Overwhelmed at where to begin when choosing a tattoo studio and artist?  There are a few basic questions you can ask that will show you at once the level of professionalism of any given studio.

You've got the itch, a few ideas in your head... NOW where do you go?  Nearly every working day for over 30 years I've worked with 'virgins' seeking their first tattoo.  Some come with a bit of homework done, others enter on a whim with no idea of any aspect of the tattoo world.

I've talked to a number of international tattooers and together we've come up with five questions you can ask to give you an indication of the level of professionalism and customer care within a given tattoo studio.  

IF at any time you are not recieving proper, polite answers... well, that IS your answer!

Question One:  Call.  That's right, just call.  How is your call answered?  Phone etiquette is a lost art today.   Professionals will either answer promptly with courtesy or have an answering machine set up for taking messages.  If you leave a message... do they respond in a timely manner?

Ask a few quick questions like what their hours are, location, et cetera, and really listen to the reply.  Professionals know we have ONE chance to make a first impression and that phone call begins it all.  Don't like what ya hear over the phone?  Tone of voice, willingness to give general information?   Move on along.

When you have located a few who understand the importance of that phone impression it's time to go visit!

Question Two: Ask them what kind of bandage material they use.   A true professional knows that an open wound (tattoo) requires an absorbent bandage held in place with medical grade tape.  Hawaii state law actually REQUIRES that we use this.

If the personnel tell you plastic wrap... excuse yourself politely and shop further.   Please refer to my past article here on the dangers of plastic wrap and fresh tattoos.  And keep in mind that little thing called HAWAII STATE LAW!  If the studio is disregarding that regulation, what else are they disregarding?

The same warning applies with masking tape.  It's great for paint edging and packaging but not for attaching a bandage to the skin. Again, a professional will use proper material for its proper use.  Also in our regulations. 

A true professional cares about their client and respects our state's regulations for proper aftercare and bandaging.  It's your right as a client to recieve the best of the best, isn't it?  Your health depends on it!

Question Three:  Ask how they sterilize their needles and tubes.  Since both have contact with broken skin it is imperative that they are sterilized.  Not only clean, but also they MUST be sterilized in an autoclave.   Many studios use pre-packaged, sterilized needles along with pre-packaged, sterilized tubes both of which are disposed of in a sharps container at the end of the procedure.   Acceptable... in fact a totally disposable shop is #1 in my book!

Question Four:  Ask what kind of surface cleaner they use on their work surfaces and client chairs/tables.  Alcohol, 409, bleach, et cetera are not acceptable.   Hospital grade disinfectants that are tuberculocidal are THE answer.  A tuberculocidal is the gold standard in surface disinfectants.   For an in depth response, ask them the kill time for their disinfectant.  If they do not know it... or what that even means... oh, gosh.  WRONG answer!

All hospital grade disinfectants have a kill time where they must remain WET on the surface for up to 10 minutes in order to eliminate TB, HBV, HCV, HIV, HPV and a host of other blood borne pathogens.  If the tattooer you are talking with can't answer properly, then can it be assumed they aren't using the product properly?  (If you check some of your household cleaners you will find a recommended kill time on the label! make sure to follow it!)

 

Part of a quality blood borne pathogen training course is education about surface disinfectants, etc.  We can make this question 4 1/2!  'What blood borne pathogen training have you taken?'  This is NOT where you want to hear 'none'.   If you are in the studio ask to see such certification. 

Question Five:  Ask to see photos of work that has been done. Not only are you looking at the quality of the work but take a closer look at the photo.  Is it an actual photo and not something cut out of a magazine or copied online?   Yep, it happens! 

Note the background of the photo....if it is of a fresh tattoo are there any discrepancies in the background?  I've seen photos of work with open tattoos touching upholstered furniture!  ACK!

Professional tattooers are proud of their work and should have a portfolio to present it.  You shouldn't have to just look at what's in the camera or on a buddy standing close by!  (It happens.) 

By taking these five simple questions and assessing the responses you can narrow your search for a quality professional who understands the responsibility we have to our clients.

Please be short and to the point, and respect the other voices in the discussion. You may edit and delete comments for up to three days after date of post. We reserve the right to edit or delete inappropriate comments. For more information read our site policies »

In order to comment, you must be logged in. Login | Register | Help

Comment

Denotes required fields.