Getting Inked
After recently getting my fourth tattoo I thought it a good time to share my tattoo stories, the inking process and things to consider before you get a tattoo.
What you want: The design, style, colour and placement
Nowadays there is no limits when it comes to tattoo design. No matter what you want, there will most likely be an artist out there who will do it and who will do it well. I have found in the past that it helps to look at an artists work before hand to get a real sense as to what they are capable of. Not everyone is good and you have to choose who you select very carefully. Instagram is a great way of looking at a tattoo artists back catalogue and how their designs look when finished. It can also help you decide what you want. You may see a tattoo they have done that is very close to what you had in mind and from there with their help you can develop it and alter it into what you want.
My top tattoo artists are...
1. Monica Gomes (@monitattoo) Specialises in watercolour tattoos, free hand design and pastel colours. When I went to visit her in Dublin I remember her saying that she hates doing black tattoos. Go colourful or go home and you can see that from her portfolio.
2. Bekki Lana (@lunalanatattoo) did my most recent stem of bluebells and is based in Manchester. She can do a whole range of tattoo types and styles but what I like her for most is her thin lines. You can see throughout her work her attention to detail and accuracy when it comes to smaller delicate tattoos.
3. Sol Art (@soltattoo) I am not sure how it is possible to create such detailed works of art on skin but this South Korean based artist can. I only wish I had the nerve to travel and get one of her designs done. However she does make temporary tattoos as well to order! Oh and she loves cats.
It is also important to think about body location and placement. Do you want people to see it or is it just for you? Do you want it done at an angle, the right way up for you or the right way for others to see? I found the best thing for me was to get on pinterest and instagram and find multiple versions of a similar idea and then start imagining them on my skin and trying them at different angles and positions.
Location: The studio and travel
The furthest I went for a tattoo was to Dublin to see Monica Gomes and the nearest was Cleveley's when I was 18. I think you need to source an artist who's style you like and find out where they are based and then ask yourself whether you are willing to travel to see them or whether you want to just go to the next big city. I think there is more talent and more options available in bigger cities, for example, Preston may have 2-3 good studios whereas Manchester will have 10+. This gives you more scope and can help you get the design you want. I also always google a place before I make my appointment. Read the reviews, look at the photos of the studio on the inside and the outside and then you can determine if it is hygienic and if it is professional. Sometimes, but not always, the prices they charge can be a tell tale sign as to what to expect and if it seems too good to be true it usually is. If possible a pre-visit before your appointment is a good idea and always trust your gut. If you don't feel happy in a place or if you didn't feel happy when you phoned to book your appointment then go somewhere else. All the places I have been have had 100% customer satisfaction in my eyes. The staff that welcome you and the artists themselves are there to make you feel at ease and comfortable in that environment. The more relaxed you are, the better the experience so do your research and don't just pick the first place you find and the one that is nearest. You are getting a permanent piece of artwork on your body so you have to be willing to do a little travelling and put in the legwork.
The Process
Not everyone's experience is the same and I am only going off my own. With my first tattoo I was 18 and I went with my friend to a place in Cleveleys with my design on a scrap of paper. The artist refined it into something a lot cleaner looking with smoother lines and then turned it into a stencil. The second was in Edinburgh and because the tattoo I wanted was a classic design the artist printed it for me and made it into a stencil himself. My third was done freehand and the outline drawn straight onto my arm in green felt-tip pen and the fourth was made electronically from my design ideas and then the stencil printed. Different artists work in different ways and you have to trust their process. For the most part they will have been doing tattoos for a long time and have experience. That said, don't be scared to be vocal about what you want. It is no good agreeing with everything the artist says only to find when your tattoo is finished it isn't really what you had in mind. You are paying for it so tell them exactly what you want and don't feel silly in doing so. They are there to turn your ideas into a piece of artwork that will last forever.
None of my tattoos have ever hurt that much but then I have chosen areas of my body which are not boney and where the skin is flat and there are no awkward angles. Ask around as to where other people have had them and even ask your artist as they will probably have tattoos themselves. Also consider your pain threshold and how well your skin heals.
Very important tip when going to get your tattoo is make sure you have had something to eat and drink (not alcohol, an artist won't work on you if you have) and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You might be in the chair for only an hour but you could be there longer depending on the nature of your design so be prepared. I have also always been with someone. My good friend Fox has been with me for 3 of mine now and I find that chatting to someone takes your mind off the needle and makes the time pass quicker.
Be prepared for the price as well. A lot of tattoo studios will have a minimum cost that they have to charge no matter how small your tattoo is. Mine have varied from as little as £20 (7 years ago) to my most recent at £75. Don't be disgruntled at the cost either, this is a tattooists income and for a good experience you are paying for their time, ink, cleanliness and their talent. You may also need to put down a deposit when you book which can be done in person to secure your appointment or if you are booking over the phone it could be a card payment when you ring.
Healing and Aftercare
A tattoo can take 7 to 14 days to heal dependant on type, style, size and placement. Usually after a month a tattoo will have fully healed and the new ink will be fully locked in under the skins surface. Each artist is different but listen to their aftercare advice because they know what they are talking about. The following list is tips I have picked up over the years.
What you want: The design, style, colour and placement
Nowadays there is no limits when it comes to tattoo design. No matter what you want, there will most likely be an artist out there who will do it and who will do it well. I have found in the past that it helps to look at an artists work before hand to get a real sense as to what they are capable of. Not everyone is good and you have to choose who you select very carefully. Instagram is a great way of looking at a tattoo artists back catalogue and how their designs look when finished. It can also help you decide what you want. You may see a tattoo they have done that is very close to what you had in mind and from there with their help you can develop it and alter it into what you want.
My top tattoo artists are...
1. Monica Gomes (@monitattoo) Specialises in watercolour tattoos, free hand design and pastel colours. When I went to visit her in Dublin I remember her saying that she hates doing black tattoos. Go colourful or go home and you can see that from her portfolio.
2. Bekki Lana (@lunalanatattoo) did my most recent stem of bluebells and is based in Manchester. She can do a whole range of tattoo types and styles but what I like her for most is her thin lines. You can see throughout her work her attention to detail and accuracy when it comes to smaller delicate tattoos.
3. Sol Art (@soltattoo) I am not sure how it is possible to create such detailed works of art on skin but this South Korean based artist can. I only wish I had the nerve to travel and get one of her designs done. However she does make temporary tattoos as well to order! Oh and she loves cats.
It is also important to think about body location and placement. Do you want people to see it or is it just for you? Do you want it done at an angle, the right way up for you or the right way for others to see? I found the best thing for me was to get on pinterest and instagram and find multiple versions of a similar idea and then start imagining them on my skin and trying them at different angles and positions.
Location: The studio and travel
The furthest I went for a tattoo was to Dublin to see Monica Gomes and the nearest was Cleveley's when I was 18. I think you need to source an artist who's style you like and find out where they are based and then ask yourself whether you are willing to travel to see them or whether you want to just go to the next big city. I think there is more talent and more options available in bigger cities, for example, Preston may have 2-3 good studios whereas Manchester will have 10+. This gives you more scope and can help you get the design you want. I also always google a place before I make my appointment. Read the reviews, look at the photos of the studio on the inside and the outside and then you can determine if it is hygienic and if it is professional. Sometimes, but not always, the prices they charge can be a tell tale sign as to what to expect and if it seems too good to be true it usually is. If possible a pre-visit before your appointment is a good idea and always trust your gut. If you don't feel happy in a place or if you didn't feel happy when you phoned to book your appointment then go somewhere else. All the places I have been have had 100% customer satisfaction in my eyes. The staff that welcome you and the artists themselves are there to make you feel at ease and comfortable in that environment. The more relaxed you are, the better the experience so do your research and don't just pick the first place you find and the one that is nearest. You are getting a permanent piece of artwork on your body so you have to be willing to do a little travelling and put in the legwork.
The Process
Not everyone's experience is the same and I am only going off my own. With my first tattoo I was 18 and I went with my friend to a place in Cleveleys with my design on a scrap of paper. The artist refined it into something a lot cleaner looking with smoother lines and then turned it into a stencil. The second was in Edinburgh and because the tattoo I wanted was a classic design the artist printed it for me and made it into a stencil himself. My third was done freehand and the outline drawn straight onto my arm in green felt-tip pen and the fourth was made electronically from my design ideas and then the stencil printed. Different artists work in different ways and you have to trust their process. For the most part they will have been doing tattoos for a long time and have experience. That said, don't be scared to be vocal about what you want. It is no good agreeing with everything the artist says only to find when your tattoo is finished it isn't really what you had in mind. You are paying for it so tell them exactly what you want and don't feel silly in doing so. They are there to turn your ideas into a piece of artwork that will last forever.
None of my tattoos have ever hurt that much but then I have chosen areas of my body which are not boney and where the skin is flat and there are no awkward angles. Ask around as to where other people have had them and even ask your artist as they will probably have tattoos themselves. Also consider your pain threshold and how well your skin heals.
Very important tip when going to get your tattoo is make sure you have had something to eat and drink (not alcohol, an artist won't work on you if you have) and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You might be in the chair for only an hour but you could be there longer depending on the nature of your design so be prepared. I have also always been with someone. My good friend Fox has been with me for 3 of mine now and I find that chatting to someone takes your mind off the needle and makes the time pass quicker.
Be prepared for the price as well. A lot of tattoo studios will have a minimum cost that they have to charge no matter how small your tattoo is. Mine have varied from as little as £20 (7 years ago) to my most recent at £75. Don't be disgruntled at the cost either, this is a tattooists income and for a good experience you are paying for their time, ink, cleanliness and their talent. You may also need to put down a deposit when you book which can be done in person to secure your appointment or if you are booking over the phone it could be a card payment when you ring.
Healing and Aftercare
A tattoo can take 7 to 14 days to heal dependant on type, style, size and placement. Usually after a month a tattoo will have fully healed and the new ink will be fully locked in under the skins surface. Each artist is different but listen to their aftercare advice because they know what they are talking about. The following list is tips I have picked up over the years.
- Once you have had your tattoo keep it covered for 2-6 hours. The artist may use different bandaging techniques but all 4 of mine have been covered in cling film. If you are out for the day, leave the covering on until you get home as it will protect your new ink from dirt and bits.
- The artist will usually clean it after it has been completed but you should clean it by giving it a gentle wash. No scrubbing, no exfoliation, don't leave it in water for too long (avoid baths) and be careful. Your skin has just been broken and needs to heal so being rough will get you nowhere. I find that using a cotton wool pad and just warm water and patting my tattoos rather than wiping them is a safe bet but do your research and again listen to your artist! After showering never rub dry only ever pat with a clean dry towel. You wouldn't wipe dirt into a fresh graze so even if your tattoo isn't overly painful treat it the same, with loving care and attention.
- Your artist will tell you what cream to use and so will the internet but over the years I have used Bepanthen cream which you can get from most pharmacists or the cream that you can buy at the studio if the sell any. For my most recent tattoo I have been using Hustle Butter which smells divine and goes on so easily. It has the texture of butter but turns into oil as it interacts with the heat from your skin. My tattoo drank the stuff. As long as the product you are using is fragrance free it should be fine but check with the professionals. Remember moisture is key but try not to drown your ink as this can cause the colours to fade quickly and not give the skin a good chance to heal.
- All of mine have been relatively small so sleeping has not been an issue for me but if your tattoo is big and in an awkward place you may need to adapt your sleeping style. You may also need to keep it covered at night so that a new tattoo doesn't stick to the sheets but do your research and have I said already, ASK YOUR ARTIST! (I am not an expert)
So that is all I have to say about getting inked. Below are my tattoos and I love them all even if my mum doesn't :)
(Left to Right) #1 Swallow outline done at Classic Ink Tattoo Studio for £20, #2 Heart outline done at Edinburgh Ink Tattoo Studio for £45, #3 Watercolour Forget-me-not done at Old School Tattoo ltd in Dublin by visiting artist Monica Gomes for 80 Euros and #4 Bluebell stem and my Grandad's anniversary done at Flesh Tattoo in Manchester for £70.
Love Blue Sky
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