OK first off, I will say I've never had a tattoo in my life, and never plan to. However, seeing folks getting them at a higher rate, posting the pics on Facebook, and even advertising about controversial (and possibly illegal) tattoo parties prompted me to blog about this subject.
I did, however, gather some views and feedback from folks that have been "tatted up",researched some tattoo studios, and even a couple of folks in the medical profession. The three most common ways to get a tattoo are: 1. Going to a tattoo studio (that is the actual term for a tattoo shop such as Ink Link, City of Link, etc) 2. A private, licensed artist that comes into your home, or you go to his/her private studio or home and get your tattoo. Finally, there's 3. Getting your tat at the suddenly popular "tattoo party". This is a huge extension on the private tattoo artist, as many folks at once are getting tatted up by sometimes just one person, in an environment that may or may not be as safe or clean as a studio.
Tattoo studios are required by law (sometimes stricter laws, depending upon the state) to be cleaner than many restrooms and restaurants. Needles must be sanitized constantly, and reputation is important. One should do their due diligence and research when choosing a tattoo studio. It should be about more than just price, or how nice the tattoo will come out. Obviously this is important. However, your health and safety should be #1 priority. Know the types of ink they use, see how their clients feel, even years after the tattoo, if they have any awards, bad reputations, etc. Also, you may even want to sit in on a session yourself to see how the whole process goes. If anything looks unprofessional or sketchy, think twice before choosing that studio. I mentioned City of Ink and Ink Link earlier because these are two reputable, award-winning, sanitary, and safe studios that I know about. Many of my friends and relatives have been to one or both of these studios. Ink Link has two studios that I know of near me, one in Shelby, NC, and the other in Gastonia, NC. The City of Ink is located in Atlanta, GA.
Having your own tattoo artist give you a private session can give you the best of both being in a studio and at a tattoo party. You can do it in the comfort of your own home if your artist sees fit, it can be often cheaper (and more flexible) than your average studio since they don't have tremendous overhead and such, and it's a more personal experience than in a shop getting marked up by a complete stranger. However, the same rules still apply. The artist should be reputable, professional, and clean. Tattoos are permanent, but you don't want minor side effects such as a rash or infection, or something major such as an STD due to a dirty needle. Exercise careful judgment, even if it's someone you've known your entire life. It may only be the two of you, but that does not exempt them from being hazardous to your skin.
Now the most cautious, controversial, and the method that I WOULD NOT recommend is the tattoo party. It's basically what it implies. One or more tattoo artists comes into a person's home, they throw a party, and have folks come over and receive tattoos. They pay the artist(s). It is often the most affordable method of the three, but also the riskiest. When you're doing many folks en masse, artists often do not take the time to properly clean their needles (or even make sure their surroundings are clean according to appropriate state laws). It can basically mirror drug addicts sharing drug needles. Sharing needles is the most popular way to spread blood-related diseases such as hepatitis, and even AIDS. It's quite a shock value, but it can be very, VERY dangerous. Again the rule of thumb applies, far as knowing the artist, making sure everything's clean, etc. But when it's an environment such as a tattoo party, the sanitation factor is often ruled out, adding to the risk. I've found that not many reputable tattoo artists will even do private sessions, let alone tattoo parties. I'm not being judgmental here as times do get tough, both for the person wanting the tat and the artist trying to generate business. However, I am being rational and cautious. There's honestly not a 100 percent guarantee that something will not go wrong in a studio or a private session. That risk is heightened when you go to a tattoo party for a tat.
I know some of you are behind me all the way on this, others of you (just like in many of my blogs) are shaking your heads in disgust. To the latter I say this: I'm not a gambling person. I may not have any tattoos to speak of, but if I were to get one, I want it to be from the safest source possible. And that would be in a studio with licensed, bonded, experienced, reputable professionals. I'm not trying to eat at a restaurant than has a filthy kitchen. Therefore, I would want to get my tattoo from an artist in a studio that is sparkling clean, guaranteed.
I only hope that whichever avenue you choose in which to get a tattoo, you exercise careful reasoning and judgment.
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