General First Tattoo Questions

Ziac45

So I plan on getting a tattoo here in the next 3 months and I just had some questions. The Tattoo I want to get is just something simple, words under my collar bones. So I was wondering is there a general pricing to tattoos? As in how much am I looking at for it, and what type of pain should I expect. Also how do I spot a good studio if it helps I live in Western maryland so if anyone knows a good one that would be helpful. What sort of questions should I ask the studio when I first go in? Thanks for the help.

i n c u b u s

1. As far as pricing goes, everyone is different so thats hard to predict but most people have a set fee for their equipment. Please be aware that YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Don't be afraid to pay for quality work.

2.The pain on your collar bone should be a lil more than on like a meaty or fatty area and it will really hurt if it buzzes close or on the bone. I would describe the feeling as a heavily vibrating pen being pressed super hard against your skin. Its def unique.

3. When you go shop shopping look out for cleanliness of not only the shop itself but the materials being used and it's facilities. Don't be afraid to drill them about their procedures or policies because you NEED to know the facts before comitting to this. Also check out their people's work in depth and make sure you choose someone who you know will do a good job.

4.General questions are : What are your fees? What sterilization processes do you use?(aka single use of needles, gloves, cleaning, etc) Ask for a pre sketch up of what you want BEFORE they set up. You need to be comfy with what your getting so don't be afraid to ask them to place a stencil on you prior to any machines buzzing (most good shops will do this anyway).

mts

as far as pain goes. how close to the collarbone are we talking? the closer you get, the more pain. In my experiences. fairly large backpiece, the closer you get to a bone the more its going to hurt. that includes shallowness of flesh like the ribs. But for me the worst was ovr my spine. you get the pain on both the side actually getting tattooed and then then other side becuase of nerve transfer

depending on the size of the piece you will likely get charged an hourly rate or a set price. expect anywhere from 75-150/hour but this will vary by the artist. Don't cheap out.

Buru-Beri

Personal Opinion: Not a great spot for a first tattoo, mainly because of the pain involved. Of course your tolerance to pain varies like everyone else's. If it's a definite spot that you want tattooed and you don't plan on any other that may be smaller, then go for it. There is no general pricing to tattoos and depending on the artist and shop it will vary. Most artists will charge by the hour [can be from $50-$200 an hour depending on skill and name] and will sometimes have a set minimum. You can google the shops in your area and go through their online portfolios. Never hesitate to contact the shop and ask them for advice as well. If there's an artist you see with a portfolio that matches your taste, give the shop a visit and talk with the artist on what you would like done. S/He should be able to comprehend the idea you would like and put it out for you in a sketch first and then onto transfer paper which will show the general outlines of what you want on your body [they use those lines to tattoo over for tracing]. Also, if you do find a good shop online, always check the comments and reviews as well. Make sure all of the needles they use are first time use only/new and that they open the package of the needles in front of you with new gloves. Ask the amount of years they've been working as a tattoo artist and their general experience as well and if applicable, who they apprenticed under. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Ziac45

I plan on getting a shoulder tattoo at some point but I don't know what I want there yet. The collar bone I have had decided for 8 or so months now without changing my mind so I plan on doing it first until I decide on the shoulder.

Buru-Beri

Personally, I love how tattoos look around the collar bone but the pain...I almost didn't go back for my touch-up solely because of the pain that was involved. I have two around my collar bones and it was a total of three hours. Indefinitely the most painful one I've gotten so far. May I ask what the words are going to read?