MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND LIES
MYTH: Tattoos are art.
ANSWER: True enough. However, some tattoos are good art, poorly done... and some tattoos are bad art, done well. Find a tattooist who is competent with both a pencil and a tattoo machine.

MYTH: You bet it hurts
ANSWER: Not as much as you think and definitely not as much as some would like to you to believe. Yes, some areas are more tender than others, but the discomfort is manageable if you're getting what you really want, where you really want it.

MYTH: A tattoo will change your life
ANSWER: Only if your self image is as shallow as your skin. Don't lay some heavy mystical-type expectation on your decision to get tattooed. On the other had, the decision is permanent. Choose the Design, lotion, and art wisely.

MYTH: Everyone should get a tattoo
ANSWER: Actually, some people live full and happy lives with just the original skin tones they were born with, thank you. Tattoos are a matter of personal choice. And that includes the choice not to get one.

MYTH: Anyone who is artistic can tattoo
ANSWER: Don't bet your skin on it. The ability to draw neat designs does not make you a tattooist. Without the proper equipment, mechanical skill and technical knowledge, that pretty paper design can turn into anything from mush to scar tissue in a couple of months.

MYTH: Every tattooist has artistic talent
ANSWER: Unfortunately, this is false. A good deal of a professional tattooist's time is spent fixing or covering someone else's "artistic talent".

MYTH: A good artist can do any tattoo
ANSWER: Not necessarily. While most professionals are capable of a variety of styles, they usually have a specialty, a unique style of tattooing they've developed and are very good at. That artist who's known for his killer tribal work may not be choice for the portrait of mom and dad you've been planning. Match the design you want with the artist who can pull it off.

MYTH: My tattoo doesn't look right, I'll just go back to the guy and have him fix it.
ANSWER: Bad idea. Odds are that if his first attempt is botched, so will his second, adn his third... Steer clear. A professional may be able to fix-up that blotched job, but if you keep going back to the butcher, you'll probably end up with an even darker, uglier tattoo that requires a cover up much larger and much more expensive.

MYTH: Wall certificates prove that it's a good tattoo shop
ANSWER: Not necessarily. With the exception of "APT" certificates, which show the artist is affiliated with a professional organization which is concerned with safe, sterile tattooing procedures, most other "certificates" claiming professional status are merely wallpaper freebies from supply companies. Hardly the "proof" to bet one's health on.

MYTH: Tattoos are accepted by society now
ANSWER: Yes, more than say 10 or 20 years ago, but not as mainstream as you may think. Most non-tattooed people still associate tattooing with sailors, circus sideshows, skid row drunks, and outlaw rebels. You would be wise to place your first tattoo where it is covered by normally worn clothing.

MYTH: Artist want you to get real big designs so they can charge more.
ANSWER: Nonsense. Most established professionals have more work than they can handle and can make more money doing a lot of small uncomplicated pieces than a few large complex ones.

MYTH: If I don't get a tattoo today, I probably won't get one.
ANSWER: Don't get one. An impulsive whim is a really stupid reason to make such a permanent decision. If you wouldn't get a tattoo tomorrow, don't get one today.

MYTH: Photos are the best way to judge an artist's talent
ANSWER: No. The best way is to see real tattoos on real people. Photos are second best. They do give you a good idea of what the artist is capable of. Drawings or flash may reflect a tattooist's taste and artistic ability, but give no clue as to his ability to tattoo those designs on your skin.

MYTH: Wall flash is junk. Custom tattoos are the only way to go.
ANSWER: If you go into a studio with that attitude, you're just a tattoo snob. On the other hand, if the stuff on the walls really is junk, maybe you don't want someone with that lack of artistic taste to be putting holes in your skin. Odds are that his "custom" work wont be much better.

MYTH: I want your cheapest tattoo
ANSWER: Go home. If you're shopping price, it's a safe bet you're getting tattooed for all the wrong reasons... it's cool, my friends have one, I'm expressing my individuality, it'll piss mom off. If you're serious about getting a tattoo, get exactly what you want, even if you have to save up for it.

MYTH: But I really want "Rock Rules" on my knuckles. I'll never regret it.
ANSWER: Yeah, right. And that guy over there still thinks his true love is having his ex-wife's name forever tattooed on his chest. If a tattooist refuses to do a particular design, think about it before you blow your top... he just may have a good reason.

MYTH: You don't need an autoclave, this works just as well.
ANSWER: Absolutely not. The only acceptable means of sterilization is with an autoclave. Boiling water, dry heat units, alcohol, bleaching, or any other kind of voodoo just won't cut it.

MYTH: You're not a real tattoo fan if you don't have lots of tattoos
ANSWER: Definitely not true. A person with one terrific tattoo displays more respect for the art form than someone with an armful of uninspired badly inked images.

MYTH: Well I scratched and picked and I didn't lose any color
ANSWER: Either you're very lucky or you're color blind. Leave it alone.

MYTH: Don't put any ointment on it, keep it dry and it'll heal faster.
ANSWER: Not so. Allowing it to dry out leads to faster development of scabs, but not faster healing. heavy scabs actually pull color out of tattoos.

ARE TATTOOS SAFE
So you've given the idea of getting a tattoo a lot of thought. You've got a pretty good idea of what you want, where you want it, and you're convinced you'll still want it 20 years down the road. Yet you can't help but wonder....is it really safe?

Deciding to get a tattoo these days should indeed raise the question of safety. What risk, if any, are involved? How are those risks minimized or eliminated? What should I, as a client, look for in a studio and what questions should I be asking?

This page is designed to help you make an informed decision based upon facts, no fears. Presented here are issus, answers, and information that will increase your understanding of infection control in the professional tattooing environment.

Is Tattooing Safe?
Yes...if proper sterilization and infection control standards are practiced by the studio you've chosen. Basically, this means anything that comes in contact with blood / body fluids must either be disposed of (single-use) or sterilized (autoclaved).

How do I know if proper standards are being followed?
First, look around. Is the studio clean and professional looking? Appearances can tell you a lot. Then, ask questions. Does the studio practice "Universal Precautions"? Is there an autoclave? Are the needles and other items single-use? Are OSHA approved disinfectants used? A professional studio takes pride in its safe tattooing procedures and won't mind answering your concerns.

What is "Universal Precautions"?
Universal Precautions is a part of the Bloodborne Pathogens Rule, issued by the OSHA. Is is applicable to any health service environment, including tattooing, in which contact with blood and body fluids is present. It means that all infection control procedures and practices are followed all the time. No exceptions.

What does the term "single-use" needles mean?
This means that every set of needles used to apply your tattoo are brand new. They are individually packaged, sealed, and autoclaved. An indicator strip on the package changes color when processing has occurred. After use, the needles are disposed of. One needle, one customer.

What about inks and other materials?
All ointments, pigments, gloves, ink cups, razors, etc. used to apply your tattoo are discarded after use. Nothing is reused. This eliminates any possibility of contamination of materials. After the tattoo procedure has been completed, the work area surfaces are disinfected with an EPA approved veridical which kills any surface bacteria or viruses.

OK, what about "AIDS"?
It takes 10 micro liters (equivalent to 10 drops) of blood and deep intramuscular puncture to transmit the HIV virus. Since tattoo needles are solid core (not hollow like a syringe) and the tattoo is applied just beneath the skin's surface, it is highly unlikely. There has never been a documented case of AIDS transmission from tattooing.

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Inc. was established in 1992 as a non-profit educational organization. Its primary concern is the continuing education of artists and their apprentices in the practice of infection control, as well as the establishment and implementation of professional standards and practices with regard to health and safety within the tattoo industry.

Over 700 tattoo artists have successfully completed the "Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing" course taught by Dr. Kris Sperry, a forensic pathologist from Atlanta, Georgia. This course is an intense, in-depth study of infection control, the facts and cycles of disease transmission, and the practical application of proper standards of practice to eliminate risks. In addition, the APT also makes available educational information and materials to the general public, press, medical authorities and government agencies to clarify issues relating to the prevention of disease transmission within the tattoo environment.

It is the goal of the APT to educate both artists and clients alike, that when proper standards are learned and applied, tattooing is a safe expression of art.

AFTER CARE

-Remove bandage after 2 hours, DO NOT RE-BANDAGE

-Wash tattoo with your hand (make sure hand is clean) using warm, soapy water. Rinse with cold water. Don't over soak your tattoo. Keep out of the direct spray of the shower. Pat dry, DO NOT rub with towel.

-For 7 to 10 days or until tattoo is healed, apply Vitamin A&D Ointment or Bacitracin or Zinc Oxide Ointment 3 to 4 times daily after washing tattoo. Keep tattoo moist. If allergic to these ointments, use a water based lotion such as Curel.

-Tattoo will flake. DO NOT pick at the flakes or you may pull the color out. Try not to let clothing rub on your tattoo while it is healing.

-NO Swimming or sun-tanning until healed. Apply a high SPF sunblock to tattoo after healed to prevent fading.