Tattoo Considerations
What should I consider before getting a tattoo?
Things to consider before getting a tattoo include what you are going to get tattooed, and deciding where you are going to put it. And most importantly, who is going to do it. Once you've decided what you're going to get and what style you would like it in, find a tattoo artist that specializes in that style. Another thing to consider is that it is going to be on your body for the rest of your life. Make sure that it is not in a place that is going to stretch or sag, and then become a funny looking tattoo later on in life.
How should I decide on the placement of my tattoo?
Deciding on the placement of your tattoo should be a very important thing to consider, because you don't want it going down onto the bottom of your foot or any other place where it might not end up healing. Go in and speak with your tattoo artist to make sure that the design fits in the area that you wanted, and aesthetically looks correct on your body.
Will having tattoos affect my employment?
Depending on your job, getting a tattoo might affect your employment. Consider things like getting a tattoo on your forearm, neck or hands. Most tattoo artists won't tattoo your hands or neck just out of moral obligation. We don't want you coming back later complaining about how you can't find a job because you got a tattoo up on your throat. In this day and age, tattoos are becoming more common, and more acceptable. Some tattoos might not affect your job, but it is still something to consider. You might be working for a bank or some other professional company that doesn't want to be represented by a tattooed, bleached, spikey, colored hair person, so really consider what your future career will be before you get a tattoo done on your forearm, hands, neck or any other places that are not as easily covered up.
Should I consider cost when choosing a tattoo artist?
When dealing with the cost of a tattoo, remember that it is going to be on your body for a long time. Most tattoo shops will be able to give you a price per piece or hourly, depending on how large the tattoo is. But also don't sell yourself short. Go in and talk to the person, and remember its worth it.
Can I get a refund if I'm unhappy with my tattoo?
Most shops won't offer you a refund if you're unhappy with your tattoo, however you can avoid not being upset with your tattoo by going to a reputable shop and finding the tattoo artist that you like.
Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo?
The American Red Cross is the place that you would normally be donating blood to, and usually they will ask you to wait a year after getting a tattoo to donate blood. This is simply to prevent any kind of contamination of their blood supply. Speak with the Red Cross before you get a tattoo, if you are planning on donating blood any time soon.
Can a lower back tattoo prohibit the use of epidurals?
Getting your lower back tattooed, and getting an epidural is totally fine. The doctor will be able to administer an epidural so that you have that pleasant childbirth that you are hoping to have.
Can I get a tattoo over a mole?
Getting tattooed over moles is not always recommended. We do what we can to tattoo around them, but it is like a knot in wood for a carpenter. You do have to work around larger moles, but smaller ones can generally be tattooed over.
Can I get a tattoo over a scar?
Scars can also be tattooed over, but you don't want a tattoo over a fresh scar. It is usually best to wait until the scar is not pink. Also, Keloids are something that are hard to tattoo over, and probably shouldn't be tattoo over.
What effect will hair growth have on my tattoo?
When we do a tattoo, we will shave the area. However, the hair will grow right back through your tattoo. If that is something that you're wanting, then it is totally fine. If you don't want your hair growing through your tattoo, you will want to get laser hair removal before you get your tattoo. However, hair will still continue to grow through your tattoo.
How does aging affect tattoos?
The Platinum age then extended from the Victorian age, and is when comic books started to develop into what we understand now in the modern day of comics. So, that would go from the beginning of the 20th century, maybe to the end of the late 19th century to approximately 1938.
How can changes in my weight affect my tattoo?
Gaining weight or losing weight normally won't affect the appearance of your tattoo - skin has very elastic qualities that allow for weight gain and weight loss without really making your tattoo look very different at all.
What is the best time of year to get a tattoo?