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messyhandstattoo · 2 months

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Numbing Cream - fight or flight the pain

Numbing cream can be used during a tattoo to help manage the pain of getting a tattoo. It's an interesting topic in the tattoo space, as some are fiercely against it, some are for and some don't care.

So let's break it down, so you can make decisions about whether you use it or not.

Why do people use numbing cream?

Numbing cream is usually considered an option to manage (not eliminate) pain during a tattoo. I'm sure most people who have sat through hours of tattooing can tell you the different waves of feeling okay and wanting to bite your artist through the experience of getting a tattoo.

This is because while getting tattooed, your body is having a variety of chemical responses to the process and pain. Your body at first is going to feel a rush of adrenaline, which may carry you a bit from feeling lots of pain. When the pain starts to hit, your body releases endorphins - in response to pain, which can make you feel sort of high, and relive the pain to come extent.

This can make the body feel intense and relaxed at the same time, and can last 2-3 hours, depending on the person. It's usually why most people say after the 4 hour mark, everything sucks.

Pain is also psychological too! I'm sure most of us can say our first tattoo, or tattoos in spot people grimace or straight up tell you it's cooked, can be pretty nerve wracking. Which impacts your body's response to pain.

What is it?

We're going to get a bit science-y (very professional way to refer to this), but I think it's important to look at it from this perspective, so you can make an informed decision, rather than just repackaging opinions I have or have heard.

Numbing cream is also known as topical anaesthetic, can include the following main active ingredients

Lidocaine (also called lignocaine)

Prilocaine

Tetracaine.

Please note that here in Australia at least, topical anaesthetics are considered scheduled medicines due to the concertration of these active ingredients. This means they can only be sold/supplied by authorised/licensed individuals under the controlled substances act 1984. Tattoo artists and laser technicians are not authorised to sell or supply scheduled medicines to the public.

Numbing creams that contain more than 2% but less than 10% lidocaine (lignocaine) are available for purchase in a pharmacy. Anything above 10%, are only available via prescription from a doctor.

Why is this? Well there's dangers and risks associated with numbing cream. But let's peddle to how it works first.

How does it work?

Numbing creams work by blocking the nerves responsible fo transmitting pain signals to the brain. I'm sure we would all know from early school science diagrams, nerves extend throughout our bodies.

Numbing cream can come in a gel or cream form, the three main active ingredients (lidocaine/lignocaine, prilocaine and tetracaine) are absorbed through the skin and inhibit nerve function, which provides pain relief.

Sometimes adrenaline or epinephrine are added to numbing cream to reduce bleeding during a tattoo.

Lets extend on those active ingredients and look at what they actually do:

Lidocaine is a nerve deadener, and it stops the initial shock of pain. Though they only affect the nerves on the first layer of skin. You'll still be able to feel pain from the nerves below.

Prilocaine causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissue.

Tetracaine is a nerve blocker, and stops the nerves from registering pain by dulling the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain. Your body is less what the actual fuck, and more god damn okay.

Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor, which constricts blood vessels (reducing swelling/bleeding) and slow down the absorption of other aesthetics. Which means a nerve blocking ingredient (such as tetracaine) will last longer. Without a vasoconstrictor, creams wear off quicker.

What are the dangers/risks?

Some of the anaesthetic can get absorbed into the blood stream through the skin, which can have serious side effects or toxicity. You can also have allergies to these anaesthetics.

The amount you apply and how you apply it can have severe side effects or toxicity including:

Irregular heart beat

Seizures

Breathing difficulties

Coma

Death

Applying too much or using occlusive methods without advice from a health professional advice or following product instructions can put you at risk. You may also have underlying health issues that can effect what cream you can and can not use.

Occlusion, is the blockage or closing or an opening, blood vessel or hollow organ. In relation to numbing cream, occlusion techniques you may have heard of is applying a large amount of numbing cream and covering the area with plastic or cling wrap. This can lead to an increased absorption of the active ingredients into the blood stream leading to the toxicity and side effects mentioned above.

To minimise these risks:

Seek, chat to and follow the advice of a health practitioner (pharmacist, compound pharmacist, GP, nurse etc)

Purchase from a reputable pharmacy or chat to a doctor about whether something more than 10% is safe for this process.

Test patch - use the cream in an area away from where you're intending to get the tattoo, to test if you're allergic.

Follow product instructions, along with health practitioner advice.

Openly communicate with your tattoo artist about your decision - as I said in the beginning, there are varying opinions from all sorts of artist about the use of numbing cream. I have been tattooed by and work wth artist that don't mind or are for it, and I've also been tattooed and worked with artist who will cancel or turn you away on the day for using numbing cream. So always inform your artist or ask if they are happy to tattoo you with numbing cream.

Numbing Sprays? And gels? While tattooing?

You may have also see numbing sprays and gels, usually used during the process of tattooing.

I personally have had artists use numbing sprays towards the end of sessions on large pieces, when I start to be a bit more sensitive to touch and tattooing.

Generally it's use on skin already opened by tattooing, which is continually worked on. Usually these sprays and gels are some type of first aid pain relief or antiseptic, used for cuts, scrapes and minor burns. Which can sometimes contain the active ingredients in numbing creams.

Always check what and when your products should be used during a tattoo to minimise any risks. Generally you should also not be choosing multiple products for before and during the tattoo as well.

Why do some artists not like numbing cream?

It's all personal preference for an artist. Generally many will say the pain is a rite of passage (is this kind of sadistic?)

Well it is part of the tattooing culture, and in some cultures it's extremely important. In ancient Polynesia, traditional body tattoos take years and the enduring of pain demonstrated character depth, allegiance and earned respect. "Pe'a", the traditional male tattoo translates to "protect" Mayans receive tattooed in honour of braving the process, as it symbolised they had the fortitude to deal with pain and suffering. Tribes in northeast India perceive tattoos as a symbol of strength, courage and vitality because of the associated pain.

Deferring from the opinions of pain being an essential part of tattooing, we already spoke about the potential risks and dangers associated with using these creams, gels and sprays. This is a valid stand point to have, as we aren't medical professionals and we are not all fully equip to deal with the adverse reactions that can arise from use.

Some also are of the opinion that these creams, gels and sprays interfere with the process and healing of the tattoo. This is a hard one to be on either side of the fence, I think at least. Everyone's body is different and a tattoo artist is susceptible to their own tattoo application as well (you can never guarantee you're tattooing EXACTLY the same every time or every person). There's a lot of competing factors, I think, that create variables already, without the involvement of numbing creams, gels and sprays.

However some say the desensitisation of the skin can make it hard to stretch the skin, make the skin texture slippery or difficult to get the needle and ink into the skin.

I've definitely had this experience, without the knowledge that my client has applied numbing cream, I as an apprentice, thought I was absolutely loosing my god damn mind, because I could not get the needle or ink in.

Some have said during the healing process, the numbing cream, gels and sprays interfere with the natural healing process. Ingredients that impede blood circulation (epinephrine - a vasoconstrictor) delay formation of healing cells, which hinder skin regeneration essential to healing. So you may have a longer healing process and can be susceptible to infections that lead to complications.

Where are we at with it all?

Alright at the end of all this info dump, what should you take away?

Understand the ingredients in your numbing cream to guarantee yourself safety and effectiveness.

Talk to a health practitioner about your health, the risks and options about using numbing creams, gels and sprays before and during a tattoo.

Chat to your artist about what would make you feel most comfortable to manage pain, and if they feel comfortable about your use of these products.

I personally really don't have much opinion due to my own lack of experience using and working with numbing creams, gels and sprays. I am of the opinion to chat to a medical professional to make an informed decision, chat to me about your intention of use and we'll make a decision that make you and I feel comfortable for the process.

#tattoo advice #tattoo numbing cream #numbing cream

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messyhandstattoo · 2 months

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Cover Ups: It's not always the end of the world

Tattoo regret is completely normal, and okay. Sometimes it's stems from no longer feel attached to a concept, not enjoying the placement or you had a goofy drunk stick and poke night with the pals.

Everyone deserves to feel good in their skin, and the process of laser can be pretty expensive, and not always necessary for a cover up.

Laser? No Laser?

Laser is fading existing ink particles, you can completely remove or significantly fade a tattoo. Depending on the skin type, ink colours and how old a tattoo is, it' determine how many sessions you'll need.

Some artists may reccomend laser, but usually it's dependant on what your cover up idea is. So always chat to your artist about what they reccomend for your vision.

I'm not a laser technician, so I can't really give you much information about pricing and how any sessions you'd need. I reccomend having a chat to any removal places in regards to that.

I have just heard it can be quite lengthy and expensive. On top of the finances of getting a tattoo as well, it's not always the most ideal scenario.

What should I be thinking about for cover ups?

Generally covers ups use elements of the original design to create something entirely new. It's like hiding an artwork within an artwork, so generally a cover up tends to be large and darker.

However, there are some incredible artists that don't follow that rule and do some amazing cover ups with vibrant colours. So always seek an experienced cover up artist.

Depending on what you're covering up, and what the cover up is, you tattoo may also take multiple passes too. Sometimes this is the case to build colour or have specific details.

What I reccomend thinking about for cover up ideas:

Seeking experienced artists - not all artists are experienced or have the mind for cover ups, and that's okay. Make sure you seek an artist who can help and chat to you about your wants, needs and expectations about cover ups. They should be able to help you navigate a cover up by talking with you about what does and doesn't work, placement and if or how the process many differ to your usual tattoo experience.

The existing tattoo - do you want to completely cover the existing tattoo, or keep parts of the original tattoo visible? This will help you decide your ideas/concepts.

Flexibility - sometimes it's not as simple as covering an existing tattoo with something new. Usually we need to consider if aspects of the new idea are going to be able to cover up what's underneath. If it doesn't, it can look messy. So I suggest picking a couple of concepts/ideas you enjoy that you'd like to use as a cover up.

Cover up do not have to be as simple of slapping a black square and calling it a day. There are some really brilliant people out there, that can help you decide on concepts/ideas that'll make you feel good in your skin. Seek them out! And if you're unsure where to start, ask an artist you trust for their advice and recommendation about a cover up journey.

#tattoo advice #cover up tattoo

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messyhandstattoo · 3 months

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Tattoo pricing - Small, medium, large? (This is not McDonald’s)

Often, your tattoo artists asks you to provide a size in cms, why is this? Why doesn’t small, medium, large make sense?

Basically, everyone has a different gauge of what these sizes mean, cms is a universal metric system, and can easily convey what size you’re thinking.

Generally your sizing impacts the price, achievable style and healing. Simply, the bigger you go = more time + money + healing time. But beyond length of appointment, pricing and the itchy hell you’ll be in, there are other things to consider.

Getting all the details

Sizing impacts the general and complex details of your design. Generally the smaller the size, the less detail you can fit, as you always want the tattoo to have enough room to grow over time. Our tattoos are as ephemeral as our bodies, sizing is important to guarantee the longevity legibility. Over time, the lines of your tattoo will thicken naturally, they get this soft and blurred look, this is because your skin is changing.

Why size matters (kinda)

But bigger isn’t necessarily always better, sometimes overly large designs don’t compliment the placement on the body and can look awkward and out of place. There’s certain flows to the body that can be disrupted when you place something that’s not complementary to the placement.

Speaking of placements, which I know a lot of clients struggle with, when thinking of the body always consider the gaps left over when you place designs anywhere.

Often when clients place things above the back of the elbow, or above the knees, I will always ask if they have future plans for their knees/elbows. Not because I’m a sadist and want everyone to experience joint tattoos, however, elbow/knee tattoo placements are unique and can be nice spots for symmetrical or generally cool designs. When you choose above the elbow/above the knee, this can ‘cut into’ those spaces, limiting your future plans, and sometimes resulting in gaps that leave you awake at night.

Often I’ve heard from patch work collectors, is they wish they attacked those spots first or thought about the gaps they would be left with as they continue to collect without thinking much about placement.

It’s really not that serious, but always consider the spaces you’re cutting into, and the gaps you’ll be left with. Can you think of anything to fill it? If not, are you okay with the gap left over? If you’re unsure of future plans (because sometimes we become collectors by accident) I always recommend leaving bigger potential space. It’s always easier to fill a bigger space, than small/strangely shaped gaps.

So, get the a ruler

Size appropriately, and if unsure, ask you artist for advice! See if they can recommend a couple of different spots and sizes (minimum, ideal, and largest). If something can’t be done the size you’re seeking, feel free to ask why, it’ll always help you make informed decisions for the future.

If there are certain details or a tattoo style in your references you enjoy, make sure you highlight that to your artist, so they can help you with sizing.

Always know just because you’ve seen it tattooed, doesn’t mean it was always a good idea to put it there.

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messyhandstattoo · 4 months

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Can you draw it up for me?

Receiving a tattoo is a pretty daunting and exciting process, it’s there forever, so it makes sense if you would like to see the design beforehand. But it doesn’t always happen, often, you don’t see the design till the night before or the day of, why is that?

Let’s start with time, time is super limited for everyone, you artists often work from a schedule ranging from 4-6 day weeks (maybe even more!).

Usually, full days are 7-8 hours, after which we’re usually disassociating and trying to muster up the strength to look after ourselves, and do it all over again tomorrow. Somehow, socialising, admins, family and living it chucked in there (don’t ask me for the formula/math, it’s an equation for you to figure out). So more often than not, simply, artist don’t have the time to pre draw designs for you to view a head of time.

That doesn’t mean you can’t ask, but also you shouldn’t expect it for free. Often appointments are booked with a deposit, and sometimes people ask to see designs without a booked appointment that’s secured with a deposit. I always think of asking for a pre-drawn design, like going through a commission process. An upfront payment, secures a final product for you at the end of the process.

How do I approach this request?

Not all artists have the time/energy to pre draw designs, so first and foremost, just check! If they’re happy to do it, continue the process, and make sure you provide all the details they need to do this for you. If so, always check their rates, and how long it’ll take for them to complete this for you.

If an artist doesn’t have the capacity to do this, ask them if they’d be happy to use a reference you commission from another artist (doesn’t necessarily have to be a tattoo artist, could be a regular artist!). One of the many benefits of working in tattooing, is creative freedom. Sometimes artists will not take on concept where you would like something exactly like a picture, sometimes reference also do not translate well into a tattoo as well, which is why often your artist prefers to draw your design.

General etiquette is if a design is drawn by a tattoo artist, they prefer to be the one to tattoo it, if you have the intentions to have somebody else tattoo it, please make sure you check the artist is okay with this!

Some artists have tickets or pre drawn designs that can be purchased, and tattooed by other artists, so have a check and ask if this is relevant to who you’re approaching. This concept of paying for a predrawn designs or paying for tattoo tickets, is a way for an artist to be paid for their art and labour.

The grand reveal

That doesn’t mean you get what you get and you don’t get upset. We always want to make sure you’re absolutely happy with the design, as it’s there forever, and a reflection of our work and skill too. That’s why communicating your references, and desired details are important.

We understand it can be super nerve wracking not knowing what you’re going to get till the day of an appointment, so let’s talk about some tips that can give you a bit of piece of mind.

Always choose an artist you trust. How do you do that? How do you trust an artist?

I always recommend finding an artist, who’s portfolio you really enjoy. When you can sit down, and absolutely love every single piece they do, and you’re really excited to collect their work. I find when you are absolutely set on a design, and then have to seek an artist it can be difficult, because you already have a very clear vision of what you want. It can sometimes feel like trying to jam a triangle block into a square shaped hole.

I think there should be balance, have a concept that you’re happy to have moulded and changed (change is not always bad), and find an artist you’re super excited to collect work from. More often than not, I feel you’ll be left with something that feels like a happy collaboration of ideas. We understand the idea of not being about to be absolutely certain what you’re getting can make you hesitate to book in, that’s what consult are for!

Generally consults tend to be in person, and take about 15-30 mins, it gives you an opportunity to meet the artist and have a chat about what you’re thinking, and ask any questions you have as well. They are super helpful if you have trouble trying to describe what you’re thinking of.

Don’t be afraid of change

Artists often will change and redraw designs from the references you provide, why is this? Depending on the size, style and location on the body, they changes may be done to better compliment the placement on the body and ensure it ages well in the future. But what if it not what you want?

That’s why communicating what you want is super important. Often we say we’re not sure what we want, but subconsciously we have an idea, it’s the artist’s and your job to have a conversation about your wants, need and expectation about a design. How do you pull that out of yourself? Something you can ask yourself include:

Where’s it going? Do I have multiple placements that could influence size?

Why there? Do I have future plans? Is it something I want hidden/able to see all the time

What styles do I enjoy? What about them do I like?

What styles do I not enjoy? What about them do I not like?

Do I have future plans? Do I need my tattoos to be in a cohesive style?

What are some details in the references I’ve sent, that I like? (General shape, small details, poses, subject, colours etc)

Know that small changes can be made on the day for you, but to avoid needing to reschedule an appointment due to needing to make big changes to a design, these are some essential questions that can help guide your artist.

Happy decision making! I believe in you.

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messyhandstattoo · 4 months

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Tattoo Pricing - Why are tattoos expensive?

Hey friend!

Something that can be super confronting and confusing when getting tattooed, is the price. Pricing can be determined by a number of factors, which is why they can range quite a lot!

So lets run through some basics, that can help you understand pricing, your budget and how you’ll start your collection.

Why do artists need to charge so much?

Where is all the money going when a tattoo artist takes a payment?

Generally a tattoo artist, when working for a studio runs on a percentage cut or a rental booth rate. Percentage cut, means from the total price charged for a tattoo, a percentage is given to the shop to maintain what they provide. Percentage cuts can range from 30%-50%. Where as a rental booth rate, may be based on a daily charge, weekly charge or determined by the specific amount of days an artist works, this could range from $120 daily and more.

Provisions a studio can provide include, the space itself, cleanliness of the space, the bed/arm rests, some supplies (depending on the studio - stencil paper, sterilisation room/equipment, inks, needles, barrier plastics) and other resources. On top of that depending on location and legislation, a studio may have to hold a licence to operate, pay rent for the building, provide work insurance or pay other staff (reception, assistants, social media etc).

I am not Mr Worldwide, so PLEASE, this is just information relevant to the locations I’ve worked in.

For an artist there are benefits to both systems. If an artist is consistently busy weekly, paying a rental booth rate may work out cheaper than having a percentage taken from each tattoo done during their work week. But when work may be slow, or weeks are impacted by cancellations/no shows, the rental booth rate may mean they have to pay out of pocket when profit benchmarks aren’t met to cover the rate.

So lets do some real simple maths (because I really shouldn’t be doing maths), if an artist charges you $100 for a tattoo, and the shop cut is 40%, they earn $60, from the $100 you paid.

Your artists work as sole traders, they’re self employed so that means they are trading on their own in the studio space. In which they give part of their earnings, in exchange for the space/resources provided.

So, what may happen to that $60?

Where’s the $60 going?

As sole traders, this means artists are not employee of the studio, but self employed, so what does that mean?

This means, your artists don’t have payroll tax, or are a part of compulsory employee superannuation contributions. Generally they are responsible for any tax payable by their business, and providing their own super contributions.

What does this all mean? It can be pretty confusing, if you’ve never had to worry about it at with your job.

Basically, when you’re an employee of a business, part of your wage is deducted for tax by your employer. So at the end of a financial year, you lodge a tax return in which you could receive a tax refund or owe tax, based on your earnings, deductions or offsets. As an employee of a business, your employer must pay super guarantee at least everything 3 months, about 11% of an employee’s ordinary time earnings. Super, is paid to workers to provide for their retirement.

So, after that hopefully explanatory (it was probably still confusing) explanation, the simple formula is - self employed = pay the money yourself (tax + super)

From that $60, your artist may (should) put aside some money for tax time and into their super. The amount they put aside for both is up to their discretion, there’s no right or wrong amount, but generally there’s probably a guide (which I will not get into because this is not business advice, I’m just a gal lol).

So let’s say your artist, from that $60 decides to put at least $20 for tax, and $20 to their super.

That leaves $20.

Alright, the $20, where might that go?

So there’s $20, surely that just gets pocketed? Maybe not.

As we previously established, a studio may provide some supplies but not all. Generally, tattoo studios provide the basics, like razors, tongue depressors, Vaseline, barrier plastics, cups, cling film, paper towel, and if they’re super lucky maybe some basic needles and inks.

But some studios don’t provide ink and needles, and other products that might use during/for the tattoo (ie second skin, numbing spray etc). This means your artist purchases these supplies from their own earnings put aside.

Depending on the type and brand of needles, a box of 20 can range from $30-$60 (sometimes there are boxes of less that range in price too). Inks can range from $20-$60 (depending on the size/type/brand). Same goes for second skin, they can range from $20-$40 for a roll of varying sizes and lengths.

So let’s say, you received a super simple line work piece in black, they may have used one needle (at $30, that’s roughly $1.5 per needle), some black ink (let’s just guess about $1 worth, which sounds goofy and weird to calculate), and a but of second skin was provided for you (let’s also say $1 worth). That’s $3.50. Leaving us with $16.5 profit.

Enough for a meal (in this economy?? Maybe even not, big bummer).

Alrightyyy, after all those math problem scenario calculations that have haunted us since schooling, that’s a very very basic break down of basic expenses that contribute to your artist’s charging.

Why are they charging this? But somebody else charges this?

Let’s point out some more stuff that’ll determine pricing:

Experience + skill: contribute to the quality of work they provide.

Style: style of work can range, and the complexity of them ranges too (ie high effort = more time needed)

Out of range: some styles/placements may not be preferential for your artist’s range, which they can charge more for, or not accept as a project they’ll take on.

Specialty: some artists have a limited range they like to specialise in, this means they are more experienced/skilled with those styles which can determine their charging.

Placement: hand in hand with style, certain placements can be more challenging to tattoo/stencil.

Some studios have a rough hourly rate, or minimum charge to cover at least all those costs we previous outlined. Hourly rates can vastly vary depending on the area, the reputation and the experience of the artist you go see. Hourly rates can also simply be determined by your artist, and not their studio.

Hourly rates can be a good way for an artist to at least charge on the bare minimum of time used, to make sure they are charging their worth. This can also be a good way for clients to budget for pieces ranging from small to large scale, it give you a determining factor that can help you budget and schedule out your visits. Also most of us have worked a job that pays hourly! So it can help every contextualise the amount charged.

But some artists charge by piece? What does that mean? This means, an artist will quote a piece at a set or range of prices for a piece. Sometimes this is preferential because the amount of time used is not always reflective of an artists ability. An experienced artists might tattoo very quickly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have acquired skills or knowledge that shouldn’t be reflected in their increasing potential too.

So, somebody has quoted you this, and somebody has quoted that. How do you determine who to book in with?

I always tell clients to make this decision by looking that the artists they’re approaching.

Do you consistently enjoy the work they provide?

Do you think they are providing you with efficient service leading up the appointment? - (Communicating, booking you in, working with you on the design/with your references)

Easy to contact?

Helpful with any questions you had?

Provide enough information about appointment (location, quote, length of appointment, dates available)

Cheaper is not always better, and it’s not bad if an artists quotes lower, as well. More expensive is not always better too, it doesn’t always equate to quality of the piece or service.

Some artist may also charge for drawing time, rates for custom pieces, more for certain days of the week (weekends). There’s nothing wrong with an artist who charge for these extra things, they’re just things of value an artist determines should also be paid for, and is part of the service.

At the end of the day, tattooing is a luxury service. They are an investment for yourself, so happy decision making! (I know you’re all indecisive, I hear it all the time 🫶🏼) Hopefully this provides a bit of extra info to help you make some decisions, and answer some questions!

#tattoo pricing

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messyhandstattoo · 10 months

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Let’s run through some basics!

Hey friends! Let’s run through some basics about my cool little gig.

Enquires:

A handy form has been set up for you to fill out, located on the Linktree!

It’ll run you through the basic questions that I’ll need to help answer your enquiry. The generally basic information you need includes placement on the body, sizing in cms, a description of the idea and reference images of the tattoo style! Super simple, if you’re unsure about placement and sizing, I’m always happy to help with recommendations.

Bookings:

Bookings are secured by a non-refundable deposit, which can be paid via contacting the shop over the phone or bank transfer. Please note the shop/myself need more than 48 hours notice, when rescheduling or cancelling an appointment, any less notice will result in the non-refundable deposit being forfeited. Deposits come off the total amount charged at the end of the appointment.

Touch up appointment requests:

The first touch up is free, fees will incur for any touch ups needed after the first free touch up appointment. A super simple form has been set up for you to fill out, also on the Linktree. Let me know what needs touching up, and your preferred days/times. We can go from there and get you sorted.

Consult tattoos:

Free in person consults are offered for anyone who’s not too sure about their ideas. They range from 15-30 mins long, and we have a chat about your ideas/questions regarding design, style, placement etc. A super simple form has been set up for you to fill out, on the Linktree. There’s a short little reel I made, linked below, that might help anyone who’s a little overwhelmed with where and what to start thinking about for a tattoo.

Cultural tattoos:

If you are looking to get a traditional cultural tattoo, please approach the appropriate practitioners of the relevant culture to do so. I do not have the cultural knowledge, connection or comfortability to do traditional cultural tattoos of culture I do not belong to. I am more than happy to help, by recommending and looking for artists of the relevant culture to do the piece for you. I’m more than happy to recommend local relevant artists, so please feel free to contact me through email!

Flash tattoos:

Ready made available flash designs are kept in a highlight on my instagram. Please note there are not changes to the design. In your enquiry; include a screenshot of the flash (specify which one, if it’s on a sheet of multiple). Please also include the placement on the body and sizing in cms in the form to determine a quote and length or appointment (unless already priced and size recommended on sheet). My flash are not repeatable, if something has become unavailable, I’m always more than happy to come up with another design similar, suited to your ideas of placement on the body and sizing in cms.

Designs:

If your references are directly screenshot from an artist, or I can recognise it has been pulled from an artist; I will ask you if you have obtained permission from the original artist to tattoo the design.

If it is pulled from a local artist, I will tell you enquire with the said original artist. If you want the exact style/image of the artist, it is etiquette and worth waiting till they have availability for you.

Designs will always be drawn up gathering inspiration from the references, so please point out any details you like. Keep in mind, I will not completely copy a design.

If you have any major changes to the design in mind leading up to an appointment booked with a deposit, please send them through at least a week before the appointment. Any small changes in mind must be sent at least 48 hours. Changes may affect the length of an appointment, or the quote that was initially given.

If unsure if the changes are large or small, please send them a week beforehand.

Full and finished designs will never be sent out before the appointment secured with a deposit, however conceptual drafts may be sent to make sure we are on the same page (especially for larger projects).

Placement - Job stoppers:

Please note, I do not tattoo hands, fingers, faces or neck tattoos unless you are heavily tattooed. These are highly visible placement for tattoos that may hinder career and general access to venues.

Fingers/hand tattoos are also prone to dropping out due to general use and hygiene in everyday life. Please research what this could look like, as they can be high maintenance, before continuing the decision.

#tattooing #tattoo faqs

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messyhandstattoo · 10 months

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Aftercare - keeping it simple.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TATTOO HEALING:*

Tattoos take about 2 weeks to heal, and about a month to settle.

* During the healing, you may not go into bodies of water like pools, baths, spas and beaches. You need to avoid soaking the area in bodies of water for long periods of time. Showers are fine, just be wary of not taking long showers.

*During the healing, please keep your tattoo out of the sun. Sun can burn the skin and cause fading.

* During the healing, if the tattoo needs to be covered up, wear loose and breathable clothing over the area to avoid irritation.

* During the healing, it will scab, flake and be dry. Do not pick, scratch or itch the tattoo.

* Use a thin layer of aftercare cream to keep the area moisturised (usually once after a shower, when you wake up and throughout the day if dry/itchy). You can start creaming your tattoo 3 days after the appointment, or whenever you feel the skin beginning to feel tight and dry (this may be 2 days after your appointment in cooler months). The aftercare creams I would recommend is Dr Pickles (which can be purchased at Woolworths) or a no-fragrance moisturiser. You can use other creams you have previously used to heal tattoos with no issues.

Please make sure you always patch test your aftercare cream in another area prior to the tattoo, to monitor for any allergic reactions.

IMMEDIATE AFTERCARE OF YOUR TATTOO:

*Cling wrap will be placed on your tattoo as you leave the studio. For simpler pieces, this can be removed when you get home, for pieces with large amounts of shading/colour, please leave this on for 2-3 hours to weep.Weeping is your body recognising you have an open wound and happens when it's trying to close it off with white blood cells and lymph. This is normal.Once removed, please rinse the tattoo with clean water, gently pat it dry and let it air dry for the rest of the day, or at least an hour or 2.

*Make sure you sleep in clean clothing and on clean sheets. For pieces with large amounts of shading/colour, you may want to use clean sheets of a darker colour or ones you don't care much about.

*For pieces with large amounts of shading/colour - wrap the tattoo again before bed on the first day, after you've initially rinsed the tattoo with clean water and let it air dry. Tape around the top and bottom, to avoid fluid weeping and leaking onto the sheets.

You can sleep with a clean towel under the area as well, as an extra precaution. The next morning - remove the cling wrap and rinse the tattoo or any plasma, ink and fluid that has weep overnight, gently pat it dry and let it air dry for the rest of the day.

This process does not need to be repeated again.

*Throughout the two weeks of healing, let soap and water run over the tattoo. You may gently wash the area, but do not excessive scrub the area.

* Long term, tattoos should remain as covered as you can and protected with SPF. The more exposure to sun your tattoo receives, the faster it will fade.

* Long term, keep your skin moisturised everyday with a moisturizer that is right for your age and skin type. Make sure whatever you use won’t irritate your skin.

Linked is a short little reel regarding getting and healing a tattoo!

Please note all artists have their own aftercare instructions, so please chat to your artist before jetting off after your appointment. If you experience any adverse reactions, please seek out the correct medical advice from an appropriate practitioner.

#tattoo aftercare #tattoo advice #healing tattoo

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