How to get a tattoo wisely ...

Constance, where did the idea for the guide come from?

Its creation was not obvious ... It all started over two years ago with the first, very short column that I wrote for clients on my Facebook profile - Colored tattoos fade? I kept seeing the same questions in the tattoo newsgroups all the time, clients in the studio always had the same doubts. Thus, a whole series of informational materials was created from one entry, which are published every Monday. Over time, preparation for each episode took almost a whole week - I took on increasingly complex topics for which I had to thoroughly research in terms of research, expert opinions and cover photos, which I took myself and then processed. them so that they each maintain the same vibe, writing, proofreading and posting, then replying to comments and moderating discussions. I received a wide variety of requests in my inbox, including immediate help in the case of poorly executed tattoos or neglected treatments. I began to get a tattoo around the clock and seven days a week. Nevertheless, I wanted to convey my knowledge to even more people. Together with the team of the studio where I work, we started organizing close meetings with the art of tattooing in Bielsko-Biala and Katowice. The chairs had to be brought to the Aquarium club and cafe so that people could fit. Once my recipients started to write messages, will there be a book from them - will there be a collection of knowledge for a novice client? I thought about this for a long time, and over time, the idea of ​​how a germinating seed turned into a beautiful growing plant is my book. Written out of the need for help and guidance, because the tattoo is being treated a little casually. 

What are the most common mistakes when applying the first tattoo? 

People looking to get their first tattoo don't check the artist's portfolio. They do not take into account that this will be a lifelong job, because in the event of a mistake, laser removal or stripping of the coating may not be possible. I often hear "I can remove the maximum" - it is not so easy, because currently the technology of laser tattoo removal is just developing, it is often impossible to completely remove it, there is only the possibility of lightening. The tattoo will remain. 

New customers are guided by the lowest price and the shortest category of terms, which is a very big mistake. It is worth investing in a well-done tattoo, as we often invest large sums, for example, in technological innovations that have a very limited lifespan. After the tattoo, it is worth going to another city, it is worth waiting for a date (if you have been waiting for many years, these few months do not matter).

It is worth carefully looking at the portfolio and contacting a tattoo artist who specializes in a particular style with an idea - there is no person who will do everything right. If someone deals exclusively with geometry, they will not make a realistic portrait. Also, if we only see mandalas in the portfolio, let's look for another tattoo artist or make a mandala.

What is this guide about and why should you read it?

The guide answers the most common questions about tattooing, which are asked by people who are just starting to tattoo or already know a little about this topic, but want to expand their knowledge.

It is worth reading it, because it shows that a tattoo and the decision about it is not so agile - there are many pitfalls awaiting us, for example, the fact that a tattoo studio in itself is not a guarantee of quality. It all depends on what kind of studio it is and what artists and artists work there. 

Is this material just for people before their first visit to a tattoo parlor?

I think that everyone can get something pleasant from the guide, because it is, first of all, systematized knowledge collected in one place, which can always be reached. I am not a supporter of doing anything for the so-called. Therefore, without much enthusiasm, I worked through the topics very carefully, using not only my experience, but also the situations that usually arise in the industry on a daily basis. I am a traveling tattoo artist, communication with many studios and tattoo artists in Poland and abroad has shown me that certain aspects are always problematic. I think it's nice to take a look at the guide, because we don't have a book in Poland that answers the most frequently asked questions. 

You attach great importance to representing the point of view of tattoo artists and tattoo artists. This can be used by people who want to pursue this profession. 

The work of a tattoo artist in the eyes of outsiders seems quick, easy and enjoyable. Our work is very difficult, and development in this profession requires sacrifice. It is both physical and emotional work. Not only do we work many hours a day in awkward positions that affect our movement system, we also need good interpersonal skills. We talk with the client about everything, not just the tattoo. For many, the tattoo has a healing function, the tattoo artist must show compassion, communication and patience. It takes many years to achieve a high level of work, people in this industry never stop developing - you have to devote a lot of yourself to learning the secrets of tattooing, there is not a single school that will show you: “So do it, don't do it. what is done ". You have to drop everything and get a tattoo, because you can't pull out 10 forty by the tail. It is a work with skin that is alive and unpredictable, as are the reactions of clients. You must know the rules of safety, virology, ergonomics of work, be a manager and a photographer, have a personal culture, be open to people, have a good understanding of interpersonal relationships, be able to work in a team, and, above all, get a good tattoo. Besides the time when we tattoo, we have to prepare the project, the workstation, advise the clients, clear the position according to the standards, prepare the photos, respond to messages, it is never an hour and go home. Often this is a job XNUMX/XNUMX, so it's easy to lose the line between your professional life and some remnants of your personal life - I'm the best example of this, I had huge problems with this. 

Every good tattoo artist wants a job well done. Do not deceive the client in anything. Since this work is a collaboration and we sign our tattoos with our first and last name, the quality must match. But for cooperation to be fruitful, both parties must understand each other. This is why I really want to show the point of view of the tattoo artist.

What will we learn from your guide?

I can't reveal everything! But I'll tell you a little bit of a secret ... Do you know, for example, why you only see a tattoo on the day of the tattoo, what motivates the client who wants to see the drawing earlier and the tattoo artist who doesn't want to submit the design? How does the tattoo change with our body - that is, how will the butterfly on the belly behave during and after pregnancy (a topic that appears very often in various groups)? Is the tattoo artist's time really related to their skill level? If someone makes A4 format in 2 hours, what is better with these blocks than someone who tattooed for 6 hours? And the cherry on the cake, what exactly affects the price of a tattoo? Because of what components does a tattoo cost the same as it does?

Ok, I read your tutorial ... what's next? What's next? What do you propose to do? Further expanding knowledge or - a march on the needle?

Knowledge should be studied always and everywhere! A person learns all his life, and asking questions and asking questions, in my understanding, is the highest value. However, this guide will definitely help you choose a tattoo studio, and dispel doubts about the tattoo itself, its location or size. But the final decision always remains with the person who wants to get a tattoo - this is not a set of rules that can and cannot be done, I am not Moses with the 10 commandments of tattooing. This is good advice that you can take to heart, but not necessarily. If someone is 100% ready - go for the needle 😉