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Does it really hurt?
Does the Pope wear a funny hat? To be perfectly frank, yes. We know,
we know. You’ve asked the people in line at the grocery store,
inquired of all your tattooed friends and every one of them has said, “No,
it doesn’t really hurt”, right? We hate to say it, but yes,
it really does hurt.
The fact of the matter is this: being tattooed is an uncomfortable process. Everybody
is different and has a varying degree of sensitivity in different places. Your
physiology has a lot do with just how bad it “hurts.” Also,
basic factors like where you place the tattoo, the size, and intricacy of the
piece also contribute to the “pain”. Like we said, it is
uncomfortable but if you can deal with a bit of stinging, burning, and tenderness
for a short period of time you’ll have a beautiful, custom piece of art
that will be with you forever.
Can I get anything I want?
This is a tricky question. You have the right to decide what you want
but must understand an artist’s perspective. For instance, some
designs can’t be applied too small or the detail will be lost. Certain
parts of the body will not hold ink clearly. And some designs are just
flat-out a bad idea. We will always discuss your options so that you
get the tattoo you want but please understand that we are trained experts. If
we tell you something shouldn’t be done, you should honestly believe
it. Not only do we want your tattoo to be excellent now, we want it to
stay that way in the future.
Why does it itch so bad?!
A tattoo, like any other superficial wound, goes through several stages during
the healing process. The first thing you will notice is redness around
the tattoo and the pores in your skin might even look enlarged. It’s
totally normal for your skin to react this way after having needles run through
it repeatedly. Some people experience noticeable swelling while others
only experience tenderness. A few days into the healing process you can
expect some scabbing to occur. DO NOT pick the scabs, it could remove
color and permanently damage your new tattoo. You’ll also notice
flaking and itching as the healing process progresses. Keep your grubby
paws off that tattoo and don’t scratch. You’ll introduce germs
to a vulnerable area. Itching is a good thing, it’s a sign your
tattoo is healing!! You can expect your tattoo to stop flaking and itching
after about two weeks. To ensure quick and proper healing with the best
results, follow the aftercare instructions we provided you. You can also
find them listed on the about page of this website.
How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
A small degree of soreness, swelling, and redness are normal. But if
you experience severe swelling, pain along with a burning-hot redness around
your tattoo, pussy discharge, a foul odor emanating from the tattoo, or red
bumps around your tattoo please go to a doctor immediately. You are
probably infected and in need of oral antibiotics. An infection is nothing
to mess around with- do not wait to see if it gets better.
We are absolutely unrelenting in our sterilization practices, but bacteria
naturally reside on the skin (even staph) and it’s not unheard of for
an infection to result from those bacteria entering through a fresh tattoo,
especially if you touch it a lot without washing your hands. Again it
is extremely important for you to follow the aftercare instructions we provide
to lessen the chances of such an infection and ensure the proper healing of
your new tattoo. If an infection does occur, please notify us as well. We care
a great deal about your health.
Should I tip my tattoo artist?
Absolutely! We provide a service and if it’s satisfactory, we appreciate
knowing it just like anyone else. You’re not required by any means, but
it sure goes a long way toward making nice.
I am afraid of needles, but I really want a tattoo.
Well, how badly do you want a tattoo? We do use needles to place the
tattoo into your skin. However, the needles only go into the first few
layers of the epidermis and it’s nothing like getting a shot at the doctor’s
office. If you’re only slightly put off by needles, go for it. But,
if you’re deathly afraid, a tattoo is not for you.
Can I tan with a tattoo?
You can do anything you want. The question is do you want to? Sun
is terrible for your skin in general and even worse for your tattoos. The
sun can turn your floating butterfly into a something that resembles a lead
ball if you let the rays hit it too much. Not to mention it will fade
the color. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to become a vampire
and sit in the dark once you’re tattooed. Just use common sense
when you are out in the sun. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to
your tattoo (provided it’s already healed) and while your at it, cover
the rest of you too, will ya?
Can I go swimming after I get my tattoo?
Just in case you didn’t read the aftercare instructions…hell no! Wait
until your tattoo has healed before going swimming. The chlorine in a pool
can wreak havoc on a new tattoo and pools of water are host to all kinds of
bacteria. If you do you will wind up with an infection. If you
wouldn’t drink it the water, don’t immerse your shiny new tattoo
in it.
If I don’t like it, I can always have it lasered off, right?
C’mon now. Tattoos are not like cars. You can’t test
drive them and then give them back if you don’t like them! This
is a permanent procedure and it should be treated as such. Yes, there
are laser treatments available for tattoo removal. Unfortunately, they
are extremely pricey and usually take multiple, painful (more than getting
a tattoo) sessions to fade your ink. Not only that, but it’s not
100% guaranteed that they can dissolve the tattoo completely. So if you are
thinking about a hefty tribal tattoo, or any tattoo for that matter, you better
be ready to make the commitment ‘cause it’s on for life, baby!
Can I give blood if I have a tattoo?
Most blood banks require you wait two years after getting tattooed before you
can give blood.
How did tattooing begin?
The word “tattoo” comes from two words, the Polynesian word “ta”,
meaning to strike something and the Tahitian word “tatau”, which
means to mark something. Contrary to popular belief, tattooing is not a recent
invention and it didn’t gain popularity in a Miami tattoo shop with a
hot chick slinging ink. The origins of tattoos can be traced back 5000 years
and over many cultures. Now settle in for a history lesson, kiddies.
In 1991, a five thousand year-old man was discovered encased and perfectly
preserved in ice. Otzi the Ice Man was a frozen mummy found in the mountains
between Austria and Italy. And guess what? He had 57 tattoos and dates back
to the Bronze Age. That’s a hell of a long time ago folks.
Since then, other mummies have surfaced bearing tattoos from the Pazyryk culture
in Western and Southern Siberia to the Egyptians. Ancient societies such as
the Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Celts, and Japanese employed tattooing for various
purposes. More recent evidence (and by that we mean in 1700s and1800s) came
by way of explorers traipsing around foreign countries such as Polynesia, Samoa,
Hawaii, Africa, India, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, South America and
North America. Native tribes made tattooing an integral part of their society
for religious and social reasons and tattooed almost every part of their body,
including the face.
Even as recently as five to ten years ago, tattoos were considered only for
the fringes of society. Tattooers and collectors alike bore the brunt of negative
stereotypes such as drunken sailors, loose women, criminals and circus freaks.
Luck you (and us) to live in a time when tattooing is more acceptable and gaining
popularity as a true art form rather than a seedy act performed in back alley
parlors. It’s been a long time coming as tattooing is not only a real
artistic endeavor; it’s one that is thousands of years old.
Any other questions?
Just ask! We’re here to help and
inform you. We promise we won’t laugh (unless you say something funny).
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