What should I know before getting a tattoo?
Tattoos should reflect who you are and what you like. Take your time and make sure your tattoo will be something that you can live with forever. Don't be limited to what a studio has on hand; Sometimes part of finding the perfect tattoo involves explaining your ideas to the tattooist, and/or bringing in reference materials. All of our tattooist can draw a custom design for you. Discuss size, color, and placement. Sometimes designs that work on paper may not work on your skin. Also give the placement of your tattoo a lot of thought. Most people have a gut feeling about where they would like to have their tattoos placed. Choosing where your tattoo is placed should not necessarily be based on fear of how much it might, or might not hurt. Every person's body reacts differently, so the sensation will vary from person to person. Size is another issue. Starting small is not always best. As tattoos age they spread a little, so get the tattoo the size that it will look the best over time. Discuss these, and all other aspects of your tattoo with your tattooist. They can share their experience with you.
You should never "price shop". Tattoo prices are based on quality as well as time and prices vary from artist to artist. This is not a trade where there are fixed prices. Look at portfolios showcasing examples of tattoos by the tattooist that will be working on you. Look at line quality and smoothness of blends of color. These photos are the best way to determine if a tattooist is worth what you pay them or is capable of the style you seek.
Please don't gamble with your skin. A cheap tattoo now may cost you hundreds of dollars to fix later or even worse, may cost you your health. Remember this, the bitterness of a high price fades long before the bad taste left from receiving of a poor tattoo.
Tattoos are applied using a small electric device which operates similar to a sewing machine. Three to thirteen needles are grouped together and attached to the end of a metal rod called a needle bar. The other end of the needle bar is attached to the tattoo machine. The needle bar moves up and down through a tube or barrel which serves two purposes--to keep the needle bar from moving side to side and as a handle for the tattooist to grip the machine. The needles stick out only a few millimeters from the end of the tube, so they don't go very deep into the skin. .
After preparing the skin with a germicidal soap, the artist dips the needles into a small amount of pigment or ink. As the machine is guided over the skin, the needle bar moves up and down allowing the needles to puncture the skin, depositing the ink.Once the tattoo is completed, the tattooist applies an antibiotic cream or ointment and covers the area with a sterile bandage. The artist is required to provide you with oral and written instructions on how to care for your newly applied tattoo.
Tattoos can be painful, but not so painful that it stops people from happily coming back to get tattooed again. It helps to get your tattoo while you are well rested and nourished. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. Most people say that getting tattooed is no big deal at all. Some can find it more difficult. Despite the discomfort, most people who are happy with their first tattoo usually get tattooed again.
Beautiful tattoos attract a lot of attention and can really reinforce your desire to get tattooed again. While you are getting tattooed, the body releases endorphins to help the you deal with the discomfort. This is similar to the "high" feeling that you can get from vigorous exercise. For some people, tattoos are adventurous. For some they are sexy. For others they can be very personal. Whatever your reasons, be prepared to want more than one.
How much do tattoos cost?
This varies on a number of factors, such as size, placement and the complexity of the design. As the years go by you will be glad you paid for THE PERFECT TATTOO. Sometimes
people will show you a bad tattoo and excuse the quality by explaining how
inexpensive it was. A tattoo is one of the few things we purchase that will last
a lifetime. Once you find the right artist, It is worth spending a few extra
dollars to make sure you get it right. Tattoo artists usually charge between $80
and $120 an hour. There is a saying in many tattoo studios that "good tattoos are not cheap and cheap tattoos are not good"
Do you take "walk-ins" or must I make an appointment?
We always accept walk-ins if the schedule is light. Appointments are mandatory if you want to schedule anything after the day you are calling. In other words, a cash deposit of $20 is necessary for bookings into the future. People out of town or who can't come in twice can send a money order or certified check a week or two before their appointment. We require deposits because unfortunately, too many people have stood us up, hindered our business and didn't give it another thought.
Do I loose my money if I miss an appointment?
Your appointment can be rescheduled for a later date without penalty, as long as you call ahead of time. It will NOT be refunded if the appointment is blown off.
Can minors be tattooed?
You must be at least 16 years of age, and have a parent present. Additionally, the consent form must indicate the part of the body that may be tattooed and two forms of proper identification is required by both the parent/guardian and the minor being tattooed. Additionally, if we do not feel the tattoo is appropriate, we may decide to decline the tattoo.
How long can I expect the colors to last?
A long time if done correctly. If you follow our aftercare instructions and protect it from the sun your tattoo will last a many years. The pigments of today are way better than even 10 years ago.
What are the different styles of tattoos?
Tribal, Fine line, Portrait, Traditional, Neo Traditional, Oriental, New school, etc. Don't feel restricted by styles. Do what you want and go to a tattooist who can do what you want, regardless.
How can I tell if a shop is clean?
Ask to see sterilization equipment. Make sure autoclave indicators on all bags have changed color to show sterilization. Never let an artist tattoo you with equipment they don't open in front of you. Ask questions. A clean shop will have a clean appearance and smell.
Safety Tip - Feel free to question the tattooist about his or her sterilization procedures and isolation techniques. Take time to observe the tattooist at work and don't hesitate to inquire about his or her experience and qualifications.
If the tattooist is qualified professional, he or she will have no problem complying with standards and guidelines mentioned above.
If the tattoo artist or studio does not measure up to these standards, or if the artist becomes evasive when questioned, seek out a professional studio and tattooist
What's an autoclave? How is it used in tattooing?
An autoclave is a sterilizer which uses heat ,steam, and pressure to kill any microbes and/or pathogens on equipment. If a tattoo shop doesn't have one, leave.
How can I tell that the needles being used are new and clean?
Ask your tattooist to show you sterilization equipment. All equipment should be single service. This means that each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated, sealed and autoclaved. The artist should open a fresh set of needles and tubes in front of you. Any ointments, pigments, needles, gloves, razors, plastic trays or containers used in applying your new tattoo are discarded after use. After the tattoo application, the artist will disinfect the work area with an EPA approved virucidal that will kill any surface bacteria or viruses.
Watch them take your needles and tubes out of sterilization pouches with indicators on them. Watch them put together their machines. Afterwards they should be put in a sharps container. Don't assume anything when your health is on the line.
Can I request a custom design?
Absolutely, mostly anything can be done.
I have an idea in my head. How do I get the idea tattooed on me?
Find a tattooist whose style you like, talk to them about your idea and let them draw it for you (or draw it yourself), and let the tattoo begin.
Can you quote me a price over the phone? How about via e-mail?
It usually is impossible for us to give an accurate quote without speaking to you directly and seeing were you wanted your tattoo and how much time will be involved.
How long does a tattoo take?
Anywhere from 30 seconds to several hours.
Will a tattooist work with me on a design?
If you want them too. Don't be afraid to voice your ideas. However, you should listen to there suggestions. This is what they do for a living and they should have a good idea of what works and what doesn't.
How can I spot a good tattoo artist?
Good tattoos should have clean, even lines, smooth color blends, and solid colors. Always look at photographs of a tattooist work before getting tattooed.
How can I see examples of a tattooist's work?
Ask. Any qualified tattooist will have a portfolio showcasing what they can do for you. A rule of thumb. If they don't have a portfolio, they probably don't want you seeing their work.
Do they let anyone in tattoo parlors?
No drunks, drug addicts, or bums. We prefer people who bathe regularly.
Can I choose the colors or should I leave that up to the artist?
Let them decide which colors would be best for your tattoo. You can give them an idea of what colors you like, then they'll be able to work the rest of the colors in so that the tattoo looks it's very best. Remember they have years of experience.
Will you tattoo people's faces? How about hands? Genatilia?
We only tattoo hands of heavily tattooed people who know what it is like to have very visible tattoos already. We also may tattoo hands to cover up a gang insignia, etc. We never tattoo faces. We will not tattoo genitalia.(Do you blame us?)
Should I get drunk before getting tattooed?
No. Drinking thins the blood, making you bleed more, and drunks rarely sit still.
What can I do to keep my tattoo from fading?
First heal your tattoo with care,then use a strong sunblock (SPF of 30 or higher) whenever you are exposed to the sun, and generally take good care of your skin.
I have an old discolored tattoo. What can I do to make it look better?
Come by, let us take a look, and the chances are we will be able to fix it up and make it look brand new again, In more cases than some they turn out even better!
Do you do cover-up work?
Yes, all the time. People constantly come in with a poor tattoo that they want fixed up.
Why do you have tattoos?
The same reason as everyone else... so I can look tough. :)
Can you send me a picture of what I'm looking for?
We do not send out any drawing, flash or pictures of our artwork or tattoos. Not in the mail, not in e-mail, not a copy, not in a hat, not with a cat.
How do I take care of my tattoo?
Good Question, click here and you'll be shown a copy of the instructions we hand out to our customers. You can always print it out if you want to keep it handy.
Do you tip a Tattoo Artist?
Now there's a good question! The service should be better than just "good enough". If a tattoo artist has gone out of their way to make things good for you, or really set you up with something sweet, than by all means tip.
What is a typical tip?
$10-$20,or about 10% of the cost.
Is there anything else I should know?
Tattoos aren't just for the bikers anymore, So when I developed this studio, I kept that in mind. Don't expect to see the intimidating tattoo studio you may be used to. Expect an environment that is comparable to a dentist's office, with an art gallery feel. Our staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to serve you.
Getting a tattoo is a serious decision. It is important to arm yourself with as much information as possible and education is of the utmost importance to us at Lucky Rabbit. Health regulations vary form state to state, city to city and in some cases, there are no health regulations in place. This can make tattooing and body piercing a dangerous practice indeed. However, by taking precautions based on a combination of professional expertise, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice we strive to provide you with the safest experience possible.
Our goal is to obtain equal involvement and care in each aspect of our shop. We encourage our customers to be a part of the creative process, as this is our passion, and total client satisfaction is our ultimate goal. Our staff has extensive knowledge in various genres and seeks only to produce the highest level of artwork.
The following are particular procedures that we follow in order to create a safe, sterile environment.
Any studio you select should abide by these basic rules for your safety:
Always insist on clean and sterile equipment. Lucky Rabbit uses only ultrasonically cleaned and freshly sterilized instruments for tattooing and body piercing. Ultrasonic units use ultrasonic waves to disintegrate ink debris, blood and plasma off of tattoo and piercing instruments ensuring superior uniform cleaning. The only acceptable means of sterilization is by an autoclave. Our autoclave is spore tested monthly to ensure that it is functioning properly. We have these test records on sight and can let you view them upon request.
All of our needles are single-use only. We only remove our new needles and tubes sealed in autoclave bags in front of you. These autoclave bags have color indicators to show that they have been sterilized in an autoclave. However, these indicators can change colors even if the autoclave is not working properly. This is another reason we have our autoclave test records on hand.
We only use fresh ink poured into new disposable ink caps. All of our tattooist wash their hands and put on new gloves when setting up for a tattoo. Any items that we may touch during the tattoo process are covered by plastic or barrier film, to avoid cross contamination. Cross contamination is the act of spreading potential pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms from one item or surface to another. If a tattooist has on new gloves but touches a cross contaminated item or surface, you are then in danger of those pathogens be transferred to your freshly broken skin. The best way to prevent cross contamination from one client to the next is by covering all surfaces that a tattooist might touch during the tattoo process with disposable plastic or barrier film. Items that should be covered, include spray bottles, clip cords, knobs on power supplies and chair adjustments. As an extra precautionary step, all of these same items are wiped down with a disinfectant in between tattoos.
All of our containers, work stations, and floors are made of hard non-pours materials for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
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