Tattoo FAQ: pt. 2

Last year, we posted a tattoo FAQ: a list of questions we are commonly asked by people looking to get tattooed. Often, however, we at the front desk find ourselves answering questions that haven’t been asked; that is, repeating the same basic information to various clients over the course of the day. Now, we’re not complaining – it’s our job, and our honour, to provide you with all the information you need to get the best possible tattoo. But it did occur to me that having all of that information in one easily accessible place may be a good idea. Here are the 5 things we tell people most often:

1.       The more detail is in it, the bigger it has to be. A lot of people want really intricate, detailed designs, but still want the tattoo to be small. This just doesn’t work. Lines spread a bit over time, and if you try to cram a whole lot of them into a tiny space, in a few years, they will all blur together, leaving you with a messy blob, rather than an impressive piece of art.

2.       If you’re unsure whether you want your tattoo to be full colour or black and grey, start with just the basic outline. Once the colour is there, it’s there; likewise, once it’s black, it’s black for good. An outline, however, can be filled in at your convenience.

3.       Have a little patience – a lot of people come in wanting a tattoo right now. We understand that eagerness, but if you want a well-done, custom drawn tattoo, it is best to bring us reference pictures, book a consultation, talk in-depth with your artist about it, and allow time for changes to be made as your idea is brought to life.  Your tattoo is forever – take the time to make it perfect.

4.       Get it where you want it. Clients often say “I really want this on my feet, but I’m scared it’s going to hurt, so where should I get it?” Our answer will always be “on your feet”. Tattoos hurt. We’re not going to lie about that – some people don’t find it painful at all, of course, but many others do. The pain, however, is temporary, while the tattoo is permanent. If you really want it on your feet (or ribcage, or thigh, or…wherever), you’ll likely regret putting it somewhere else. And, who knows, your second choice may hurt just as much as your first, or your first choice may end up not hurting at all. Go with your gut, and get it where you truly want it.

5.       Price is almost impossible to determine without seeing exactly what you want. At least once a day, we get a phone call asking “how much would it be for a small tattoo?” This question is similar to “how long is a piece of string?” Without more information, we don’t know. We can tell you our shop minimum ($90), but we cannot tell you for sure that your tattoo will fall into that category. Just because a tattoo is “small”, doesn’t mean it will be cheap. Similarly, just because it’s bigger, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be really expensive. To get an accurate quote, we need to see exactly what you want, and ask your artists how long it will take.