Why are Tattoos Expensive?

With tattoos becoming more popular and more people wanting them, first timers can be a bit sticker shocked when they learn the cost of a tattoo. The cost of the tattoo can depend on a multitude of different factors. 

The first things that determine the price is the size of what you are wanting to get. Bigger is generally going to be more expensive than a smaller tattoo. But what is surprising to some is that most shops have a minimum for smaller tattoos. Here at Lucky Bamboo we have an hour minimum that we book for even if the tattoo itself only takes a few minutes. The reason for this is that the set up for a small tattoo is the same as a large tattoo. The same supplies and materials are used.. There is also the artist fees for use of the space they are tattooing in along with overhead.  Then we have the time spent: preparing the artwork and stencil, setting up for the tattoo and breaking down. When all is said and done the artist spent two hours working on a one hour appointment.  All of those things factor into the base cost for a tattoo and that is something that should be remembered when you are looking around to get tattooed.

The location of the tattoo also factors into the price. Getting a tattoo on a muscle such as the thigh is generally easier to work with then having a tattoo done on the ribs where there is more stretchy skin that needs to be pulled tight. So depending on the location this could cause the tattoo to take longer.

One of the main factors in how much a tattoo can cost is the design itself. A more intricate, and detailed piece is going to cost more than a simple outline even if they are the same size. Using more colors can factor into the cost of supplies to an artist which will then be passed to you in the final amount. Having thick black bold lines can also add more time to a tattoo to ensure even coverage and saturation. More time means more money. Most tattoo shops price based on how long the tattoo will take the artist to do. The more you want to be incorporated the longer it will take. 

Another factor is that will affect the price is the artist themselves. Becoming a tattoo artist isn't as simple as walking into a shop and setting up. There is years of training that goes into becoming an accomplished and successful tattoo artist. More experienced artists will charge a higher rate than someone who is new, or doesn't have the experience.  You generally get what you pay for in life, this is true in tattooing as well. A talented and established tattoo artist will cost more than someone who hasn't been tattooing very long.

The main thing to remember when shopping around for a new tattoo is that you pay for what you get. A tattoo is a permanent decision that will be with you for years. Treat it as an investment and spend the time and money into getting a high quality piece of art that will last for years to come. 

There are sometimes when an experienced artist may not be the best or a talented artist. Just because someone has been doing it a long time doesn't mean they are any good. This is where research and portfolio inspection is very important.

Memorial Tattoos

 

When someone we love dies the pain and sadness can be overwhelming. Grief is a complex response to a loss that has many dimensions. There are many different ways to express and work through grief. One of the ways to handle the grief, and for remembrance, is to get a memorial tattoo for a loved one. A memorial tattoo is a form of body art that commemorates someone that has passed on. There are many different reasons to get a memorial tattoo along with many different ways to showcase that individual. 

For some people a memorial tattoo is a measure of control in response to an uncontrollable situation. It allows them to choose the imagery and placement. It can become a way to cope with the fact of losing someone. 

For others a memorial tattoo is a way to keep the deceased individual alive in a sense. It can create an ever present connection to that individual. It also allows for a permanent memorial that can never be left behind. 

Some people get a memorial tattoo to reflect their experience with the grief and pain. They have used the tattoo as a way to express those emotions and be able to process the loss. 

There are many different ways to design a memorial tattoo. The design can reflect the persons life, their death, express grief, and can also be an expression of what that individual meant to you. This can include things such as names, dates, hearts, crosses, wings, anchors, portraits, florals, and everything in between. The design that you choose can be something very simple and delicate or elaborate and detailed. You can choose to do the tattoo small and hidden away, or on display for all to see. The choice is completely up to you. Memorial tattoos are one of the most personal kind of tattoo. They will carry a deep emotional meaning for you, and as such only you will be able to design the tattoo to reflect your loss and remembrance. 

Butterfly Tattoos

 

Butterfly tattoos are a very popular choices to get permanently put on your body. Butterflies are a representation of growth and transformation. The life cycle of the butterfly is unique in the fact that it completely morphs from a caterpillar into something brand new. The symbolism is that we always have the ability to change and morph ourselves into something different and greater than what we currently are. 

Butterflies have been around for ages and people have always had associations with them. In the Aztec culture the butterfly symbolized the souls of past warriors. The Butterly was a remembrance of those who had passed away. In Eastern cultures butterflies symbolize joy and happiness. In Scotland red butterflies are believed to be witches in disguise. And in many other cultures butterflies are a good luck charm. 

The different colors that people use when getting a butterfly tattoo can have many different meanings. 

Blue: Blue butterflies are rare in the real world so a tattoo of a blue butterfly is a good luck charm. This color is also used to signify being carefree, gentle, adventurous, and creative. 

Black: Black tribal or Celtic butterflies can represent the temporality of life. The color can also signify that something bad is about to happen. But a black butterfly can also be used as a way to represent loss and dealing with the concept of change. 

Purple: Purple is always known as the color of elegance, nobility and royalty. A purple butterfly can show resilience. A way to give strength to push through and overcome. 

Yellow: Yellow butterflies in the Chinese ideology mean happiness and joy. Among Scottish and Irish yellow butterflies can also mean peace. 

Red: Red is the symbol of love and passion. A red butterfly can symbolize a deep romantic meaning. 

Pink: Pink butterflies can symbolize compassion. Pink is the most feminine color of a butterfly and can be used to convey a more delicate meaning. 

The different shapes and styles of butterflies can also convey meaning as well. Each butterfly can be as unique to you as you could ever want. Here at Lucky Bamboo we have artists who are capable of creating the perfect butterfly tattoo for you!

The History of Roses

 

Roses are one of the most popular tattoos. They are timeless, bold, and can be customized in a multitude of ways to become unique to each different person. There is a vast history of roses in all different countries and cultures each with specific meaning. 

The first fossil of a rose dates back 3.5 billion years. They are the largest and longest cultivated European plant in North America. Roses were first mentioned in written record in 3000BC in what is now known as Iraq. The rose was named as the "Queen of the flowers" in 600BC by a greek poetess. 

The most common symbolism of a rose is the concept of romance and love. This symbolism comes from Greek mythology of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. There is the myth of a rose bush growing from the pool of blood left by her killed lover. The meaning of the rose has become tied with eternal love and death. 

The color of the rose is also just as important in indicating its meaning. White has become most often tied with innocence, purity, divine, fragile, eternal and angelic. Yellow has meanings tied to joy, celebration, positivity, luck, warmth and happiness. Blue has been associated with sensitivity and unrequited love and longing. Black has associations with death, loss, pain, but can also be seen as powerful. Pink is tied with sweetness, femininity, happiness, and satisfaction. Red is tied to deep love, passion, grace, elegance, romance, it is seen as the universal symbol of love. 

Roses can also convey many different meanings and it is up to you to do your research and see what emotion, symbolism, or message you are wanting to convey. Depending on color, type, location, or in correlation with another object, the meanings of the rose can change. That can allow you to create a deep and meaningful piece of art that will showcase your choice of symbolism. Or you can just get a rose because you like them. They are popular for a reason! It's your tattoo so get what makes you happy! 

Tattoo Round-Up: 2022

 

2022 was another year of people getting new and exciting tattoos. There seem to be a few trends that appeared this past year in the world of tattooing. 

One the trends that has been around for a few years and still going strong is fine line, delicate, minimalistic tattoos. These tattoos are usually just an outline or include some very delicate shading and detail work. These tattoos became popular due to the simple, linear designs and more intricate detail. They can make a statement without being big, bold, and in your face. 

Another trend this year has been spiritual based tattoos. Think of mandalas, lotus designs, Om, and more. These designs are associated with healing, balance, growth, rebirth, positivity, and optimistic thinking. More and more people have gravitated towards these tattoos over the past couple of years. This trend has stayed steady in 2022. 

There has also been an uptick of geometric designs getting tattooed this past year. The precise lines, shapes, and angles have been a popular choice for many and it's not hard to see why. They are a striking design that can hold a deeper meaning, or just be a bold statement. 

On that same note, tribal tattoos have seen a bit of a comeback. Instead of extremely heavy thick lines, tribal has taken on a more modern approach and has become more popular than previous years. 

A new trend that has also been making waves for a few years is patchwork tattoos. This style is a collection of random tattoos that don't necessarily relate to each other, but placed in a way to create a type of sleeve. Hence the name patchwork. What lends to the popularity is that you can really do whatever type of design or style and still create a full sleeve of art.  

Encompassing all styles and designs, some of the most searched tattoos for the year of 2022 are: butterfly, rose, dragon, flower, snake, lion, skull, and moon. The most searched for styles have been: matching, minimalistic, tribal, and traditional. 

Did you get a tattoo this past year that followed some of the more popular trends? No matter what, getting a tattoo is your choice and your choice alone. You can go along with the latest trend that you see on social media or pick something completely out of left field. Do your research, pick a good artist and shop, and enjoy! Get whatever is going to make your heart happy!