When you shop for a tattoo, what is it that you're shopping for exactly? For most people, naturally, money talks. So...they shop for the right price. But, how does one determine value? How does someone who is not a professional in a particular industry really establish price?
Well, we compare that value to examples of quality and to the person who is going to do said work. We look at their portfolio and their resume to determine how much experience that person has. Seems logical, right? So, why is it that when someone of high quality caliber quotes a price - the same people who are searching for high quality work are suddenly aghast when it comes down to the value of the project? In the tattoo industry, there is a misguided belief that there is a disparity between artists who charge by the piece versus by the hour. But, on the contrary, they are one in the same. The client just doesn't partake in the deductive process the artist experiences whilst consulting about a project. The reality is, experiences and price will vary from artist to artist depending on skill and speed. Generally speaking, the average (well-experienced) tattoo artist will charge about $100 per hour. How much work can be done inside each hour will vary from artist to artist. So, if you think by shopping for the "right price" you will be getting the tattoo you want, chances are you are most likely sacrificing quality for quantity. And, in time, you get what you pay for. That is just the painful truth. When a tattoo artist says they charge by the hour, that's just the basic rate. They still have to consider your project and the work involved and figure out how long it will take them to do it. An artist who charges "by the piece" is essentially doing the same thing. They look at the project consider how much effort (aka time) it's going to take them and go from there. The prices end up being very close anyway if you're working with someone who is worth a damn. So, don't be "cheap". If you really can't afford the average cost of a good tattoo, you probably shouldn't be getting one anyway. It's just the responsible thing to do. For your pocketbook and your skin. Go where the quality is. Where the great reviews are. Where you can see the work for yourself. Keep in mind that, while many tattoo artists are great and they may be able to execute a great tattoo, not everyone is capable of doing YOUR tattoo. Do your homework. Have they done that style of tattooing before? Have you seen previous tattoos they have done in that style? How was their "bedside manner"? Do they work in a sterile environment? Don't get me wrong, every tattoo artist has to start somewhere. Even in a kitchen. But, that just brings me back to my point. You get what you pay for. By all means, shop around. But, please dont compare hobbyist work and prices to the professionals. You won't see Walmart products with Gucci prices. Likewise, you won't find Gucci quality at Walmart prices. If you do, run far away. But, if you choose to buy into it, just be prepared. It's likely not the real deal and, in time, you will start to see just what I mean. So, why bother saving that dollar now if you will only end up having to spend that and more on a coverup later? Just my thoughts. Be smart. Be responsible. And, of course, Be thrifty. Just don't be cheap. Invest in your art. After all, it IS a lifelong commitment.
0 Comments
So, you got your ink!! SWEET! Now what??
Every shop/artist tends to have varying opinions on aftercare. However, the simplest facts are the following: 1. You do not want to introduce any bacteria to your open wound a.k.a tattoo. (Yes, a tattoo is an open wound. For those who didn't know.) So, wait at least 2 hours to remove your bandage unless you are going straight home to wash it. The bandage will protect it from any airborne bacteria that can enter through your open wound. 2. Wash your tattoo daily. GENTLY...but, daily. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial liquid soap. I recommend Dial Liquid Gold Antibacterial Soap. After you wash it for the FIRST time, I also recommend turning on the hottest water you can stand and getting a damp washcloth or paper towel and apply that damp cloth to your tattoo like a hot compress for about 15 seconds. Then, follow up with a COLD compress for 15 seconds. This will pull the excess plasma and ink out that would not have stayed anyway and will keep your tattoo from scabbing too soon. 3. Pat dry! Your tattoo will behave and feel like a mild sunburn throughout the healing process. So, be gentle. Scrubbing it will hurt like a motherf***er, lol. After pat drying your tattoo, allow it to air dry for 20 minutes. This will give your tattoo time to get rid of excess moisture via evaporation. Apply ointment such as A&D, or Aquaphor just enough to be absorbed into the skin, creating a thin shine, and ONLY when the tattoo is completely dry and starts to feel tight. Applying too much product to your tattoo will clog your pores and increase the likelihood of infection, and pimples, by creating too moist of an environment where bacteria can grow. After about 3 days you can switch to a gentle, fragrance free lotion like Aveeno or Eucerin. But, again, apply sparingly. 4. Do NOT soak your tattoo in any water. This includes baths, pools, lakes, ocean, etc. Too moist of environments introduce bacteria. 5. Do NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight. Again, it behaves and feels like an existing sunburn and will hurt even more. 6. Do NOT scratch or pick healing tattoos! As tempting as it is to peel off the thin, cloudy layers of skin that "will fall off anyway" - Don't do it. This phase is called "onion skin" and it will fall off on its own when its good and ready. Pulling any level of dead flesh off too soon will risk damaging your beautiful tattoo. Let it do its thing. 7. Avoid working out. Tattoos are at high risk of getting damaged when the skin is forced to move and stretch too much. This is part of how thick scabs and scars occur. 8. Avoid tight fitting clothes. This includes sleeping. If you wake up to your clothes sticking to your healing tattoo, get your clothing where its sticking a little damp and it should peel away without damaging your tattoo. 9. Avoid swelling. It is a natural part of the healing process to experience some temporary swelling. However, if your tattoo is on a lower limb like your leg, ankle or foot, then standing on your feet for long periods of time will increase swelling and inhibit the healing process. Keep limbs elevated and, if needed, take ibuprofen to reduce swelling. Overall, your new tattoo will complete its initial healing process in about 2 weeks. It will heal very similarly to a sunburn. You will see the layers of skin flake off little by little. Depending on the level of sensitivity your skin normally has, it is not uncommon to see your skin scab up more than usual in some spots. Your skin endured a traumatic experience and some people's skin will overreact to this experience causing thicker scabs and swelling. Watch it. Keep it clean and rather dry. Sometimes a touch up will be needed as it heals and you see how the ink takes to your skin. Your tattoo should be completely healed from the inside out in about 6 weeks. |
AuthorProfessional Tattoo Artist in Nampa, Idaho. ArchivesCategories |