EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING A TATTOO

1. TATTOO DESIGN/ CONCEPT 

Sounds pretty common knowledge right? You'd have thought so, but the amount of people who get a tattoo based on impulse rather than really considering what they want often tend to require laser treatment or cover up tattoo work down the line so for this reason it's extremely important to know 100% what you want before searching for your tattoo artist. 

2. KNOW WHAT TATTOO STYLE

With the advancements in tattooing over the last 10 years, we no longer live in the era of '' If it's not on the wall, you're not getting it done!'' studios. The only limitations nowadays in regards to tattooing is your imagination. Here I've listed a number of different popular tattoo styles with a brief description and understanding of the styles for you. 

Traditional tattoos 

- Traditional tattoos we're famously first popular with Sailors at Pearl Harbour USA. The use of limited but bold and bright colours, strong bold line work and simplistic design work is still hugely popular today. Take a look at a few examples

Neo Traditional tattoos

- Neo traditional A.K.A Neo trad uses the same principles as traditional tattooing in the sense that it includes strong, bold linework, bright colour. However, neo traditional tattooing is a modern adaptation to the original sailor Jerry, traditional tattoo style. Using wider colour ranges and more detailed design work. Take a look as a few examples below. 

Black and Grey realism tattoos 

- Black and Grey realism tattoo work uses photographs to achieve a realistic finished tattoo. In order to achieve this effect there will be little to no lining done to create the tattoo. But numerous shading techniques to give it a realistic look, used for portrait tattoos etc. To give it the effect that you're you're looking at a photo! Take a look at a few examples below.

Full colour realism tattoos 

- This style is the same as Black and Grey realism with the obvious difference, it's done using colour.

Geometric tattoos

- Geometric tattoos are made up of symmetrical patterns or shapes. 

Mandala tattoos

- Mandala is the Sanskrit word for “circle”, and as a tattoo, is made up of shapes and symbols that radiate from the center outwards in a circular pattern. Like a circle, a mandala is meant to signify balance, eternity, and perfection.

Dotwork tattoos 

- Dotwork tattoos are exactly as they sound. Tattoos made up completely of dots to create an amazing looking tattoo

Trash Polka tattoos 

- Trash polka tattoos are a graphic design style of tattooing. Typically you'll see this style done using just black and red. 

Japanese tattoos

- Traditional in Japanese culture I'd imagine you'll already be aware of this style as its famous worldwide. The use of traditional and meaningful designs and symbols in Japanese culture to symbolise many different things. This complimented with bold colour and linework make truly stunning body art.

- Watercolour tattoos have become more popular in the last 5 years with this eye catching effect, Watercolour tattoos give an amazing look, it looks just like the tattoo has been painted on the skin when executed correctly.

 

 3. SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT TATTOO ARTIST

Don't just walk into a tattoo studio and book in. First, you need to study their portfolio and make sure the style of tattoo is something they do and that they do it well! Avoid dodgy scratchers/ home tattooists. Always visit a highly reputable studio that practice proper hygiene procedures and are fully licensed as well as being super talented in that area of tattooing. NEVER choose your tattoo artist based on price! Choose your tattoo artist based on quality and the love you have for their work. Remember, you get what you pay for!.

4. BOOK IN FOR A TATTOO CONSULTATION 

Now you've found your perfect tattoo artist, you know what style and concept you want, where you want the tattoo and you're confident this is something you want tattooed it's time to get in touch with that tattoo artist! Book in for a consultation (They're usually FREE) to discuss your ideas for the piece and to make a booking if you and the artist are happy to proceed with your ideas.

5. WORK WITH YOUR TATTOO ARTIST TO GET THE BEST RESULTS

Always follow your tattoo artists recommendations, if they're telling you something wont sit right or look right then you need to take note. This is what they do as a job and want to create the perfect tattoo for you. 

6. DON'T BE LATE TO YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT

Tattoo artists work on an extremely tight schedule so it's important to arrive on time or even 15-20 minutes early. 

7. ON THE DAY OF YOUR TATTOO SITTING

Make sure the night before your tattoo session you haven't consumed Alcohol or any medication/ drugs that thin the blood as this will cause you to bleed more on the day of your tattoo, ultimately pushing the ink out and affecting the outcome of your tattoo. 

Make sure you have something to eat and stay hydrated. A banana, some toast and a bottle of water should do the trick. You've got to keep your blood sugar up.