Tattoo “Artists” Suck

I’m actually a tattoo artist and can attest to the fact that we DON’T make $120 bucks an hour. Most get 40 to 60% of that, and need to supply their own gear and ink. Not only that, but it’s not as easy as it might seem; there is a lot of pressure that goes along with putting something permanently on someone’s skin…Your work is judged every time someone looks at it, so for me personally, doing touch ups if need be is worth it. Some artists don’t, but we do it for free (within a reasonable amount of time, of course) unless it is on hands and feet. And we make sure to TELL you that we don’t guarantee hands and feet because of the rapid rate of skin regeneration. If you choose to get it anyway, well, that’s up to you.

Always look at the artist’s portfolio and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most artists (good ones, reputable ones anyway) will be more than willing to give you free advice in a consultation. Listen to what they have to say. Sometimes your design or idea won’t work as a tattoo- listen to what we are saying. If you are determined to get that toonie sized portrait anyway, guaranteed if you shop around, SOMEONE will tattoo it for you, but you aren’t going to be happy with the outcome.

Another thing- often people will come in the shop and be pissed that they have to wait for an appointment (unless we have cancellations or it’s a slow day)…People- this is a good thing. It means we are busy, and we must be busy because we do decent work.

Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good.

Well, you’re exactly right. The health regulations here are non existent. There is NOTHING. It’s harder to open a bagel shop than a tattoo shop. Look for shops that adopt the policies of other provinces (for example, the shop I work at follows the strict guidelines of both Alberta and Ontario).

Look for proof that their sterilizer is biologically tested MONTHLY by a reputable testing company.

Ensure that the sterilization area is kept separate from everything else, and insist that all needles and tubes are opened from the packages in front of you, and watch to see that the needles are disposed of in a proper sharps container and the tubes are properly transported to the sterilization area after your appointment.

Ask to watch the artist set up. Everything should be bagged (ie: barrier control- anything that may come into contact with you and your tattoo during the process should be covered in plastic). Make sure the tattoo artist washes his/her hands before set up, before starting your tattoo, any time they change gloves during the tattoo, and after tearing down after the appointment.

Another thing that is good to see is certification from a reputable company (ie: not an online course) in a course called Bloodborne Pathogens. It’s not a mandatory course, as again, there are no regulations here, but there is a yearly tattoo convention in Halifax that makes this course required for any artist participating in the show. The certificate expires every two years, so it ensures that the artist is up to date with international health standards (at least in information) and has passed a test about safety in a tattoo shop.

Also- make sure they give you clear instructions for aftercare. Every shop is a little bit different, so it can be difficult sometimes, but my advice is this: don’t listen to your friends. Follow the aftercare the artist gives you, and that way if anything goes wrong, they should either be able to tell you what’s up, or will be more willing to fix it for you. If you don’t listen to their instructions, dont bother going back in to get them to fix your mess for free. The internet is also unreliable- while you may come across the best aftercare possible, again, if you aren’t following your artist’s instructions, then don’t expect them to work for nothing to fix it up. If the instructions you get seem WAY off, aren’t working, or don’t make sense, then tell them that! See what they have to say, or consult another reputable shop, but if you do, make it your intention to switch shops. Hope this all makes sense.

Bottom line is this- if the shop you choose isn’t willing to answer all of your questions, or something just doesn’t seem right, or they don’t meet the basic national requirements, DON’T GO THERE. Shop around. There ARE a lot of sketchy places here in Halifax. Just do your homework. It’s worth your time. After all, this is PERMANENT, people!