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Originally Posted by ken36 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
X2. I work out at Golds, and I love to look at the buff, young lady's who have elaborate and attractive tattoos on their backs and stomachs and thighs. I have to admit they look great. Then, I imagine them 30 years from now, when they weigh 200 pounds and the skin turns to leather. Bad scene.
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Why all the tattoo hatred? There are good tattoos, and there are bad tattoos. One can live very happily if proper decisions are made.
The original poster wants to get the tattoo on the upper arms. An area where skin won't travel too much, and can be kept in its original place. The design isn't something that sounds like a great idea on spring break, or is a fad. It pertains to a life long decision, why not have a celebration of that?
I've got 18 tattoos. None of them can be seen when I wear a t-shirt. They are all very meaningful for me. A tattoo isn't just about outward expression, its for yourself as well. All of my tattoos remind me of something or another. Be it a happy memory, a sad memory, or a reminder of things that have happened in the past. No tribals, no butterfly, no Calvin pissing on anything, nothing that looks like it was done at the Jersey Shore in a ***** shop.
I'm about to complete my apprenticeship as an artist. Here is my best advice to you:
1. Find the tattoo shops in your area. Go to them. If you can't go to them, or before taking the time to travel, find them on Myspace. Most shops have a Myspace page.
2. CHECK OUT THE ARTIST'S PORTFOLIO. Not just their drawings, but the finished pieces. Pay careful attention to detail. Is there bumps? Does the color look solid? Is it a style that you like?
3. Find out if the artist paints their own flash. Those that do have more dedication to the craft. This is an artist that works constantly to develop new designs, and their own personal style.
4. What type of client/tattoo does the shop cater to? Do they have/do custom tattoos, or is their primary work done from premade flash?
5. Do they have an autoclave, what are their sterilization methods? (This one may seem a bit rude, but if a shop follows proper procedure, not only do they have nothing to hide, but a lot of artists are proud of the care they take when tattooing. Don't be afraid to ask)
6. Find the artist whose work you like the most. Come up with a concept, and get it drawn out. Don't be afraid to ask the artist to change the design. If it isn't feasible, the artist will tell you. It may be a matter of style, or it may be that it's just not possible in tattooing. An artist that can't draw the design on paper sure as hell can't do it on your skin.
7. Your tattoo will fade. No matter how good the ink, no matter how good the artist, all tattoos fade. Take proper care of it. Leave the wrap on for a few hours after you get your tattoo. That night, take it off, use A&D ointment, to keep it moist for the first few days. Then, continue using a non-medicated, non-fragranced cream for up to two weeks. Some people use Vitamin E cream, some break up pure Vitamin E tablets. After the first few days, don't keep it most all the time, just apply once or twice a day. Do NOT scratch the tattoo, do not pick at it, do not pop any blemishes that may develop in the tattoo. Throughout the life of the tattoo, do NOT pick at it for any reason. Blisters, blemishes, pimples. You pop them, you will damage the tattoo.
And, one last little known fact. A tattoo is not a puncture wound, it is an abrasion. Remember that as you are healing. And good luck.
