Tattoos Are Actually Permanent!

 

Cover-up tattoo by Jared

SHOCKER, WE KNOW! WHO KNEW THAT TATTOOS WERE PERMANENT?

It's weird that we have to say this, but yes, tattoos are permanent. It sounds strange to even say it out loud, and that this concept even needs to be explained. Fortunately, most people understand what they are getting into. Others, well they need a little help.

It's not that they don't know that tattoos are permanent, it's more of a reflection on their understanding that WHAT they are getting is permanent. Only an incredibly uninformed person doesn't know tattoos are not going to just wash off. We're more so making commentary on their decisions.

WHY EXPLAINING THIS IS SO IMPORTANT

It breaks down to a few points of interest. Content, quality, and the future. Each of these things should be considered before you get your tattoo(s) and why they're important to think about. 

CONTENT

The content of your tattoo is what your tattoo is about or what it's saying. Sometimes content, or subject, tells a story of where you are in life, where you were, or where you are going. Sometimes the subject isn't as deep or meaningful as all that. You may wake up one day and decide to get an image of a piece of toast for a tattoo, for no other reason than you were craving toast. This is why content is important when choosing to put something permanent on your body.

Sure, that toast tattoo may be fun, original and odd enough to be cool, but is it something you see yourself wanting on your body years down the road? Is it something you feel you'll probably want to get covered up some day? If so, maybe you should put a little more thought into your tattoo.

What about the Olde English script "Sublime" tattoo across your neck that you got in the nineties when you just barely turned 18? Was that the best decision? Getting a "job killer" tattoo at a young age should be seriously considered before proceeding. Wait until you have an established career where it won't matter and you can freely express yourself. In this case, your extreme love of the band Sublime. By the way, there is nothing wrong with loving Sublime.

This brings us to the dreaded name tattoos. One of the most common cover-up requests is for names of past boyfriends/girlfriends/spouses. A lot of people will advise against these tattoos for the obvious reasons. There are only a real handful of name tattoos that are completely safe, and that's your kids, siblings, parents and grandparents. Other people, you should be absolutely sure that it won't turn into a regret tattoo. 

QUALITY

When getting a tattoo, quality is key. If you are going to put permanent marks on your body, most people want them to be a good quality. Of course, quality=cost. No quality tattoo is going to be cheap, unless you get really lucky. Tattoos are one of those luxuries that you shouldn't skimp on the price. It's permanent and a cover-up will probably end up costing you more than if you got a good tattoo in the first place. 

Many of us, if not most of us that have tattoos, are guilty of getting a scratch and poke tattoo that either a friend of yours did at a party, or you did yourself. It's very common. We might have not been considering the permanence of tattoos while we were doing it. Maybe we were young, or drunk, or whatever, but one way or another, we simply weren't going into it with a clear mind. 

Even if you plan on a very simplistic tattoo as your idea, you still want it to come out good and of a good quality. There's a difference between a smiley face tattoo with good, even lines with a perfect circle and a smiley face tattoo that's roughly done, uneven lines and egg-shaped. Quality is important no matter what design you are going for, whether simple or elaborate.

THE FUTURE

The future can play a role in the importance of tattoos being permanent. When you are young, you may not be considering what lies ahead. You may have dreams of becoming a successful musician, actor, sports figure, or whatever. You may be thinking your tattoos won't matter in that case. Even if you happen to break into one of these careers, sometimes your tattoos do matter. This is especially true for actors. Many actors have gotten passed up for jobs because of visible tattoos.

Realistically, most people won't land a record deal or a professional basketball contract. It's a sad fact of life. Very high paying entertainment gigs are incredibly difficult to fall into. You'll most likely end up working in some other field, which still may be high paying (like a doctor, or lawyer). Consider what tattoos you are getting and where on your body you are getting them when thinking about your future self. 

Not a lot of people have a law degree with "THUG LIFE" tattooed across their knuckles, and if they do, they probably don't have too many clients and may be stuck working as a low paid public defender. You don't see too many General Practitioner doctors with face and neck tattoos. 

When considering your tattoos, also consider what lies ahead in your future. You don't want to hinder yourself and add any unnecessary roadblocks to make things more difficult than they have to be. If your career aspirations won't be affected by the prospect of tattoos, great! There's nothing wrong expressing yourself with tattoos as long as they don't become a shackle. 

TATTOOS ALLOW US TO EXPRESS OURSELVES CREATIVELY 

Despite all that has been previously said, there is nothing wrong with using tattoos as a means to express yourself. Tattoos are a beautiful art form that have been around for thousands of years and have been expressed by nearly every culture and on nearly every continent on the planet.

Unlike other forms of art, tattoos are worn on the body at all times. Being permanent, they are a part of us until we die. This is why certain things should be considered when you are planning on your tattoos. You want a good design that will age well along with you, you want it done with a degree of quality and you want it go along with your future plans without it becoming a burden. 

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.

Tattooing: Great Artists Vs Bad Artists

 

Jared is one of the Great Artists at LBT

JUST LIKE CLIENTS, THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD ARTISTS

In the world of tattooing, artists are the forefront of creation and execution of a good, well done tattoo. Not all artists are created equal. Not by a long shot. Some are great, some are good, and some are flat out terrible. It may sound harsh and judgmental, but it's simply a fact. Not everyone is cut out to be a tattoo artist. If it were that easy, more people would do it.

WHAT MAKES AN ARTIST BAD OR GOOD?

There are many things that can contribute to how good or bad an artist is. As a client, you'll want to learn if your potential artist is one to avoid. Not only do you want your tattoo to come out as good or better than you expect, but you also want your overall experience to be a good one. Here are some of the things that determine if someone is a good tattoo artist or a bad one. 

ART EDUCATION

A person isn't necessarily a "bad" artist if they don't have any formal art education. Some people out there are very good artists just through personal practice. However, a tattoo artist with a real art education does have an edge and some advantages. They learn many skills that you generally don't just pick up on your own, regardless of how good you might be. Various techniques and abilities need to be learned from an experienced teacher and observed to make sure they are being done correctly.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

There are more than one type of person out there that does tattoos. Some are artists that studied, practiced and had an apprenticeship. Then, there are those that bought a tattoo machine online and randomly decided that they are a tattoo artist. An unskilled and untrained person doing tattoos is not a tattoo artist, they are a 'scratcher'. Scratchers are the cause of the vast majority of complications, blow outs, and the reason someone needs a cover-up. Avoid scratchers. 

Another important factor is knowledge. Not just knowledge of what to do, but also what NOT to do. This pertains to both the whole of the tattooing process, but also about sanitary and cleanliness practices. If your artist has not gone through and maintained a Bloodborne Pathogens certification, you need a new artist. Knowing how to keep your work area clean, sanitized and safe are very important. Knowing how to avoid cross-contamination are very important. Knowledge is important. A good artist has this knowledge through training and practice.

TEMPERAMENT

An artists temperament can play a key role on how good of a tattoo artist they are. If a person has a generally crappy attitude, they're a bummer to be around. This is extra true regarding your tattoo artist. Who wants to sit for hours with some grump while they mope and scribble on you angrily? A good artist, regardless of what is going on in their personal life, will put all that on the back burner and focus on their work. A real artist is a professional and doesn't bring their personal problems to the studio.

PATIENCE

A good artist will always be patient. Not just with clients, but also with themself and the process. Sure, everybody can get frustrated now and then when a piece of art they're working on isn't coming out as they envisioned. The good artist approaches this with patience and just keeps working on the drawing until it comes out right. The bad artist throws their hands up in the air and just gives up on that piece and starts from scratch. 

Sometimes, it's the client that can be frustrating. It happens. The good artists will keep moving forward with a good attitude until the project is finished. Bad artists might simply rush the tattoo to get it over with, leaving their client with poor work. Even if it's a piece the artist isn't thrilled about, if they're good, they'll still put their all into it because regardless of how they feel about the concept, they'll still want it to come out as well as the client expects. 

KEEPING IT PROFESSIONAL

Most of us get to deal with listening to the problems of our family and friends. Who wants to sit and listen to their tattoo artist complain for hours about their troubles? That may sound heartless, but people want a certain experience while getting their tattoo. Listening to someone complain isn't that experience. We all have problems, we don't want to hear about other peoples while we are trying to enjoy ourselves. 

KEEPING IT PROFESSIONAL II

Unfortunately, there are quite a few so-called artists that are also very inappropriate towards their clients, to the degree of sexual harassment. If you have an artist that is saying things that make you feel uncomfortable or that you're actually in danger, that is most definitely a bad artist. Sometimes those types get a reputation because of it, and not the good kind. If you hear time and time again about a situation where a particular artist was out of hand, you may want to avoid that person. 

Don't be too quick to judge, however, off of one online review. Sometimes people just make things up for whatever malicious reason they have. Look at an artists reviews as a whole. If someone has a ton of great reviews, but one that seems a bit fishy, you can generally get a good feel for someone by just meeting them in person. Perhaps book a consultation with that artist and see for yourself. 

The previous applies to both men and women because both can be guilty of harassment. Not only verbal, but also physical. If you are in a session, and your artist is making contact frequently somewhere where no tattooing is occurring and there's no reason for any touching there, say something. Make sure they know that it's not welcome. Too many shy people have told them over time that it's "okay" to do that by keeping quiet. Don't let them think that way. 

RELIABILITY

Any good artist will be reliable. They'll be completely prepared with your art, they'll be set up and ready to go once your session is supposed to start. Sometimes unforeseen complications can happen, such as your artist is very sick. In that event, it's best to reschedule for both your personal health and for the sake of your tattoo. If you artist is really under the weather, you won't get their best work. It's worth waiting to get it done once they are well. It can be frustrating, but it's for the best.

A bad artist will often be late to work, not be prepared with your art at all, take 30 min of your session time setting up, and so on. Again, sometimes things happen, and some of the previous things occur even to the best artist, but this would be an anomaly. If they're generally reliable, then that means they fall into the category of a good artist. It's when it's constant to the point of expected that they'll be late or unprepared is when they're bad at what they do.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE/CONSTANT SMOKE BREAKS

If your artist has to get a little stoned or have a few drinks before or during your tattoo, this is definitely not a professional and is a bad artist. There's nothing wrong with people partaking now and then, and having a few drinks, but not while you're tattooing, or doing any job, really. 

If your artist can't go a few hours tattooing without taking a smoke break, maybe it's time for them to quit (smoking or tattooing). Smoking isn't a necessity and it can be put off for at least 2 hours, in the very least. Nobody has to go smoke every 15 minutes, artists or clients. True nicotine addiction cravings don't really take place for about 6-8 hours after the last drag. Surely a person can go a couple of hours without needing a butt. 

TO SUMMARIZE

A good artist will be educated, skilled, knowledgable, professional, prepared, and reliable. A bad artist will be the opposite. 

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.

Tattooing: Amazing Clients Vs Bad Clients

 

WHAT MAKES A PERSON A GOOD CLIENT OR A BAD CLIENT?

Leah Working On One of Her Amazing Regular Clients

In the world of business, there are good customers and there are bad customers. This is no different in the tattoo industry. You gotta take the bad with the good, unfortunately, but you can avoid being one of the bad ones. No tattoo artist wants to think to themself, "Oh no, not this guy again." And hopefully, no client wants that thought of them, either.

WHAT MAKES A PERSON A "BAD CLIENT" IN THE TATTOO WORLD?

There are many factors that can lead to a person being on this list of dreaded customers. Pretty much all of which can easily be avoided or corrected with just a little conscientious thought and consideration. Being self-aware helps, as well. 

UNRELIABILE LARRY

One major factor to be considered a "bad client" is being flaky regarding your appointments. If you are constantly trying to reschedule or even cancel your appointments, this is right up top. Appointments are made for the reason of the artist and the studio aren't making any money as it's difficult to fill those spots at the last minute. 

If your artist is planning on you being there on a certain date/time, they've already planned out their drawing schedule and were counting on you being there for the planned time. It's one of the reasons cancelling or moving your appointment last minute is an ADF forfeiture. The solution is to just manage your time better and show up to your appointments. 

THE CONTROL FREAK

Another factor separating the good vs the bad is control. If a client needs 100% control and say over the tattoo design, you are tying the creative hands of your artist, and maybe your idea just won't work as envisioned. Trust is essential when getting a tattoo, which means is solely based on selecting the right artist. There needs to be some degree of artistic freedom for your artist to do their best work. 

There are few exceptions to this, such as a memorial piece that you need an exact copy of handwriting, or you want an exact copy of a kids drawing. Things like that. Otherwise, loosen up, trust your artist, and don't be a control freak.

SMOKEY THE BEAR

Someone that needs to take an excessive amount of smoke breaks, for example, every 15 minutes, that person is a pain in the ass. Taking breaks is fine, and expected, but if your artist has to constantly stop so you can run out side for a puff, you are not only delaying their time, but you are interrupting their flow/creative process. Put the shoe on the other foot, imagine how you'd feel if your artist was taking a smoke break every 15 minutes? Sadly, that scenario is very real in some other shops. Hold your smoke breaks to no more than once every two hours, but ideally longer. 

If you are in for a full day session, you will get an hour lunch and your artist will be willing to take a couple of breaks outside that. They need a quick break now and then too, which is normal. Just don't go overboard. Having to stop and restart, waiting 5 min in between, adds up, and you will lose time with your artist that you paid for.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Body control. Yes, lack of body control can make a person a bad client. If you are unable to keep still or you're constantly fidgeting, you are not only going to annoy your artist, but you will probably mess up your own tattoo. If you are experience extra discomfort during part of your tattoo, it's ok to let your artist know, but do your best to try and muscle through it. If you jump or pull away, that nice little line your artist was just doing will now be a crooked, jagged mess. 

MISTER POPULAR

Having people come in to be with you during your tattoo is fine, as long as they are over the age of 18. When this becomes a problem is if you bring too many, or have too many show up during the tattoo process and need to be escorted back to the artists room. The more people you have with you, the louder and more distracting it will get. 

Your artist needs to also be comfortable and focused. If you are coming in and getting a tattoo, and you bring the whole bridal shower with you, that's a problem. It will be crowded, loud and distracting. Just bring one, or two maximum. Getting a tattoo doesn't have to be a family get-together. 

THE OPERA SINGER

Excessive vocalization can also be a bad thing. Yeah, tattoos can hurt and you should expect that. However, if you are literally wailing during your tattoo, you need to rethink if you can handle it. Wailing, yelling out or whatever can distract not just your artist, but every artist in the building. It may also make other clients concerned. Instead of crying out, just suck it up and deal with it. There is literally no reason for loud vocalizations during a tattoo. The vast majority of spots on the body are not very painful at all.

THE KAREN

Threatening your artist and demanding a discount or you will have another person finish up a tattoo that has already been started in order to get it done cheaper, makes you a very bad client. First off, it's very insulting to the artist to essentially steal the work they created for you. Second, what makes you think another artist can see the vision behind the tattoo and can successfully finish it as intended? It's like taking a half finished Rembrandt and asking your middle school art teacher to finish it up.

THE TOWEL THROWER

Consistently "tapping out" from your appointments can get a little old. If you are scheduled for a 6 hour, and you tap out after 4, and this happens on all your appointments, three things will happen. You will annoy your artist, you will fall behind on your artists plan for your tattoo, and you will still be obligated to pay for the full appointment regardless how much time you had remaining for that day. 

If you are unsure if you can commit to long sessions like that, discuss it beforehand with your artist and book out appointments that are more suited for your needs. It's better to plan it this way so that your artist isn't caught off guard with your needing to leave. If you can only do 2 hour sessions, that's fine. However, if you are planning a large piece that the artist needs to tattoo the initial layout, you may need to be there longer for that first session. Just discuss it with your artist.

THE SHY WHINER

Coy complainers. These are the folks that will say they like the tattoo design their artist prepared for them, say how much they love their tattoo after it's done and then go and leave a bad review because in reality, they weren't 100% happy with the tattoo and were just too coy to say something before their artist started the tattoo. This is nearly always based on size or placement. 

If you wanted it smaller or bigger, SAY SOMETHING TO YOUR ARTIST BEFORE YOU START. It's really not that hard, and it's not a big deal to the artist at all. Resizing a design is probably the easiest change they can make. The same goes for tattoo placement. If you aren't thrilled how it's placed, say so. The artist can change it. Just be aware of logic, if you have them changing size and placement a bunch of times, you will eat into your tattoo time. 

HOPEFULLY THAT LITTLE BIT OF INFO CAN HELP YOU UNDERSTAND ON HOW TO AVOID BEING ONE OF THE BAD CLIENTS, AND WHY. 

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.

Fierce Neotribal Cybersigilism Tattoos

 

WHAT IS A NEOTRIBAL CYBERSIGILISM TATTOO?

Cybersigilism Spider by Pineapple

Neotribal cybersiglism is one of the newest tattoo styles in the tattoo industry. It's most often done in black ink, rarely ever any colors. It's characterized by fine lines and points with a semi-biomechanical flow. Often you'll see some influences of the great artist H.R. Giger, the designer for the original ALIEN movie by Ridley Scott. Frankly, they look badass. 

Just as the name implies, neotribal literally means "new tribal". Unfortunately during the 90's, everyone and their dog was getting a "tribal" tattoo. None of those tattoos were technically tribal in the least. Tribal would be Polynesian, Maori or something like that. What we all saw in the 90s style was its own thing, black pointy tattoos that resembled barbed wire in a way. Quite a few people now regret getting those tattoos, and due to how dark they were, they can be a little hard to cover. Not impossible, but tricky in some circumstances. 

The main problem with the 90s tribal style was that they pretty much looked all the same. They weren't anything special and everyone had one. For men, it was commonly an upper arm band. For women, the lower back, commonly known as a "tramp stamp". 

The great thing about neotribal cybersigilism is that there is so much potential for variety. The only limitation is the imagination of your artist. You could get something as basic as a small 2 inch bat all the way up to a full back piece. Even the stylization of neotribal can vary greatly. It's still so new that only one of our artists has done one so far, but we expect to book more as more people become aware of the style.

OTHER NEWER STYLES WE'RE EAGER TO DO MORE OF

With all the creative artists out there, sometimes some new styles just stand out and deserve recognition. Unfortunately, some people out there that are ready to get a new tattoo may be unaware of some of these great new styles.

One of those styles is what's know as patch style. It's a tattoo that literally looks like a realistic embroidered patch. It was created by artist Duda Lozano out of São Paulo, Brazil. Now, artists around the world are honing their craft so that they, too, can make these types of tattoos. Our own Leah recently finished a beautiful example of this type of work, which is pictured below. 

Patch Style Tattoo by Leah

Another one of these innovative styles is sticker style. The sticker style, much like the patch style, replicates an actual sticker. Some artists are so good at this, it's incredibly hard to tell that it's a tattoo and not an actual sticker. The creator of this style is Sergey Shanko, a realism artist. However, the undisputed master of this art is Luke Cormier. Sergey is originally from Russia, but currently lives in New York and is often on the road. 

If you are looking to get a new tattoo, and get something a lot of people haven't seen before, book one of this fantastic new styles with one of our artists! We have many great and talented artists that are looking forward to doing more of these styles, so call, text or come in to book a consult or a tattoo today!

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.

Oops! Some Big Tattooing Mistakes

 

SOME BIG AND UNFORTUNATELY COMMON MISTAKES

In tattooing, there are big mistakes, and there are small mistakes. In reality, you don't want to be any part of either. Even a small mishap can lead to bigger problems. 

One big mistake is showing up on an empty stomach. It has nothing to do with how tough you are, or how tolerant to pain you are. The simple biological fact is this; getting a tattoo causes your body to produce adrenaline. Adrenaline burns sugar. A sudden drop in sugar is a leading cause to passing out, or at least feeling woozy. 

The vast majority of anyone getting a tattoo that ends up having one of those reactions is simply due to low blood sugar, because they didn't eat anything substantial before their appointment. The easiest way to avoid this issue is to just eat, and even bring something with you to snack on, especially if you have a longer session.

Another mistake, which falls in line with the first topic, is not being hydrated. Not having enough fluids in you can cause you to feel queasy, and not just during a tattoo session. Very often, if you are feeling queasy, just drink some water and nearly always you start to feel better immediately. Besides that, dehydrated skin isn't as elastic and not the best to tattoo on. 

Having healthy skin is important, not only for when you get your tattoo, but afterwards as well. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your tattoo appointments. Drinking plenty of water also makes your skin more youthful!

Fortunately, most reputable studios will not tattoo someone who is clearly inebriated. Not only is it now illegal in most (if not all) states to tattoo someone who's under the influence, but it's also very immoral and it says a lot about a shop that will still do it. 

That being said, getting drunk before you go to ATTEMPT to get your tattoo is a huge mistake. If you had a deposit, you will lose it. So, simply put, stay sober for your tattoo, and it's advised to not get plastered right afterwards since alcohol thins the blood and will possibly delay the healing process. 

Another big mistake people can make is to grossly miscalculate how much time and money a quality tattoo will be. If you get a consult and are quoted 24 hours for a sleeve, and you book all those appointments, but then you don't budget for the whole 24 hours, you may find yourself in a bit of a situation when trying to settle up with the studio and your artist. 

Some people may get that quote and think to themselves "There's no way it will take 24 hours, 10 at most", but they still book it thinking they know more than the professional artist who's been doing this for years, they'll be in for a big surprise. Most of the time, a quote is very accurate. 

If you don't listen to your artists advice regarding aftercare, that can be a rather huge mistake. It doesn't matter how many tattoos you got in the past, and were perfectly fine using gauze and petroleum jelly, the newest products on the market are there for a reason. Your artist will advise you exactly what you need to do and how to do it. What to use and what not to use. Listen to your artist if you want to have the best possible aftercare outcome.

Speaking of listening to your artist, it's wise to heed any recommendation regarding your tattoo ideas. You may ask for a very detailed tattoo, but only want it one inch in size. Your artist may recommend going a little bigger to retain detail, or simplify the idea. Or, you may want something done way too big for the location you want it tattooed, and your artist may advise you that it will look wrong, or not as you imagine. 

Remember, your artist has likely been doing this for a long time, they know what they're talking about and have your best interests in mind. The same goes for them recommending a followup. It's not about money, it's about your tattoo coming out the best it possibly can be. You're wearing their art, and they want to be proud of it, just as much as you do. 

IN SUMMARY

• Eat something before you come in for your tattoo.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, preferably water or a sports drink before, during, and after getting your tattoo.
• Don't come in under the influence, especially alcohol. You will definitely get turned away.
• Budget time and money for how long your tattoo will take and how much it will be.
• Listen to your artist regarding design and aftercare. 

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.

Battle of Black & Grey Vs Color Tattoos

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BLACK & GREY VS COLOR TATTOOS?

Black & Grey Roses by Leah

Full Color Roses by Jared

Black & grey or color. It's a questions for the ages. Ok, not really, but it is a topic often discussed amongst tattoo artists and enthusiasts alike. Some people definitely prefer black & grey tattoos over color tattoos, and vice versa. There's even debate from the black & grey vs straight up black. 

Basically, it all boils down to personal preference. One isn't definitively better than the other with one exception, longevity. It's just a fact that black/grey tattoos last longer over time. Yes, they can fade out a bit to more of a scale of dark grey to grey. But, color tattoos definitely lose their luster faster over time and would require more frequent touchups to make them look good. Some colors fade faster than others. If you go to a low quality tattoo establishment, it's likely they also use low quality inks, which will just make your tattoo fade that much faster. 

Black & grey tattoos can achieve a certain level of depth that is difficult with color. However, color can achieve certain effects that are impossible to pull off with just black/grey. Can you get a monochromatic watercolor tattoo? Sure, but it won't look very good. Watercolor should be done with color to make it stand out. Dark, deep three-dimensional geometric tattoos just don't look right in color. It can be done, but it's missing something that only black can provide.

Watercolor by Leah

Obviously blackwork tattoos are strictly that. Sometimes you can add a very minuscule amount of color, perhaps in an eye or something, but too much added color will take away the impact of a great blackwork tattoo. Darkart tattoos also fall be these same rules. Darkart can display more color than blackwork, but still, you want to keep it at a level that won't ruin the effect that the darkart piece is trying to achieve. There are some very colorful and fantastic darkart pieces out there, but the ones that really shine through are the ones true to the darkness.

Darkart Piece by Jared

Floral pieces often look the best when done in color. Of course there are some fantastic black & grey floral pieces, and they certainly have a place in the tattoo world. If you are looking to have something more realistic and striking, a colorful and detailed floral piece is the way to go. A monochromatic floral tattoo is generally for esthetics and to keep a theme. 

Colorful Floral by Rob

As a generality, anything being done to look photo-realistic or fairly realistic would look best done in full color. You can get some awesome realism done with black/grey, for sure. But, for true realism, color looks best unless the original subject matter is typically in black & grey/monochromatic, such as a replication of a marble statue. Often an artist will incorporate opaques and whites, and sometimes some very faint hues of pinks and yellows to get the absolute full realistic effect with minimal color. 

Marble Realism by Jared Preslar

When it truly gets down to it, it's 100% preference. Both black/grey and color tattoos have their strengths and certainly have a place in the tattoo world. Certain styles may be better in one method or another, that's a given, but that doesn't mean either dominates overall. Each had much to contribute and nobody should say they'll strictly stay away from a certain color type, because you never know. You may be surprised at what your artist can create for you, and it may be better than what you imagined. Don't limit yourself. Your only limitation is your own imagination. 

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in Utah and the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

Come see why we have been voted "The Best Tattoo Studio In Utah" for several years in a row.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo understands that tattoo collectors searching for the best tattoo shop in Utah comes with a big responsibility and we here at LBT are ready to fulfill your tattoo needs.

Tattoo Discomfort and Pain Management

 

THE MISCONCEPTIONS OF TATTOO PAIN

Ice Phoenix by Vitalii

Pain is a part of the tattooing process. It's a right of passage, and it's part of the experience. It shouldn't be something to be feared in the least. The vast majority of people, after their first tattoo, express that it wasn't nearly as bad at they expected. It's very true. We often get into our own heads just to find out it was all for nothing. Concentrate on the beautiful work of art you will be getting instead.

PAIN MANAGEMENT AND CESSATION 

When it comes to pain, there are various tricks to help, and without the aid of chemicals! First and foremost, it is recommended to avoid using numbing creams. There is a chance that your tattoo will become distorted after healing, due to the way the skin reacts while it's chemically numb. Also, if you apply the cream too close to the time of your tattoo, it may not be numb yet. Alternately, if you apply it too early, there's a good chance it will wear off too soon. 

One of the more common ways to aid in pain is simply breathing exercises. Keeping your breathing steady and focused helps take your mind off the pain. They teach this to expecting mothers in lamaze classes. It's a surprisingly effective method.

Having a stress ball around to squeeze can also help. Again, it's mostly a way to focus your attention in a different direction, but it works. A steady motion of squeezing the ball and releasing it helps you keep a rhythm, which keeps you occupied. 

Another great way to help with pain cessation is to just bring along company. Having a friend with you to chat, make you laugh, exchange stories, etc is a successful and fun way to keep your mind elsewhere, and it helps pass the time faster. 

One more great way is to just bring a tablet and watch a movie or browse social media. Again, it's a distraction and keeps your mind elsewhere. Like bringing a friend along, It's also a great way to make the time fly, especially if it's a movie that you love, no matter how many times you've seen it. 

As you can see, the easiest and most common way to help is to keep your focus on something else and be distracted. If you sat and just watched the tattoo being applied, you are literally focusing on what you shouldn't be if you're trying to make the experience less uncomfortable. 

Just remember, the pain is temporary, the beautiful art is forever.

Watch our video about numbing creams by clicking the link below!

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Read our article about physical reactions regarding tattoos by clicking the link below!

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ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

Cry Havoc, And Let Slip The Tattoos Of War!

 

TATTOOS HAVE A HISTORY LINKED WITH WAR

Start of a sleeve by Rob

It's important to reflect on the sacrifices our soldiers have given since the Revolutionary War. Average Americans have always risen to the challenge time and time again since before its official founding. During the Revolutionary, Spanish/American, and Civil wars, men who had never even touched a gun in their life, took up arms to defend their country.

EARLY MANKIND

Tattoos and war have been connected for thousands of years. Warriors from all kinds of cultures around the world have historical evidence to tattoos or war paint given before or after a battle, and sometime both. Tattoos and war paint were used as a means of intimidation, and to make the warrior to appear more fierce. The Norse were known to darken around their eyes to look menacing, but it's unknown if they were permanent tattoos, paint, or even soot. 

It's well documented that Native Americans often donned war paint, and even painted their horses in anticipation for a battle or for a hunt. Although not as common as just using paint, Native American tribes did practice permanent tattoos and body modification. Permanent ink was usually linked to an achievement, often attributed to glory against a powerful foe. It was a big deal if a warrior took down a chief. Not something to be taken lightly. 

COLONIAL AMERICA

Colonial era British navy men often got tattoos representing what regiment and ship they were assigned to. Everyone from the common seaman, petty officers, and all the way to an Admiral would have tattoos, as they weren't class based, but more of a camaraderie. It wasn't unheard of to also have your family crest as a tattoo. 

Early colonial Americans would sometimes get tattoos of their name and where they live in the colonies due to the common event that they would essentially be kidnapped and conscripted into the British Navy, and their tattoo was the only proof they could provide that they weren't actually British citizens or navy deserters. 

WARS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Starting around WWI, and although not nearly as common as during WWII, US military, particularly in the navy, would often get tattoos as keepsakes and in remembrance of the places they've been during their wartime travels. Like the early British navy, it didn't matter the rank or class, everyone got tattoos. The most common style seen was what is now called, American Traditional. Back then, it was just your standard tattoo. Nearly everyone who had a grandfather survive WWII can remember their grandfathers tattoos. Thick lined, faded, sometimes you barely make out what it was. Maybe an anchor? A hula dancer?

Unfortunately, during WWII, there was some well known forced tattoos. In an unfortunate time for Germany, Jewish prisoners were all tattooed on the forearm/wrist a serial number for cataloging and tracking. They were essentially branded like animals. This wasn't condoned by the vast majority of Germans, of course, but it still happened. 

If you didn't turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the war, the ones in power could mark you as a Jewish sympathizer and you could be executed. However, there was a substantial underground resistance that attempted multiple times to take out Hitler and his higher-ups, but without success. They were eventually discovered and executed as traitors. The most famous of these attempts was an elaborate scheme known as "Operation Valkyrie."

The practice of getting tattoos while in the military continued on to the Vietnam War. A different type of tattoo appeared during this "police action". Unlike during WWII, a lot of the tattoos no longer appeared to be of a docile subject matter, like a hula dancer (although a fairly racist term towards the Japanese in the form of a tattoo was common in WWII). The tattoos appeared more geared towards violence and glory. Skulls, the ace of spades, anti-asian sentiments, images of machines of war (such as tanks and helicopters), and so on. 

MODERN MILITARY

In today's US military, the tattoos have become often symbolic. US flags, eagles, ;IGY6 (I got your six), tributes to past military, branch emblem, etc. It seems more based off of pride and appreciation, and less about glory and death. It's a great move forward in the right direction. Death and destruction should not be glorified. 

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

If you're ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you'd like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.

The Hard Truth About Bargain Tattoos

 

WHAT IS A BARGAIN TATTOO?

A cover-up done by Jared over a bargain tattoo

When getting a bargain tattoo, there are a few things to remember. The very first thing....you get what you pay for. There's probably no greater truth to this than when referring to tattoos. A $10 burger at a mom and pop place might be better than a $100 entree at a fancy restaurant. That won't be a true simile to tattoo shops. 

QUALITY

Quality not quantity. It cannot be said enough. Some people have one $500 tattoo, others may have 10 $50 tattoos. Guaranteed that $500 tattoo is far more impressive, unique, and has bragging rights. Who cares about another $50 poorly done infinity symbol on someone's wrist? Or a slapdash American Traditional swallow done with bad coloring on your chest? Those types of tattoos are everywhere. 

If you are going to spend the money and decide to get something permanently put on your body, isn't it worth spending the most you can reasonably afford to get it done right? If you have to save up, then save up. There's no rule stating that you have to rush to get a tattoo. Instant gratification isn't always the best option. Getting a tattoo designed specifically and uniquely for you will make you far happier in the long run. Incidentally, Lucky Bamboo Tattoo does offer financing. 

Pertaining to this subject, the quality of materials being used is also a factor. With a bargain tattoo, you may be dealing with an "artist" that is using a very cheap tattoo machine, cheap needle cartridges and low quality inks. Lower quality inks are not regulated, have a higher chance of contaminants and will likely have a greater chance to fade out. This will lead to a more probable need for a cover-up or touch-up, which in the end will still end up costing more money. 

Most of the time when you are visiting a lower end bargain studio, you are dealing with unskilled or poorly trained "artists". This will not only give you a less than desirable tattoo outcome, but due to lack of knowledge, you risk getting a tattoo blowout. A blowout occurs when a tattoo artist presses too hard or the length of the needle is too long and they tattoo past the layer of dermis and into the fatty tissue. When this happens, the ink does not stay in one spot, it spreads around and often resembles a bruise. 

SAFETY AND SANITATION

Christinas always very clean and organized private room

When dealing with a shop that does bargain tattoos, one of the biggest concerns is cleanliness and safety. Most states have general rules, guidelines, and regulations per their local Health Departments regarding the sanitation and safety practices of tattoo shops. However, unless a client reports a problem to the Health Department, very often these lower end shops have a tendency to let their standards slip, or they may have never implemented them in the first place.

In a higher quality studio, such as Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, not only are the safety and sanitation standards met and maintained, but often exceeded. All of the artists are first aid, CPR and bloodborne pathogens certified. Before a client is brought in to get their tattoo, the artist will clean, sanitize and cover everything in preparation for the tattoo. After they are finished with that client, the artist will repeat this process for the next client. At the end of the day, they break down and clean their equipment and work areas. This is done each and every time to insure client safety. 

In the bargain shop, you have a greater risk of infection due to unsanitary conditions of both the shop itself, the equipment and even the "artist". Poor aftercare treatment and instructions can also lead to safety issues. Some locations still use outdated methods like using vaseline to cover the tattoo, which is bad for healing. It actually slows the healing process.

THE TRUTH

The cold hard truth is the vast majority of bargain shops, aka "scratcher" shops, are not worth the risk. You'll likely get a tattoo you regret either due to poor quality or how boring/common it is. You also have a greater chance of a blowout due to an unskilled "artist" using subpar equipment or complications attributed to poor sanitary conditions and bad aftercare. It's simply not worth it to save a few bucks on something you are getting permanently put on your body. 

To read more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo's standards, click the button below for our article on why you should choose us for your next tattoo!

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To read more about tattoo aftercare, click the button below to read our article about the do's and don't regarding aftercare!

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Natives and a Tradition of Body Markings

THERE IS A LONG TRADITION OF BODY MODIFICATION AMONGST NATIVES

Art by Rob

Whether it's natives in North America, or native cultures elsewhere, it's not uncommon to find a long and rich history of tattoos and other body markings. Some are linked to status, others station in the tribe, while others were a right of passage. Whatever the reason, men, women and children could all be seen bearing one kind of marking or another. The top four being painting, tattooing, piercing and scarification.

PAINTING

Natives in many cultures choose more temporary body markings, very commonly practiced with the Native American tribes, for example. These types of markings were very much used ritualistically, going on a hunt or a battle and for binding ceremonies/marriage. Not terribly common with women in North American tribes, but seeing women with body paintings in South American, Incan and Mayan cultures was just as common as with men. Temporary markings weren't exclusive to the American tribes and cultures, it was also common to see in Aboriginal, Nordic, Gaelic, amongst many other cultures.

Painting was most often seen and used before a battle or a particularly important religious ritual. Native Americans were well known to even give paint markings on their horses before going off to battle. In modern times, these same tribesmen paint their horses for demonstration and to display their history to outsiders.

TATTOOING

One of the more prominent body modifications that can be seen worldwide, and has been around for thousands of years is the practice of permanent tattooing. This art form can be seen on all occupied continents, and amongst hundreds, if not thousands, of historical cultures. Ranging from the aforementioned tribes of the Americas, to Africa, the Middle East all the way to the Asian part of the world. 

Tattoos amongst natives often signified status, achievement and right of passage. The right of passage tattoos often involved reaching milestones in their life, sometimes starting with their age. Adolescence, becoming a 'man' or a 'woman', were often times for a tattoo and a celebration in reaching that next stage in life. 

A status tattoo would often be connected to your place in the tribe, such as being the chief, shaman, warrior, etc. Think of it as a similar way our military uses patches and medals. It's a quick and easy way for outsiders that are familiar with a tradition to identify what role a person played in that tribe. It would be looked upon poorly to misidentify the chief as just a hunter, not that the hunter didn't have a very important role to play. 

When a person received a tattoo for achievement, it was generally due to success in battle or a hunt. Other achievements could be recognized and celebrated with a tattoo as well, such as getting married, having a child, a promotion in status, and so forth. 

PIERCINGS

Piercings can be found among natives in many cultures. Ears, noses, lips and cheeks were the most predominant locations of piercings, but there were others, of course. Some cultures embraced piercings more than others, sometimes they were even more commonplace than tattoos. 

The more elaborately documented piercings were often seen among the Incan and Mayan cultures in the America's, tribes in the Amazon, African tribes and the Aborigine of Australia and New Zealand. One person may don dozens of facial piercings by themself, but this wasn't terribly common to have that many. 

Just like other forms of body modification and art, usually piercings were given for various reasons, which include status, achievement and most commonly, right of passage. Women, just as much as men, received piercings in these cultures, maybe even more-so in some parts of the world. Piercings can range from very small sizes, all the way to huge gauged rings, often seen in ears, lips and the nose. 

SCARIFICATION

Arguably the more painful of the forms of body mods, scarification has been around for thousands of years. Like the others, it was also done for the same reasons of status, achievement and right of passage. 

Scarification was often applied using a sharp reed, bone or a sharp stone. These very same methods are still used today in many cultures. The marking would be tapped in or wedged, repeating the act until the desired outcome was reveled. Similar to a circumcision is some cultures, oftentimes a person's first scarification marking would happen during infancy. 

In some cultures of natives, you would earn a new marking for each foe you felled in battle. The more of these markings you had, the more fearsome you were believed to become. To take down one of these warriors with many markings was considered a great achievement, which could earn better and more impressive markings. The practice of scarification, although not exclusively, is dominated among the African tribal natives. 

Tattoos And The Workplace

 

ARE TATTOOS REGARDED IN THE WORKPLACE?

Entrance to Lucky Bamboo Tattoo

The workplace can be an interesting environment, and some people in those places can have some interesting tattoos. Some employers are more accepting of visible tattoos than others. Fortunately for all, just in the last 10 years, that has changed quite a bit.

PLACES WHERE VISIBLE TATTOOS ARE STILL NOT GENERALLY OK

Any workplace that is deemed more "professional" are usually the culprits. This would include just about anyone that works in a bank or in finance. Accountants are another one that seems to not have too many people showing off their body art. Even mid to higher end card dealerships don't tend to have that many employees showing off their tattoos unless they are working in the mechanics area. 

Even some industries that aren't in the "professional" category have a tendency to not have a lot of visible tattoos. Daycare workers are one of those and elementary school teachers as well. It's not to say it's a definitive "no", but most don't really have many, if any, tattoos that can be seen. It could have something to do with the misguided mindset in some folks that people with tattoos are criminals or ones that can't be trusted with children. Either way, it's not very common for tattoos to be seen in these workplaces.

Another workplace and industry where visible tattoos aren't too common is in real estate. You don't tend to see too many people selling houses with tattoos showing. That doesn't say it doesn't happen, it's just rare to see. Again, it probably stems from trust issue people have based off of predisposition and backwards thinking.

It may come to a surprise, but visible tattoos are also not usually ok with quite a few in the military. Even though modern tattoos in the US can be attributed in its founding to our Navy men coming home with fresh tattoos, visible tattoos are still a no-no with most. It's pretty unfortunate if you take into consideration of the long history of tattoos and the military. (See our article about this very subject by clicking the link below!)

Tattoos In The Military

WORKPLACES WHERE TATTOOS ARE SOMEWHAT ACCEPTABLE

Most retail workplace environments, up until recently, used to stray away from hiring employees with visible ink. Thankfully, that is no more. Most retail stores don't seem to have a problem with this any more, with the exception to face and neck tattoos. They're still a job killer for many. It's quite common to go into just about any type of business these days and see employees, even management, showing their tattoos. With that said, there are some retailers out there that still prescribe to the closed-mind mindset to their own detriment. 

Educators, in most cases, are also generally somewhat accepted to have tattoos. It's not uncommon to see teachers in junior high and up to university professors having visible art. It seems society is less concerned about kids in junior high or high school being susceptible to influence from their teachers tattoos than they do with the younger kids. 

Surprisingly, less people seem to care about politicians having tattoos over their bankers. There are quite a few politicians out there that have known tattoos, and it's never really been brought up as a negative, which of course it isn't. Still, one would expect some of the soapbox town-cryers to be freaking out about American politicians having tattoos. Luckily, nobody seems to mind at all. 

TATTOOS ARE USUALLY NO ISSUE IN THESE WORKPLACES

There's going to be some obvious ones here. If you work in that tattoo industry, music and the arts, it's almost expected for you to have tattoos, let alone if they are accepted. 

If you work in any industrial setting, it's generally not a problem at all. Factory workers, car makers, steel workers, etc. A workplace like one of these don't seem to care at all. You're not generally working with the public, so it's a none-argument. 

Food service workers, even waiters and waitresses are deemed fine with having tattoos, with the only exception seeming to be posh, upper-class restaurants. Most reasonable people don't really care if their food server has tattoos. 

Tradesmen, such as plumbers, roofers, construction, electrical and so forth aren't shy about having tattoos that can be seen, and they shouldn't be. As long as they do a good job, who cares? That goes for all jobs, really. 

First responders, such as police, firemen and EMT's can very commonly be seen with tattoos. 

AS SOCIETY MOVES FORWARD...

As time goes by, more and more people are coming to realize that having a tattoo is no big deal. In fact, people with tattoos should be viewed as MORE employable. They are people that can sit still for long periods of time while being jabbed with needles, and they paid good money for that experience.

How To Avoid A Bad Tattoo Regret

 

DON'T SPEND GOOD MONEY AND TIME ON A TATTOO YOU'LL REGRET

A Cover-up Done by Pineapple

There are many ways to regret your tattoo. Many of us already have a tattoo that we'd like to go back in time and stop ourselves from getting. It could be due to subject matter, location of the tattoo or who did your tattoo. One thing that is certain is that there are a lot of tattoos out there that people regret getting. With a little info, maybe we can help you avoid that problem.

SUBJECT MATTER

Pet Memorial by Leah

Sometimes the subject matter can be the reason behind your tattoo regret. Maybe it's a name, or a portrait, perhaps a band logo. To be blunt, that ONLY safe names to get tattooed on yourself are your family, specifically those you share DNA with. 

Not all marriages last forever, so maybe getting your wives or husbands name tattooed on you isn't the best choice. Definitely don't get a boyfriends or girlfriends name. This, by far, is the most commonly regretted tattoo type in the industry, hands down.

When it comes to names, the absolute safest are of your children, parents and siblings; in that order. You'll never regret your children, and it's unlikely you'll regret your parents or siblings. So, with that said, go ahead with their names, it's a safe bet.

Another thing to avoid is a passing fad. It's not advisable to get a tattoo of something that is temporarily popular in culture at that moment. Most of these things go away as quickly as they come. An example of this would be Gangnam Style, The Macarena, fidget spinners, ANY meme, and so on. If it's something that's just suddenly and weirdly popular, you can bet that it will vanish just as fast. If you want a tattoo that's pop culture, an established band logo isn't a bad way to go, or a timeless movie quote/scene. 

TATTOO LOCATION

Upper Arms Are a Safe Place as seen in This Cover-up by Jared

Another common tattoo people regret is body placement. This biggest culprit would be face and neck tattoos. Unless you work in an industry that simply doesn't care, and you're happy working there for quite a while, there aren't too many businesses that hire people with face/neck tattoos. Obviously there are quite a few places that it's not a factor, such as working in the tattoo industry, as an example.

Sometimes, hand and finger tattoos can also fall into this category. It's not nearly a big deal as the previous examples, but sometimes it does matter. If you have "TUFF" and "LOVE" on your knuckles, it's unlikely you'll get that banker job, but who knows? 

Perhaps your location regret is simply that you and nobody else really get to see it. Part of the enjoyment from a tattoo is showing others and admiring your tattoos yourself. It can sometimes be a bummer to spend a bunch of money on something you can't even see.

Many of the tattoo location regrets are due to choices made in haste in youth, and later on as an adult, and you've matured, and no longer want those 'in your face' tattoos. They realize that you don't have to have controversial tattoos to be a rebel, and there's nothing wrong with being a rebel. 

QUALITY

Art by Vitalii

Another big factor on a tattoo regret is the quality of the tattoo. Far too many people have gotten basement 'stick and poke' tattoos, or their buddy got their hands on a tattoo machine and had an impromptu unpracticed tattoo party. Not only is this very unsafe due to blood-borne pathogens and a recipe for other infections, but it's a huge factor in regards to tattoo cover-ups. Quite often, a completely unskilled person can cause major scarring, making cover-ups trickier. 

A tattoo 'scratcher' artist can also be very problematic in regards to the quality of a tattoo. He or she may be skilled just enough to give a tattoo without complications on the onset, but they may be completely clueless on the right needles to use for particular tattoos, causing excessively thick lines or the inks "bleeding out" beyond the intended results. They also may use low quality materials, such as the needles, inks, aftercare and the tattoo machine itself. 

Low quality inks can fade faster than expensive inks. A colorful tattoo will likely not look nearly as rich and bold not too long after the tattoo was finished healing. Keep in mind, even tattoos done with high quality inks may need some touching up after a while to make them vibrant again. 

COST

Cheap tattoos aren't good and good tattoos aren't cheap. This is simply a fact. Quite a few regrettable tattoos are a result of the price. Understandably, sometimes you can get a bit of 'sticker shock' when you hear a quote from a quality artist. It may be tempting to take your tattoo idea to Joe Shmo down the street to get a $50 tattoo. However, that's exactly what you are going to get, a $50 tattoo. You are not going to get the amazing realism of Jared, the beautifully hand drawn historically accurate Norse work of Vitalii or the beautiful watercolor blending of Leah. You will get a slap-dash $50 tattoo. 

When it comes to your body and getting permanent art put on it, this is not the time nor place to skimp on the price. You want the best work done possible by the most professional people around. You'll get a great tattoo and it will be done with quality materials in a safe and sanitary fashion.

IMPULSIVENESS

Another leading factor to a tattoo regret is simply that you were impulsive when you got it, and you really didn't think it through. You're out with friends, out of the blue the subject of tattoos comes out in the conversation, and next thing you know, you're in a tattoo chair getting matching Tasmanian Devil tattoos on your shoulder. The next day, you realize, you don't even like the Tasmanian Devil, or any Looney Tunes, for that matter. Now you have this glaring regret following you around because you were impulsive. 

It's always best to plan things out a little and not just jump at the opportunity to get a tattoo, any tattoo. Many regrettable tattoos are a result of the very reason of being impatient. If you are just wanting a tattoo, but don't have the money put together to invest in the best quality version of that tattoo you want, don't just rush it. Save a little and get the tattoo you actually want, and not one you settled on because you were short a couple hundred bucks. Remember, you're investing in professional and permanent art on your body. It's worth the time and money to do it right the first time around.

If you'd like to meet with one of our artists to help you with a tattoo inquiry and so that they can help you avoid regrets, you can call the studio directly or click the link below to our inquiry form!

The Season For New Tattoos 2023

 

WHAT SEASON IS BEST FOR GETTING A TATTOO?

When is comes to tattooing, does the season you get it matter? Some would say yes, some would say no. In reality, it all breaks down to your personal habits and plans. Various climate effects can change the way your tattoo reacts and heals. Activities in both the cooler and warmer months can also be a factor. We all enjoy doing things with our free time, regardless of the season. 

Some of us are outdoorsmen, some of us are gamers, but all of us like to have fun!

SPRING AND SUMMER

Hummingbird and Flowers by Leah

During the warmer months, the sun becomes a bigger factor in the way your tattoo heals. Once healed, direct sunlight over time may haste fading in a tattoo, and it's recommended to use tattoo friendly sunblock. If you are still in the healing process, excessive sweating can affect how your tattoo heals. 

Most people like to do outdoor activities, such as biking, swimming, camping, hiking and so on. If you are still healing, it's advised to avoid doing anything that would cause you to sweat more than normal or anything that could potentially make you fall or something else that may damage the healing tattoo. Swimming is definitely not recommended while you are healing. Once fully healed, all these activities are fine. 

During summer, this is the most often time people take a vacation. Not all, but most. This ties up quite a bit of your time, and people don't like to have any of their plans hindered by having to follow tattoo healing guidelines. It also ties up quite a bit of your disposable income. 

When you are doing outdoor activities, make sure you wear loose fitting clothing, nothing that will rub up against your healing tattoo. No spandex. A leisurely hike to go out and enjoy the mountains and wilderness is a great activity that won't cause you to sweat too much but still gets you in touch with your instincts to explore nature and enjoy the warmer season. 

FALL AND WINTER

Death's Head Moth by Christina

When determining the best season for you, some prefer the cooler months. Although activities such as skiing and snowboarding certainly make you sweat more, there's often more time to get these fun past times on your schedule. So, taking a couple of weeks off of snowy sports is usually not a big deal. 

Finances and family time are the bigger factor during the winter time. You have multiple holidays that revolve around being with your loved ones, and especially during the holiday shopping season, quite a bit of that money is pre-planned for use. (To help plan out and budget a tattoo, see our article "How To Save Up For Your Tattoo 101" here https://luckybambootattoo.com/how-to-save-up-for-your-tattoo/)

Just like summertime, you want to avoid any activities during the healing process that will cause you to sweat excessively or to potentially hit, scrape or rub the tattoo. Though tempting it may be, also avoid hot tubs during this time. 

The season of winter is a great time to catch up on some of those shows and movies you've been meaning to watch. Use your two weeks healing time just chilling and enjoying indoor family (or alone) time.

THE BREAKDOWN

Whether you want a tattoo in the warmer months or the cooler months, each has its own guidelines, however they are similar. No matter when you get tattooed, try not to sweat too much (which means also taking it easy at the gym) and you don't want to do any activities that could potentially harm your healing tattoo. Follow these rules, and it really doesn't matter too much when you get your tattoo. It's a personal preference!

History Of Tattoos Of The Great Asian Cultures

 

ASIAN TATTOOS HAVE A RICH HISTORY

art by Jared Preslar

Tattooing in Asian culture can be dated back as far as 3,000 BC which can be seen represented on clay figurines and statues in the form of etched designs and paintings on the faces of the figures in Japan. It's an art form that has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Mummies found in early China have been discovered with tattoos on the face, and were attributed to the Dulong and Dai tribes. Women wore these facial tattoos as a means to become less desirable to men who would otherwise do them harm. Other beliefs were that some of these facial markings were done for mystical and ritualistic reasonings. In modern times, descendants of these people still bear these same type of facial markings, but their meanings have changed. They are now a rite of passage, a status symbol and represent beauty.

In China, quasi-modern tattooing can be seen as early as the Shang Dynasty, where some of the different peoples of the region began to cut their hair and give themselves tattoos to gain acceptance of the more prominent groups in the area.

This changed, however with the rise of Confucianism, where it was said that your body, including your hair and skin, came from your ancestors and it wasn't yours to inflict harm upon, which included cutting your hair or applying marks upon the skin. It was viewed as disrespectful to both your ancestors and your mother and father to cut your hair or get tattoos. This is where the notion that suicide is a sin is believed to have originated, as it was the ultimate act of self harm.

Later in China, tattoos were used as a means to mark criminals permanently, known as 'Ci Pei', which loosely translates as exile/tattoo. Even today in modern China, the connection between tattoos and criminals are viewed as one and the same. 

In Japan, there is also that connection, mainly due to the heavily tattooed bodies of the well known criminal organization known as Yakuza. Fortunately, however, many still attribute tattoos as a form of art, and that people other than criminals have them. Historically, tattoos have always been a part of their culture, and there is no sign that will ever change.

In the Philippines, the story is completely different. The history of their elaborate and beautiful body art is a rite of passage, station in society, a sign of bravery and a status symbol. Early Spanish conquistadors, upon exploring the Asian islands, took note of these 'painted men', also named 'Pintados', depicting them in drawings and paintings to share upon their return to Spain. Traditional Philippine tattoos look like a combination of Maori, Polynesian and Incan/Aztec designs. This would make sense, since historians believe that all these cultures originated from the same place. 

Korean culture, regarding tattoos, was and is very much like China's. Early on, tattoos were a means of expression. However, they became a symbol of a person being a criminal. Your crime would be tattooed directly on your face so that you couldn't hide what you had done from society. Everyone was allowed to know exactly what you were guilty of. Escaped prisoners would get a very large tattoo on the forehead as a way to single them out as trouble makers. If you escaped again, it meant death. In today's Asian society, the taboo of tattoos still exists, and are even blurred or blocked out from being viewable on television, movies and print media. 

Much like the Norse Vikings, it is believed that the Mongols, who were lead by the vicious conquerer Genghis Khan, adorned themselves with tattoos to appear more threatening to strike fear in those they meant to conquer. 

As society progresses past the puritan style of thinking, more and more people, even those in the more oppressed regions, are becoming more accepting of tattoos in their culture. Most people realize that a tattoo doesn't equal to criminality or outcast, this includes the mindset in Asian society. 

Today, people from all around the globe enjoy getting Asian inspired tattoos. The colorful and bold designs created by the Tebori artists in Japan are very popular. Images from Asian culture, such as koi fish, oni/hannya masks and cherry blossom trees continue to dominate the imagery people like to have tattooed on their bodies. A rise in the desire for anime style tattoos has grown steadily for years, celebrating popular characters from this other art form.

Asian cultures are rich in beautiful art and history. It should be celebrated and appreciated and preserved for posterity for future generations to enjoy.

Beautiful Cherry Blossoms by Leah