Here are some things you may wish to consider!

A tattoo will be on your body forever and it is a commitment that you should not enter into lightly. Many people walk into a tattoo studio with no idea of what they want or where they want it. And we, as artists, sometimes take for granted that the general public is not educated on the procedures, practices, policies, or most importantly the ethics of professional tattooing. This was writen to assist you, the customer, in making educated decisions when it comes to finding a studio and artist that will best suit your needs.

The first thing you must decide on is what you want to put on your body. It is ultimately your decision. Remember this is something that will be on you forever! Great thought and consideration should be put into making this decision. We have thousands of flash designs on the walls as well as portfolios and magazines to assist you in getting ideas for your own tattoo, you can bring in your own designs or have an artist draw a design up. There is nothing wrong with choosing a simple design, however, it can still be made into an original piece of artwork! The purpose of getting a tattoo should be to express your individuality.

Artists should be able to assist you in getting your ideas on paper from any form of visual reference, or verbal collaboration. The key here is to have an idea of what you want and are able to express it to your artist. The next step, after deciding on exactly what you want, is to decide who will do it! Not every artist is suited to fit your needs. All professional artists should have an extensive portfolio of their artwork. Check them out! Take note as to what kind of work each particular artist seems to "specialize" in. Is this the type of work you are looking for? There are many different styles an experienced artist is capable of, however, every artist has a certain style or technique that separates him/her from other artists of this medium.

Listen to what the artist is saying to you. Do they seem knowledgeable? Do they make you feel comfortable? Are they willing to take the time to sit down with you and create an individual piece of art, no matter how large or small it may be? Or are they just as willing to take a design directly off the wall and put it on you the exact same way hundreds of other people have it done?

STERILIZATION

EVERY artist should have an extensive knowledge of proper sterilization techniques! Aside from being capable of delivering quality artwork, your personal safety as well as that of the artist should be addressed immediately! Check out the studio thoroughly! If the autoclave is not in plain view, ask to see it. Every studio should have one. (Autoclaving is the process that pressurizes the instruments & kills any viruses or bacteria that might be passed on.) Do the artists use single-use disposable needles? Are the floors and tables clean? How do they disinfect the work area (tables, floors, chairs, etc.) after each client? ASK QUESTIONS! You have the right to know!

Professional tattoo supplies and equipment are expensive, thus the pricing of artwork should be fair and consistent according to the quality of the equipment and the experience of the artist. You can not put a price on quality; especially when it is something you will be living with for the rest of your life! For persons with darker skin tones: listen to your artist! They know what colors and designs will best for the type and tone of your skin. It is in no way meant to be prejudicial, it is merely to inform you of what will or will not work on you as an individual so that you are not disappointed with the outcome of your tattoo.

There is a difference between professionalism and arrogance! Tattooing is viewed by professionals as a sacred form of art. There are morals and ethics that will not be compromised. If your are indecisive about what you want to get, you may be asked to put more thought and consideration into the design you want before an artist will tattoo you. If you are making decisions based on price alone, you may be asked to reconsider getting a tattoo at all! A professional artist will put their heart and soul into creating your custom artwork, no matter how large or small. You as a customer should feel comfortable with your artist and the environment in which you are receiving your tattoo.

Your decision should be based on your own research and not that of what was best for someone else. This way you are not only assured quality artwork and an aesthetic, clean environment; but a positive experience you will carry with you forever!