My folks always drove home the idea that in life we get what we pay for... if we want cheap, we get cheap. This is particularly disturbing when it comes to tattooing. Hardly a day goes by that tattooers in legitimate shops are not asked to repair a poorly done cheap tattoo.
It seems to always start with, "I only paid $XX for this..." as if it is a badge of courage. To us it is a badge of, "I really don't care about my body or my health... I just wanted cheap," and they got it. Now they have an abomination on their skin and possibly a life threatening disease for a bonus. Heavy scarring, bad lines, bad decisions on design and placement... we see it every day. With the proliferation of equipment sales to the unskilled and uneducated the problem is escalating tremendously.
This seemed like a good idea between sisters. On the FOREARM of a young lady. She was counseled about removal but after inquiring she felt it was too expensive. Reluctantly a coverup was done for her.
Middle photo shows placement of roses/tribal and the last picture shows the final result.
Recently a young man show us a cross on his side with raised scarred skin that looked like a hot dog had been inserted under his hide! The scariest part is he went on to show us lettering he had allowed the same amatuer to do... horribly misspelled and placed all cattywhappus! Twice! He let this person 'attack' him TWICE! Auwe! Yep, his buddy bought him a bona fide tattoo kit and that made him a tattoer by golly! (please see my previous column on tattoo kits!)
Scarred tissue is very difficult to work with and the end results of cover-up or correction are not perfect, even in the hands of the most skilled tattooer. Damaged tissue will remain damaged tissue, even under the most beautiful of designs. This young man's 'hot dogs' will be there glaring out from under whatever is attempted to cover his homie cross. And that lettering... it covered him from shoulder to shoulder across his chest. Not in a nice rocker (arch) but scratched here and yonder like a meandering garden path! Only a massive cover-up that will set him back more than a six pack!
Shops are always fielding phone calls (people still let their fingers do the walking!) about price inquiries. When I gave my price for eyeliner it was answered with, "Why are you so high? So n so does it for $50 and she uses food coloring. Why don't you?" Unless your face is a cupcake why would you allow someone to insert food coloring under your skin in your public face? And isn't your face worth more than $50? Double auwe!
Isn't any part of your body worth more than a cheap price?
Not only is one setting up for a visual disaster when letting the price be the deciding factor in obtaining body art....what about the health issues? Is someone who is willing to trade you a six pack, $50 or other cheap price really thinking of the best interest of their client? Do they understand the health issues involved? Any clue to the idea of sterilization? Clean Technique? The difference between antiseptics and disinfectants? Shelf life of Hep B/C? For that cheap price you might be getting an extra thrown in at no cost... except your life. Hawaii has one of the highest rates of hepatitis in the nation. Care to spin that gun chamber while playing Russian Roulette with your health and life?
When shopping for a tattooer please seek a professional. That is NOT someone who has a niche set up in their home/garage with the latest garbage equipment they got online or from shoddy suppliers. It is a business person who is state licensed and works in a legitimate, inspected studio. Ask to see their certifications, licenses and portfolio. Ask questions and expect professional answers. Do NOT settle for a grunt or a snarly answer. You have but one body, trust it to a real professional who is willing to discuss with you at length concerns over design and health issues.
Your life just might depend on it.
For reference please view www.hcvadvocate.org A Hep C program.
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