Choosing the Right Tattoo Shop
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When choosing a tattoo shop or artist, you can check out the pictures on the wall or you can ask to see the tattoo artist’s portfolio. It's behind the counter and always proudly shown when asked. This is where you can really evaluate the artist's designing and tattooing skills. Whether your tattoo will consist of color or black and grays, you should check out their shading and blending techniques, their attention to detail, their references if given, etc. You should ask as many questions regarding the shop and the artist as you need to. If you are not satisfied with their answers, the cleanliness of their shop, or if you have been made to feel uncomfortable in any way, you should leave immediately.
Becoming more popular are downloadable tattoo designs off the web. Most tattoo shops have thermal image copiers that they use to copy your tattoo design. It prints out onto thermofax paper and the tattoo artist can then use an ointment or a stick deodorant to transfer the image onto your skin.
Sterilization:
Most tattoo shops have an autoclave which they use to sterilize their equipment. Used needles and other items, when properly sanitized, are very safe. If they do not have an autoclave, make sure the needles come from a sealed sterilized bag.
There are some items that cannot be sanitized and reused. The razor used to shave the hair from the site should be new and discarded when done. Ink caps, which hold just enough ink for your tattoo, should always be discarded when done. The unused ink should never be returned to the original container, as it is contaminated with blood.
The tattoo artist MUST wear latex gloves. This protects you from any infection that the artist may have and transmit to you. Since the customer has the open wound, wearing protective gloves is also a safeguard for the tattooist. You can ask if they have received their Hepatitis B vaccination and ask to see proof. Though they are not required to vaccinate against Hepatitis B, some artists do.
Education and Training:
There are no diplomas or official certifications that measure an artists abilities or knowledge. As long as the artist is licensed in their state, they are legal to perform the work.
