nocturn0wl
New Member
Well, I could suggest some places, but I highly doubt we live in the same area. I would say do your shopping. Find out who does your friends' tattoos. If you spot someone in a bar or on the street with an exceptionally done tattoo, ask them where they got it done and who did it. If you hear something bad about a particular shop or encounter lots of horror stories about one place, don't go there!! Go around to different tattoo shops that you know of and ask to see artist portfolios. It's important to look for tattoos with clear, bright, and even color, and straight, neat lines. Also look at the shading on more detailed pieces. Make sure it looks right. Make sure the artist you select has experience with the style of tattoo you are looking for. If you want just words/script, look carefully at the script that they have done.
Although the temptation might be high, DON'T get a tattoo at one of those "tattoo parties" or by someone's boyfriend in their basement.
ALWAYS go to a legit tattoo parlor. Make sure everything looks clean and that the artists are using latex/rubber gloves and that they're changing the needles and the ink with each client. It's also important that you feel comfortable with the staff. Are they friendly and helpful? Are they willing to give you what YOU want??
The pain is kind of like someone cutting into you. (At least, that's how it feels to me.) It is not that BAD....if you can handle pain pretty well, it probably won't phase you. It also depends on how long you are being tattooed. The larger and more detailed your piece is, the longer it's going to take, and the more it's going to hurt...because they will be going over the same area over and over to shade and fill in stuff. If you're just getting lyrics or text, it probably won't hurt as much because there is less detailed involved.
The cost varies GREATLY depending on where you go. Sure, there's shops and people working out of their homes who will probably do it dirt cheap for you, but you have to remember the old saying "you get what you pay for." It applies to tattoos too!!! Remember, this is going to be on you for the rest of your life. It's better to save up for a while to get a nice looking tattoo than to spend $50 on something that looks dreadful. All of my bigger tattoos have been $125 and up. If you're just getting lyrics/script, it might not be too costly, but it also depends on how big you want them. Don't go too small though, because in time, the ink could bleed together and you won't be able to read what it says!
Most respectable tattoo shops have specific rules against tattooing people who are severely intoxicated or under the influence of substances. When I got tattooed, I had to sign a form stating that I was not under the influence of anything. I think they do this to avoid any liability....to ensure that you are fully aware of what you are doing when you get this tattoo put on you. It also might have to do with blood reasons. I'm not sure.
Well, I hope I helped you! Good luck with the search!
