Tattoos: Divisive or Uniting? 

Through history, tattooing has either brought us together, or drove us apart. When it comes to different social affiliations, some imagery may automatically leave an unsavory taste in your mouth and drive you to avoid that individual. Although one may think they know the person's background, their character and behavior, and even the meaning behind that tattoo at a single glace. This challenges us today to refrain from passing judgement, although it still does not mean we must hold a space in our life for that individual.

If we sit down with our grandmother, she may help us navigate our thoughts on this matter. Now she knows you and she loves you but she may not love your tattoos. We forget that even though she may be "stuck in her ways" she has seen the evolution of tattooing as a main stream form of body modification. Tattoos may at one point, have represented a ruffian type of rapscallion. Being less common practice, one may feel safe in their assumption that that individual lived a rough life. Maybe a life of crime, maybe even served time. And she would hate for others to feel the same way about you.

But then we have this beautiful concept called generational divide. Generational divide is the difference of opinions between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics, or values. This is where our parents come in. They have seen a glimpse into both, your grandmother's generation and your own. They have seen a plethora of people, both tattooed, and unscathed. They have seen criminals free of ink, they have seen fully tattooed people giving back to their communities. They have seen you, a continually evolving human striving to be good and kind, and fully blasted with art.

So how do we break these generational prejudices? With patience! Next time you get a tattoo invite your mother/grandmother. Show them this beautiful world of art, and freedom of expression. Maybe you'll soften their heart one day. Maybe they'll even agree to get matching tattoos! Or maybe, they will continue to think and behave as they always have, but add a little sweetness to their interactions

You Don't Have to Live With Unwanted Tattoos

 

It seems illogical to rush to something that is permanent. Yet we find ourselves in an instant gratification situation. Maybe the decision for a tattoo isn't exactly impulsive, but we do grow as individuals and may not identify with that artwork anymore. The days of living with a tattoo you HATE are over. There are several options, that all our artists can provide. 

Complete Cover up: The artist will design a tattoo that will bring your eyes away from the unwanted images. These are often larger and quite successful in the complete eradication of the previous image. 

Reworking: This remedy for an unwanted tattoo is a bit like a facelift. The image is still very visible, but the lines, colors, and details are done over. This is a great option for aging tattoos that may have lost their luster. 

Today I would like to showcase some work done by Pineapple. From the image attached below, can you tell which tattoo is a cover up? It's a tough call, right?

How do I go about booking a cover up with Pineapple? Call the shop to book a consultation with Pineapple. He will sit down with you and discuss options for the cover up. He likes to take photos and design the cover up right on top of the old tattoo. This makes for an extremely effective cover up. We would love to work with you. 

Inspiration VS Replication

One of the most exciting parts of getting a tattoo is planning what you're going to get. We are surrounded by an infinite amount of content. Anything you're looking for, you're bound to find an example. Often, we find exactly what we're looking for. It has the right details, the right placement, the right vibe. It seems like it is an option to bring that reference to an artist and say, "I want this exactly. I like the way it looks on that person, this must mean I will be satisfied when it's on me". As helpful as references are, there is a distinct line between inspiration and replication. It is preferable to utilize reference images as just that, a tool to clarify the ideas you have. Although commonly used as such, they are not a menu item to choose from. 

Someone took the time to discuss their client's idea, they took the time to draw and design, they also took the time to execute the tattoo. By choosing designs online, expecting an exact replica, is a form of theft, it is stealing the design from another artist. Also, take into consideration, what it means to request or even expect an artist to steal that design. If they are willing to, they may not be the artist for you. A worth-while tattoo artist should have pride in the work they do, and want to offer a one of a kind piece. It isn't wise to work with an individual who is willing to cut corners on time and creativity. 

You as a client are worth having a piece all your own. Think about visiting a custom shop and a custom artist to have your ideas brought to life. What your artist created for you will blow you away. They are so very talented and creative. Let them take your ideas and inspiration and and tattoo something beautiful and one of a kind!

Therapeutic Effects of Getting a Tattoo

There are many reasons why someone would get a tattoo. Some of us strive to simply fill space, and some are collectors of art etc.. Some of us have gone through a very significant event and want something to represent those sweet memories. And some of us, have deeper maybe even painful reasons for getting a tattoo. We can all agree, we leave the shop feeling brand new. Why is it that tattoos are so therapeutic? There are a few reasons.

 The first being that they hurt. We know this, and still, we show up full of excitable energy. It takes strength and will to sit still and wait until it is over. When the machine stops, the pain stops. That is enough to celebrate. We realize we are more resilient to pain that we may have thought. Also, there is a physiological reason we jump for joy when our session is done. Our brains release endorphins, our natural pain reliever and that “feel good” chemical we all chase. 

We may be hesitant to sign up for pain. But for those that are hurting with very significant emotional trauma, a tattoo may be more therapeutic than once realized. While getting your tattoo, the pain may bring buried traumatic feelings to the surface allowing them to finally be released. This could happen immediately and even extend into the coming weeks. With every glimpse of our new body art, with every compliment we receive, we remember that we are one tough cookie. 

Sometimes it takes a tattoo to grant us a new beginning or even closure from a time we would like to forget. For those who have struggled with self-harm, there tends to be permanent reminders of one’s suffering. Tattooing is a great way to rid yourself of those marks. Some choose to embrace them and turn them into rainbow tiger stripes. Some choose to cover over them completely with a large, beautiful, and empowering piece. 

Each person has their own way of healing. Some of us choose a small amount of discomfort to reach a deeper catharsis. When glancing at your tattoos, I hope it brings you joy and helps you reach a place of peace. 

Finding The Right Tattoo Artist

    

The most important thing you can do before getting a tattoo is to take the time to find the right studio and artist. Many people just decide on a whim that they want to get a tattoo and enter the nearest studio without much thought about what they are doing. Some get lucky and walk away with a great tattoo, while others are not so fortunate. Getting a new tattoo is exciting, and when you finally decide this is what you want, it is hard to wait. But this is not something to be rushed into. If you really want a tattoo that you are going to be happy with, it's going to take some time. 

     Shop around. You’re probably familiar with Instagram, the most commonly used social media platform for tattooing! Start by searching there. After all, tattoo artists tend to use Instagram as their portfolio nowadays as it’s the easiest and fastest way to showcase their work and what they’re capable of. You’ll quickly get an idea of an artist’s style from their social media pages and will know whether or not that’s what you’re after. You’ll also be able to see their following, and well-established, trusted tattooists tend to have a higher one.

    Once you’ve found an artist you like, get in touch with them through social media or call the studio. Start by explaining what it is you want and give as much detail as possible. Talk about the size, style and where on your body you would like the tattoo to be. When the artist responds, you’ll get a good idea of whether they’re going to be right for you. They’ll either love your idea and build on it or they’ll be completely honest and say they don’t think it’s quite their thing.

    You don't have to be an artist to be able to tell quality work from a bad job. Whether you get a chance to view pictures in an artist's portfolio or see a live example, really look closely at the work. It's easy to be swayed by pretty pictures. Don't get caught up in this trap. Look closely at the lines. They should be smooth, not jumpy, jagged, or shaky. Colors should be bold and filled in completely with no blank areas. Circles should look like circles, not ovals. Be objective.

    Your friends can be a great resource to you as well. If they have had a good experience they will probably recommend their artist. And if they've had a bad experience, they can warn you not to make the same mistake and what to avoid. Don't be afraid to ask around. If you see someone walking down the street with a great tattoo, don't be afraid to ask them where they got it. Most people love to talk about their tattoos.

Dangers Of At Home Tattoos

    

    More than a few first tattoo stories begin in someone’s basement and end with a very DIY-looking piece that later on is looking less appearing than tattoos that are done at a reputable tattoo studio. The dangers of home tattoos are incredibly real. What separates a home tattoo experience from one at a studio is the studio itself. Your average tattoo studio takes a slew of safety and sanitary precautions. For example, all the surfaces in the shop are covered to ensure that they’re nonporous to avoid infection transmission, and all equipment is sterilized and re-sterilized or disposed of. Basically, every single decision is made in order to prevent the contamination of anything in a given workspace.

    There’s never enough light in a home setting. There are usually kid and pet germs, cooking, sleeping, and other life habits happening around the tattoo area, thus contaminating it. With cheap tattoo supplies being sold on Amazon and, self-taught tattooers offering how-to tips on social media platforms, it’s no wonder that people get the idea that they can get a tattoo at home without running into any major issues. Most reputable tattoo supply retailers require that their customers be licensed in order to purchase their products.

    Naturally, with the discrepancies in cleanliness and professionalism associated with at-home tattooing come increased risks of bacteria and infection. Without professional grade equipment and cleaning supplies, there’s no guarantee that the area or tools used will be totally sanitary. Proper aftercare is also imperative to a healthy tattoo and an inexperienced tattooer, rather than a professional artist, probably won’t be able to offer adequate aftercare instructions. 

    Studios usually don’t allow children or pets, and tend to be very focused and calm environments with little to no interruptions. It’s also common for studios to need a license or permit of their workspace in order to function as a legal tattoo shop. With any tattoo, make sure that you  research the artist. Even if you find that they’re a licensed, professional artist, think twice before seeing them outside of a studio setting. Rather than going with the first person who says they’ll tattoo you or whoever suggests it as a cool thing to try, find your artist through research and trusted recommendations.

Why Google Reviews Are Important To Businesses?

     

    What is one of the first things you do when you're looking to purchase something or getting services that are offered? A lot of people always look at reviews. If a place has a 5 star rating or close to based on 1000 reviews, many people are more likely to seek their services. Reviews are important for the credibility of the businesses. Potential clients and customers will Google your business name to check you out, or scope out to see what products and services you offer, which will display all of the reviews. There are several reasons as to why you should check the reviews and ratings of the business that peaks your interest. 

    There’s no need for a slick marketing campaign with Google Reviews. Simply ask your customers to take some time to fill out a review. The best part is that with Google My Business, you are able to make it easy for them and provide them a direct link. Google Reviews increase your online exposure. Since Google is trying to provide people with the best results for their search query, online reviews are a strong indicator as to whether people like your business. Number of reviews also play a role. Both Google and potential customers like to see businesses with 40+ reviews or at least more reviews than your competitor. 

    Google Reviews are a good way to better understand what you are doing right and/or wrong as a business. Reviews help you see what areas are doing well and what needs improvement. Not all reviews are fair, but they always can provide information and insight on how your business can improve. One hesitation that businesses often have when asking for online reviews is the fear of negative comments. A negative review is not always a bad thing. When a business actively replies to negative reviews in a professional way and tries to resolve the situation, it shows prospective customers that you care. A mixture of bad reviews and good reviews can actually increase conversions – it makes your online presence more realistic and transparent. Google Reviews are important and your online reputation is dependent on them.

Best Time Of Year To Get A Tattoo

  Regardless of which season you decide to get a new tattoo, being prepared ahead of time is a critical part of the tattoo healing process.  It is normal to want to show off your tattoo after you get it. What season is the best for getting a tattoo you may ask? Each season has pros and cons as to why you should or should not get a tattoo. 

    Winter is a pretty good season to get a tattoo, as long as you’re not spending too much time outdoors. Cold temperatures slow blood flow and cause poor circulation, taking the body much longer to regenerate skin cells. If you get tattooed in the winter, the artwork will be completely healed by the time summer sets in. This will be the best time to show of the piece of art. Compared to the hotter summer months, winter will generally be a slow season for most people. Since fewer people will not get tattoos during this season, the studios will not be as busy. The result will be shorter waiting time and undivided attention from the artist.

    Spring has become quite popular time to get a tattoo. Warm temperatures get people excited about summer as well as showing off their tattoos and bikini bodies. This is also the time when people receive their tax returns so they have extra money to spend, which causes a spike in visits to the tattoo shops which makes it harder to get in and you would need to wait a little bit longer as well. Spring is usually the rainiest of the seasons, which can be harmful to a fresh tattoo if you spend too much time outdoors. Allowing rain to enter your wound site can delay tattoo healing and even put you at risk for developing an infection

    If you plan on getting a tattoo during summer, there are higher chances of infections when the fresh tattoo is exposed to the sun and other elements like sand and salty water. Spending too much time in the sun is easily one of the worst things you can do to your tattoo. UV rays cause skin cells to become damaged or die and can lead to skin cancer. When skin cells become damaged, the skin loses elasticity and becomes rugged. This will eventually alter your tattoo’s crisp lines and colors, leaving you with a dull and faded tattoo. If you are going to get tattooed in summer, take extra precautions to keep your tattoo clean and protected. Be prepared to ditch the pool parties and stay inside until your tattoo is fully healed. 

    Fall is the best time of year to get tattooed. The weather is more agreeable and closely resembles indoor temps, making it the least threatening season to heal wounds. Since the fall season runs from September to December, getting tattooed during these months can be extra fun and festive. Tattoo shops often offer special discounts for the holidays. You may be able to score a sizeable new piece at a discounted price for Halloween or Black Friday. 

Memorial Tattoos

   

 

          Memorial tattoos seek to honor and respect either an individual who has passed on or a significant event that deserves to be eternally remembered. These are extremely personal tattoos, but they’re also a source of pride for the owners. If you have a loved one that you want to honor or you want to memorialize an event, then a memorial tattoo could be the perfect tattoo design to get. These designs often have the dates of the events and will usually include any people who were involved in them. If you don’t want to get a heavily detailed memorial tattoo or you just want to keep it small, then simply putting the name of the event and the dates when it occurred will work as well.

    A great idea for memorial tattoos honoring an individual is to think of all of the things they loved during their lifetimes. If they loved to write or draw, incorporate some images that show that. If they were very family oriented, then maybe add in portraits of more family members. How your memorial tattoo is designed is heavily dependent on who you are and who they were. A more common way to commemorate a loved one is receiving a portrait tattoo of that individual. The portrait can also include the name of the deceased and the dates of their birth and/or death. The dates are often placed on a banner, adding an element of significance. Some people have a tough time choosing an appropriate portrait to use, but the most important thing is to use one that you have always liked looking at and that gives you the best memories of that person. 
    Angel wings are commonly used as a part of a memorial tattoo to signify the descent of the loved one’s soul into Heaven. The wings can be attached to a heart or other symbol, or they can just be located right outside of the person’s name. Dates of birth and death are often included in these tattoos to memorialize the spectrum of the loved one’s life and are sometimes, but not always accompanied by the name or relationship that was shared.
    Some people like to get tattoos of their loved ones’ handwriting as memorial tattoos. This is simply done by taking a piece of paper that they wrote on, giving it to your artist, and having them trace it onto your skin. This adds a more personal feel to the memorial tattoo and you can be sure that your design is unique. These are often tricky, though, since you want to get very meaningful words in your memorial tattoo.
    There are plenty of ways to design your memorial tattoo, but the key to it is to add in images that mean the most to you. For example, if you are getting a memorial tattoo for your mother, it’s up to you whether you include hearts, wings, religious designs, or anything else. Don’t feel compelled to add these things in simply because you’ve seen them in other tattoo designs. In fact, people are often happier when they take the time to come up with as unique a design as possible that would mean the most to the person being memorialized.

What Does Artistic Freedom Means?

     How much freedom do you usually let an artist have when working on your skin? A lot of people get increasingly confused and concerned when they hear that the artist requires "full artistic freedom".  Artistic freedom means that you give the artist a general direction of what you're wanting, general idea, sizing and placement. If you tell them where you want it at, the artist will know the dimensions what to design for. It is more related to allowing the artist to have creative choices over the design, color and layout. Even with artistic freedom, your artist isn't going to design a chest piece if if you let them know that you want it on your forearm. 

       Many people expect tattoo artists to make all their design dreams come true, without offering any input. But that's just not how the process works. It's important to have an idea of what you want for a tattoo and where you want it and describe it. From there, it'll be easier for them to create something from scratch — using your ideas as a guideline. Tattoo artists love it when clients let them be expressive and exercise their artistic talents by creating a one of a kind piece. As an artist, creativity comes from their souls. They are often challenged within the industry to make sure clients have a buy in to the design as it is going on them forever. A vast majority of tattoo artists don't want to do something they are not proud of just for the paycheck, they want to create a piece of art they are proud to put their name and business on and something that client can be proud to show off. 

        When it comes to creative freedom, artists still look for what makes their clients tick. Artists take your ideas and design and add their own creative spin to it. So if you want something truly unique, let them know you want them to include their own flair. This is, after all, a type of collaboration. Transparency is key which leads to clients feeling more comfortable with releasing control to the artist and letting them express their artistic talents through the art of tattooing. Everyone wants the experience to bring joy, to be heard, and to walk away with confidence. Trust the process and journey you're about to embark on with your artist and have fun.  

To Tip Or Not

     

    Tipping a tattoo artist should be factored into the overall cost of your tattoo. Although giving your artist a tip is not required, it is a service, and much like any other service, tipping is encouraged, appreciated and important to the tattoo industry. How much should you tip your tattoo artist? There are differing opinions about what constitutes a good tip and a bad one. Tipping rules can be a bit complicated and usually involve factors like how long did it take for your tattoo to be complete, where it was placed, etc. 

    Many people don’t realize the costs associated with being a tattoo artist. Even though tattoo costs may seem high, tattoo artists rarely take home all of what you pay them. Tattoo artists in shops are paying 40-50% of every tattoo to the shop for commission and their overhead. They are also buying tubes, needles, and other supplies at their own expense. Tips, on the other hand, go directly to the artist and they keep 100% of the tip money that you give them. 

    Deciding how much to tip a tattoo artist is really up to you and not all artists agree on this point. A tip is a tip and tattoo artists appreciate anything. You can always follow the Golden Rule of tipping 20% of whatever your tattoo price was if you’re not sure. Tipping a tattoo artist is recommended after the tattoo is complete. This can be as soon as your artist wraps up your tattoo and before you pay, or after you pay at the shop counter. 

    For larger tattoos such as sleeves or backpieces that require multiple sessions, you may be wondering whether you should tip a tattoo artist after each session or after the tattoo is fully complete. The general consensus is that while not a requirement by any means, tipping after each tattoo session is appreciated since large-scale tattoos can take months or even years to complete.  Cash is definitely the preferred method of tipping a tattoo artist, but some clients choose to bring their tattoo artists small gifts in place of or in addition to a tattoo tip. If you are planning to bring your tattoo artist a gift, you should still provide a cash tip in addition to the gift if you’re able. 

    You can show the appreciation for a good work in many different ways as well! For example, if  you like the work your tattoo artist did, then take a picture of it (possibly the shop as well) and share it on your social media and tag the artist and the shop. This way you can provide excellent exposure for the artists and their shop, and attract new clients. So, if you love your new tattoo, then let everybody know and post the pictures on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media. This will not only attract new people but also boost the tattoo shop’s name on the search engines. The exposure they can receive from only one post can be incredible.

Tattoo Sizing

  

       If you’re considering getting a tattoo, size matters. Have you heard different sizing terms but have no idea what they mean or how that will look? Understanding and differentiating between various tattoos sizes will help you better comprehend what you are getting. Tattoo size matters for the design of your body art. If you’re looking for an intricate and detailed piece, you most likely will not want to get it super small. Details will get lost, and the intricacy of the design will be muddled. If you are considering something like a portrait, getting at least a medium-size tattoo of 6 or more inches  will usually be recommended.  If you want a simple tattoo, small sizes are perfectly suitable. If you are looking for something on your ankle, knuckles, or wrists, for example, consider a simple object or lettering.

   Tattoos are measured in square inches. To determine your tattoo size, simply multiply the height of your tattoo with the width at the longest points. If you already have an area in mind, measure your body’s location that you want the tattoo. Map out a rectangle on your skin and measure how tall and wide it is. Now you know how large the design needs to be, and you can begin searching for designs that would look good at that size. Another good way to determine the size of a tattoo if you don't have a way to measure it is to use everyday object as a size comparison. 

     Using words like small, medium, large is very vague because not all people see those as the same size measurements as you may see them. Another term that many people use often is "palm sized". While your palm may be 4 inches, another person's could be 6 inches or more. Giving your artist/studio your height and weight doesn't help with determining how much surface area will be covered as every person's body is different and in that case they can't provide you with an accurate quote for time as well as pricing.  Deciding what size you want your tattoo will help you choose where on your body you want it, and vice versa. If you know that you want a tattoo across your entire chest, it’s pointless to look at small tattoo designs. Look for something large and detailed that can cover your surface area and look fantastic. 

    So, as you can see, choosing the correct size for your tattoo is just as important as the design itself. There are many factors to consider when deciding on the size, including placement, design, time, and cost. The best thing you can do before getting a tattoo is to measure it out on your body and then review with your tattoo artist to see what they think would be best. Although the decision is ultimately up to you, it is nice to have input from a professional. 

All Tattoos Fade

  

     All tattoos will change and fade over time, especially if you get these tattoos at a young age and have them for a large portion of your life. There are numerous reasons a tattoo may fade or become misshapen over the course of a lifetime.  Location of the tattoo, the color and the type of pigment, changes in weight, aging and sun exposure play a big role in the fading of a tattoo. 

      The sun is one of the main reasons tattoos fade over time. When you first get a tattoo, you should avoid being in the sun until it fully heals. Once the tattoo heals applying sunscreen will greatly decrease your chances of ink fading. Use a high SPF (that blocks UVA Rays) or a tattoo-specific sunscreen to protect your skin. UV rays from tanning beds are also harmful to tattoos and can cause damage to the skin. Tanning beds are more harmful than the sun because the UV is more intense and closer to your skin, causing more damage quickly. 

     The skin constantly changes due to all kinds of factors. One of the reasons tattoos fade is due to the changing of the skin. Your skin grows and changes to accommodate your body throughout life. If your body grows, due to gaining weight of some sort, your skin will change to accommodate that. If you have a tattoo on this area that changed, the tattoo will stretch with the skin. Weight gain due to unhealthy eating isn’t the only way a tattoo can be damaged by skin stretching. The stretching of skin can also occur if you have a significant increase in muscle mass in a particular area. For example, if you have a tattoo on your thigh and you start doing squats to grow your quads, the tattoo will stretch with the skin as your muscle grows. Although growth would have to be quite drastic to negatively affect a tattoo it can still happen.

      There are certain parts of the body that tend to fade quicker than others. Some body parts are more susceptible to fading, so are the tattoos on these body parts. Shoulders and ankles have tight skin, and the skin doesn't sag and become as loose over time, unlike the upper arm or abdomen. Tattoos on the palms and soles of the foot don't tend to last as long because the skin is thicker compared to other part of the body, and the tattoos tend not to go as deep.

Color Tattoos

   

     Tattoos have gone from being something associated with soldiers and sailors to becoming modern pieces of art. They now come in countless different styles, with limitless designs and a wide variety of colors. The type of color, shading and tones will vary depending on the tattoo design, tattoo artist and tattoo style. Color tattoos became more notable in the 17th century as tattooing in Japan became more comfortable. To this day, Japanese tattoos are filled with bright and bold colors. The popularity of tattoo colors is connected to the advances of tattoo ink.

    Choosing the color for your tattoo is an important part of the tattoo design process. Colors can change the whole effect of the inking, can help it come to life or to resemble the original image. Several tattoo styles gravitate towards bright color work. New school watercolor, old school, traditional, Japanese, and illustrative all heavily rely on colors to complete the work. When contemplating what colors you want in your tattoo, there are a few things you will need to consider. If you want a small tattoo, colors may visually blend and muddy into each other. Big pieces look better with color, as the shades will stand out and be clear to read. When choosing the best color for your tattoo, remember that your skin tone will impact how it looks on the skin and how long it will last. Colored tattoos will always look different once healed, so make sure you keep that in mind during the inking process.

    Vibrant and pastel colors like pink, yellow, light blue and green tend to fade faster. The shades commonly used in watercolors are short-lived as well. Despite being incredibly popular, this style of tattooing requires frequent touch-ups to keep the vibrancy and longevity of the colors. How good your color tattoo looks and for how long it will stay looking good will depend on the area you get tattooed. This is because some body parts are more susceptible to aging and weight relayed changes. Shoulders and ankles have tight skin that doesn’t become loose over time, this means your tattoo should keep its shape and color better for longer. Arms, thighs, and abdomen go through lots of changes as we age, affecting the way the tattoo looks. 

    Color tattoos are incredibly beautiful and have stemmed from an immensely vibrant history. They are used in a wide variety of different styles, from modern genres like biomechanical and new school tattoos, to traditional styles like Japanese and American traditional tattoos. Colored tattoos tend to fade quicker, especially light colored and watercolor pieces because of the technique that is utilized. White tattoos fade the quickest out of all tattoos, especially when exposed to the sun. These are some of the things to take into consideration as well as educating yourself on the longevity of color tattoos, and how the tattoo will look several years down the road. 

Tattoo Aftercare: What You Need To Know

  A tattoo is more than just a piece of art and a way to assert your personal style. Any time you open the skin, you leave yourself vulnerable to scarring and infection. Caring for your tattoo can prevent those complications and ensure that the tattoo heals properly. Both you and your tattoo artist play equal roles in this process. Along with going to a professional and reputable tattoo artist, you need to take care of your new tattoo at home. 

    Figuring out how to care for your tattoo can be tricky though. Aftercare starts as soon as your tattoo is done. The artist should apply a bandage to cover the area and help with healing. This covering prevents bacteria from getting into your skin and also protects the tattoo from rubbing onto your clothes and getting irritated.  Keep the dressing on for as long as your tattoo artist recommends as it helps to absorb any fluid or excess ink that leaks from the tattoo. After sufficient and recommended time (24 hours) has passed, you can remove the 1st bandage. Wash your hands with water and soap, then gently wash the tattoo with warm water and natural (chemical free) fragrance free soap. Pat your skin dry with a paper towel or a clean and soft cloth. Then you should apply the 2nd dressing on and wear it for 4 days. 

    While your tattoo heals, you should wear sun-protective clothing whenever you go outside or try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Do call your tattoo shop if you experience any out of the norm complications or other problems and they can give you advice on what steps to take next. You should avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo no matter how bad the urge may be. Avoid wearing tight and restrictive clothing over the part of the body that has been tattooed to allow it to breathe and heal faster. Don't go swimming or immerse your fresh tattoo in body of water, especially hot tubs (showers are fine).

        Once your tattoo has healed, you move into maintenance mode. Though you don't have to specifically care for it after 3 to 4 months, there are things you can do to prevent ink from degrading. Wash your skin daily with a gentle and fragrance-free soap, drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized, wear sunscreen ( that blocks UVA Rays) so the sun won't fade your tattoo. Another thing is to avoid excess weight gain or loss as that could stretch out or distort the tattoo. 

    After getting a new tattoo, the outer layer of skin will typically appear healed within 2 to 3 weeks. However, the healing process can take upward of 6 months. Aftercare, which includes daily cleaning, ointment or moisturizer should continue for at least that long to reduce the risk of infection or other complications.

How To Tell A Good Tattoo From A Bad Tattoo

   

 

   

     

    For people outside of the tattoo industry, it may be difficult to tell if a tattoo is bad. Believe it or not, but many people out there don't know that their tattoo is poorly done. However, for those of you that want to ensure that you go to an artistically and technically qualified artist, below you will find some important aspects to look for in a tattoo. 

    A good tattoo should have fully saturated black, color and shading. When it heals, there shouldn't be gaps or shapes in the tattoo that indicate it wasn't filled in properly. The lines of a tattoo should be crisp, straight and consistent throughout the tattoo. Wonky lines are a huge indication of an inexperienced artist. How a tattoo heals is a huge indication of a good tattoo vs a bad tattoo. If a tattoo scars, blows out or straight up falls out of the skin, it's a bad tattoo. 

    It doesn't take an expert to tell if a tattoo is crooked, but many people outside of the industry may not recognize the rules surrounding placement. First off, if a tattoo is a face it should in general be facing in toward the body vs away. Second, text should appear upside down to the wearer. Third, you should never put a tiny tattoo in the middle of a large canvas. A tattoo needs a variety of tones in order for it to appear multidimensional and that its jumping off the skin. If the tattoo has bad contrast, it will appear flat and washed out. Faces and body parts can be very tricky, because one wrong move can ruin a perfectly good drawing. It takes years of practice to create a realistic portrait, so enlist the best of the best for this task.

    Details can take an average tattoo to an extraordinary tattoo very quickly. You want to feel like you can run your fingers over a tattoo and feel every single detail, whether it be the texture of the hair or the consistency of the eyes. You should be able to look at your tattoo and know exactly what it is or what it says. If you look at a tattoo and say to yourself, "what is that?" then its probably not a very good tattoo. 

Meaning Behind Geometric Tattoos

   

    There are constantly new tattoos popping up and there is definitely a trend with geometric tattoos. Bold shapes and linear designs always make for such cool body artwork as well as they are striking and symbolic. The finely-drawn ink often utilizes a series of shapes, lines, and dots to add a modern appeal to everyday objects, animals, and overall ideas. When it comes to cracking the geometric tattoo meaning, in most cases, they were tied to spiritual and religious practices in ancient times. However, in today's world they symbolize balance, symmetry, stability, intelligence, mystery, and much more. 

    In some cultures it is believed that these tattoos, when worn on certain parts of the body can heal, restore health, and provide balance. Since there is no strict pattern for artists to follow, tattoo artists usually have creative free range to interpret geometric designs as they see fit. Contrary to a popular belief, sacred geometric tattoos are not attached to any belief system if you don't want them to be. Most tattoos of this type are complex, original designs that incorporate shapes, dots, and shading in order to come out with an intricate and interesting patterns. 

While some artists look to M.C. Escher, an early 20th Century graphic artist for inspiration, others gain inspiration from mandalas and unusual geometric designs that present themselves in nature or in other forms of artwork. No matter the design, symmetry is a large part of geometric tattoos. Majority of clients who regularly get these tattoos do so because they feel a strong personal and spiritual connection with the artwork and it’s aesthetic. In fact, some feel that people with geometric tattoos have a profound respect for shapes, designs and how their intricacies work together to make the world a unique and interesting place.

    Even though these designs are trendy for the time being, tattoo artists caution that people who desire geometric tattoos should do their homework and have a strong idea of what it is they want and why. 

Why You Don't See Your Tattoo Design Ahead

    

     In a custom tattoo shop, the artists design their clients a unique custom tattoo. This means that your tattoo is yours alone, and no one else has the same design. It also means that  our artists don't have flash sheets, or ready-prepared imagery for clients to pick off a wall or a book. Usually clients will bring our artists an idea and sometimes references, and our artists use that as an inspiration to create an entirely unique design for the client in the artist's personal style. 

      We understand that you want to be involved in every step of the process in designing your tattoo, and that you may want to see a full drawing or sketch before your appointment time and day for approval. By sitting down with an artist and going over all of the details of the tattoo and ideas, you put forth the trust in your artist and allow them  that they will create a one of a kind piece that you will be proud to show off. 

     All of our tattoo artists have appointments scheduled out, and they tattoo every day. In order to have a drawing/design ready for each client they tattoo, most often than not the drawing is done the night or a few days before the scheduled appointment. They just don't have enough time in their schedule to "pre-draw" the design/sketch for every client to approve. We will NEVER send a drawing or sketch through phone, email or allow a physical copy to leave the shop. No images can be taken of the drawing unless it is tattooed on you. No exceptions will be made. Most custom shops and artists show you the design the day of your tattoo so you don't take their artwork and get it done elsewhere.

    Generally our artists draw designs for their clients' tattoos only a couple of days before the appointment, that's because they have appointments every day, and all the drawings are done in their own personal time. So generally, your design is not available to be seen ahead of your appointment. We also have a shop policy that tattoo designs don't leave the shop. Our artists generally don't email designs to their clients or allow potential clients to bring custom designs home for contemplation. That is because clients will sometimes take custom designs done by one tattoo artist and bring them to another in the hopes of having the same piece done at a lower price point which is disrespectful to the artist, and the time and effort they put into the preparation of the design. 

Where It All Starts: Your First Tattoo

    As most things in life, getting a tattoo for the first time is a little scary. Because a tattoo is permanent in nature, most tattoos you have done are almost always irreversible, which makes the first tattoo more than a bit scary. "What if something goes wrong?" you can't help asking yourself over and over again. That is why it is strongly advised that before going in for your first tattoo, all aspects related to your decision are considered very carefully before taking the plunge and that you have selected the right artist for the job.

    For any person who is getting their first tattoo, it's a matter of great excitement and pride. They many not know it then, but once the tattoo had been marked, the urge to look at it every few hours and admire it will be there. That is why it's a good idea to choose a location in such a way that you can see it easily. More useful locations are the upper arm, wrist, and the front of your thigh and feet. 

    The attention you and your tattoo draws from people will be great especially if it's your first one. Placing your tattoo at a place that you're proud to flaunt will be beneficial. If you decide to get a tattoo on a place of your body that you're embarrassed about, it will make it for an unpleasant moments for you when people ask about your tattoo.

    The first time you get a tattoo can be quite traumatic and painful if it's not done right. You also carry the fear of the design not looking good because you don't have any prior experience with the artist. You must chose your artist very carefully after a lot of research and inspection of their work, so believe the process and put trust in your artist that they will create a work of art for you that you will be proud to show off and wear for the rest of your life. Who knows, maybe now you're planning your next several tattoos already. You may get several other tattoos after this, but the first one would always be special. 

Painful Places To Get Tattooed

                                

It's a well known fact that getting a tattoo hurts. For the most part, all of these places listed below can be extremely painful and you should definitely be aware of that before you go in to get these areas inked. A lot of the pain comes from a lack of cushion of muscle or fat within these areas, therefore causing the needles to consistently go over thin layers of skin and bone repeatedly. When it’s just skin and bones, you know it’s going to hurt. 

    The inner arm is going to really hurt. The thinness of the skin is again the culprit, and the nerves will react instantly to any tattoo needle. While some areas just throb and hurt, this feels more like a scratching burn. The hands, fingers and knuckles especially, are extremely boney and filled with ligaments. Also, because the skin on your hands is so thin, it’s going to be extremely painful. The skin over rib area is so thin with a highly sensitive area and the bones are spread out leaving areas of grooves and direct bone for the needles to graze over. You’re definitely going to need breaks during rib sessions. The elbow is not only going to hurt, but to get the ink packed in properly you’re going to be sitting at an awkward angle with your arm bending every which way. The feet are pretty manageable at first, but as the tattoo session goes on, it’s going to really start to hurt. The very tops of the feet will be the absolute worse. Needles vibrating and stabbing you in the head repeatedly is not going to be a very enjoyable experience. Though the skull is said to not be as painful as many may believe, it still is going to be an uncomfortable session.

It’s only natural to feel pain during a tattoo session, but some places are more painful than others. Pain is our body’s way of protecting us from imminent harm. Depending on your  threshold level, you may have to reconsider the tattoo placement especially if you have a low pain tolerance. If you are considering getting a tattoo on any of the locations stated above, you better be prepared to deal with pain. 

Frequently Asked Tattoo Questions

 What does a tattoo feel like?  

Many people like to refer that getting a tattoo feels like someone is scratching a hot needle across your skin or others like to compare it to a constant feeling of a cat scratch. After about 15 minutes, your adrenaline will start kicking in and help manage some of the pain, but if you’re getting a larger piece done, the pain can come in waves. 

Where is the least painful place to get a tattoo?

The answers vary, depending on the size of the tattoo and where on your body it is (smaller tattoos on fleshier parts of your body will hurt the least). This also varies person to person. Tattoos on your wrist or forearm tend to be pretty easy places to start with. Although everyone experiences pain differently, you can expect for the tattoo pain to be worse on your ribs, feet, ankles, neck, backs of your knees, or insides of your elbows. Really, anywhere that has a high level of nerve endings and not a lot of fat will hurt more.

How do you deal with tattoo pain?

Pain is the price you pay for getting a tattoo. As tempting as a numbing agent sounds, tattoo artists don’t recommend them because they affect the capillaries and therefore make it harder to deposit the ink. This also makes healing the tattoo a challenge. In general, treat the night before a tattoo like you would before a big exam: Get a good night’s sleep, eat a full breakfast, stay hydrated, and don’t show up hungover or drunk. All of these things could ultimately affect how you handle pain, even if it’s not a particularly sensitive area of the body.

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

After two weeks, your tattoo should be completely healed if you’ve properly taken care of it, as per the artists instructions, and, other than that, left it alone. If a portion of your design didn’t heal correctly or if you have some fading down the road and want to get it touched up, pay your artist a visit.

Effects Of Tattoos In Society

    

There have been periods in history when tattoos were deemed a “fad” that would pass in time but that has been proven different. There is now a vast majority of people who have at least one tattoo. Many actors, actresses and models proudly display their beautiful work for the world to see, yet most Americans cave under the pressure of society telling us to cover up. A slew of restaurants and retail jobs require all tattoos to be covered while on the clock. With the number of tattooed individuals rising each year, why is society still deeming the ink ‘unacceptable’?

    Tattoos have truly held a prominent place in history – from tattooed sailors and pirates, Nazi’s tattooing those in camps, gang member initiation rituals, to tribe members in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand using tattoos for protection against evil and to increase luck, the history of the art is quite remarkable. More often than not, companies will explain to employees that their tattoos, no matter what they’re of, will be offensive to consumers and patrons, again begging the question why? The numbers speak for themselves; a crowded elevator is likely to hold three or more tattoos so who are we really offending? Eleven percent of the older generation (50-64 year olds) fall under ‘tattooed’ and are the main culprits behind the offensive line. Although they may be offended current-day, back in the 1960s cosmetic tattooing became very popular (tattooed blush, lipstick, eyeliner) and in the later portion of the decade, tattoos were largely featured in magazines, TV shows, and film.

    Americans have made tattooing very mainstream as television shows like Miami Ink, Ink Master, and Best Ink have become hits across the country
. Society raises us to believe that tattoos are a form of rebellion – a fact that has also been proven with studies showing 50% of people associating tattoos to rebellious behavior – but what we don’t grow up hearing about is the beauty of body art along with it’s history. As the years pass and the percentage of those with tattoos continues to grow, it’ll be hard to argue their offensiveness. After all, most of our ancestors were the ones to create different forms of tattooing!

Tattoo Shop Etiquette

    While thousands of people get one every single day, not many realize there is an unwritten code in tattoo studios. By following some of the tattoo etiquette tips you will be able to enjoy your tattoo experience as much as possible, while keeping yourself and your artist happy. If you are accessing the tattoo studio for the first time or looking for inspiration and advice, it is still a good idea to have a rough concept or idea of the tattoo you want, where you want it, size, and the style of the design. The more specific you can be, the easier your artist can understand what you are expecting and the quicker the design can be drawn up for you.

    Now let's go over a few etiquette components to keep in mind.  Don't ask for their inspirations and professional advice and completely ignore it. An artist tends not to like it when the customer fails to trust their professional views. Don't get offended if your artist requests that you change certain aspects of your desired tattoo idea. Most experienced artists can make good judgment as to whether a certain idea/design will or will not work when transformed into ink on the body. Do ensure you’re nice and clean before entering the studio. Not only will your skin be easier to tattoo if it’s free from oils and dirt, but your artist will also appreciate that you smell at least a little nicer. Don't get a tattoo if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only will it be an unpleasant experience for the tattooist having to deal with the behavior of this individual, but you are much more likely to bleed heavily, which in return will affect the result of the tattoo. Not to mention, your own judgment will be clouded. Do tip your tattoo artist if you feel inclined to do so. They earn commission from the tattoos they create on you and by tipping, you are showing your appreciation for the customer service you have received.

    While many points are pretty obvious, tattoo etiquette traditions are broken each and every day. An initiative and some common sense can contribute to making your whole tattoo experience a pleasant one. Tattooing culture may seem 'rock-and-roll' from the outside, but on the inside of it is a team of amazing and highly-experienced artists who take pride in their artwork and working environment. Once you understand the basics of good tattoo etiquette, you should have absolutely no problem each time you decide to get some new ink done.