Tattoo Process

Design Process

  • is Express to your artist exactly what your ideal placement and size of your new tattoo will be
  • Help them understand what your concept means to you, where you want it and consider their advise and expertise from a tattoo artists point of view
  • If you are not comfortable with an artist, you may transfer your deposit to one who better fits your project and direction
  • Some artists prefer a consultation prior to your appointment, some projects require a lot more thought, research and drawing time to prepare
  • This show of respect will be greatly appreciated by your artist, this is how they plan their day and how they make their living.

Preparation

  • Eat a good meal for body strength and endurance
  • Excess Alcohol is not recommended prior to getting your tattoo
  • No aspirin the day of your appointment
  • Ibuprofen helps keep swelling minimal during long tattoo sessions
  • Personal hygiene is a must, nice breath is a bonus too
  • Don’t shave your tattoo area beforehand, the artist will take care of that at the time of your session.
  • Drink water and hydrate your body for best results.
  • Consider consuming a jello (Vitamin K) and/or a banana for extra potassium, it will help.

Tattoo Process

  • You as the customer have rights as well as responsibilities. You have the right to get a tattoo in a safe, and sanitary environment, by a licensed professional tattoo artist.
  • Feel free to ask questions about the artist’s preparation for your tattoo
  • Relax, sit quietly and very still. It is difficult for the artist to do their best job on a moving target. If you need a break, let the artist know.
  • It may be your first tattoo, but your artist has illustrated many, they are a professional and will take good care of you.
  • The artist is trained in Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and bloodborne pathogens.
  • If you become lightheaded or dizziness occurs, it’s usually from low blood sugar, due to improper eating beforehand. It’s not unusual. A piece of hard candy will help bring your blood sugar levels back to normal along with water.

Aftercare

TRADITIONAL BANDAGE AFTERCARE  is based on what works for the general public from our experience in the industry. Leave your bandage on for 1-2 hours, then remove the bandage and follow the instructions below.

AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS MAY VARY PER TATTOO ARTIST. If Saniderm bandage or Derma Shield is used on your tattoo please reference the product website for full instructions

https://faq.saniderm.com/knowledge-base/how-long-should-i-keep-saniderm-on/

https://www.dermashield.co.uk/product-info/skin-problems/tattoo-aftercare/

  • Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap, then lather a small amount in your palms and gently wash your tattoo with the lathered soap in your hand, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a towel (do not scrub, or use alcohol to clean the surface) Avoid soaking your tattoo in water, showers are fine
  • Avoid swimming pools, spas, (chlorinated water), tanning and direct sunlight until the tattoo is healed
  • Apply a light coat of fragrance-free unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Curel or Eucerin) repeat 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks, 4 for larger tattoos
  • Do not use anything greasy, let it breathe
  • If using an aftercare product for heavier ink coverage as Aquaphor (made for healing) use sparingly, thicker is not better
  • During the healing process your may experience scabs, tenderness and inflation in the area (do not pick or scratch your tattoo during this time) this could result in negative results, pulling color out of the tattoo
  • Avoid dirt, excessive sweating or other irritants (pet hair, etc.)
  • Wear loose fitting clothing over your tattoo to avoid rubbing & irritation
  • Once healed, apply a high number sunscreen at all times when exposing your tattoo to UV rays (to preserve the color of your tattoo)
  • We recommend using products with ingredients that do not clog your pores to help speed up the healing process. Do not use petroleum, lanolin or wax based products (these are developed for healing cuts, scrapes and abrasions and avoiding infection) they are not for healing tattoos. Those ingredients may attract debris and airborne bacteria, possibly even cause an allergic reaction