severe enough to stop anyone who wants a tattoo from getting one.

2) Will it bleed?

A) because the needles puncture the surface of the skin, there is a minimal amount of blood involved, but if you are healthy, sober and relaxed it's no big deal.

3) Can I contract AIDS from a tattoo?

A) Whenever a procedure involves breaking the skin and release of bodily fluids, there is a risk of disease transmission. In the case of the HIV virus, this risk is very low as long as the tattooist follows basic sanitary procedure (which all PROFESSIONAL tattooists do). (side note: As of 1998 statistics, there has NEVER been a confirmed case of HIV transmission connected to professional tattooing)

Other diseases pose more danger. Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and many STDs can be transmitted quite easily if the tattooist does not use clean, sanitary equipment. Use some common sense in this department, and you can go a long way to avoiding problems. If the shop doesn't look clean, don't get tattooed there, and by all means, stay away from the "kitchen sink" variety of tattoo scratchers. No matter how good a deal it sounds like, your health is definitely worth the few extra dollars you will pay to get your work done by a professional.

{for more info on sanitary procedure, contact your local health department}

4)How do I take care of my tattoo?

A) See "Tattoo aftercare"

TECHNICAL:

1) What is "flash"?

A) The term "flash" is used to describe the generic, production designs found on the walls and in design books of a tattoo shop.

2) How much does an "average" tattoo cost?

A) Ambiguous terms like average, small, large, regular etc. have very little meaning when you're talking about the price of a tattoo. Queries about pricing should start with as detailed a description of what you want to get as possible, using definite terms (Height, Width, artisic style and subject matter) so the artist has an idea of what you want and how much work will be involved.

Also keep in mind that this is no longer a back alley profession. The modern tattoo practitioner is a skilled craftsman, and places a high value on his time and effort. "a good tattoo is rarely cheap, and a cheap tattoo is rarely good" are words to remember when planning your tattoo. Would you be willing to work for half your salary? Probably not. Neither are we.

Haggling is not good ettiquette either. Many tattooists (myself included) consider it to be an insult. Consider this: an ethical professional will quote you a fair price for his time and effort the first time you ask, and will most likely not be open to negotiation. the less-than-ethical practitioner will quote as much as twice the "fair" price, in hopes of haggling with you and still coming out on top. Do the math, and figure out which is the better deal, a good solid tattoo for a fair price, or a tattoo from an artist with questionable ethics that APPEARS to be a "good deal".

3) How do I select a tattooist?

A) This is very important, and there is no easy answer. Selection of a tattooist depends greatly on the nature of the work you are having done, and your personal taste in art. Initially, look for someone who is enthusiastic about doing the style of work you want. Then check out their portfolio (pictures of tattoos that they have done).

Here's where it gets tricky. Artists have been arguing for centuries over what makes art "good" or "bad". So don't try to make the judgement on those grounds. The only thing that matters is whether you find the work to be appealing or not. If you like it, great, if you don't, look for someone else. It's really that simple.

From a technical standpoint, look for an experienced pro. When you're looking at their portfolio, watch for the smoothness of the linework, good solid color, etc. Primarily, the tattoo should be clear and clean looking, and the subject matter easily recognizable.

In the end, the selection comes down to finding someone who can do what YOU want, and who will do it well.

GOT A QUESTION? Ask a tattooist! e-mail your question, and be sure to include "Tattoo Q&A" in the subject line.