A Great Tattoo Really is Something Worth Waiting For

 

In today's day, there are so many options for consumers. You're interested in eating Mexican food, you can find a place that fits your budget. You're looking for a new car, you can research dealerships and find your dream car in a budget that fits you. Some would argue that no matter the place you choose, you're going to be satisfied either way. We are taught to find the "best deal" without proper education or information. 

Not all tattoo artists are equal, in skill level, in artistic vision, in the execution of the tattoo, or even pricing. We all know the phrase, "you get what you pay for" and "good tattoos aren't cheap, and cheap tattoos aren't good". These are never meant to pressure one into spending more, but rather to challenge thinking and consider your tattoos for the long run. If you're planning a tattoo, you owe it to yourself to have it done right!

A story that comes to mind is of a young woman who came into our shop for a very meaningful tattoo. She had a baby prematurely and wanted to memorialize this baby's memory in the form of a tattoo. She had its little footprints from the hospital and brought them in to see how much it would cost to have one of our artists perform the tattoo. She met with an artist, and they discussed her vision for the tattoo. They also discussed how much time it would take to complete the tattoo, and how much it was going to cost. She decided to think on it and didn't end up booking. After following up with her, she let us know she found another artist for half the price and was no longer interested in our service. We wished her well and encouraged her to reach out for her next tattoo. 

A few weeks had passed, and this same young lady returns to the shop. Her arm is covered in saran wrap, bandaging a fresh tattoo. She was visibly upset and was in tears as she showed us her new tattoo. She was not happy with it, as it wasn't even her child's footprint. The artist disregarded her reference image and used a set of footprints they had found on the internet. It wasn't her little preemie's feet at all. The execution of the tattoo left a bit to be desired as well. Needless to say, she was unhappy with the tattoo and wasn't sure what could be done with it. 

She met with an artist once again and it was determined that the tattoo, she got elsewhere could not be re-worked into what she initially wanted. The artist made the recommendation to do the tattoo she intended on, in a new location, and to cover up the fresh ink. She hadn't intended on getting multiple tattoos in such a visible space but had some decisions to make. What she decided to do was to first focus on covering up the new tattoo as it brought her a lot of unhappiness. Once she saved for that tattoo, and it was complete, she then saved for those little footprints she wanted in the first place. 

In hindsight, she would have preferred to take more time in choosing an artist, she would have done more research on the skill level of her prospective artist. And she would have just saved for the tattoo she really wanted. She found out the hard way that she not only paid to get the same tattoo twice, but she also paid for the cover up as well. 

 

 

Aiding in Healing 

Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we get to meet a lot of different people, and get to hear a lot of different stories and reasoning behind their tattoos. Some are meant to be fun, to make themselves or others laugh. Some are a collection of their passions, hobbies, and interests. Whatever the reasoning, we are grateful for each of our clients. Sometimes, a client will come in with a heavy heart, mourning the loss of someone they love, and looking to start their healing process.

One day, we had the pleasure of meeting a young lady looking to get a butterfly tattoo. When we discussed the tattoo, she let us know the type of butterfly she would like along with the size and location, and she booked with Christina Walker. As she sits down with her artist, she began telling her backstory and the backstory of this tattoo. She, being a younger individual, lost her younger sister, suddenly and unexpectedly. Her journey through healing, started with a lot of sunny day hikes, and time spent outdoors doing what her sister loved. This brought her a sense of peace and closeness. As her spirits lifted, she was reminded of the small things that brought her joy. One of those being the cloudless sulfur butterfly. She began to see these butterflies whenever she hiked. She would think on her sister, and that same butterfly would come by to say "Hello". She would bring her friends on her frequent hikes and tell them the story of these butterflies. As they were told these stories, right before their eyes, that butterfly would appear, giving them the chills. And at that point, this client decided it would be the perfect tattoo to represent the bond between her and her sister. She came in for a follow up session 2 weeks later, and shared with us, that on her way home that same butterfly paid her a visit. 

 

Now we know that there are many reasons to get a tattoo, and that a tattoo doesn't necessarily have to have profound meaning. But when we are invited into someone's life, offering them steps toward healing, it reminds us of how fortunate we are to share in these moments. Our artists are dedicated to each tattoo. Not only the artwork, but in providing a unique healing experience.