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Finding a good tattoo parlor.
drhazard
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So I've been sitting on a design for a few years (over six now), and I think I'm going to move forward with getting a small tattoo. I'm trying to find out how to go about finding a reputable parlor, though. The only reference I have from someone I trust (in that he has some really well-done tattoos, seriously amazing work) is to go somewhere in North Carolina, a few states away. Is there some sort of reputable online directory for this sort of thing? And if not, can anyone make any recommendations for a Washington, DC-based parlor?
Also, if I don't have any recommendations, is it out of the ordinary to go to a place just to check it out, see if it's clean, some examples of their work, and then leave without getting anything until I'm sure I know which parlor I want?
Also, if I don't have any recommendations, is it out of the ordinary to go to a place just to check it out, see if it's clean, some examples of their work, and then leave without getting anything until I'm sure I know which parlor I want?
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Most people that I've talked to with tattoos are more than happy to accept a compliment on a particular one, as well as let you know who did it, and if they have any reccomednations in the area. So if you see someone waiting in line behind you at Dairy Queen with something that you love, let em know.
I'll respond to your last question first. It is not out of the question and is, in fact, advisable to check a place out before you get any work done there. Tell the artists working at the shop that you want to see their portfolios. Portfolios are just what the name suggests: samples of their work. This is a tattoo artist's version of a resume. As you browse through the portfolio you're looking for a couple of things. First, you're looking for tattoos done in the same style as the one you're looking to get. So, if you're looking for black work, make sure the artist in question has done black work that looks nice. Another thing you're looking for is clean lines. Make sure that straight lines are straight, the shading looks nice, the colors blend well together, etc... Remember, this will be on your body for the rest of your life. If you get a bad feeling or the artists isn't as good as you would like, leave.
As far as online sites, you can always try out http://www.bmezine.com. However, it does have sections that are NSFW and will probably get you weird looks if you look at it in front of friends and family. It is, however, a great source of information for anyone pursuing any type of body modification (tattoo, piercing, cutting, branding, etc...). Finally, once you do find an artist, you can always run their name by me. I'm heavily tattooed, and I know a lot of other heavily tattooed people (including artists), and we generally have our ears to the ground as far as good shops and terrible shops are concerned.
Maybe I can pose another question to you guys--something I'll probably end up taking the artist's word for, but there's no harm in asking here. I'm looking to get a tattoo of the Rune of Torment from Planescape: Torment. It won't be terribly big, not more than just a couple of inches square. Here's a page with the Rune (the bladed portion) for reference: http://planescape.outshine.com/crap.planescape-torment.org/symbol.html
I want to base it on this one in particular: http://planescape.outshine.com/crap.planescape-torment.org/images/symbol/sym2.jpg I can't decide if I want it all black/greyscale, or try to add some color. Of the two halves, one is supposed to be pure steel and and the other is rusted metal. How feasible, and how much more expensive, would it be to get that done? Not a big deal, and I'll probably get more concise answers from whoever I choose, but I'd also like to make sure I'm not getting ripped off if someone tells me the color version would cost four times as much if it should only really cost twice as much, that sort of thing.
Most tattoo artists work by the hour. Depending on how many colors you're planning to use, which I didn't really get, sorry, they may charge a bit more, but that would probably only be a result of having to mix a bunch of colors. If I understand correctly, you want one rust colored and one steel colored? This probably wouldn't be much more of a price increase, since it would only be two colors, you probably wouldn't be looking at too much more than just a solid black piece.
I will, however, warn you about tattoo sizes. Where are you planning to have this design put on your body? Sometimes, bigger is better. I know a lot of people who have tiny tattoos on their arm, and it looks kinda silly. Try to get it somewhere that flows with the rest of your body proportionate to both placement and tattoo size. I can dig up a couple of examples to show you what I mean if you're interested.
Another good point. Good tattoo artists will, almost always, touch up tattoos for free. Every tattoo I've gotten has required a minor touch up; it's kinda the nature of the beast.
check out the shop online, see if people do the style tattoo you want. you can always drop in and check out portfolio's. My suggestion is not to look at the best ones, but the worst ones in there since you want worst case scenario.
a reputable shop will answer your questions/ not get upset for you to come in and check things out.
The one thing you need to remember is that this is all about you. This tattoo is permenant, so don't feel bad about insulting the tattoo artist by declining him or her to tattoo you. Just politely decline and walk away, pay whatever fee they might charge for a consultation and leave.
If you see people with nice tattoos in public and it's appropriate (ie they aren't in the middle of stuff), ask them where they got their art/tattoo's done. Smile, be nice, compliment them a little on it (looks nice/cool/really good), etc. This works particularly well if you're in any customer service job, because small talk is totally appropriate in such a setting
word of mouth and seeing live work is really teh best
a good tattooist will usually charge about 150 an hour
Aren't there temporary inks too? or is that still experimental?
Librarians harbor a terrible secret. Find it.
Like I said earlier, I was just thinking the tattoo shouldn't be much larger than four square inches (so, two inches by two inches) either on my shoulder or upper arm. Is this too small for that particular area? Especially since I'm a tall (6'5") guy?
(I know I'm really just getting into questions I can expect the artist to answer, but if I've got a resource here I may as well use it.)
yes tattoos are still forever. even lasering doesn't remove it completely it lightens it up tremendously but you can usually still see the tattoo due to scarring
Ask the artist who's going to do it what he thinks about where he can shape that onto your body.
Thanks again, guys! (And like I said, I've been sitting on this for about six years now, I highly doubt I'll want to get rid of this to the point of having it seared off my body eventually.)
maybe add a cool ruinish/weathered type border and it would be pretty sweet. make it look like weathered stone perhaps, mostly black and grey?
if you go this way, Cynthia at British ink is pretty good at the celtic type stuff and while not similar she has done that kind of thing before
When I wanted to get the coverup done for a bad design of a cat tattoo on my lower back we worked for awhile getting the design right. We took pictures and sizing of the tattoo and then he worked out a design over the next few days. The first couple weren't quite what i wanted but he was totally cool and listened to the elements i wanted and the end result was amazing! Now I won't go to anyone else.
Someone comes into a shop with a design that they already want and where they want it, it's the artists first inclination to get 'ir done and get paid. Don't let this happen. Sit and talk with them about where they think they can put it on you without making it look like a sticker.
(And, in game, the tattoo is on his upper arm, but larger. That's why that's my first inclination, or on my shoulder blade.)
Damn I'm gutted to hear this, the only thing that stops me getting a tattoo is the thought that I would never be able to get rid of it if my mind should change. Does anyone here actually have experience of having a tattoo removed? Was there a lot of scarring?
All I want is a black Roman numeral (XXVII) across the top of my arm, I've been doing a bit of research and what I've read suggested a simple black tattoo should be able to come off more or less. When/if I do get my tattoo I doubt I'll want it removed I just want to know I have the option. But I'm toying with the idea of waiting a few years because I too am hearing about semi-permanent inks and improved lasers being developed.
http://www.cockeyed.com/science/tattoo/tattoo.html
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