Tattoo Advice

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ghostyghost
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Tattoo Advice

Post by ghostyghost »

At the moment, I am considering a full-sleeve tattoo (primarily focused on inking the inside of my arms to transform/cover up scars). This is probably a few years away due to the pricing and my age, but I would like to start working on tattoo concepts as well as learn more about tattoos.

To begin, would anyone recommend hiring an online artist to design a tattoo, or is letting the tattoo artist that will actually do the tattoo the better option? Cost is not too much of an issue because quality will be worth it.

Secondly, are there any issues with tattoos around scars that I should be aware of when considering a design? These are both minor, visible but flat scars, slightly raised scars (that may or may not flatten more over time), and more major, more raised scars that I could see potentially presenting issues.

Finally, how would you recommend going about picking an artist for the actual tattoo? I'm awful with social media and am undeniably in need of advice when it comes to navigating it (or the Internet in general) to find an artist that would fit my wanted style.
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cicisi
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Re: Tattoo Advice

Post by cicisi »

Hi! As someone also researching this kind of stuff, I might have a few pointers.

For both the design and the scar issue, I have found its important to work in the limits of the artist. That is, the artist may not have a lot of experience in a certain design concept or with scars. Scars also vary, so they may have some experience, but not with what you have.

This kinda leads into the next part. Picking an artist means you have to think of the previous stuff. To do this and seeing the quality of the work, it may be best to actually go in to the shop. I believe many places do NOT charge for consultations. You can talk with the artists on what they can do and see what they can do first hand.
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ToxicFlame
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Re: Tattoo Advice

Post by ToxicFlame »

Oi, love!

Congrats on looking into tattooing!~ I hope you end up finding what you want...

I one day want to be a tattoo artist myself and I have several years of self-research and am in the process of working on my own portfolio and trying to get an apprenticeship for becoming a tattooer myself. (Please note, I do NOT have an apprenticeship yet and therefore only have my own research, but I've been interested in it for quite a while so I feel like I know more than at least the *average* person.) And... ya know... my avatar is a tattoo machine... >.>; Hahaha!

(*) Flat scars usually aren't too much of a problem. But raised scars may be difficult depending on how severe they are... Cicisi is right. Work within the wheel house of the artist you are working with, as they will be able to design something best for the flow and fit of your body. However, what I CAN recommend is to start RIGHT AWAY with self-treatment for your arm - and what ever area you plan on getting tattooed. Take care of your skin! Keep it well hydrated, so make sure you're using a daily moisturizer (or maybe every other day if you have extra oily skin, although sometimes actually ADDING moisture *CAN* help with oiliness... it's weird lol). Also, look into products that can help lighten up your scars and any blemishes. I use rose oil and witch hazel on my face for this express purpose because I have acne scaring. And anything with salicylic acid is good for getting rid of harsh bumps (please don't over use this, however - as it CAN damage your skin if you use it too often. It is only meant for harsh, "infected" acne. Basically, if it's pink or red or anything you can 'pop.') Most over the counter acne creams and washes have this, though - so it isn't hard to find!

(*) Don't hire/find an artist online or have anyone else draw the design for you... UNLESS having that person design it for you is super personal and important. (Like... having a grandmother write something in their handwriting or something...) You will get the best out of the artist if they come up with the design themselves. A lot of tattoo work isn't JUST about being able to create something pretty to look at it, but designing it so it will fit well on your body and over your blemishes.

(*) Please note, that if your primary reason for getting these tattoos is to cover your scars... know that there is a chance they won't all be covered up. This is, of course, going to vary depending on your artist, how they tattoo, the type of ink they use, how it heals, and any other numerous factors.


(*) Be prepared. A sleeve is going to take MULTIPLE sessions, and multiple layers. Especially if you have elastic ("fatty") skin. A tattoo can look phenomenal after it's just done, but there may be a couple of spots that come out as it heals. SOMETIMES this is because the artist didn't get the color in deep enough, and sometimes it's just the way your skin heals. You will likely need touch-ups to make sure the blemishes on your skin are covered.

(*) As for finding an artist, really it is simply research. Get online (I know you you said you suck at this! I'm sorry lol), and give yourself a generalized radius of how far you're willing to travel for your piece. And look for good artists in your area. Look at their online portfolios and websites (any good tattoo parlor will most likely have these), and give them a call. Tell them what you're looking for... Tattooers deal with this all the time, and if they're worth their salt they will tell you if they - or someone in their shop - has experience with it or not. And the most important thing is to, of course, go to the shop and meet them. Do you feel comfortable with them and in the shop? Is it to your cleanliness standards? Although, the more pricey and well-known the artist, the more likely they *MAY* charge for a consultation. A lot of this will have to do with the area you live in, though. I'm in a rural area so basically nobody charges for consultations, but I have heard of big artists in cities doing it.

(*) If it's a certain style you want, talking to someone who knows what tattoo styles are called can help. It'll be a LOT easier for you if you walk up to an artist saying "I want something in neo-traditional" or "I want an illustrative" than if you just say.... "Hey I want a bat in color."

I hope I helped! And I hope I didn't overwhelm you either! ^//^;
PM or reach how to me if you have any questions~
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