Sunday 1 November 2009

Window Shopping

Finding the right tattoo artist/ shop

I want some body art. How do I choose a tattooist?

All tattooists have their own approaches on designs, choosing one you want is very much a matter of taste. some examples vary, old school, new school, portraits, greyscale, colour, traditional etc

The Tattoo Club of Great Britain recommends you visit the tattooist's studio, preferably when it's busy, and take a look around. It's a chance to see the designs the tattooist has done as well as to look at the way they work.

You'll also need to check that the tattooist's studio is registered with the local Environmental Health Department.


Can anyone be a tattooist or are tattooists regulated?

Tattoo parlours have to be licensed by the local authority, and tattooists should display their certificates to prove it. This is to make sure tattoo parlours meet relevant standards of cleanliness and hygiene.


What sort of standards are we talking about?

Standards of cleanliness should be extremely high. For example, all equipment used for tattooing should be single service. This means that it should be individually packaged and sterilised using a machine called an autoclave. Ask about safety policies before you make your choice.


Does having a tattoo hurt?

According to tattooists, thanks to modern equipment it doesn't hurt a lot. Generally, getting a tattoo hurts more if it's done over the bone. So being tattooed on a fleshy part of your body shouldn't be too excruciating from my personal experience (having my hip to neck done) areas around the hips, ribs, abs and sternum are the most painful.


Is it OK for teenagers to be tattooed?

By law, tattooists are not allowed to tattoo anyone under the age of 18. If they carry this out

the tattooists could lose their license and have a jail sentence for braking the law.


I've gone off my tattoo. Can I get rid of it?

It's possible, but expensive. There are several ways to remove tattoos—laser treatment, dermabrasion or simply cutting away the tattoo, although the latter may involve a skin graft. Another option, of course, is to get another tattoo to cover the one you don't like. statistics

prove that many cover ups are from drunken mistakes or impatience.


How do you become a tattooist?

There's no clear career path to joining the ranks of tattooists. Sometimes tattooists take on apprentices who are expected to buy their own equipment and sterilising units. It takes between three and five years for tattooists to become fully trained. A shop in Wigan I use to get my tattoos from the women Laura did Graphic Design prior to her apprenticeship. You need to be able to draw to be a good tattooist.


How much do tattooists charge?

It depends on the size and design of the tattoo. Some tattooists charge by the hour for larger tattoos. I use to get my tattoos for £50 an hour, now I pay £100 an hour and a half and I am much more satisfied with the outcome of my tattoos.

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