This page will address frequently asked questions, rules, and expectations on the day of your tattoo. Some of this will sound like common sense, but the few ruin it for the many.
What should I do to be prepared for my tattoo appointment?
- Get a good night sleep before the tattoo. Eat a hearty breakfast. Bring a sugary drink. Avoid too much caffeine the morning of the appointment. Wear comfortable clothes and dress to accommodate the tattoos location on your body.
Can I bring a friend?
-Yes, you can bring a support person to the appointment. DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN. I have many nudity, pornographic, and horror based paintings in my shop. This is not a place for kids. Also, do not bring an entourage. The only reason you are here is to get a tattoo. This is not a social gathering, nor is it a party. I blame reality t.v. for the recent behavior of clients in the shop. Every single thing you've seen on a tattoo show, this shop is not.
Do tattoos hurt?
-Absolutely. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. Also, I frequently tattoo in full saturation. It's rough, but the results are worth it. There is no need to complain every thirty seconds about the tattoo hurting. I already know it does. Tattoos are earned, plain and simple.
What about pain medicine?
-Most physicians will give you a prescription for a couple pain pills. It will help, just make sure you know your reaction to the medication. Your tattoo appointment is not the time for an experiment. I have noticed that people taking anti-anxiety meds DO WORSE with the pain.
Why won't you do certain tattoos?
-Some tattoos I just don't like to work on. Others will not last for years to come. I will tell you why if I deny your request or refer you elsewhere.
I am getting a cover-up. Anything special I should know?
-Absolutely. I wish cover-up and compromise were the same word. EVERY cover-up will have compromises in it that would not be found if the tattoo were done on clean skin. If you are not realistic about cover-ups, don't get one. Get it laser lightened or removed completely. Also, sometimes cover-ups take a few sessions to saturate your skin with enough pigment to hide what is underneath.
Will I get breaks during the tattoo?
-Of course. However, I do not smoke, so I take few breaks. If you need one, just say so. It's good to take 5 and stretch our legs. However, leaving for 30min to go to the bar or do drugs is not acceptable and your pain will be worse when we resume.
Is there anything you will not tolerate?
-Besides what I have already listed, I want to mention one other thing. Do not mistreat me during the tattoo. This may seem silly, but you'd be surprised how people behave. If you rattle me, I won't be fully concentrating on your tattoo and that's not good for either of us. If you persist, I will stop and ask you to leave.
What do you recommend for healing the tattoo?
-I have a page devoted to this subject. The only additional thing I will say is if you go to the beach or boating or swimming and completely ignore my healing directions, I will charge you full price to touch up the tattoo.
Can I listen to music during the tattoo?
-Absolutely. I will play low stress music during your appointment. No heavy metal or loud music will be played. You can also watch movies if your positioning during the tattoo allows it. Feel free to bring your portable music device with ear buds.
Can I talk on my cell phone?
-I don't mind you having your cell phone as long as you don't move or it doesn't disturb our goal. I recently worked on a tattoo for 8 hours. The phone rang so often that I started counting. It rang 34 times after I began counting and was answered nearly every time. Ask yourself this, Does this phone call have implications for the rest of my life? Because your tattoo does.
Now lets have a good time and tattoo...
