Tattoos are fun, meaningful
… and permanent, so do your research and find the right artist and studio when getting inked for the first time, writes Sacha van Niekerk
PERHAPS you want to use your skin to preserve memories for a lifetime, or maybe it’s purely for aesthetics. Whatever the case, getting inked for the first time can be rather formidable.
Nic Lewis, owner of Trade Mark Tattoo on Florida Road, answered some questions most frequently asked by first-timers:
1) How much will it cost?
The cost of a tattoo depends on a few things: size, placement, colour, or black and grey. Most shops have a minimum charge and quote per tattoo, where other shops work on an hourly rate.
2) Will it hurt, which part of the body hurts most?
Of course, it will hurt – you have a needle going into your skin. There are varied degrees of discomfort associated with any area getting tattooed. The most uncomfortable areas are stomach, ribs and lower back. But that being said, everyone’s pain threshold is different – so what is extremely painful to some is pretty mellow for others.
3) Will it fade and when?
A properly applied tattoo shouldn’t fade significantly. The ink is placed under your skin, in the dermis layer, so once it heals and your skin has grown over it, how much melanin is in you skin will determine how “bright” it appears.
4) How do I find the right tattoo artist for the job?
This is a big generalisation, but most artists lean towards a particular style. Do research online and find an artist in your area that suits the specific style of tattoo you want. Once you’ve found that, go to the studio and look around. Make sure it is a clean and sterile environment.
It’s important that you get a good feeling from the artists in the shop and that you feel comfortable. There is nothing worse than sitting down for three hours of pain with an unpleasant person!
5) What do I need to do before getting my tattoo?
It’s always good to eat before you get your tattoo. Take some sweets and water and/or soft drink to keep your sugar levels up. We do our best to make sure you are as comfortable as possible, and are fully aware that there is a level of discomfort involved, so we try to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Lewis’s advice is for people, firstly, to ensure that they are making the right decision and to come to terms with the permanence of tattoos.
“The most important thing you need to remember when considering a tattoo is that it’s permanent. Find a reputable studio, and listen to the artist’s opinion.
“Sometimes the ideas you have, or what you’ve seen online, will not make a good tattoo.”
Tattoos should be unique to you, but there are also reasons why some work well on certain areas and why that same design won’t work well on others.
“The way the tattoo is placed on your body plays a huge part. In many cases it can make or break a great design.
“Tattoos should flow with your body, and an experienced artist will advise you on this,” he said.
Lewis recommends going in with an open mind.
“Be considerate of the artist’s input – as much as you want that tattoo for you, it’s also going to be on public display and you want it to look good.
“A lot of really good tattoos have been ruined because of poor placement – don’t make that mistake.”
A tattoo can have a very deep meaning.
“It can mark a huge milestone or event in a person’s life, or serve as a reminder of loved ones or past experiences, whether they are good or bad.
“Tattoos don’t need to have a meaning – they can also just be a really good image that you feel connected to.”
Tattoos should also be fun. “Some of the tattoos that resonate most with people are the ones that got done on a whim, and remind you of a great time in your life. Your tattoo experience should be a memorable one,” said Lewis.