I would like to first start off this article by saying that I have learned this lesson the hard way.  When it comes to tattoos or piercings, you literally do get what you pay for.  I know that sounds common sense enough, but many people do not take into consideration the quality of a particular shop before walking in and getting in the chair.  My first tattoo was done in a friend's brother's house, in a make-shift tattoo area, by a very inexperienced tattoo artist.  Needless to say, I was less than excited about my results.  I have since then had that tattoo completely redone, resulting in my paying for the same tattoo twice.  Trust me, it is worth it to save up a little longer and pay more to have it done right the first time!  Not to mention the risk of infection or other problems done in an unreputable shop.  Please, when thinking about getting any form of body modification done, take the following into consideration first:

 

-Sanitation: Ask to see copies of your tattoo artist's health district and business licenses.  In a typical shop, they should be displayed openly anyway.  Make sure your tattoo artist wears gloves, and that he/she changes them anytime they touch something other than your skin.  Piercing jewelry & needles should be brand new and fresh out of a sterilized, sealed, plastic wrapping. 

 

-Quality of work:  Look through your artist's portfolio before you let them work on you!  Most artists will include original "flash" (artwork on regular paper), and also pictures of finished tattoos.  If you don't think the artist is talented enough to do the piece you want, leave and find another shop.

 

-Experience:  Although there are plenty of up & coming talented artists in the tattoo & piercing field, take their experience into consideration.  Don't be afraid to ask the person how many years they've been tattooing or piercing professionally, where they learned the trade, and what certification they have in their field.

 

-Style:  What kind of tattoo are you looking to get?  Find an artist that specializes in the style of tattoo you are looking to get.  Although most artists can draw just about anything, each one has his/her own personal style to take into consideration.  If you want a bold Chinese dragon, find someone that specializes in Chinese or Japanese artwork.  If you want to get an old fashioned ship on your chest, find an artist with a more "old school" approach to tattoos. 

 

-Cost:  That two-for-one piercing deal might sound appealing, but if you get to the shop and it's a filthy back-door place with an obviously drunk or stoned guy named Roach behind the counter, leave (that's another true story from my archives).  It's not worth the discount to get a tattoo or piercing at a seedy shop.  Not only will you be at risk of the person doing your new modification wrong, but you'll be putting yourself at risk for much more serious things like infection, picking up hepatitis or HIV from a dirty needle, etc.  If you don't have the cash to get a high quality piece, wait!

 

Remember why you are getting this modification: To have a beautiful new addition to your body that will be with you forever.  Take the time and spend the extra money to get something that you will truly be happy with and proud to show off!

 

~Fin.

Lady Fox