So you’ve decided that you want to get a tattoo. A tattoo is a big decision that you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s important to do your research and make sure you get a tattoo you’ll be happy with for years to come.
One of the most important things you can do when getting a tattoo is to choose a reputable, professional tattoo artist. A good tattoo artist will work with you to design a tattoo that fits your style and personality, and they’ll also be able to answer any questions you have about the process. To help you with this, we’ve put together a list of questions you can use.
45 Questions to ask your tattoo artist before getting inked:
- How long have you been tattooing?
- How would you describe your style?
- Do you have experience with [specific style] tattoos?
- What is your favorite style of tattooing?
- What do you think makes a great tattoo?
- Do you have photos of previous work that I can see?
- What kind of needles do you use?
- What needle size and configuration will be used for my tattoo?
- How often do you change your needles?
- Have you ever had any issues with your ink or needles?
- How do you clean your equipment?
- What kind of ink do you use?
- What kind of ink will be used for my tattoo?
- What do you recommend for aftercare?
- How often should I come in for a touch-up?
- What are the risks associated with getting this tattoo?
- Do you have medical training in case of an emergency?
- Do you have any special training or certification?
- How long do you estimate this tattoo will take?
- Can I see a current brochure or price list?
- What are your thoughts on custom designs vs. flash designs?
- How do you work with clients to create a custom design?
- Can you walk me through your process for creating a custom tattoo?
- How long will it take for my tattoo to heal?
- Do you have a tattoo yourself?
- Who are your favorite tattoo artists?
- What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?
- What do you think sets your work apart from other tattoo artists?
- Are there any areas that are particularly painful when tattooing?
- Are there any medical conditions that would make me ineligible for a tattoo?
- Have you ever had a client get an infection from your tattooing?
- How do you handle cancelations and rescheduling?
- Can we arrange a consultation before the actual tattoo session?
- What are your store’s policies (e.g. age limits, ID requirements, etc.)?
- What is the price range for [specific style] tattoos?
- Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
- Do you charge by the hour or by the project?
- Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. setup fee, consulting fee, etc.)?
- Do you offer discounts for larger tattoos?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- Do you accept tips?
- What should I do if there are complications after the tattoo?
- When can I schedule an appointment for my tattoo?
- What should I do to prepare for my tattoo session?
- Is there anything else I should know before I get a tattoo?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk to my doctor before getting a tattoo?
Some people believe that it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor before getting a tattoo, while others believe that the decision to get a tattoo should be left up to each person. Ultimately, the decision is up to the person getting the tattoo. Factors to consider include the location where the tattoo will be placed, any pre-existing conditions, and whether or not you’re taking any medications that may interact with tattoos.
What should you do to prepare for your tattoo appointment?
Make sure you eat a light meal before your appointment. This will help to minimize the discomfort you may feel during the tattooing process. It’s also important to arrive well-hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment will help make the process more comfortable.
Finally, you should arrive at your appointment with an open mind and a positive attitude; after all, getting a tattoo is a big commitment!
What should you not do after a tattoo?
It’s important to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions after you get a new tattoo. This includes avoiding direct sunlight and using harsh chemicals or abrasives on your skin.
You should also avoid immersing the area in water, including swimming and bathing. All of these activities can damage the area and interfere with the healing process.
How long should you rest after getting a tattoo?
Most tattoos take at least two weeks to heal, but this can vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo. If you’re not sure how long you should wait, ask your tattoo artist. He or she will be able to give you specific instructions on how to care for your new tattoo and when you can show it to your friends.
Are tattoo touch-ups free?
Touch-ups are usually free if you get your tattoo done within a certain period after the original tattoo at the store where it was done. However, if you need a touch-up at another location, it will likely cost you.
Always talk to your tattoo artist before getting a touch-up to make sure it’s necessary and they can do the work. Touch-ups can help keep your tattoo looking good for years to come.
Conclusion
Tattooing is an art form, so you must find an artist whose style fits your vision. Tattoos are permanent, so choose an experienced artist. Once you find an artist whose work you like, be sure to ask them lots of questions about how they work before making an appointment. That way, there won’t be any surprises when you go to get tattooed!
Do your research beforehand so you know what questions to ask and what you want your new tattoo to look like!
