By: Danny West

As evident from almost 10 million hits on Google, the cultural phenomenon of getting ‘tatted up’ is perhaps at the height of its popularity.  One has little to ponder then when wondering why a search of “first time tattoos” renders such a quick an extensive response.

The truth is that, while these sites may give information that the contributors may think is privy and important, they really don’t do much in clarifying their generalized statements, or even offering any advice into how a person might go about finding key information to which they so often elude. And while “finding a clean shop” may be an important footnote in your first tattoo experience, other than walking into an establishment and seeing a cockroach crawl across the floor, will you know what to look for?

Here’s a bit of common sense advice to help you find that perfect tattoo parlor at which to get your fresh ink: Ask your friends.  Find out where they went and how they felt about the ordeal. Were they treated well by the staff? Were they told what to expect? Were they taught the proper techniques of caring for their new tattoo? If you’re worried about the cleanliness of a certain establishment, ask your inked up friends a couple key questions: Before beginning the tattoo process, did the artist pour ink into fresh cups? Did the tattooist wrap his gun in saran wrap? And did you physically see this person throw away these materials before you left?

It is important that the ink your artist uses on you is fresh. If they were to use ink that was used on a previous client, think about what could be in that ink.  The needle is dipped into your ink and then is applied to your skin where it will penetrate and draw blood. It is then dipped back into the ink and this whole process is repeated again and again. The saran wrap over the gun and chair are for similar purposes. The ink, along with your blood, has the tendency to splatter, and while most tattoo artists are religious about cleaning off their work environment and equipment, the cling film will certainly lessen the possibility of a splash of blood or tainted ink being overlooked.  And finally, while getting my most recent tattoo, my artist informed me of this story he’d read online where the shop owners were pouring the unused ink back into the bottles in order to keep costs down, and while this may be slightly cheaper for the proprietors, it can be very dangerous for the clients.  Know the people that you’re dealing with, as they are, at the very moment needle touches skin, in control of your fate.

Furthermore, dabble into online tattoo forums. Chances are good that the shop you are looking at will have information out there, and perhaps more importantly, a plethora of feedback.  If you’re unsure where to start, have a look at Inkednation.com.

Of course, the most important steps before making that jump from fantasy to reality, is deciding what to have tattooed on you and where to have that piece put.  And while the Internet is generally a good place to find endless amounts of flash (generic drawings that adorn the walls of most tattoo parlors) these are rarely pieces that a tattoo savvy individual would wear, though it may be a good starting point for your own idea.  “Pick something that has meaning to you” is one of the most commonly worthless statements that you will be given during this time.  I say, pick something that excites you.  What you feel strongly about now may be completely irrelevant to you ten years down the road. Realize that a tattoo is simply art and picking your first piece will be a lot easier.

Artwork by Galen McHatton - Studio XIII - Cocoa Beach, FL

Finally, body location is equally important, regardless of how open minded you may be, know that the world isn’t. Having tattoos in easily viewed locations will affect how you are perceived at any place you may venture. You will be judged, thought less of and discriminated against -- not because of the color of your skin, but because of the colors on your skin. Thus, throw on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, something you might wear in the most casual working environments, and stand in front of a mirror.  Any place on your body that is currently covered in fabric is free game, at least at this point.

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