FAQ’s
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
Q: HOW DO TATTOOS WORK?
A: Click this link for a diagram
Q: DO TATTOOS HURT?
A: The fact of whether or not a tattoo hurts depends on many factors:
Who is tattooing you? While some tattooers are very gentle, others may have a heavy hand. If you get a tattoo from someone’s friend or homeboy out of there garage, I can almost guarantee the tattoo will hurt. On that note, it is very illegal, and you are more susceptible to diseases. I would highly recommend a Professional Tattoo Artist.
Also, the general location of where you are getting a tatttoo is a factor of how much pain will probably be involved. The outer arm in less painful generally speaking due to the fact it gets more abuse from the sun and everyday life, as the under arm, or ribcage gets less sun, and usually tends to be more sensitive. Regardless, do not ever let the pain factor sway your opinion on where you may want a certain tattoo. Tattoos are for life, so get it where you want it. It’s worth the discomfort.
Q: HOW LONG DOES THE AVERAGE TATTOO TAKE?
A: Well generally speaking an everyday tattoo can take up to an hour, but will usually take less. For instance, a small flower on the back or ankle may take 15 mins or less. Tattoos such an arm sleeve tattoos or back tattoos that are on a bigger scale have to be done is sessions. I would say anywhere from 2 to 10 hours at a time.
Q: DO TATTOOS FADE?
A: Yes, they do overtime. There are many factors involved with tattoos fading:
a. How well you take care of them during the healing process.
*I strongly stand be my aftercare process, which is located in the aftercare link above.
b. How much exposure to sunlight they receive.
* I recommend to keep your tattoo out of the sun completely when healing, and if you are going to expose you tattoo to a day on the beach, use plenty of strong sunblock on your tattoo. Another good idea is buying a sunblock stick. You normally use them on your face under your eyes. You actually can rub them in an isolated area over your tattoo, while tanning the rest of your body. It works.
c. How well you take care of your skin in general.
* keep your skin healthy, and moisturized. I recommend Eucerin Lotion, which makes the Aquaphor healing ointment I mention in my tattoo aftercare process.
You can always get a touch up session on your tattoo after years of abuse, which is what I recommend.
Q: HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?
A: In the State of Texas you are required by law to be at least a minimum of 18 years of age, with the exception of the parent executing an affidavit. The tattoo that is to be performed must be covering a gang related, obscene tattoo, and parent must be present during tattoo. If you are a minor and are seeking a tattoo, my best advice would be to wait till your of age. There is very important part of the tattoo process that you may engage in without actually getting a tattoo. At this stage, I would strongly advise you to really think about what you want, and keep it in mind. “Impulse” tattoos are not good to get. I see many teenagers getting poorly thought out tattoos each and every day.
Here is the Texas State Health code for that Law as it reads from there website:
ยง 146.012. TATTOOS[0] PROHIBITED FOR CERTAIN PERSONS.
(a) A tattooist may not tattoo[0]:
(1) except as provided by Subsection (a-1), a person
younger than 18 years of age; or
(2) a person who the tattooist suspects is under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
(a-1) A tattooist may tattoo[0] a person younger than 18 years
of age if:
(1) the tattoo[0] will cover a tattoo[0] that contains:
(A) obscene or offensive language or symbols;
(B) gang-related names, symbols, or markings;
(C) drug-related names, symbols, or pictures; or
(D) other words, symbols, or markings that the
person’s parent or guardian considers would be in the best interest
of the person to cover; and
(2) the person has obtained consent from the person’s
parent or guardian to cover the tattoo[0].
(b) The consent required by Subsection (a-1) may be
satisfied by the individual’s parent or guardian:
(1) being physically present at the tattoo[0] studio at
the time the tattooing[0] is performed;
(2) executing an affidavit stating that the person is
the parent or guardian of the individual on whom the tattooing[0] is to
be performed;
(3) presenting evidence of the person’s identity to
the person who will perform the tattooing[0]; and
(4) presenting evidence of the person’s status as
parent or guardian of the individual who will receive the tattoo[0].
(c) A person younger than 18 years of age commits an offense
if the person falsely states that the person is 18 years of age or
older or presents any document that indicates that the person is 18
years of age or older to a person engaged in the operation of a
tattoo[0] studio. An offense under this subsection is a Class B
misdemeanor
Q: HOW MUCH DO TATTOOS COST?
A: It depends, You have to take into consideration on who’s actually tattooing you. All tattoo artists have different skill levels, and so there prices will vary. Look at many different tattoo artists work because you may feel one artist style fits what you are wanting. For example, if you are wanting a portrait, seek a portrait artist or an artist that specializes in such work. Some of the styles could include traditional, cartoony bright colorful work, black and grey, tribal, lettering, etc. Artists have favorite styles as well. Generally speaking, most tattoo artist charge between $80 to $150 bucks an hour. There are also tattoo artists that charge more as well. When comparing prices, I always tell my furure clients, to check portfolios of artists. A reputable artist will always have a portfolio for you to look at and will not get upset at you asking for such reference. If the artist seems irritated, that’s probably cause they do not have one, are new to the industry, or don’t care much for tracking that stuff, in which I DO NOT recommend going to such an artist. Most importantly, make sure that you feel comfortable with what you are getting. I have a minimum of $50. I charge a flat full rate for a piece that can be done in one session, and I usually charge an average of $125 an hour for large scale work that has to be in multiple sessions, with a 2 hour minimum. I give breaks for more work at one time, it is on a case by case basis, because i need to look at what i am going to have to get my hands into.
I also give better deals to people who remain my clients. Refferals also play a role into that, though I like for people to tell me who sent them.
