Preparing For A Tattoo
Maybe it’s just a recent thing, but lately I have been having to ask my clients more and more if they have completed certain things before coming to the shop. There seems to be an influx of people getting their first tattoo and not knowing what to do beforehand. So I thought now would be a good time to give you a few basic checks of what to do before you get tattooed. Even if you have multiple tattoos, it is easy to become complacent and forgetful, so maybe this will help you brush up on preparing for a tattoo.
Before You Walk In The Door
Eat: The first question I ask anyone before they sit down is, “Have you eaten recently?” This is because a lengthy tattoo can deplete resources from your body, and people pass out. ALWAYS eat a good meal within 2 hours of being tattooed. Please and thank you.
Fluids: Please, Please, Please hydrate. No only is this going to make my job a lot easier, but your skin will be able to handle longer sessions. Not to mention how it will help the healing process. In the words of my former Drill Sergeants, “Drink water!”
Work With Your Artist: You would think this could go unspoken, but make sure you and your artist are on the same page. Do not leave anything up to question. If you have questions about the piece you are getting, aftercare, cleaning practices, or anything else, ask. Make sure there is a clear understanding of everything. We are willing to answer your questions, but we cannot read your mind.
Stretch: You might be sitting for a length of time. This will help your comfort level. Stretch it out, go for a walk, burn off some energy, avoid caffeine. Whatever it is that you need to do to be able to sit without the urge to move.
Have Some References: Again, we aren’t mind readers. It is totally cool if you want to leave your design up to our interpretation as artists. But if you want something specific, make sure you can show us what that is.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Drugs are bad mmmkay? So don’t get high or go out drinking heavily the night before. Not only is that tattoo going to hurt more and be harder to apply, but it will affect your healing process as well. And if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol, it will have thinned your blood and we may refuse to tattoo you at all. So don’t do it. Just don’t.
I think that should do it for now. If you have questions about what to do in preparing for a tattoo, or how to care for one, we are happy to help. Call us at Electric Eye Tattoo, come by for a consultation, and let us hook you up.