Tattoo

takethehighroad
takethehighroad Posts: 6,821
edited November 2010 in The bottom bracket
I want to get a tattoo soon, but the thought of walking into a studio fair petrifies me, so I wondered if anyone on here has advice for how to deal with it. I don't wanna look like a tool, but then I don't wanna get messed about at the same time

Comments

  • pb21
    pb21 Posts: 2,171
    Get a few piercings first and grow a beard and you will be treated with the utmost respect.
    Mañana
  • They are pretty laid back places mate to be honest with you.

    Take a look around and try to find somewhere where someone you know has used before. Or go speak to a couple about what you want done and choose from there.

    Most important thing is to really look into what you want, don't just walk into the shop and go 'that'll do'' Really look into the designs beforehand and go in with a good idea of what you want. They'll then let you know what would look good and what might not work.
  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    Dont' worry about it.

    Firstly, have an idea of what design you want. I had an idea of what I wanted and looked on the web. Google 'Tattoo Flash' as this is the generic name for designs. There are loads of ideas you can take or modify. These are geenerally free and anyone can used them.

    Don't just steal someone's design, they can get pretty p*ssed and artists aren't that comfortable with you stealing someones 'personel' design.

    Find a good artist, they vary HUGELY !!

    If you're still clueless, go in and talk to the artist, get an idea of what he/she's like and the type of work that they like doing. Have a look at some of their work, any decent artist will have a collection of photos of recent work that they're proud of.

    Don't be arfaid of the artist !! The guy that did mine looked f*cking terrifying !! He had more metal in his face than on my bike, drove a 'Mad Max-ified' Jag and wore a lot of leather. But he lives in a rose covered country cottage and is a lovely guy.

    Remember, you're paying them !!!
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • Pretty much what these guys have already said.

    Research is the key...research what you want, research the artists, speak to people with tattoos, get onto the tattoo forums, buy a couple of mags....

    And enjoy it...as my artist says while I whince in pain as a sensitive area is done 'keep your eyes on the prize'.

    Although do you really really really want one? If so the thought of walking into a tattoo studio shouldn't be that much of an issue.
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    Be prepared to be on the receiving end of tatoo snobbery!

    Tramp stamp etc.
  • get one like this.....freak them out on the morning commute

    worst_tattoo_1.jpg
    The dissenter is every human being at those moments of his life when he resigns
    momentarily from the herd and thinks for himself.
  • Cressers
    Cressers Posts: 1,329
    If you don't want to look like a tool, don't get a tat.
  • Monkeypump
    Monkeypump Posts: 1,528
    Be prepared to be on the receiving end of tatoo snobbery!

    Tramp stamp etc.

    As exemplified by:
    Cressers wrote:
    If you don't want to look like a tool, don't get a tat.

    Pointless contribution #1
  • Cressers wrote:
    If you don't want to look like a tool, don't get a tat.
    :roll: :roll:
  • Do'nt make the same mistake

    A young bride wanted to supprise her husband on the honeymoon night and wanted 2 butterflies tattoed on each cheek of her bottom...the tatto artist said that he was'nt very good at drawing butterfies but could draw a couple of bee's instead..to which she agreed...on the night she turned her back on her husband whilst getting undressed pulled her knickers down and bent over..."What do you think of that" she said...to his amazment he replied "Who the F**K is....... B O B
  • do take advice from people with tattoos already. Don't listen to people without any (yes, you Cressers). If you've got your own design already then great, if not, have some idea of what you would like. Finally, don't go in and say "what can I get for £40?". Good luck
    If suffer we must, let's suffer on the heights. (Victor Hugo).
  • SteK
    SteK Posts: 148
    I'd also add that, you'll find some tattoo artists that are so far up their own asses they sometimes forget that you're paying them for a service.

    It can be nerve racking walking into a tattoo shop and getting talking to them about what you want - I've got a ton of tattoos but can I still feel a bit awkward talking to a new artist until you get a feel for whether they're cool or not. If they make you feel anything but comfortable then I'd use someone else. I know Chester is a bit of a distance from Leeds but there are a couple of guys over here that are excellent - both in tattooing ability and attitude. Although I'm sure there's the same kind mix over there.

    One of the most acclaimed tattoo artists in Leeds is a rude, obnoxious tw*t who'd have to pay me to spend time with him. His work is very high quality, but it's about the whole picture.
  • Hi

    Ignore the tattoo snobbery. There's always someone who 'doesn't like tattoos'!

    As everyone had already said, research is the best thing you can do. Find some themes or similar designs you like that your artist can work from to create a unique design for you!

    When choosing an artist again do a bit of looking around. I'm currently halfway through getting my half sleeve done (50s pin up on a bike) and I travel about 60 miles to the studio. The guy that foes it is mega and it already looks great. 12 hours down about 10 to go.

    Don't be put off or intimidated by the studio. Ultimately if you're not comfortable in there go somewhere else. Although remember you're the customer and most places are relaxed and friendly and are there to 'serve' you.

    Oh and what are you getting?
  • Go on then Stek, name the good ones please.
    If suffer we must, let's suffer on the heights. (Victor Hugo).
  • SteK
    SteK Posts: 148
    I'm a big fan of Matt Hart's work, he's at Inspirations in Morley. His work is award winning and he's a cool guy to boot, no pretense or bullsh*t!!! Matt also has something to do with the one at Hyde Park corner that used to be Physical Poetry (little doorway opposite corner to the Hyde Park pub) - there's a guy called Neil Dransfield there who's working on a good mate of mine at the moment - again, excellent work.

    I've got no doubt that there are other amazing guys tattooing around Leeds, so no disrespect if you know anyone else! Just mentioned the folk I/friends of mine have used and had good experiences with :)
  • zippypablo
    zippypablo Posts: 398
    edited November 2010
    cheers Stek. Got my previous tattoo in Wishaw, Scotland a few years ago. Fancy another but I now live near Huddersfield. Been looking for another tat so wanting some recommendations. Sorry to OP for hijacking this thread! :oops:
    If suffer we must, let's suffer on the heights. (Victor Hugo).
  • Cheers for the advice guys, I know a few people who've had them done in Chester and they've only said good things about where they had theirs done.

    I know what I want which I guess is an advantage. Now don't anyone laugh but I want something Sheffield United based, probably something like the crest.
  • Just a thought... Wouldn't it make sense to research tattoo artists around the Sheffield area? I'd guess they'd have more experience of the design you want than the artists in Chester...
  • fleshtuxedo
    fleshtuxedo Posts: 1,858
    re-cycles wrote:
    Just a thought... Wouldn't it make sense to research tattoo artists around the Sheffield area? I'd guess they'd have more experience of the design you want than the artists in Chester...

    What if they're a Wednesday fan? :)
  • re-cycles wrote:
    Just a thought... Wouldn't it make sense to research tattoo artists around the Sheffield area? I'd guess they'd have more experience of the design you want than the artists in Chester...

    What if they're a Wednesday fan? :)

    Two good points well made, I'll look into ones in Sheffield too, but I'll get them to sing the Greasy Chip Butty song to prove they're a Blade ;)
  • THe advice I was given, is never use a shop that can do it there and then, a good shop will have a waiting list, the best ones round here have at least a months waiting list!
  • zippypablo wrote:
    cheers Stek. Got my previous tattoo in Wishaw, Scotland a few years ago. Fancy another but I now live near Huddersfield. Been looking for another tat so wanting some recommendations. Sorry to OP for hijacking this thread! :oops:
    have a look at bananajuice in Oldham, Ryan is a good guy, top artist, won't put any old crap on you and is reasonable. Me and my lad use him and the one I had elsewhere really stands out as inferior work.
  • Just treat it like you were buying a bike, have an idea of what you want go in a talk to them and if the seem like a bunch to tools then go back out of the door and into another place until you find somewhere where they know what they are talking about make you feel comfortable and listen to what you want and give you some good feedback on what would and wouldn't work.
    Pain hurts much less if its topped off with beating your mates to top of a climb.
  • thanks shouldbeinbed, I'll have a look. As quick to get to Oldham as Leeds for me. Nice to get recommendations.
    If suffer we must, let's suffer on the heights. (Victor Hugo).
  • Tom Butcher
    Tom Butcher Posts: 3,830
    Are you having the whole crest - just the inner bit without the writing would look good I reckon - pair of cutlasses and a rose.

    it's a hard life if you don't weaken.
  • rc856
    rc856 Posts: 1,144
    THe advice I was given, is never use a shop that can do it there and then, a good shop will have a waiting list, the best ones round here have at least a months waiting list!

    +1
    I did some research on

    http://www.altnation.com/forums/tattoos-piercings-chat/

    and found my place. A guy who mainly does Japanese stuff. Had to wait 3 months.
    Also cheapest isn't always best!!
    Good luck and remember that Bepanthen is your friend! :)
  • I know nothing about tattoos but my partner and my brother in law (and his friends) have had them done at Golden Dragon in Chester and have been very happy with the results. Friendly too.

    http://www.tattoocakehappy.co.uk/
  • RDW
    RDW Posts: 1,900
    If it involves any Chinese characters, run it by this guy first!:

    http://hanzismatter.blogspot.com/