Etiquette for the Tattoo Shop

Webster’s dictionary defines etiquette as,” the forms or codes to be observed in social or official life; conventional decorum; the code of polite society.” Strip away all the fancy words and you’re left with ‘common decency’ and basic manners. For some reason there seems to be a belief that tattoo studio etiquette differs from the commonly accepted set of guidelines by which most people conduct themselves. It doesn’t

Just so that there isn’t any doubt: When you are in a tattoo studio you should conduct yourself with the sense of decorum that you do when you’re in any other business.

Going to a tattoo studio is no different that patronizing a good restaurant. You are the customer (although we prefer the term ‘client’) and we are going to try to make your experience the best one we possibly can. In fact, there’s a “Tattoo Client Bill of Rights” which defines your rights. On the other hand, we have the right to expect you to conduct yourself in a civil, polite and respectful manner in return.

Your goal and our goal is the same: To get you the perfect tattoo in the most pleasant way possible. With a little etiquette, from everyone, it’s not hard to do. To help make your tattoo experience the best one it can be, here’s a list of some ‘Dos’ and some ‘Don’ts’ for your next visit to the tattoo studio:

DO try to have some kind of idea what you’re looking for before you come to the studio- impulse buying isn’t, usually, a very good way to find a tattoo that you’ll be able to live with for the rest of your life. Of course, we understand that you may be coming in just to get some ideas; but you should have some kind of idea that led you to the decision to get tattooed in the first place. The more clearly you can describe what you want, the quicker and easier we’ll be able to find the design for you.

DO tip your tattoo artist! This should be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, it’s not. If you didn’t know that tipping a tattoo artist is customary, YOU DO NOW! Tattoo artists DO NOT get paid an hourly wage- they earn a percentage of the money you pay for your tattoo and that’s it. They depend, heavily, on tips to support themselves. You wouldn’t NOT tip a waiter unless the service was really bad, would you?

Your tattoo artist is marking you for life, something far more serious than even a fancy meal, so hasn’t he/she earned at least the recognition that a waitperson gets? If you receive exceptional service, show your appreciation by tipping. As a general rule, tipping 10% is a MINIMUM, 15-20% is normal and anything more is considered tipping heavily. If you don’t have the extra money to tip, at least explain that to your artist (they’ll understand and appreciate it)- if you can, bring them a tip the next time you have a few extra dollars. Clients who are known to tip always get a little extra ‘love’ from their artist.

DO NOT go into a tattoo studio if you’ve been drinking or if you’re under the influence of something. Show your tattoo artist some respect and come sober- nobody likes dealing with drunks. If your breath smells of alcohol you’re not going to get a tattoo- not from anyone reputable, anyway. If you’re wasted, you won’t make a good decision on what to get and you’ll bleed so heavily your tattoo is likely to look like it’s done in pastel colors.

DO NOT try to bargain with your tattoo artist like you’re some vendor in a Indonesian night market. You wouldn’t go to the grocery store or a restaurant and try to talk a clerk or a waiter into lowering the price. If all you have is a certain amount, ask the artist (preferably up front) if he can work with that budget- if he can’t, then wait and save up until you have the full amount. Bargaining in a tattoo shop is an exercise in bad taste; and the quickest way to tick you artist off. The last thing you want your tattoo artist being mad at you when he starts sticking you with needles. Some people act like it’s their responsibility to try and get a tattoo for some ‘rock bottom’ price and they’ll try and bargain an artist down $5 or $10 just to see if they can. That’s offensive. If you’re going to get something that you’re going to wear forever, do you want the “bargain” job or the “deluxe” job for $10 more? If you’re tempted to bargain, stop!

• Think about how much you want the artist to come down in his price

• Divide that amount by how many years you think you have left to live.

• Decide if those few quarters a year are worth being stuck with the “bargain” tattoo!

If you can’t afford the tattoo you want, talk to your artist and see if there’s a way to work out a payment plan (multi-session/pay-as-you-go) or wait and save up. If you settle for something else, or even a smaller version than you really want, you’ll (probably) end up regretting it. Remember: “Good Tattoos Aren’t Cheap And Cheap Tattoos Aren’t Good.” People who “price shop” for tattoos end up with inferior tattoos- don’t let that happen to you.

DO NOT brag, to a tattoo artist, about how cheap you got your other tattoos. You will not earn any ‘brownie points’ and it SURE won’t get you a better deal on a tattoo from the artist you’re bragging to. If you are quoted a price, that IS the price- it’s probably been set by the owner and if the artist has any leeway to adjust the price, bragging won’t help. Most “cheap” tattoos are cheaply done- bragging about paying $20 for a tattoo is likely to elicit a critique of your tattoo that is less than flattering. If you want a professional tattoo, be prepared to pay a professional price.

DO NOT ask your artist to draw something just to see if he can. There are people who come into the studio and ask for one thing to be drawn after another without every getting anything. Don’t be that guy!

If you want something drawn, an artist will be happy to work on one with you changing an re-drawing it until it’s just the way you want it; but make sure you’re ready to get it if the drawing comes out right.

DO pay maintain personal hygiene and physical decorum. Unfortunately, this has to be said for some people’s sake. There’s nothing more unpleasant than having to work on someone who smells. You wouldn’t go to the doctor without bathing, so do the same for your tattoo artist. If you just finished running and suddenly decide you just haveto get your feet tattooed, go home and wash them first!

The same goes for bodily functions. If you’re having some difficulties with your stomach (i.e. gas) it might NOT be a good day to get tattooed. You get the idea.

DO tell your artist about:

• Feeling ‘green’ or ‘funny.’ Tell your artist right away (don’t try to tough it out) so that he/she can deal with it- your artist is prepared for it and knows how to handle it.

• Any concerns you might have about getting tattooed. Your artist is there to work with you and make the experience as easy as it can be.

• Any medical issues you have (i.e. pregnancy, diseases, medication).

DO NOT try to force your artist to make social conversation if they don’t seem receptive to it. Some artists like to talk and others don’t. You want the best tattoo you can get so let your artist work in the way that he/she is comfortable. Your artist will appreciate the consideration and it’ll be reflected in the work.

DO NOT bring a “cheering section” to the studio. Many shops will not let ANYONE accompany you into the tattoo area and it’s prohibited by many state laws. You’re always free to ask, but very few artists want 5 of your friends crowding the work area while he/she is trying to mark you for life.

DO NOT bring children to the tattoo studio without asking first- call ahead if you have to. Your tattoo artist will really appreciate it if you can find a ‘sitter’ for the kids so that you can come to the studio alone. Tattoo studios are not a place for children- there are too many hazards for children to be exposed to, it’s an adult environment and they can be very distracting to you, your artist and the other clients.

found on http://www.bodyadorned.com/content/119/0/

Tattoo Artist of the Week: -Ethan Morgan-

Name: Ethan Morgan

BIO: Tattooing since 1991, Ethan Morgan has made a career in tattooing by staying on top of all things tattoo. Fueled by a constant drive to push his abilities he has traveled the world to shape his craft by learning and sharing ideas with the top artists in the industry. His artistic background started with his family. Son of an artist in the field of animation and a mother with a degree in child development he was taught at a young age to be creative and think outside the box. As an aspiring musician he took a string of dead end jobs to pursue his dream of making a living in music and eventually fell into tattooing. Ethan was offered and took an old school toilet scrubbing tattoo apprenticeship from a Long Beach pike tattooer Steve "Pops" Saller. After learning the ropes old school from A to Z, Ethan left in 1993 and opened So. Cal Tattoo in San Pedro. After 13 years of developing his style and apprenticing and training artists Tom Berg, and Carlos Torres, he felt it was time to close that chapter on his life and try a new approach with Symbolic Tattoo in 2006.

An award winning tattoo artist with over 30 awards in tattooing in all fields including a "Best over All Tattooist", Ethan has been featured in newspapers, magazines from all over the world, books, television and other media. Ethan is a regular in the in the international tattoo convention circuit recently attending the first tattoo convention in London as one of the top 150 artist in the world. He also spends time traveling the world and appearing as a guest artist in some of the most renown studios in the world such as Paul Booth's Last Rites and Robert Hernandez's Tattoo Vittamin.

Recognized for his realistic black and grey, Ethan also enjoys to work in color, understanding that working in duality and balance was the key to creating his best work. He is best known for his darker gothic side, but also has a large clientele for his vibrant work with color. Ethan also is a fine artist with his artwork being displayed in London, England and Milan, Italy.

Ethan Morgan continues to stay part of the global tattoo village with frequent trips to conventions around the world to network and stay on the cutting edge of his craft. He also hosts the annual Long Beach Tattoo convention on the Queen Mary in June bringing the tattoo village to Los Angeles. In his spare time, Ethan is an accomplished musician and is currently working with industry related musicians in his band, MBH.

Artwork:











Website:http://www.symbolictattoo.com/main.html

Where He Can Be Found:East Side Ink 97 Avenue B

New York, NY 10009 eastsideink@verizon.net 212.477.2060

East Side Ink


I've got him to do one of my tats, the wristband, and i also paid for my bud's leg calf tattoo. He's an awesome guy, great sense of humor, BEST work i've seen of tattooing. Not only that but he'll go out of his way to make you comfy in your sitting with him. I definately recommend him if you are ever in the New York area. (He's also traveled everywhere, I got mine done when he was still in the Southern California area).

After You Get Your Tattoo

-Remove bandage after 2 hours (do not rebandage)




-Wash tattoo with your hand (make sure hand is clean) using warm, soapy water. Rinse with cold water. Don't over soak your tattoo. Keep out of the direct spray of the shower. Pat dry, DO NOT rub with towel.




-For 3 to 5 days or until tattoo is healed, apply Vitamin A&D Ointment or Bacitracin or Zinc Oxide Ointment 3 to 4 times daily after washing tattoo. Keep tattoo moist. If allergic to these ointments, use a water based lotion such as Curel.




-Tattoo will flake. DO NOT pick at the flakes or you may pull the color out. Try not to let clothing rub on your tattoo while it is healing.




-NO swimming or suntanning until healed. Apply a high SPF sunblock to tattoo after healed to prevent fading.




-IF problem arises contact your tattoo artist and your doctor IMMEDIATELY!

Your Tattoo and You

-There is a risk of getting Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and other infections when getting a tattoo. Protect yourself from Hepatitis B by getting vaccinated. There are no vaccines for Hepatitis C or HIV.




-Do not drink alcohol before getting a tattoo, it can cause excess bleeding




-Cleaning products and sterilizing equipment (such as autoclaves) are available and used. Autoclaves are the only acceptable sterilizers.




-Make sure the tattoo studio is clean

Before Getting Pierced

Is body piercing dangerous?



Sometimes bad infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis, can be spread by body piercing. Other problems may include bleeding, swelling, scarring, and reactions to the jewelry. Tooth chipping and gum damage can happen in people with tongue and lip piercings. Jewelry in the mouth or nose can be swallowed accidentally.



What is a "high" ear piercing?



A "high" ear piercing is when the cartilage along the edge of the ear is pierced (see drawing). This type of piercing is more dangerous than an earlobe piercing. There is more risk of infection with high ear piercings, and these infections are harder to treat than infections of the earlobe. An infection of the ear cartilage can make your ear deformed.







How do I know if my piercing is infected?



If your piercing is infected, the skin around the area may be red and swollen. It might hurt to touch your piercing, and there may be yellowish, bad-smelling fluid coming from the hole. If you have a fever or any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor.



How are infections treated?



Minor infections can be treated with over-the-counter medicines that you rub on your skin. If you have a bad infection, your doctor might give you a stronger medicine. Some people with very bad infections might need surgery.



What increases my risk of problems from body piercing?



Many things can affect your body's ability to fight infection. Be sure to tell your piercer if you have diabetes, heart problems, or other medical conditions. If you take steroids or blood thinners, talk to your doctor before you get a piercing.



Who should do my body piercing?



If you are going to have a body piercing done, you should find a professional with a good reputation. Look for someone who uses clean, sterilized tools. Do not do the piercing yourself, and do not let anyone who is not a professional piercer do it. Never rush into having a piercing. Select the body site and jewelry carefully.



(believe it or not this is a pamphlet your doctor can give you when you ask about piercings. heh. awww the power of science)

Berlin, Germany: Naked Steel

Naked Steel



Website:

http://www.naked-steel.de/

Address:

Mainzer Strasse 11

10247 Berlin

Contact:

Phone: (0049) 03020056830

E-mail: mail@naked-steel.de



The street outside the shop is fairly grubby looking and seems rather unpleasant, the shop itself is very clean and comfortable. The people who work there are friendly (and speak English, woohoo!) and helpful.


A nice enough place and worth checking out if you live in Berlin.

The Dangers of Piercing

Allergic Reaction

This navel shows a rash caused by the constant use of undiluted liquid soap on a piercing.
Too much cleaning can be just as harmful as not cleaning enough.





Granulation, Polyps, Keloid

At the superior hole of this navel piercing there is a bead of hypertrophic scar tissue.
This is a common complication of all piercings.
It is usually a consequence of infection and/or trauma.




At the bottom hole of this navel piercing there is a bead of hypertrophic scar tissue.



A further example of excessive scar tissue in a navel piercing.



Typical example of hypertrophic scarring.
Often called polyps.
This is not a keloid, which is more pale in colour and softer too touch.





Technique Problems: When piercings go wrong

This shows a swollen infected tragus pierced using a piercing gun.
The manufacturers of the gun explicitly forbid the use of the ear gun outside the helix and lobe.


An inappropriately small 16gauge 10mm eyebrow barbell was inserted into this female nipple by an inexperienced piercer.
The patient presented in pain with one ball completely disappearing into the nipple. A longer 14g barbell solved the problem.





Things You Should Know About Tongue Piercings....like when they go wrong

The large acrylic ball constantly pressing on the lower jaw has loosened the tooth sockets of the front right incisor.
Note the gum receding at the lower incisors.




Pressure from the large acrylic ball in the previous image caused resorption of the bone of the tooth socket for the central incisors.
On the Xray the black area around the tooth root is where the bone has been lost.
To help prevent this. Use a small acrylic ball on the bottom of the barbell.



On the anterior aspect of this tongue piercing is a lip of tissue.
This is a common occurrence in new piercings and usually spontaneously disappears.




On the floor of the mouth a white ulcer is seen atop a swollen red area. This was caused by pressure from the ball of barbell that was too long.
The problem resolved with a shorter barbell.



This barbell ball is half buried as a result of being too short.




One week after piercing with the top ball completely buried. Result of way too short barbell.





NOW REMEMBER: piercings can be fun if you take care of them, clean them, and treat 'em with respect. yeah they look cool but its best if you treat your body like a temple by making sure where you get the piercing is a safe clean certified parlor/pagoda.





Photographs and descriptions are property of http://www.body-piercing.com.au
Copyright © 2001 Sydney Medical Body-Piercing Clinic