Tattoo appearance misconception

Only bikers, sailors and criminals have tattoos

At one time, the stereotype of a person with a tattoo included bikers, sailors and criminals. This stereotype is not the case today. Studies prove that most people generally view tattoos as an art form.

Any artistic person can create tattoos

Just because a person is creative and has an artistic ability, it does not mean they can or should perform a tattoo. While having artistic abilities is important, a tattoo artist will need training.

A tattoo artist is trained by working with other tattoo artists and or has undertaken an apprenticeship position at the start of their career. There are certifications and licenses a legitimate tattoo artist needs to have. Always use a professional tattoo artist, never your artsy friend.

Different artists have different techniques which they have learned over time. Giving a tattoo takes a lot of skill. Being good at drawing on paper or an iPad is completely different to tattooing on skin. The skin stretches and usually most areas are not flat like unlike paper or a canvas. I would avoid getting tattooed from a non-tattoo artist there are lots of factors to consider: infection control, scarring, correct positioning of needle, correct needle type, safe pigment application etc.

Tattoos hinder your ability to find a job

Depending on the industry you are in and whether you are in an office or work from home job, having tattoos should not impact your job! If you are worried that it will, consider the placement of the tattoos, this can be a great way to ensure that this does not become an issue later in life! Getting a tattoo in areas that are easily covered by clothing can be a great way to ensure that your ink work does not impact your ability to find a job.

Tattoos are a form of art and expression, there are many examples of people from all different walks of life who have tattoos.

Getting a tattoo is a mistake

A lot of people who get tattoos have a clear idea of what they want and are conscious of their decision. Getting a tattoo is not as easy as getting a piercing for example, especially if you have a clear idea of what you want. This will be reflected in the price of the tattoo. After all, quality tattoos can be an investment, so it’s not necessarily something people do on a whim. Some tattoo artists even require you to book an appointment in advance and schedule a consultation.

Tattoos are very expensive

This isn’t true all the time. If you are keen on searching for bargain tattoos, you can actually find them. The quality might not be the best and over time may appear blurred but if you don’t mind about the quality, you just want to get a cheap tattoo there are places out there.

You’ll be surprised to know that your preferred design and rate of tattoo artist may be within your budget. You have to factor in minimum cost, daily rate for the Artist and length of time needed to complete. If you want a high-quality tattoo that is going to last a lifetime from a good artist it is worth the investment.

Tattoo colours will look exactly the same when healed

Imagine the colour of the tattoo you want covered in a filter that is your skin colour that is how the tattoo will look when healed. A tattoo may not look like the day you got them once they are fully healed. It may need a touch up 6 weeks later to fill in any areas where the pigment may have not taken.

I don’t like needles so I won’t like a tattoos

If you are scared of needles, there is no reason to be scared of getting a tattoo. The tattoo needle isn’t inserted into the muscle or vein to either draw blood or inject a medicine. When getting tattooed the ink is just put under a few layers of skin very close to the surface. A tattoo needle is nothing like a syringe, and getting a tattoo is nothing like getting a injection.

You should use vaseline to heal your tattoo

The truth is, you should never ever use a petroleum-based product for tattoo aftercare. Petroleum will clog your pores as it acts as a barrier so nothing comes out and nothing goes in this could irritate your new tattoo. It is important you clean your tattoo and allow the area to drain out any waste. Dried blood, plasma, pigment and tiny scabs that need to drain out from the area.

Petroleum is for gasoline and engine oil, not your skin, this is especially true if you have just got a new tattoo. Clean your tattoo and apply a tattoo balm that is petroleum free.

It will bleed a lot!

There usually isn’t much bleeding in tattoos. A small amount of blood can come out as outlines are being drawn, after shading the bleeding the bleeding would have subsided. During completion of a consent form you should note which medication are you on as some is known to thin the blood and we would not recommend you having a tattoo if this is the case.

Some skin is just difficult to tattoo

Skin texture varies from person to person, there may be scars, stretch marks, cellulite, skin conditions to consider. There may be instances where an artist advises not to go over an active skin condition like eczema/psoriasis, acne or on the top of a mole. The Artist does not want to further aggravate a skin condition and may suggest an alternative location. However, it is important to understand what can look can be achieved and that tattoos are for all body types.

You can get a price for a tattoo over the phone

This may seem like a straight forward request but take the time to look at all the possible variables you will see why this tattoo myth is impossible.

Someone says that they want a small word tattooed on their arm, and they would like to get an estimate.

How based on that info, and them not being there, could you ever give them an accurate estimate of the price?

These are all factors we need to know and see before we are able to give you an accurate quote:

Skin type
Body placement
Description of tattoo/if script– what is the word or words you would like?
Size of design
Detail/font style/colours
Which style? Realism, fine line, traditional – some style will take longer to complete than others

Small tattoos are inexpensive

I appreciate that a great deal of skill, practice and artistry goes into creating a beautiful tattoo. Even with a small tattoo there is a minimum charge to adhere to.

Artists charge minimums and hourly rates that are based on factors including their skill level and experience, the cost of living, and the price of their materials. Artists don’t take home the entire amount paid by their clients. If your artist works out of a studio, they’ll typically owe the shop a percentage.

The best tattoos are meaningful

A lot of people will choose to have a tattoo by a particular artist because they like their designs.

You may feel a certain pressure to come up with a story of why you got the tattoo especially if someone asks, however liking something or simply because you felt like it is good enough answer. Not answering or having a reason is perfectly acceptable too.

Not all tattoos will or should have a meaning behind them either.

Tattooed names from relationships are bad luck

With any relationship is may stand the test of time or not work out. If you choose to have a name tattooed it doesn’t have to mean it is bad luck. It can just mean a period in time you chose to have this name, like a reminder that you had history with that person.

Tattoo artists should be available whenever I need them

The industry is busy and most artists have clients booked in advance, however they may be times when an artist is able to book you in at relatively short notice due to an appointment being rescheduled. You can call the studio to see if they have a walk-in appointment available that day as you may be in luck.

When busy artists leave work at the studio, they continue to work by drawing in preparation for the next day of bookings, updating social media, trying to keep on top of DM’s and emails as well trying to have some downtime. You may be keen to book in which may prompt you to send more messages but the best thing to do is call the studio. You may get a better understanding and a realistic timeframe of when you can expect to hear back.

Many clients expect artists to fit them in at the drop of a hat and work on them at all hours of the day/night. They tend to get upset when an artist isn’t accepting walk-ins or is unable to discuss tattoo ideas without an appointment. This industry is busy—and a good artist isn’t able to work at the drop of a hat, because chances are, they’re already overworked and fully booked.”

Tattoo artists are employees

Artists take ownership of all aspects of their business from client service to marketing; the day is rarely over when they leave the studio. Besides managing their schedule, they have to update social media, sharpen skills, keep up to date with changes within the industry and attend conventions… it’s is not a 9-5 lifestyle.

Tattoo artists avoid technology at all costs

It may have been the case pre-social media you could rely on word of mouth alone to build a reputation. However, most Artists have a social media presence to showcase their work.

They are responsible for maintaining and updating all social media channels and most use software to make bookings and take deposits.

Tattoo artists are waiting for their shot on reality TV

There are a lot of Artists who couldn’t think of anything worse than being on reality TV. The pressure to perform tattoos with limited time and every move watched can take away from the artist vision and flow. Not to mention the host of negative comments and manufactured drama that can come with reality TV.

Most artists would prefer to focus on the art itself, and perhaps the journey to continually hone their skills.

Nothing is off limits if the price is right

There are some tattoos that an artist may refuse to do like hate symbols or public figures who have promoted hate. An artist has the right to not to tattoo anything they don’t want their name associated with. Artists should feel confident and comfortable with the design they are tattooing.