The Tattoo Process

The tattoo process is something you may want to know before getting a tattoo. Again, this site is for some information, but always consult your doctor before getting a tattoo.

Your first tattoo. It can be exciting and scary! If you are like me, you want to know how the process will work. I hope the following information will lay out how the flow may happen for you. Nothing is ever guaranteed and situations and technology change. This would be a basic guide.

First of all, if you have a reputable artist, they will verify your age. We all make bad decision when we are young... I did it, your folks did it, your neighbor did it and so will you. A tattoo is something that is permanent, make sure you are old enough and your artist should care about you enough to ask. They will also probably want payment ahead of time. A great reason to make sure you know your artist and can trust them.

Now, it is time to sit in the tattoo artists' chair, bench, etc. Your artist will do their best to make sure you are comfortable, and depending on where you are having your tattoo placed, privacy should be considered as well.

Here we go. First things first - the artist should clean the tattoo area with rubbing alcohol. The will fully shave the area and use a NEW disposable razor. The area needs to be completely cleared of hair and debris.

Now, kind of a cool part. The artist will now use a "transfer" to put on your skin. This is kind of like silk screening a t-shirt. In the old days, the artist would draw on your skin, now they can transfer an image on to your skin. This save a bunch of time. Remember the cracker jack tattoos? It is very similar to those.

Now, here is where the poop hits the fan. Time for the ink and needles. This is where your artist get his/her machine ready and places into small cups called ink caps. Watch your artist and make sure they remove needles and tubes from sterile pouches. They will clean their needles with distilled water during your tattoo process.

Tattoo work is beginning. It will sting a little, but eventually your skin will kind of get used to the needles. Differenet parts of the body are more sensitive than others.

The first thing the artist will do is the outline of your tattoo. Once the outline is completed, they will begin filling in the other areas with colored ink. They may change needles when they switch from outline colors and when they start doing the fill in colors. Before you know it, you have a tat.

Now, one of the most important things - post tattoo care. You have just been tagged by needles and your tattoo should be treated like a wound. Ointment should be applied to help prevent infection and should be bandaged appropriately. Your artist should be well versed in this area and also about post care too. Personally, I would ask my doctor ahead of time, ask the artist, and compare the care with each other.

The tattoo artist is an artist. It is perfectly ok to tip them and refer friends to them. Many of them make their sales by having personal referrals. If you have a good experience, let others know.

Again, this is a guide and will not apply in all situations. ALWAYS consult your doctor and do as much homework ahead of time. It will help you relax and make the whole process much more enjoyable.