what tattooists don't want you to know

ScrumYummy · bunnyhunches of scrums Gender: Joined: 29 Jun 2005

I may still one day be a tattooist, but I won't be apprenticing at the same shop. Those guys are morons that view health codes as "guidelines" and have little regard for their customers and their well-being. Three of the guys there can't do anything but flash off the wall, they're all rude to everybody that comes in the door unless they're friends, they violate health code and don't give a sh*t, and none of them really know what the fck they're doing (as far as how tattoos actually work). They're all walking stereotypes of what they think tattoo artists are supposed to be; smoking, cynical ex-drug addicts. They see tattooing as a cash cow and people as canvases, not people.

I'm really disappointed that it didn't work out. I was really excited and I really wanted to do it, and I tried to put up with it but after two weeks I got into an argument with the guy who was going to be my teacher about the things I mentioned above, and left.

They've already replaced me with somebody, and I know the girl and she's sweet but she's a total idiot, and she's not going to question anything that they say.

With all of these things in mind, here's what you should know before getting a tattoo, and questions that you should ask:

Is deodorant used to apply a stencil?
Most deodorants contain aluminum and/or alum solids. Most of the time, even when an artist has designed the work themselves, they use a stencil as a map for the tattoo, and many apply the stencil using deodorant (which is used on multiple customers, so there is a possibility of transference). Consider that when you are being tattooed, that deodorant is probably going to get into your blood, and aluminum has been connected to Alzheimer's; several states have outlawed the use of aluminum/alum solids being used in stencil application, but it is still legal in most states. If you reside in a state where it is legal, find out prior to getting the tattoo how the artist applies their stencil.

Does the artist know what is in the ink they are using? Have they reviewed the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and what is their opinion?
Tattoo ink is not regulated by the FDA. Some contain potentially toxic substances, including aldehydes (formaldehyde etc), carcinogens, mutagens, ethylene glycol (antifreeze), and others. Another thing to be aware of if you are veg*n is than most inks are not, containing animal glycerine derived from fat and sometimes black pigments contain octopus ink. Most tattoo aftercare (H2Ocean, A&D ointment) is also not vegan. Anyway, if the artist has no idea what is in the ink, or what a MSDS is, then you probably don't want to consider them.

Is rubbing alcohol used to prep the work area? (skin)
Find out what kind of alcohol is used to prep the area. Methyl alcohol/methanol and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) are toxic (you don't want them in your bloodstream!), and your artist should be able to tell you that. And if they can't, or don't know, don't use them. Safe materials include "green soap," ethyl alcohol (ethanol), witch hazel, listerine, or purified water.

Are needles re-used? Is there any possibility of biohazard contamination?
This goes without saying, but make sure that needles are one-time use only. Also, find out if tubes (the part of the machine that holds the needle) are sterilized with an autoclave prior to use, and are only used once between customers before being cleaned. Make sure that the machine has been cleaned between customers, too--the artist is touching that machine, and then touching your skin (and other people's). Find out if work surfaces (tables to hold equipment, and anything that will hold tattooed body parts such as arm rests or chairs) are cleaned between customers, or if they are covered in plastic wrap for each new customer (which is then disposed after the customer is finished). Make sure the artist wears gloves and that they are one-time use only.

How clean is the shop?
Take a look around. Are there cobwebs and dust? Has the floor been swept/mopped recently? Is the area well-ventilated? Are surfaces light colored or dark colored (which can make an area look deceptively clean)? All of these things reflect on the cleanliness of the people/person that might be doing your tattoo, and should be taken into consideration.

Does the shop follow my state's health code regulations?
You would be amazed at the number of shops that don't follow health code and don't care. Review the health code regulations in your state (available here), and if the shop isn't adhering to these regulations, then you shouldn't even consider them. Also, if your state has a ban on inside smoking in public areas, then it is a health code violation for people to smoke inside the shop--think about it, would you want your surgeon lighting up while he is working on your kidney, and those toxins coming into contact with an open wound? Tattoo health codes will not mention this.

...there are some other shops that I'm considering as far as looking for an apprenticeship. But after this fiasco I can't do the apprenticeship at that shop. Another thing to consider is that I might be moving back to Portland sooner than I thought (we're actually thinking of moving back after this summer), and there are more and higher-quality shops there.

Robb · My freedom begins here Age: 40 Gender: Joined: 01 Nov 2004

0_o

Makes me re-think wanting to get a tattoo a wee bit, thanks scrum

Legend · Queen of Terabithia Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 14 Oct 2005

Awww, Scrums. I just saw the message on DeviantArt and was wondering about what happened. I'm sad you're moving far away again, too.

But more sad that things didn't work out as far as your apprenticeship. I hope you find a better place to work for soon!

And if I ever get a tattoo, I'll just go wherever you are to be sure I'll be safe. ^_-

Silver Adept · Otaku Lord Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 20 May 2003

We're glad that you're taking the business seriously and reviewing all the important parts and regulations. Hopefully you'll find someone just as serious as you are about it and apprentice to them, Scrums.

FawkesFyre · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 12:24 pm Post subject:

That was enough info to make me twitch...I've only mildly considered a tatoo because of a scar on my back. I'm glad Dloe knows a reputable place, not that I intend to get it done anytime soon.

How much alcohol can actually get into your blood stream if they use plain rubbing alcohol?

My concern has always been with the cleanliness of the needles and the like for the sheer threat of HIV, or any other blood-born pathogen.

ScrumYummy · bunnyhunches of scrums Gender: Joined: 29 Jun 2005

Doot · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:56 pm Post subject:

Hey scrummers! I am tossing this thread by way of my bro. He's always curious about shops and stuff. Too bad you don't live in Cincy! His shop is pretty nice, very clean, and everyone is pretty damn cool in it. They'd rather not do flash stuff and tend to lean towards custom work. Smile

Bummed it didn't work fer ya! And more bummed you're gonna be 3000 miles away again!

Shino · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject:

Graillik Tur · Renaissancetaku Gender: Joined: 09 Jul 2004

A lot of that stuff is right on the money, some of it isn't. Like the chemicals in ink. In the right dosages and mixtures, they aren't going to kill you. Are they good for you? Probably not, but your jabbing a needle covered in ink repeatedly into your skin to paint an image, that ain't exactly great for you. The veg*n thing...a lot of you are SOL. There just isn't a high enough demand for animal friendly products in this area of business. Can you get it? Yes, but it's gonna take some asking and begging from your artist.

The alcohol thing is not exactly true. If your artist knows what they are doing they will clean the needles pre ink with the gun in a machine. Don't know what the machine does, but it works. My artist had a flat bench he rapped in Glad Wrap. He also put on his gloves and never took them off unless he contaminated a surface i.e. touched something he wasn't supposed to. He also cleaned and shaved the area with menthol Barbosal and anti-bacterial squeeze..

I guess the point is, if it looks like a newly released prisoner would feel at home getting a tattoo at your local shop...move on. If you think your hip trendy rich friends would feel at home getting a tattoo at your local shop, your probably good to go.

Last thing...what ever you do...and I love tattoos...do not get a tat just to get it. Wait, think, and design. Nothing says I'm stupid like a P.O.T. in the small of your back at 45. And you have to explain it too the kids. Geez, what do college girls think sometimes.

Legend · Queen of Terabithia Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 14 Oct 2005

You could always just come and live in Atlanta! ^^ We'd be -totally- happy to have you here, that's for sure!

But yeah, I figured that was why, I remembered you mentioning in a previous comment on DA that a guy there had recommended it all for you and whatnot. Drama is overrated. ^^ I'm glad you clarified here, though.

I think that's part of why I've always been adverse to the idea of tattoos-- the places always look so dodgy even from the outside, and there are -so- many health concerns it's scary to think about. ^^ But I'd definitely have no problem if I knew you were doing it, since you -are- so avid about the rules and safety and such. I think it would come down to knowing and trusting the place/person in the end.