Tattoo Basics
5) How much will the work cost?
Large tattoos that are full of intricate detail can be extremely expensive, often running into thousands of dollars. Even smaller designs can cost over a hundred dollars. So if you're on a tight budget, make sure that you agree on the full cost of your chosen tattoo before work begins. This will avoid any nasty surprises or misunderstandings.
And even if you haven't selected the design that you want yet, get them to give you a rough indication of the cost based on the size of tattoo that you want.
There's nothing worse than running out of money before an intricate design is completed.
6) Do you guarantee your work?
What happens if you're not happy with the completed design? Will they drop the charge, or just reduce it? Do they have a refund policy? Make sure you find out your artist's guarantee policy before work begins as it will have a bearing on the quality of after sale service that you receive. Let's face it, if an artist doesn't get paid until you're completely happy with your tattoo, they'll be more likely to listen to any complaints that you have.
7) How long will the tattoo take?
This depends upon the size of your chosen design and the level of intricacy. Ultra small tattoos may take a matter of minutes to complete, while a full sleeve design may take several hours spread over a number of sessions. But if it's your first tattoo, it's important to know as much about the procedure as possible so that you feel more relaxed about it.
8) How should I care for my tattoo during the healing process?
Aftercare is an important part of the overall tattoo process. Poor aftercare can damage your tattoo design, lead to scarring of your skin and increase the chance of an infection developing. So all competent artists should be able to give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo during the healing process. If they seem more interested in getting the tattoo started, go find another more responsible tattoo artist.
9) How can I reduce the chances of an infection occurring?
All tattoo artists should be able to give you advice that will help you to keep your tattoo clean and reduce the risk of infection. They'll also be able to advise you what to do if you think that an infection is developing.
The seriousness with which they treat this question is also another good indication of their level of professionalism. It goes without saying that any artist who dismisses this question should be avoided.
10) Are there any medical conditions that can prevent a person from getting a tattoo?
Certain medical conditions mean that individuals should either avoid tattoos completely or take certain precautions prior to being tattooed. Your tattoo artist should be able to give you general advice on this matter.
However, if you have any doubts about the effects of a tattoo upon your health, please consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner to advise you on the best course of action.
Don't feel bad or awkward about asking any of these questions. After all, it's your body and your health. And if you can think of anything else, ask as many questions as you need to feel confident about the situation. Tattoo artists will have heard them all before and true professionals will be only too happy to give you honest, open answers.
Click here to read the first part of this article about How To Choose A Tattoo Artist and discover questions number 1-4.
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Choosing A Tattoo Artist - Ten Questions To Ask - Part 2
Large tattoos that are full of intricate detail can be extremely expensive, often running into thousands of dollars. Even smaller designs can cost over a hundred dollars. So if you're on a tight budget, make sure that you agree on the full cost of your chosen tattoo before work begins. This will avoid any nasty surprises or misunderstandings.
And even if you haven't selected the design that you want yet, get them to give you a rough indication of the cost based on the size of tattoo that you want.
There's nothing worse than running out of money before an intricate design is completed.
6) Do you guarantee your work?
What happens if you're not happy with the completed design? Will they drop the charge, or just reduce it? Do they have a refund policy? Make sure you find out your artist's guarantee policy before work begins as it will have a bearing on the quality of after sale service that you receive. Let's face it, if an artist doesn't get paid until you're completely happy with your tattoo, they'll be more likely to listen to any complaints that you have.
7) How long will the tattoo take?
This depends upon the size of your chosen design and the level of intricacy. Ultra small tattoos may take a matter of minutes to complete, while a full sleeve design may take several hours spread over a number of sessions. But if it's your first tattoo, it's important to know as much about the procedure as possible so that you feel more relaxed about it.
8) How should I care for my tattoo during the healing process?
Aftercare is an important part of the overall tattoo process. Poor aftercare can damage your tattoo design, lead to scarring of your skin and increase the chance of an infection developing. So all competent artists should be able to give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo during the healing process. If they seem more interested in getting the tattoo started, go find another more responsible tattoo artist.
9) How can I reduce the chances of an infection occurring?
All tattoo artists should be able to give you advice that will help you to keep your tattoo clean and reduce the risk of infection. They'll also be able to advise you what to do if you think that an infection is developing.
The seriousness with which they treat this question is also another good indication of their level of professionalism. It goes without saying that any artist who dismisses this question should be avoided.
10) Are there any medical conditions that can prevent a person from getting a tattoo?
Certain medical conditions mean that individuals should either avoid tattoos completely or take certain precautions prior to being tattooed. Your tattoo artist should be able to give you general advice on this matter.
However, if you have any doubts about the effects of a tattoo upon your health, please consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner to advise you on the best course of action.
Don't feel bad or awkward about asking any of these questions. After all, it's your body and your health. And if you can think of anything else, ask as many questions as you need to feel confident about the situation. Tattoo artists will have heard them all before and true professionals will be only too happy to give you honest, open answers.
Click here to read the first part of this article about How To Choose A Tattoo Artist and discover questions number 1-4.
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