Island Ink Tattoo Company

The last ten years have seen an educational renaissance within the tattoo industry. Artists have become increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and have taken steps to protect their clients and themselves. With just a little education and some research, you can assure yourself of a safe, professional tattoo. Feel free to read on about getting a tattoo

What should I consider when picking a design?

Choose what you like! You have to live with your tattoo for the rest of your life. Discuss size and color with your artist to achieve the look you want. Sometimes it is better to leave artistic aspects of your tattoo up to the wisdom and experience of your chosen artist.

Where should I place it?

Give the location of your tattoo considerable thought. It is there forever. If your concerns are for the sensation and level of discomfort involved, your artist should be happy to discuss these aspects with you.

How should I pick an artist?

This subject is probably the most personal of all aspects of receiving a tattoo. Your concerns are twofold. You need to find an artist whose work you like, and who will work on you safely. Ask people where they got tattooed, especially if you really like the work you see. Ask to see photographs of the artist's work. Most often, the pictures will have been taken right after the work was completed so redness and swelling are common. In spite of that, there are things you can learn. Are the lines clean and smooth or broken and jagged? Do they meet up? Does the artist work in the style you are looking for as well as fulfill your needs in professionalism, price and last but not least, personality. Taking the time to check out a few artists and shops will ensure that you are happy with your results.

What should a tattoo cost?

Above all, do not shop around for "the best price". This is a trade in which you should see examples of the artist's work and question their knowledge. This is not a trade to be bartered with. You pay an hourly rate for time and expertise.

This is my first tattoo. What should I expect?

Getting your first tattoo can be a very exciting experience and being prepared for what to expect can keep it fun. First, you should be well rested and well fed. If you are tired or your blood sugar is low you may experience a higher level of discomfort that you normally would. Drinking alcohol before getting tattooed is always a bad idea. Not only do you become dehydrated, it will cause you to bleed more and consequently have a negative effect on your new tattoo.

There will be blood. The amount varies from person to person, but usually it is about what you would expect from a scraped knee or rug burn. The level of pain also varies from person to person, but most people don't find it unbearable. The best thing to do is just accept the discomfort and relax. Fighting or tensing will only increase your discomfort.

If you start to feel faint or a little "green", tell your artist right away instead of toughing it out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break. Your artist is prepared for this sort of thing and knows how to handle it. If you need to change position or stretch, go to the bathroom, sneeze or wiggle for any reason, let your artist know BEFORE you do it.

Your new tattoo will get patch of shiny skin over it or it may scab over. Leave the scab alone! This is a normal part of the healing process. Picking the scab may lead to infection or damage to your tattoo. The scab will slough off gradually in the course of a week or two. If you have any questions about the healing process, call your artist. Don't rely on stories told to you by your friends.

What is single service equipment?

All equipment should be single service. This means that each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated, sealed and autoclaved. The artist should open a fresh set of needles and tubes in front of you. Any ointments, pigments, needles, gloves, razors, plastic trays or containers used in applying your new tattoo are discarded after use. After tattoo application, your artist will disinfect the work area with an EPA approved virucidal that will kill any surface bacteria or viruses.

What is an autoclave?

An autoclave is the only acceptable means of equipment sterilization in the tattoo shop. It is a machine that uses a combination of heat, steam and pressure to kill all pathogenic microorganisms known to man. If the shop does not have an autoclave, do not get tattooed there. Shops should keep regular records of their autoclave use and testing. Ask to see them if you feel uncertain.

Why does the artist wear gloves?

Your artist should be wearing gloves any time they are touching broken skin and should change their gloves regularly. This protects both you and the artist from any bloodborne pathogens that may be present.