Illustrated:
What to expect if you are interested in tattoos.
Tattoos have experienced an evolving image and a surge of popularity in recent years. A survey done by the Pew Research Center indicates that some 32% of adults in the US have at least one tattoo and that 80% see tattoos as more acceptable in our society.
With the popularity and acceptance of tattoos on the rise, and almost one third of the adult population inked, maybe you’ve had your own thoughts about joining the club.
If so, there are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for a tattoo.
Source: Women, Black Americans and younger adults among the most likely to have tattoos, Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. (August 15, 2023) https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/15/32-of-americans-have-a-tattoo-including-22-who-have-more-than-one/#:~:text=32%25%20of%20Americans%20have%20a,who%20have%20more%20than%20one&text=Tattoos%20have%20become%20a%20more,the%20U.S.%20House%20and%20Senate.
An important question you should ask yourself is, what kind of art do you like?
When you first set out on your tattoo journey it is important to know what kind of artwork you like. There are many styles, so you want to find an artist that does work that you like and want to wear for the rest of your life.
A common style of tattooing is known as Traditional, American Traditional or Neo-Traditional, and originated around the early 1900s. It is often associated with sailors and Sailor Jerry.
American Traditional artwork is bold, with thick lines and strong colors. It is considered a classic style of tattooing.
If in the market for something else, many tattoo artists are versatile and can do American Traditional as well as other styles of tattoos, but no artist is the same. It is good to consider things like the artist's experience, their personal style, your vision and how much influence you want the artist to have on the design. You also want to consider the experience level of an artist.
Tattooing is one of the only professions that still requires an apprenticeship to learn the trade properly, so it is better to trust someone who is established or works for an already established business.
Once you've picked a style and an artist, it's time to make your way to the shop.
When you first enter a tattoo studio, you might think to yourself that you recognize the smell: A hospital. It is also more than likely that a consistent buzzing can be heard.
Tattoo shops smell similar to hospitals because the same antiseptic is used to sterilize both. Cleaning is done between clients so that every station is sterile when a tattoo is started. And the buzzing is the sound of tattoo machines at work.
It is likely someone will greet you at the counter and ask you what brought you in. This is your opportunity to discuss your ideas and find out how much you are likely to spend, what the availability looks like, and other odds and ends. If you are feeling spontaneous and there is time, you can walk-in and get tattooed. If not, the other option is to schedule an appointment.
Advice for first timers:
Make sure you plan to be at the tattoo shop longer than you expected. There are always delays when getting tattooed, and if you are on a tight schedule or cannot spare a couple hours even for a small tattoo, it's better to come back when you aren't rushed.
The tattoo process really starts once you decide you want to go through with it.
The first thing an artist will have you do once you've decided you are going through with your tattoo, is have you fill out paperwork and provide proof of identification. Don't forget your ID.
Next, they will draw your design and make sure it is what you want. If it is not, say something. You cannot change a tattoo once it is done. If the artist cannot give you what you are asking for, it is okay to call it off.
Mixing the inks.
Colors are selected after the stencil is placed. Many traditional tattoos stick to a simple pallet, like red-green-yellow. However, almost any color can be added to a tattoo these days.
Setting up the machines.
Machines have to be set with new, sterile needles before any tattoo. Tattoo machines as we know them today were developed and modified beginning in the late 1800s from Thomas Edison’s electric pen. Avoid calling it a “gun” to your artist.
An artist's station will look similar to this when fully set up.
Getting started
After paperwork and making sure the design is what you want, you are shaved of hair from the area that is going to be tattooed.
Applying a stencil
Next, a stencil is applied or drawn on. Some stencils are put on skin and then drawn on or altered after.
A stencil is placed before being tattooed.
A stencil is placed before being tattooed.
A stencil is placed before being tattooed.
A stencil is placed before being tattooed.
A stencil is placed before being tattooed.
A stencil is placed before being tattooed.
Sometimes a stencil is drawn on or altered with Sharpie.
Sometimes a stencil is drawn on or altered with Sharpie.
Sometimes a stencil is drawn on or altered with Sharpie.
Sometimes a stencil is drawn on or altered with Sharpie.
Sometimes a stencil is drawn on or altered with Sharpie.
Sometimes a stencil is drawn on or altered with Sharpie.
You have now done everything but get tattooed.
By now you have met your artist, done your paperwork, approved of your tattoo design, had it stenciled or drawn on you, and your artist is set up and ready to go.
The only thing left to do is make it permanent. Your artist will generally ask if you are ready, and when you confirm, they will begin.
Be prepared. Tattoos hurt. Some locations on the body are worse than others, and everyone has a different pain tolerance, but they all hurt.
Much like drawing, a tattoo starts with lines.
The purpose of a stencil is to allow the artist to tattoo over it and retain the shape of the design as your skin moves and you get farther into the tattoo.
Once the linework is done, shading follows.
Color comes last.
All that is left is to bandage the tattoo.
Aftercare instructions will be given to you as you finish up with your artist.
Typically, a few guidelines to follow are keep the tattoo clean and wash it twice a day; apply unscented, water-based lotion when dry; don't scratch it;
don't pick any scabs from it; don't get in the ocean; don't soak the tattoo; and avoid overexposure to sunlight.
An example of multiple stages of a tattoo.
A stencil with drawn on leaves, ready to start.
The mirror image freshly finished.
Previously finished and partially bandaged to protect it. A proper bandage and aftercare instructions will be given to you when you are finished getting tattooed.
A good example of American Traditional, done by Mark Schwartzman at World Tattoo Studio, Denver.
Built with Shorthand