Q- Is bleeding and scabbing normal in the tattoo process?
A- No. During the process, it is normal to expect a bit of bleeding or spotting. If a client has been drinking the night before, or earlier the same day, you can expect bleeding during the tattoo, and some scabbing during healing. Scar tissue may be affected in the same manner because the skin has been traumatised in that area already, and scar tissue no longer possesses the same structure has healthy skin tissue.
Q- Should I keep a bandage on my new tattoo?
A- No. If the tattoo was applied by a professional, there will be no need to cover the tattoo up with any kind of bandage. This will hinder the healing process, which in turn may take out colour. The only reason someone will tell you to keep it bandaged, is because of bleeding and scabbing, which means they most likely have no idea as to what they are doing. As well, a bandage may promote bacteria growth and infection, due to keeping the tattoo moist.
Q- Is it possible to do a cover-up without it being something big and black?
A- Yes. Coverups do not have to be dark blotches or images. An artist with knowledge on how to work with light and dark tones can give you a beautiful cover-up. If a tattooist tells you it can only be covered with something big and black, go somewhere else.
Q- Can anyone with artistic talent tattoo?
A- No. An artist may be able to draw a good tattoo, and may even be great with an airbrush. But if they don’t know the mechanics of the trade, the tattoo will fade, heal wrong, and eventually turn into garbage in a couple of months.
Q- Do I have to come back after the tattoo has healed, for recolouring?
A- Absolutely not. If the tattoo has been properly applied and correct procedures taken for healing, you will not need any recolouring at all. A tattooist that tells you it will need recolouring does not know what they are doing, go to someone who does.
Q- Do I have to keep my new tattoo completely away from water?
A- No, just don’t soak a new tattoo. You can still shower, but leave the tattoo alone and pat it dry, don’t rub it, and no swimming until it has healed.
Q- How do I know if the equipment is properly sterilized?
A- Approved steam sterilizers are the only way to sterilize the equipment. Pressure cookers, toaster ovens, dry heat sterilizers, and disinfectants will simply not do the job properly. If your tattooist really does care, he/she will use only steam sterilisation.
Q- Are photos the best way to judge an artist’s talent?
A- No. Photos can be faked or stolen from other artists. The best way to judge an artist is to see them in action. If they give you some lame excuse for you not to watch, go somewhere else. I once heard a studio tell a prospective client that it was against health board regulations for them to view a work in progress. This is bull, the only reason not to allow someone to watch is if the client being tattooed has an objection.
Q- How much does it cost?
A- This is irrelevant. Some artists charge by size, others by the hour. Just because buddy down the street charges less than everyone else, doesn’t?t mean you are going to get a great piece of work for cheap. Same goes for someone charging more. It does not mean they are better. Check out the artist?s work first, if you are happy with it, you had better be prepared to pay for it.
Q- Does it hurt?
A- This depends on who you ask. Naturally, you are going to feel some discomfort, more irritating than painful. Everyone has a different pain tolerance level, as well, the time of day can have different effects on people.
Q- I want a tattoo, but I’m not sure which design I want.
A- Choose a design that means something to you, chances are you will never regret it later in life.
Q- Your site is great, but it doesn’t tell me how to tattoo. Where do I find out more? I’m going to do this, but I don’t want to do an apprenticeship.
A- If you’re determined to do it, and don’t want to apprentice (which can, quite honestly, be a nightmare if the person your apprenticing under is a prick) try “Tattooing A to Z” by Huck Spalding.
