Are tattoos really addictive?

You bet they are. It feels great to get a tattoo. Beautiful tattoos attract a lot of attention and can really reinforce your desire to get tattooed again. While you are getting tattooed, the body releases endorphins to help you deal with the discomfort. This is similar to the “high” feeling that you can get from vigorous exercise. For some people tattoos are adventurous. For some they are sexy. For others they can be very personal. Whatever your reasons, be prepared to want more than one.

Can tattoos be removed?

Tattoos can be removed, but the processes that are available can be very costly and extremely painful. Tattoos should be considered permanent.

How do I know a studio is safe?

Does the studio have a yellow page listing? How many years have they been in business? Do you know anyone who has gotten tattooed there? Any tattoo studio that has built a legitimate business is more likely to practice modern sterilization methods. Make sure the studio is neat and clean. What you see in the front room is a pretty good indication of what you will see elsewhere in the studio. Ask questions about the studio’s safety procedures. What are they doing to ensure your health and well-being? The personnel should be willing and able to answer all of your questions. If the tattooist brushes your concerns aside, or avoids your questions, leave and seek out a “professional” studio. See THE PERFECT TATTOO for information on choosing your studio and tattoo artist.

Safety Tip - Feel free to question the tattooist about his or her sterilization procedures and isolation techniques. Take time to observe the tattooist at work and don’t hesitate to inquire about his or her experience and qualifications.

If the tattooist is qualified professional, he or she will have no problem complying with standards and guidelines mentioned above.

If the tattoo artist or studio does not measure up to these standards, or if the artist becomes evasive when questioned, seek out a professional studio and tattooist.

How do I take care of a new tattoo?

The first two weeks of healing are the most important for your tattoo. Be sure to carefully follow your tattoo artist’s directions. Be sure to purchase a reliable aftercare product to help avoid infection and preserve the quality of your tattoo.

A fresh tattoo only heals once. If you want your tattoo to stay bold and bright, help it heal properly with all-natural. Our exclusive aftercare blend is made from the best ingredients in the world. For deep soothing relief, healing solution includes a moisturizing trio of soy oil, beeswax and cocoa butter. Other Ingredients like grape-seed extract, with powerful antioxidant properties, are used to strengthen skin tissue. Vitamins A & C reduce redness, irritation and swelling, while promoting collagen to give your skin added suppleness and elasticity. There are no unnecessary ingredients in healing solution. An awesome new tattoo deserves the very best. Look to Tattoo Johnny for the “all natural” solution.

How much pain should I expect?

Tattoos can be painful, but not so painful that it stops people from happily coming back to get tattooed again. It helps to get your tattoo while you are well rested and nourished. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. Most people say that getting tattooed is no big deal at all. Some can find it more difficult. Despite the discomfort, most people who are happy with their first tattoo usually get tattooed again.

Tip - Some spots are more sensitive than others. Despite the pain, it’s important not to let this affect your decision. Because you will have your tattoo for the rest of your life, it is best to get exactly what you want, exactly where you want it. Long after the pain is gone, you might wish your tattoo was in a better spot. If you get your tattoo in just the right place, for years to come you’ll be proud you made the right decision.

If I’m not yet 18, can I bring a parent with me to get tattooed?

Different states have different laws regarding the tattooing of minors. You can call a few local studios to find out the policy in your area. Some tattoo studios will let you bring a parent with you to get tattooed. Others will not. Either way, it might be a good idea to wait until you are old enough to authorize your tattoo yourself. A tattoo is a mark of adulthood and it feels good to go to the studio as an adult and get your tattoo. If you are not yet old enough to sign for your tattoo, use this time to figure out exactly what you want. You can focus on selecting the right design, the right artist and the right body part. When you are old enough to get tattooed, you can feel assured you’ll be getting THE PERFECT TATTOO.

Is getting tattooed safe?

According to the Center for Disease Control, in Atlanta, Georgia, there has never been a case of HIV transmission from tattooing in the United States. HIV is a very delicate virus and does not survive long outside the human body. Nor is it spread through casual contact. Generally, the virus is only transmitted when sufficient quantities of highly infected blood are introduced into the body of another. The structure of tattoo needles does not lend itself to HIV transmission. To combat this and another infectious blood borne pathogens, artists autoclave their single service equipment; use individual portions of ink and lubricant; dispose of used sharps and needles, according to OSHA guidelines; use EPA registered virucidals to clean their stations between clients and use barrier protection. These standard precautions help ensure that everyone is protected and the potential for infection is reduced to next to nothing.

Safety Tip - Always insist that your tattooist shows you the installation of a new needle and tube setup from a sealed envelope immediately prior to your tattoo. Be certain you see your tattooist pour a new ink supply into a new disposable container.

Is it best to start with a small tattoo?

Only if you really want a small tattoo. For some people small tattoos can be a good first step. Don’t get a small tattoo because you are scared of the commitment. A small tattoo is the same lifelong commitment as a larger tattoo. Larger tattoos can allow for a greater degree of artistry and detail. They can be more exciting and dynamic. Sometimes people get a small tattoo only to realize how much they like it. Their only regret can be that they did not get it bigger. Think carefully about just how big you really want your tattoo to be. Often a small tattoo is a perfect choice, but sometimes going larger can make for a great first tattoo and a very happy customer.

Should I make an appointment?

Yes. After you have picked out your stencil it’s a good idea to visit your tattoo artist and discuss your tattoo. It’s good to make an appointment so that you set aside a time when both you and your artist will be prepared to sit and concentrate on your tattoo.

What do tattoos cost?

A high quality tattoo will last a lifetime. Do not shop for your tattoo or your tattoo artist simply based on price. As the years go by you will be glad you paid for THE PERFECT TATTOO. Sometimes people will show you a bad tattoo and excuse the quality by explaining how inexpensive it was. A tattoo is one of the few things we purchase that will last a lifetime. Once you find the right artist it is worth spending a few extra dollars to make sure you get it right. Tattoo artists usually charge between $80 and $120 an hour. There is a saying in many tattoo studios that “good tattoos are not cheap and cheap tattoos are not good”. Be sure to make the most of your investment with a Tattoo Johnny Original Artist Stencil.

What is an autoclave?

An autoclave is the only acceptable means of equipment sterilization in the tattoo studio. It is a machine that uses a combination of heat, steam and pressure to kill pathogenic microorganisms. If the studio does not use an autoclave, do not get tattooed there. Studios should keep regular records of their autoclave use and testing. Ask to see them if you feel uncertain.

What is single service equipment?

All equipment should be single service. This means that each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated, sealed and autoclaved. The artist should open a fresh set of needles and tubes in front of you. Any ointments, pigments, needles, gloves, razors, plastic trays or containers used in applying your new tattoo are discarded after use. After the tattoo application, the artist will disinfect the work area with an EPA approved virucidal that will kill any surface bacteria or viruses.

What is the tattoo process? How does it work?

After the stencil is applied to your skin, the tattooist uses a machine to do your tattoo. The tattoo machine uses fine groups of needles to deposit small amounts of ink into the upper layers of the skin. The needle groups are driven up and down very rapidly by small magnets on the tattoo machine. Using the machine, the tattooist will carefully render your stencil with black ink, until it has been permanently transferred to your skin. This is how your stencil provides the foundation of your tattoo, giving it much of it’s detail and clarity. Next, the tattooist will usually use a different grouping of needles and a different machine to apply the shading and color. Your tattooist should keep the color version of your design close at hand in order to accurately match the colors and shading. Once your tattoo is finished, your tattooist will clean the area making sure to remove any excess ink. After you have looked at your new tattoo in the mirror, the tattooist will bandage it up to make sure it stays clean.

Why is the stencil so important?

Any design that you bring your tattoo artist will need a stencil. The first thing that the tattoo artist will do, when you sit down for your tattoo, is apply a stencil directly to your skin. Like a paint by numbers, your artist will use the stencil to make sure your tattoo comes out right. If you do not have a stencil with your design the tattoo artist may try to quickly create one by hand which can lead to mistakes. Every design in the Tattoo Johnny data base includes the exact stencil needed for your tattoo. For more information about your stencil see THE PERFECT TATTOO.