Does it hurt
Where does it hurt most
Anesthetics
Can I get it removed if I don't like it
How old must I be
How much does it cost?
Can I get AIDS, hepatitis or other infections?
Is there any medical condition that will stop
me from getting a tattoo?
Will my tattoo fade?
Is there anything I can do before I get my tattoo?
I have dark skin, can I get colors?
I want this tattoo but I don't have enough money
so I get another tattoo instead.
Can you fix/cover my old tattoo?
Yes, it does hurt but probably not as much as
you think. The body releases endorphins, a
natural pain killer which dulls the pain, most
people find the experience more irritating
than painful.
That depends on the person, many find thin
skin areas such as collar bones, shins and
ankles and tender areas armpits, groin etc.
to be more sensitive.
Note:
Drugs and alcohol do Not lessen the pain,
in most cases they will intensify the sensation.
As well as alcohol aspirin, ibuprofen etc. thin
the blood and you will find yourself bleeding
like a stuck pig. Drunks rarely sit still causing
many mishaps in the tattoo.
If you can't take the pain don't bother with a
tattoo. Most topical anesthetics (the kind tattoo
artist can apply) do not last very long and the
added expense would make the tattoo more costly.
First Never get a tattoo if you have any doubts!
Getting a tattoo removed is not easy or cheap.
Laser removal can cost one thousand dollars a
session or higher. If it is not a tiny tattoo it
is going to take more than one session perhaps quite
a few sessions. If a non-laser technique is used
it is likely to leave a scar far uglier than the
tattoo and it can be extremely painful.
NY State law requires a person to be 18 years
old for tattoos and there is no law about piercing
though at the artists discretion we may pierce
someone under 18 if accompanied by a parent.
In any case you must present ID for your tattoo
or piercing.
Usually the price depends on several factors,
time it takes to do the piece, detail involved,
size, number of colors, and techniques.
With most Flash (pre-drawn selection of art work),
the price is by the piece, however unusual, large
or custom pieces may be charged by the hour that
way the customer in not overcharged nor the artist
underpaid.
Often large pieces will be done in multiple
sessions and payment is expected at the time of each
session. This way for a large piece you will be
paying as you go and as you can afford it.
Our studio accepts Credit Cards & Cash Only. Sorry, No checks
Two more things to remember:
Once an artist gives you a price don't bicker with
it, tell him or her that you only have X amount of
dollars to work with, if your cool they will work
with you. Never insult the artists' price saying
something dumb such as "I can get it cheaper at
such and such shop, or by acting shocked, remember
you came to them and jerks get the special
just for jerks price.
"if you have a cousin or buddy that can do the
same thing for $20 in his basement, then why the fuck are you
Good tattoos aren't cheap, cheap tattoos aren't good
If the tattoo artist does not sterilize his
equipment then yes, you are open to many
infections. Professional, trained tattoo artists
sterilize their equipment in a very specific order.
This insures that neither you nor they are at risk
of disease or infection. Needles, tubes and ALL
instruments that come in contact with blood MUST
be specially cleaned and autoclaved after each use.
No other method is safe. Excess or left over
ink must be disposed of and all surfaces sanitized.
At our shop not only do we dispose of the ink,
we also use disposable needles and tubes and will
gladly show you the broken needles as they must be
collected to be incinerated at a medical waste site.
If you have a blood borne contagious disease such as
HIV Aids, Hepatitis Strains you ARE obligated to
inform the artist. If you have hemophilia or are
pregnant you can not get a tattoo.
If you have any medical condition such as diabetes,
epilepsy or a heart condition it is wise to inform
your artist, just in case.
Tanning and improper after-care are the most common
reasons for fading as well as aging (can't help that)
be sure to refer to our after-care section for
information on proper care.
Yes, eat before you come, don't drink or take drugs,
don't have a hang-over, bring a soda and maybe a
candy bar, take a shower and be well rested.
This depends on your skin shade generally lighter
olive, coffee and tan skin will not take white,
yellow or orange. The darker shades rarely take
anything other than black, red, or purple.
In any case the colors may be muted or off-color.
Don't do this!
Never get anything permanently marked on your body
unless it is what you really want for life!
Maybe if the tattoo is old enough, or the new design
covers it well. Sometimes things are just beyond help
we will try anything if there is a possibility.
Here is a tip - Always check out an artist's portfolio
to see if they are able to perform the work as often
you will find the artist is not capable of doing
everything they say they can.
You should expect to pay more than the original
cost of your old tattoo (old tats were damn cheap!)
and it takes special skill to cover up an existing
tattoo and do a good job.