WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF GETTING A TATTOO?
The process if getting a tattoo has many stages. From thinking, to planning to execution. When you are in the beginning stages of preparing for a tattoo, so properly proceed, it’s a good idea to have a plan.
THOUGHT PROCESS
One of the most important parts of getting ready to get a tattoo is deciding what you want to get and other aspects that go along with that. You don’t ever want to rush an idea. Formulating your plan may involve thinking about future tattoos and integration of existing tattoos. If you are planning your first tattoo, ask yourself a few questions. Are you going to get more tattoos later on? Do you want a theme behind your tattoos? How much ‘real estate ‘ will the tattoos take on the chosen location on your body?
If you are planning a future sleeve, for example, and aren’t proceeding with getting the whole thing done in pre-planned out sessions due to whatever reason, you may want to put serious thought into planning the center piece as the first part of that tattoo idea.
PLANNING YOUR TATTOO
Once you have your idea decided and possible future tattoos ironed out, now it’s time to meet with an artist. During this process, you will meet with a professional tattoo artist (like those found at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo) and discuss your tattoo idea. The artists will most likely help you finalize a design idea with suggestions, but will definitely create something based on what is important to you about your tattoo plan.
Now that you’ve met with the artist and came to a plan, it’s time that the artist starts drawing out your tattoo. Depending on your initial or only appointment date, the artist may begin immediately, or will spend many days preparing your art once it’s due to start on their drawing calendar. Some pieces may only take a few hours to draw, some take many days, it all depends on how big, detailed or elaborate the piece willl be. The artists generally do all this drawing on their free time at home due to the fact they are usually always tattooing when in studio.
EXECUTION
Once you’ve gone through the previous two processes, it’s now time to get your tattoo! You’re excited and you should be! Your artist has spent time planning, drawing and preparing for your piece.
Before you come into the studio to get your work done, it’s always a good idea to have something to eat and to bring along a small snack and something to drink. A tattoo can be an initial minor shock to your system, so keeping your blood sugar where it should be and staying hydrated are always recommended.
When you come in for your tattoo, please follow studio etiquette and leave any children at home, don’t show up under the influence (you will be turned away, won’t get your tattoo, and will lose your deposit) and don’t try and drastically change the artist’s design. Minor changes can sometimes be made, but anything major is usually not possible unless you wanted to forfeit your deposit and book a new appointment. Trust your artist, they will do a good job.
AFTERCARE
The final process is also very important. Following the carefully explained aftercare is a must. Your artist will instruct you on what you should and should not do regarding your tattoo during the healing process. It’s very important to follow your artists instructions so that you heal properly, and minimize any possible complications. If you ignore these guidelines, you risk infection, increased irritation, color falling out due to scabbing, etc. Your artist will also provide you with a pamphlet before you leave so that the instructions are clear and you have a place to refer in the event you forget. Nearly all complications can be avoided by following the aftercare instructions.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT TATTOO?
If you’re ready to get your next tattoo done, schedule an appointment with an award-winning tattoo parlor. Here at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, we have some of the best and most experienced tattoo artists in the Salt Lake City area. We can tattoo any style you’d like, and our artists can even design your next piece as well.