A first-timer’s guide to getting inked

Getting a tattoo is an exciting and deeply personal journey. Whether you've been dreaming of this moment for years or you've made a spontaneous decision, the process can feel a little daunting if you don't know what to expect. This guide is here to walk you through the entire experience, from finding the perfect artist to rocking your fresh ink.

1. The Research Phase: Finding Your Artist and Design

A great tattoo starts with a great artist. Don't rush this step—it's the most important part of the process.

• Find Your Style: Tattoos come in countless styles, from traditional and realistic to fine-line and abstract. Spend time on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to explore different aesthetics and discover what you're drawn to. Many artists specialize in a specific style, so finding an artist whose work you love is key.

• Do Your Due Diligence: Once you have a style in mind, start searching for artists in your area. Check out their portfolios, read reviews, and look at photos of their healed work. A good portfolio shows consistency, clean lines, and smooth shading. Don't be afraid to ask for a consultation to get a feel for the artist and the studio's hygiene standards.

• The Design: Have a clear idea of what you want, but be open to your artist's expertise. They can offer valuable insights on how a design will translate onto the skin and what will hold up best over time.

2. Preparing for Your Tattoo Appointment

Your body and mind need to be in the right place to handle the stress of being tattooed. A little prep work goes a long way.

• Prioritize Sleep: Get a full night's sleep before your appointment. Being well-rested can improve your pain tolerance and help you stay relaxed during the session.

• Hydrate and Eat Well: Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your tattoo. Hydrated skin is more pliable and takes ink better. Eat a substantial, balanced meal a couple of hours before you go to keep your blood sugar stable and prevent you from feeling faint.

• Avoid Blood Thinners: Steer clear of alcohol, aspirin, and other blood-thinning medications for at least 24-48 hours before your appointment. These can lead to excessive bleeding, which can compromise the quality of your tattoo.

• Dress for Success: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Dark colors are a good idea in case of any ink smudges.

• Pack a Bag: For longer sessions, bring snacks, a water bottle, and some form of entertainment like headphones, a book, or a tablet.

3. During the Tattoo Session

The day is here! Here's a rundown of what to expect when you arrive at the studio.

• Paperwork and Stencil: You'll fill out a waiver and provide your ID. The artist will then finalize the design and create a stencil, which they'll apply to your skin. This is your chance to approve the size, placement, and orientation. Speak up now if you want any adjustments—it's permanent!

• The Process: Your artist will shave and clean the area, then begin the tattooing process. The sensation is often described as a constant, light sting or scratch. The level of discomfort varies greatly depending on your pain tolerance and the tattoo's location.

• Take Breaks: Don't hesitate to ask for a break if you need to stretch, use the restroom, or just take a moment. Communication with your artist is key to a smooth session.

4. Tattoo Aftercare: The Healing Journey

The work isn't done when you leave the studio. Proper aftercare is crucial for a beautiful, long-lasting tattoo. Your artist will provide specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines:

• Keep it Clean: Gently wash your new tattoo with a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel.

• Moisturize: Apply a very thin layer of a fragrance-free lotion. You want to keep the area moisturized but not suffocated.

• Avoid Irritation: Don't scratch, pick, or peel your healing tattoo. Itching is a normal part of the process, but picking at scabs can damage the ink and lead to scarring. Avoid tight clothing that can rub against the tattoo.

• No Soaking or Sun: Stay out of pools, lakes, and baths for at least 2-4 weeks to prevent infection. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage the new ink. Once healed, always use sunscreen to protect your tattoo from fading.

Getting a tattoo is a memorable experience that results in a unique piece of art you'll carry with you forever. By following these steps, you'll ensure your journey into the world of tattoos is as smooth and successful as possible.

If you’d like to set up a consultation or if you just have questions click here.

the enduring allure of traditional tattoos

In the vast and ever-evolving world of tattooing, some styles rise and fall in popularity. But one has remained a steadfast and beloved classic for over a century: the traditional tattoo. Often referred to as "Old School" or "American Traditional," this style is instantly recognizable for its bold lines, vibrant colors, and timeless imagery.

A Brief History: From Sailors to the Mainstream

The story of the American traditional tattoo is deeply intertwined with the history of the United States. Its roots can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when tattooing gained prominence in port cities. Sailors, who spent long periods at sea, were among the first to popularize the style. Tattoos served as a form of personal expression, a record of their travels, and even as a good luck charm to ward off danger.

Pioneering artists like Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins in Hawaii and Bert Grimm in Los Angeles were instrumental in shaping the traditional style as we know it today. They refined the techniques and established the iconic visual language—a style that was designed to be easily readable from a distance and to stand the test of time on the human canvas.

What Defines a Traditional Tattoo?

The traditional tattoo style adheres to a distinct set of rules that give it its timeless and durable appeal.

• Bold Black Outlines: This is the most defining characteristic. Thick, clean, and confident black lines are used to create the core structure of the design. These strong lines are what allow the tattoos to hold up so well over decades, resisting the natural blurring that comes with age.

• Limited Color Palette: Traditional tattoos typically use a restricted color scheme. The most common colors are a deep black, a bright red, a rich green, a vibrant yellow, and a bold blue. This limited palette gives the style a punchy, graphic quality.

• Minimal Shading: Unlike more modern styles like realism, traditional tattoos rely on flat, solid colors rather than complex shading gradients. The shading that is present is often done with "whip shading" which adds texture without sacrificing the bold, two-dimensional look.

• Iconic Imagery: The motifs are a huge part of the traditional style's appeal. These are often symbolic and universally understood. Common designs include:

• Swallows and Anchors: Symbols of safe travels and a steady home.

• Roses: Representing love, beauty, or loss.

• Eagles: A powerful symbol of patriotism and freedom.

• Panthers: Symbolizing strength, ferocity, and defiance.

• Daggers and Skulls: Representing mortality, bravery, or loss.

• Pin-up Girls and "Mom" Hearts: Classic symbols of loved ones and sentimentality.

The Enduring Appeal

Traditional tattoos have a staying power that few other styles can claim. There are several reasons for their continued popularity:

• Durability: The bold lines and solid colors of traditional tattoos age exceptionally well. They are less prone to fading and blurring compared to more intricate or fine-line styles.

• Clear Legibility: A good traditional tattoo is instantly recognizable from across a room. The designs are simple, bold, and easy to read.

• Rich History: For many tattoo enthusiasts, getting a traditional piece is a way to connect with the roots of Western tattooing. It's a nod to a style that helped bring body art into the mainstream.

• Timeless Aesthetics: The bold, graphic nature of traditional tattoos gives them a classic, vintage look that never truly goes out of style.

Whether you're drawn to the classic look, the rich history, or the guaranteed longevity, the traditional tattoo style offers a timeless and meaningful way to express yourself. It's more than just a tattoo; it's a piece of art with a story, designed to last a lifetime.

If you’d like to see more traditional tattoos click here.

The Subtle Art Of Black And Grey Tattoos

In a world filled with vibrant, technicolor ink, there's an undeniable power and elegance in the absence of color. The black and grey tattoo style, with its nuanced shading and profound depth, stands as a testament to the skill of the artist and the timeless beauty of a monochromatic palette. This style is not just a trend; it's a sophisticated art form with a rich history and a versatility that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

A Look at the History

The origins of black and grey tattooing are often traced back to the prisons and Chicano culture of Los Angeles in the mid-20th century. In a setting where colored inks were not available, inmates developed a technique using diluted black ink—often created with soot, ashes, or even pen ink—and makeshift tattoo machines. They would mix this black pigment with distilled water in varying proportions to create a "wash," allowing them to achieve different tones and shades. This method, born out of necessity, laid the groundwork for the modern black and grey style.

This "jailhouse" or "joint style" eventually made its way out of prison walls and into professional tattoo parlors, where artists refined the techniques. They began to use specialized pigments and equipment to create the incredible depth and detail that the style is known for today.

What Defines the Style?

Black and grey tattooing is more of a technique than a set of specific images, as it can be applied to almost any subject matter. However, its core characteristics are what make it so distinctive:

• Shading is Everything: Unlike traditional tattoos that rely on bold lines and flat color, black and grey work is all about the shading. The artist uses a range of tones—from the deepest black to the lightest grey—to create a sense of depth, dimension, and realism. This is achieved by using different "washes" of diluted black ink or by strategically layering the ink.

• Mastery of Contrast: The success of a black and grey tattoo hinges on the artist's ability to use contrast effectively. Strong black tones provide the foundation and anchor the design, while the lighter greys and skin tones add detail and highlight key features.

• Varied Line Work: While some black and grey styles, like realism, may feature very fine or almost invisible lines, others can incorporate bold outlines for structure. The use of varied line weights helps to guide the eye and add another layer of visual interest to the piece.

From Realism to Surrealism: The Versatility of Black and Grey

One of the most compelling aspects of the black and grey style is its incredible adaptability. While it is most famously associated with hyper-realistic portraits, its reach extends far beyond that.

• Black and Grey Realism: This is arguably the most popular and celebrated form of the style. Artists use the full range of black and grey tones to meticulously recreate photographs, portraits of loved ones, mythological figures, and scenes from nature with stunning accuracy.

• Chicano Style: This style is directly linked to the black and grey's historical roots. It often features imagery from Chicano culture, such as religious iconography (the Virgin Mary, praying hands), lowriders, skulls, and lettering.

• Black and Grey Surrealism: This genre combines the technical skill of black and grey with dreamlike, bizarre, or fantasy-based imagery. It allows for a more creative and abstract approach, often blending realistic elements with imaginative concepts.

• Dark Art/Gothic: Perfect for gothic or horror-themed designs, black and grey's inherent moodiness and contrast are ideal for creating powerful and atmospheric pieces featuring demons, monsters, or macabre subject matter.

Why Choose Black and Grey?

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, black and grey offers several practical advantages:

• Timeless Appeal: A well-executed black and grey tattoo has a sophisticated look that won't feel dated. The monochromatic palette ensures it remains a classic piece of art.

• Excellent Longevity: Because the style relies on a strong foundation of black ink and a spectrum of greys, these tattoos tend to age very well. The contrast remains, and the overall image holds its integrity for years to come.

• Works with Any Skin Tone: While all tattoos can be adapted for different skin tones, black and grey is particularly effective across a wide range of complexions, as it doesn't rely on vibrant colors that may not show up as well on darker skin.

From its humble beginnings in prison culture to its current status as a pinnacle of tattoo artistry, the black and grey style has earned its place as a true classic. It is a powerful and elegant choice for anyone who appreciates art, history, and the subtle beauty of shades of black.

If you’d like to see more black and grey tattoos click here.