Is a Client Able to Get WHATEVER They Want?

 

When it comes to the imagery, you should get whatever it is you like. Doesn't need to have meaning or significance. It can be almost anything your heart desires. But what we do need to consider is this; the tattoo design must make sense artistically. The artists want to provide you the image you are wanting, but also ensure that it can be translated into tattoo form, it will allow size for detail, and will be a beautiful readable image for years to come. 

A good example of this is lettering. Let's say someone is wanting a poem or a bible verse. Each individual letter must be considered and given enough room to design and stylize each letter. Some fonts won't require as much space and can be executed at smaller dimensions. But there is no singular rule to font and sizes and would be best discussed with your tattoo artist. They aren't telling you “No” they are giving you the realities and offering a superior option for what you are wanting. Don't be afraid to ask for what you are wanting, but also have an open mind to any suggested modifications. 

Another art style to consider is realism. Realism is a technique that results in artwork that looks like a photograph or a real-life 3D object. This means the tattoo will have to be large enough to include all those magical details that turns an image into a realism tattoo. Picture a field of tulips as far as the eye can see. There is only so much detail that can be committed to each flower. Now, take a moment to zoom in on one flower. Suddenly you see the ripples and veins in the petals. You can see the slight glisten of morning dew settling on the stem. You can see the little pockets of pollen that offer life to the bees. There is so much more that goes into realism tattoos than pretty color. It's taking the beauty of the world executed in exaggerated and accurate detailing.

As a client, you aren't expected to know the ins and out of tattooing. But what is the most helpful is an openness to artist recommendations. We hope that Lucky Bamboo Tattoo offers an open and honest environment. Please feel free to ask questions and trust that your skin is in good hands. 

 

 

 Proceed With Caution

 

The sad truth is that loads of companies are trying to sell you poison. They focus on their marketing and trickery rather than using those efforts on creating a decent product. I'm referring to tattoo ointments of course. Companies realized there was a massive untapped market of people who are passionate about tattoos. As tattooing becomes more and more mainstream, that market continues to grow. We see loads of new products on the shelves. The claims they make are bold yet promising. Brighten your colorful tattoos, darken your blacks. Ultimate moisture. Your skin will love you for it. Lies. 

 

There are approximately 84 different products manufactured by 52 different brands marketed specifically for "tattoo aftercare". Fifty percent of those products have used the claim/description "natural ingredients". The simplest formulation includes 4 ingredients and on average, each product had about 28 different ingredients. And out of all the products combined, there are a total of 369 ingredients listed, most of those being both preservatives and fragrances. How is anyone to keep track of all the possible allergens and irritants?!

We are seeing an increase of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This can take place as soon as a new tattoo product is applied. Our Aftercare instructions are pretty straight forward, and we see a nearly perfect rate of successful and healthy healing. But what is happening, although not very common, is this; you've taken off your final bandage and your tattoo is beautiful and fully healed but may require some moisturizer. You shop on amazon or your local stores and find a product "developed" for tattoo aftercare. You have an inherent trust for what is being advertised and you give it a try.  The new product makes its way into your skin, into your pores, and it doesn't get absorbed (likely due to the poor ingredients). It's now stuck in your hair follicles causing irritation. This can develop in the form of tiny red dots or rashing, it can be itchy or feel like it’s burning, it can cause some drying and further irritation. Not only to your tattoo, but to your non-tattooed skin as well. This is common when introducing a new product but can also happen with a product you have been using for years. 

As always, do as much research as you can, because we know false information has been rebranded as marketing. Seek advice from your professional tattoo artist. And if you are experiencing an adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately. We have your best interest at heart and are here to help.