I Heart My Tattoo Artist

Tattoos are prevalent these days. In the past, you would have to be a sailor, member of the Hell’s Angels, or a diehard punk to put ink on your body. In these recent, liberal days, this is no longer the case. All people are getting body art from Afro-American CEOs to Irish, retired grandmothers; it doesn’t matter who you are anymore in order to get a tattoo.

What does matter is what you get, and more importantly is the manner in which you treat your artist. A good artist comes in all forms; they could be wearing the latest in punk clothing or a surfer t-shirt and sandals. These people are devoted artists, and should be treated accordingly.

The following is a series of suggestions devoted to promoting awareness of the artist-customer relationship. It is partially humorous, but any artist will agree with the suggestions, so it is best to read it with a smile while still taking the information seriously.

1. Eat within four hours prior to getting a tattoo. Not eating can cause anxiety and the last place you want to feel anxious is in the chair.


2. Do not go drunk or in any altered mental form to the parlor. Artists take their business and work seriously, so you should take the experience seriously as well, and not be too loopy going in there.


3. Dress appropriately. Unless you want to take off that black dress you just bought at the punk clothing store completely, wear something that will enable the artist to get to your skin.


4. Be realistic about the experience. A stellar job cannot be done, if you are moving around incessantly in the chair. If you are one that is scared of needles, gets nervous, or is sensitive to the touch, seriously reconsider whether you want to go through the experience.


5. You must be at least 18 to get a tattoo. Your parents may get a little upset because you just spent your all of your paycheck at the punk clothing store, but they will be really upset if you get a tattoo (especially at whomever put ink on you). Most artists will allow you to have one person with you, but no entourage.


6. Please turn off all cell phones (unless the ring plays anything punk) and make sure your company does the same.


7. Most artists will let you have a drink with you, but refrain from bringing in any food.


8. Do not bring children into the studio, and especially do not leave them in the car (that is both heinous and illegal).


9. If you do not speak the same language as the artist, bring a translator. Do not expect optimal communication processes to take place if you speak different languages.


10. Most artists will help you develop an idea of what you want. They will not completely devise a tattoo for you nor tell you what to get. Have a good idea of what tattoo you would like or select one from the walls or books before taking up the artist’s time.


11. FOLLOW YOUR AFTERCARE PROCEDURES CAREFULLY. Do not depend on others to give advice. It would be like asking the local drug store clerk what to do about your rash instead of going to a dermatologist. Listen to the professionals and no one else.

Do not go to the artist if you are sick. Reschedule if you come down with a sickness. Tattoos are done in close quarters and germs are not welcome there. Be considerate; tattoo artists are people too.
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