There are many reasons behind people getting "inked" and as every person has an individual reason. JJ.inc try to personalize the chosen artwork if and when possible. We advise everyone to ensure that they have thought about their chosen design thoroughly and to take their time in doing so.
In bringing your ideas to the studio, try to present your idea in a clear and concise manner, talking about the reason behind your chosen design to the staff whilst keeping an open mind to any ideas or advice the staff may have. Bringing some relevant ideas in photo or sketch form may also help achieve your desired goal, and as always "check the spelling & dates" of any text you bring and double check before it is applied.
Most tattooists at some time or another, have been asked to cover-up or remove an old tattoo, it may be their or someone else's work, simply because "It seemed like a good idea at the time". More often than not it's an ex-partners name, football club, or a design that relates to past events that the owner would rather forget. "Tattoos can last longer than a relationship", this said although it may seem like we are stating that a tattoo is a bad idea, it's not when you receive the right design for you, where and how you want it, provided that you realize that generally "IT'S THERE FOR LIFE" .
Also consider the implications of other peoples prejudices, whether in an employment or social situation. Someones narrow-minded and completely wrong opinion of "the type of people who have tattoos" could result in the loss of an interview, promotion etc especially in the public sector.
In bringing your ideas to the studio, try to present your idea in a clear and concise manner, talking about the reason behind your chosen design to the staff whilst keeping an open mind to any ideas or advice the staff may have. Bringing some relevant ideas in photo or sketch form may also help achieve your desired goal, and as always "check the spelling & dates" of any text you bring and double check before it is applied.
Most tattooists at some time or another, have been asked to cover-up or remove an old tattoo, it may be their or someone else's work, simply because "It seemed like a good idea at the time". More often than not it's an ex-partners name, football club, or a design that relates to past events that the owner would rather forget. "Tattoos can last longer than a relationship", this said although it may seem like we are stating that a tattoo is a bad idea, it's not when you receive the right design for you, where and how you want it, provided that you realize that generally "IT'S THERE FOR LIFE" .
Also consider the implications of other peoples prejudices, whether in an employment or social situation. Someones narrow-minded and completely wrong opinion of "the type of people who have tattoos" could result in the loss of an interview, promotion etc especially in the public sector.
Now having gone over just some of the issues that can arise from "being inked", lets consider a few "in studio" options that can help you decide on exactly how to achieve the desired goal.
When possible bring a friend, preferably one who knows you would be the best person to "bounce ideas off" when listening to any ideas a tattoo artist may have.
Any tattoo artist, should you wish and if suitable, generally place a temporary design on the skin either in a printed transfer style or as a simple stencil allowing you to view and gauge others opinions before you commit to getting permanently tattooed.
Please read through the section below designed to help you with all the aspects from picking the right design and selecting the right tattoo studio and artist.
1. Know what you want
2. Know what you do not want
3. Share and talk about your ideas with the artist
4. Prepare yourself for a tattoo
5. Follow advice on aftercare
When possible bring a friend, preferably one who knows you would be the best person to "bounce ideas off" when listening to any ideas a tattoo artist may have.
Any tattoo artist, should you wish and if suitable, generally place a temporary design on the skin either in a printed transfer style or as a simple stencil allowing you to view and gauge others opinions before you commit to getting permanently tattooed.
Please read through the section below designed to help you with all the aspects from picking the right design and selecting the right tattoo studio and artist.
1. Know what you want
2. Know what you do not want
3. Share and talk about your ideas with the artist
4. Prepare yourself for a tattoo
5. Follow advice on aftercare
1. Know what you want:
It is vitally important that you have an idea of what you want, should it be a simple form of expression by getting a design that you love (not like) or a tattoo that's dedicated to someone or something in your life. Often, when initially talking about a design we would always give the advice - if you have seen or designed the tattoo you want - to print it out, and place it somewhere in the workplace or home where you will see it,
Often when initially talking about a design we would always give the advice -if you have seen or designed the tattoo you want- to print it out, and place it somewhere in the workplace or home where you will see it, giving you the opportunity to view it on a regular basis. Allowing you to think about changing "this and that" in the design if you prefer, or even changing your mind completely.
When your are completely happy with the design, it's the right one for you.
2. Know what you don't want.
Try to stay away from "fashion" tattoos such as the "Rhianna stars", "Cheryl Cole hand tattoo", stars, your own name and tribal as they are very very popular, however your work should as much as possible be unique to you .... believe us when we say that what you don't want in years to come is a design that has become "dated" due to it not being "the in design".
Inks age and grow with the skin becoming "blurred/smudged" as the years go on, therefore putting too much details in a too small area can lead to things such as curly font script writing becoming illegible or your pin ups face looking like she's just done 12 rounds of boxing - follow the "KISS rule" , Keep It Simple & Sensible with your design requirements.
It is vitally important that you have an idea of what you want, should it be a simple form of expression by getting a design that you love (not like) or a tattoo that's dedicated to someone or something in your life. Often, when initially talking about a design we would always give the advice - if you have seen or designed the tattoo you want - to print it out, and place it somewhere in the workplace or home where you will see it,
Often when initially talking about a design we would always give the advice -if you have seen or designed the tattoo you want- to print it out, and place it somewhere in the workplace or home where you will see it, giving you the opportunity to view it on a regular basis. Allowing you to think about changing "this and that" in the design if you prefer, or even changing your mind completely.
When your are completely happy with the design, it's the right one for you.
2. Know what you don't want.
Try to stay away from "fashion" tattoos such as the "Rhianna stars", "Cheryl Cole hand tattoo", stars, your own name and tribal as they are very very popular, however your work should as much as possible be unique to you .... believe us when we say that what you don't want in years to come is a design that has become "dated" due to it not being "the in design".
Inks age and grow with the skin becoming "blurred/smudged" as the years go on, therefore putting too much details in a too small area can lead to things such as curly font script writing becoming illegible or your pin ups face looking like she's just done 12 rounds of boxing - follow the "KISS rule" , Keep It Simple & Sensible with your design requirements.
3. Share and talk about your ideas
Your tattoo artist can, and will, give advice with regards to how the final design will fit your body regarding the final layout, and offer the chance to see it in stencil format on your body.
Things you should discuss before deciding are:
Do I want it fast or do I want it good?
Do I want a unique tattoo?
Do I want to design it myself? - let your artist have some input on the final design if needed.
Do I want my selected artist to design something special for me?
Does it matter that somebody else have the same image already?
Does it have to mean anything and if yes, then what?
Where is the best place for me to have it? do I want it visible or easy to hide?
What is the size that I imagine it to be?
Do not be offended by anything that the artist has to say to you .... they have been tattoing for some time and have seen the results of both "good and badly" thought through ideas.
Your tattoo artist can, and will, give advice with regards to how the final design will fit your body regarding the final layout, and offer the chance to see it in stencil format on your body.
Things you should discuss before deciding are:
Do I want it fast or do I want it good?
Do I want a unique tattoo?
Do I want to design it myself? - let your artist have some input on the final design if needed.
Do I want my selected artist to design something special for me?
Does it matter that somebody else have the same image already?
Does it have to mean anything and if yes, then what?
Where is the best place for me to have it? do I want it visible or easy to hide?
What is the size that I imagine it to be?
Do not be offended by anything that the artist has to say to you .... they have been tattoing for some time and have seen the results of both "good and badly" thought through ideas.
4. Prepare yourself for a tattoo.
Getting tattooed does and will hurt, but by being prepared and relaxed can decrease the intensity of the process a lot. Simple things such as getting a good nights sleep, having a good meal the evening before the session, bringing some music or a film to watch on an i-pad etc... will also help as will bringing some chocolate, sweets and a drink to take during the tattooing process it will keep your sugar levels up.
Worrying about the pain to much before hand will actually make the pain worse, the sooner you get the idea of "it's supposed to feel like that when getting tattooed" into your head the sooner you will relax more, which helps not only you but the artist as well.
Your skin condition is important, if it's either dry, flaky, spotty, oily etc.. this will have an effect on how your tattoo turns out. Condition your skin as best and as long as possible before your tattoo. It will make the skin not only easier to tattoo but it will heal quicker.
5. Follow advice on aftercare
Talk about aftercare with you chosen artist, they will give you personal advice relating to your tattoo and should also give you some literature on how to look after your tattoo ... listen and act upon the advice.
Getting tattooed does and will hurt, but by being prepared and relaxed can decrease the intensity of the process a lot. Simple things such as getting a good nights sleep, having a good meal the evening before the session, bringing some music or a film to watch on an i-pad etc... will also help as will bringing some chocolate, sweets and a drink to take during the tattooing process it will keep your sugar levels up.
Worrying about the pain to much before hand will actually make the pain worse, the sooner you get the idea of "it's supposed to feel like that when getting tattooed" into your head the sooner you will relax more, which helps not only you but the artist as well.
Your skin condition is important, if it's either dry, flaky, spotty, oily etc.. this will have an effect on how your tattoo turns out. Condition your skin as best and as long as possible before your tattoo. It will make the skin not only easier to tattoo but it will heal quicker.
5. Follow advice on aftercare
Talk about aftercare with you chosen artist, they will give you personal advice relating to your tattoo and should also give you some literature on how to look after your tattoo ... listen and act upon the advice.