Quoted same deal
Also, some artists don't like certain styles/mediums/subjects. For example, my artist prefers not to do American traditional, but he WILL do it. He generally filters that down to his apprentice, who enjoys it and is quite good at it, really. Find out what your artist is good at and make sure they can work in the style you like.
agreed, but when looking at artists try picking one that is strong in the style you are looking for. dont use an artist with affinity for new age thick lines and cartoon look if you want a traditional style tattoo. you are choosing the artist based on their ability. play to their strengths.I'm iffy on that. When my artist first started, he didn't have any ink aside from one small star on his body, but he had a serious reputation already for a light touch and solid work. He's got a handful of tatts now, but nothing major. I mean, there are doctors that specialize in certain parts that they don't have and that doesn't make them incapable of performing the work. It really depends on the artist. I certainly wouldn't pass up someone with a stellar portfolio and lots of happy clients just because they choose not to have any ink. It's kind of rare to see a tattoo artist without ink, though.
this is VERY VERY personal as a choice. I want the guy or gal tatting me to know what it is like to sit there for more than 30 minutes and get stabbed repeatedly hundreds of thousands of times while trying not to flinch or move at all. I would pass up a better artist because of a lack of tattoos. it is rare but it is also possible. He or she can have no less than one "real size" tattoo. (I say that meaning that it is big enough to have detail and it does have detail.)Yes. All of this.
It takes approximately 30 minutes for your endorphines to kick in when you're getting inked. I find that I can only sustain the high for about 5-6 hours before I start to feel off. That level of tolerance is different for everyone. Some people can sit for 10 hours and be fine. Some can barely sit for an hour.
I usually drink room temp water, so the whole cold water aspect of it has never been an issue for me. I don't like cold water.
I usually drink hot tea after a long session. I've done the stupid thing and pushed myself past my limit.
Don't do it. You'll feel TERRIBLE later on. Like Spades said, your body starts to get shocky after a time and it's no joke. I've never gotten nauseated or felt faint during a session because I'm a masochist and love the way it feels, but it's not uncommon. In fact, it's way more common than people like to admit. You don't know how your body will react to getting inked, so if you start to feel sick? It's fine. Find a good stopping point and freakin' STOP.
it happens. for that matter anyone who tells you they do not hurt is a **** liar all tattoos hurt even if it is only a little and even if you enjoy the hurt. *highfivenox* dont care for the nausea but the rest hurts so good! And don't scratch it. It's going to itch. Resist the urge. Some people "slap" their ink when it itches, but I just ignore it. Also, sometimes, you'll bruise a bit. Even the lightest of touches can still make a bruise. I hear people scoff about "If your artist knows what they're doing, this will NEVER happen." Oh, sit down. It can happen to ANYONE, especially if you have fair skin. It can happen in a 30 minute session or a 9 hour one. Don't freak out. Light bruising is normal. And it's going to be swollen. It's going to ooze. Keep it clean. Keep it lightly moisturized. It's all part of the deal.
I have slapped my tattoos before it works well to satisfy the itch. but I try not to. you hands and mine are filthy. and you need to keep it clean. this is your call. I wont hesitate to do it, unless i catch myself doing it alot. but bruising and oozing are things i would watch for. lines and detail work may bruise, and the area will swell. but you have just severely agitated the area. each person is different just treat it like an open wound, cause it is. as for oozing, I know what you are talking about. for the sake of clarification your tattoo should never ooze colored liquid, specifically puss. the ooze that i am assuming you are talking about is that slime you get on it. I think it might be plasma. (the water part of your blood, not the lightsaber stuff)this is ok I usually clean it and re-apply the aquaphor. i notice it in the mornings and occasionally at night. but thats when i wash it. the rest of the day i am guarding it and keeping it moist. Nice!! Love the font on your forearm.
I had to hunt it down. I think its called Blood Omen. and the S is modified to not have that stupid swirl at the top.
