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If you are new to tattoos (or even if you aren't), there are some things you need to know and look for when choosing a shop and artist to do your tattoo. It is important to keep in mind that almost anyone can open a tattoo studio, regardless of experience or artistic ability. Unfortunately, there are a number of shops/tattooers who have little or no artistic ability, minimal knowledge of the actual tattoo process and, most disturbingly, do not maintain a sterile environment in the studio or use safe work habits to prevent cross-contamination in the workspace. What does this mean to you? (1) You could end up with a very childish, poorly drawn tattoo. (2) You could end up with a faint, scarred, blurry or patchy looking tattoo, regardless of how well it was drawn. (3) Worst of all, you could get something "extra" with your tattoo - like a staph infection, etc. from a dirty workspace. With a little effort on your part, you can ensure that you get nothing but a beautiful tattoo.
What to look for:
(1) Obviously, a tattoo is a form of visual communication, so you should look through artists' portfolios to find one whose work connects with you. You may have to look through a lot of portfolios, be patient. Ask if the artist actually drew the pieces in their portfolio, as many do not draw their own work. If an artist does not have a portfolio, you can probably expect a lack of care or professionalism in their work.
(2) Speak to the artist, especially if you are planning a large-scale tattoo. It is important to make sure they are interested in your ideas and that you feel comfortable with them since you may be spending a lot of time in the shop.
(3) Take a look at the general condition of the shop. Is it clean? It should be spotless, as tattooing is an invasive procedure that can provide a route for microorganisms to enter your body. Think hospital. There should be no clutter in the tattoo stations, they need to be easily cleaned. All supplies should be in sealed containers or kept away from the actual workspace.
(3) VERY IMPORTANT! You need to spend some time watching the artist(s) at work. They should be covering almost everything in plastic, including their tattoo machines and cord that they are connected to, any rinse bottles they use, their workstation, and the furniture they have the clients on. Watch what they are touching as they are tattooing. They should touch NOTHING that isn't wrapped in plastic. They should not be grabbing rolls of paper towels if they do not have new gloves on. They should not be touching ink bottles without new gloves on. They should not be using spray bottles. They should not be answering phones wrapped in plastic. At the end of the tattoo, they should dispose of used needles in a sharps container and everything should be thrown away, with the exception of the tattoo machine and grip.
(4) You should ask to see the sterilization area of the shop. It should be clean, with SEPARATE areas for cleaning equipment and sterilization. If it is not clean, neither will the equipment coming out of it be clean. The sterilizer needs to be spore-tested to ensure that it is working properly, and they should have the results posted in the shop. All equipment needs to be individually packaged and stored in an enclosed area once sterilized.
(5) If you ask to see any of the above items and they won't let you or give you the runaround, you can safely assume they are not up to standards and you should not give them your business. A knowledgeable tattoo artist can answer any and all questions and should be more than willing to show you their sterilization procedure.
If you've found a shop/artist that meets the above criteria, get tattooed by them!!! You should end up with an amazing piece of art!!!
Evolution Artspace is dedicated to raising the standards of professionalism, sterility and artistic ability in Spokane. We feel confident that you will leave satisfied with your experience here and return again and again until you have a full bodysuit!!!!