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An Intro to Minimalist Tattoos in Dallas:
February 29, 2024
Looking for minimalist tattoo artists in Dallas? Lamar Street Tattoo Club shares an intro to minimalist tattoos.
READ MOREFebruary 29, 2024
An Intro to Minimalist Tattoos in Dallas:
As the best tattoo shop in Dallas, we’ve seen various styles and placements over the years. We’ve seen ornate tattoos, large tattoos, fine-line tattoos, and more. You name it, we have likely inked it. While we love working with our tattoo enthusiast patrons, we also have noticed a trend in tattooing that needs to be discussed: minimalist tattoos.
These smaller tattoos have always been popular, but they have made a resurgence in the last few years. Odds are that someone you know and love has a minimalist tattoo, or maybe you’re considering designing a new one. If you’re looking for a minimalist tattoo or minimalist tattoo shop in Dallas, TX, read on to learn more about what Lamar Street Tattoo Club can do for you.
Defining Minimalist Tattoos
There is no one-size-fits-all definition of a minimalist tattoo. If you ask ten tattoo artists in Dallas, you’ll get ten slightly different answers. However, in general, minimalist tattoos will be:
- Defined by simple lines
- On the smaller side
- Monochrome: these tattoos will generally rely on black and gray ink
This is not an industry rule, and different tattoo shops might have different definitions. Minimalist tattoos can also be blended with other tattooing styles, so don’t think minimalist tattoos are a stand-alone tattoo genre. That’s the beauty of ink; multiple styles can influence your tattoo choice to create a unique piece of artwork.
The important thing to remember when researching a minimalist tattoo is to think through what you want, where you want it, and how large you want it to be. Also, bring as much documentation as possible for your tattoo artist. Whether you’re getting an ornate and intricate sleeve or a small and sleek minimalist tattoo, this will hold true.
Why Are Minimalist Tattoos Popular?
Minimalist tattoos are making a comeback for a few reasons.
- Minimalist Tattoos Are Subtle: Minimalist tattoos lend themselves well to placement on body parts that are visible but relatively subdued. Think of a finger, wrist, or ankle tattoo. These placements are simple and look great but don’t immediately draw attention. Even if you were to plan a minimalist tattoo on a more conspicuous part of your body, the minimal ink used will still result in a more subtle piece of ink.
- Minimalist Tattoos Are Easy to Cover: We love that our culture and business world have become more accepting of tattoos, but there’s still a way to go in some circles. Minimalist tattoos are easy to cover if your profession doesn’t allow ink or requires tattoos to be covered. They’re also generally easy to cover if you want to keep your ink private.
- Minimalist Tattoos Heal Quicker: Less ink used and less skin impacted typically results in a faster recovery. This highly depends on your unique body type and the size and placement of the tattoo, but a small minimalist tattoo will generally heal quicker than a more extensive, solid-fill piece.
Creative Examples of Minimalist Tattoos
There are, of course, countless places on the body where you could put a minimalist tattoo. Your imagination is the only limiting factor. However, the subtle nature and small size of minimalist tattoos mean that several placements are more common than others for our patrons. We often see minimalist tattoos on:
- Ankles or wrists
- Behind the ear
- Finger
- Feet
- Back of neck
- Ribs Oor spine
Again, there is no right or wrong place for a minimalist tattoo, only your unique needs, style, and what you want from the art. The same holds with subjects. We’ve seen some beautiful minimalist tattoos over the years, but some of the most common topics for minimalist tattoos include geometric patterns, text or cursive, and nature.
Aftercare For Minimalist Tattoos
Minimalist tattoos can heal more quickly than others, primarily due to the smaller body area impacted by the tattoo artist’s needle. However, that doesn’t mean that aftercare is less critical – far from it. If anything, the aftercare for a minimalist tattoo is more straightforward if the tattoo is smaller, and thus, there’s no excuse for cutting corners in the healing process.
- Stay out of the Sun: No beach trips or sunbathing for the first few days while recovering from a minimalist tattoo.
- Stay Covered: The impacted area must be covered for the first three days.
- Don’t Itch: Itching and picking at scabs is a surefire way to damage the tattoo, increase the risk of infections, and prolong recovery.
- Apply Cream as Needed: We’ll leave you with clear aftercare instructions and a topical cream to apply as you move through the healing process. If desired, a cream like aloe vera or Vitamin E can also be used.
Contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club
Are you ready to begin developing a minimalist tattoo in Dallas? Plan your next piece of ink with Lamar Street Tattoo Club! We’re an award-winning Dallas-based tattoo shop, and we’ve been voted Dallas’s top tattoo shop!
When you come into Lamar Street Tattoo Club, you’re choosing to work with some of the best tattoo artists in DFW, and your tattoo will show that expertise when complete. Call now for your free consultation!
How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?
January 25, 2024
How much is laser tattoo removal? Lamar Street Tattoo Club helps answer. Read on to learn more or get in touch with us today.
READ MOREJanuary 25, 2024
How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?
We love tattooing here at Lamar Street Tattoo Club! That might not surprise you, considering we’ve been voted the best tattoo shop in Dallas, but we are always blown away by how beautiful ink can be when done right.
We love the creativity, passion, and dedication our patrons bring to their artwork. Each tattoo is a unique expression of your individuality, and we love seeing how beautiful, artistic, and well-researched tattoos can be.
However, we’ve also seen some less-than-stellar tattoos come into our tattoo shop over the years. Tattooing is a safe and straightforward discipline, but some artists and shops cut corners. This usually results in subpar and shoddy tattoos. It’s usually tattoos like these that end up on our desk for laser tattoo removal.
You probably have some questions if you aren’t familiar with laser tattoo removal. How much does laser tattoo removal cost? What does the process look like? If you’ve ever wondered how much it would cost to remove that less-than-excellent tattoo, read on to learn more from the experts here at Lamar Street Tattoo Club!
Laser Tattoo Removal
As with many things in life, the cost of removing a tattoo will vary. A few things really impact the cost of removing a tattoo. If you want to schedule a consultation in Dallas to discuss laser tattoo removal, you should expect to pay more or less based on the following:
- Size of the tattoo in question
- Number of sessions required
- Age of the tattoo
- Patient health
- Ink colors
- Pre-existing scarring
- Depth & density of the tattoo
- If additional cover-up work is required
A custom consultation is always preferred when reviewing a tattoo removal project. Still, here at Lamar Street Tattoo Club, we like to recommend laser tattoo removal for any tattoo removal inquiries we receive at our Dallas tattoo parlor. Laser tattoo removal lets us safely and efficiently remove subpar tattoos from your body, restoring your flesh to its former glory and giving you a sense of satisfaction about what’s on your flesh.
Common Laser Tattoo Removal FAQs
How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?
Our pricing starts at $50 per session, but many factors can impact this. Contacting one of our artists for a custom consultation to discuss your unique needs is always best.
What Can I Do to Prepare Before Coming into Session?
Ice the area before coming in to see us and after treatment. This is a great way to mitigate side effects like swelling and irritation. You can also take a painkiller before or after a laser tattoo removal session. However, it is essential to ensure the painkiller does not contain any aspirin, as this can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
Can My Tattoo Be Removed in a Single Laser Session?
The maximum area an experienced tattoo artist can treat in a single session is usually about the size of a single sheet of paper. Keep that in mind when we discuss how many sessions are necessary.
Any Other Things to Be Aware Of?
Certain skin types or immunocompromised people might require extra care when getting laser tattoo removal. Our Dallas tattoo removal artists will consult with you and make a custom treatment plan as needed.
Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare
You must follow all aftercare instructions if you do decide to work with us to undergo laser tattoo removal. Proper aftercare helps prevent infection, ensure adequate recovery, and maximize the tattoo in question.
- Be sure to cover the affected area for the first three days, as sunlight increases the odds of fading.
- Don’t pick and itch at scabs. This increases the odds of improper scarring and infection.
- If boils do develop, use a sterilized needle to drain the area, and then be sure to reapply ointment and bandages.
- Itchiness is fairly common due to the dehydrating effect of the treatment. Our Dallas tattoo removal artists will discuss postcare with you after our session and might recommend an ointment at the tattoo studio. Vitamin E ointment or aloe vera are great options if you need additional skin care.
Call Lamar Street Tattoo Club for Laser Tattoo Removal
Interested in scheduling a consultation to discuss if laser tattoo removal is right for you? Call Lamar Street Tattoo Club today to schedule a consultation with our Dallas tattoo removal artists.
Not only have we been voted the best tattoo shop in Dallas, but we’re also the only Dallas tattoo shop that uses the Describe PFD Patch. This groundbreaking tech reduces the white bubbly layer that forms when a tattoo is impacted by a laser, resulting in less irritation and less downtime between laser tattoo removal sessions.
Interested in laser tattoo removal? Our Dallas tattoo cover-up artists are waiting to discuss your ink on your free laser tattoo removal consultation. Call us and schedule now!
4 Creative Tips to Redesign a Tattoo
December 28, 2023
Lamar Street Tattoo Club in Dallas, TX, discusses four tips to redesign a tattoo. Read on to learn more or get in touch today!
READ MOREDecember 28, 2023
4 Creative Tips to Redesign a Tattoo
We love tattoos here at Lamar Street Tattoo Club! As a Dallas-based tattoo parlor, we have seen so many beautiful designs in our shop over the years, both that we’ve designed and on the skin of our patrons. Tattooing is a rich and vibrant art form, and we love seeing the creativity, passion, and thought our customers put into their designs.
However, it’s just a fact of life that not every tattoo design was done perfectly. We do encounter people looking to redesign a tattoo that they just aren’t feeling. There are a couple of reasons why you might consider this.
- The original tattoo was done poorly, or maybe by an amateur.
- The original tattoo has faded, usually due to poor aftercare.
- You want to incorporate the old tattoo into a new design
- You’re past whatever point in your life the tattoo reminds you of
- You just want to!
Well, you’re in luck. We have four tips to keep in mind when redesigning a tattoo!
See if You Need to Touch Up
Before you go and redesign the entire tattoo, please ensure that you need to do this. Depending on the tattoo, you might be able to get away with a touch-up. Sometimes, tattoos don’t look their best due to recovery or fade. While this can result in the tattoo not looking its best, it can be relatively easy to fix. A touch-up could be a good solution if the primary work is fine but looks faded.
This obviously will depend quite a bit on the tattoo itself. Sometimes, it may be too poorly done to salvage, or maybe you’re just over the piece of ink in question and want to start fresh. That is totally understandable. We would just encourage you to keep the idea of a touch-up in mind as you go forward, as this is sometimes a good option for some tattoo enthusiasts.
Cover the Old Tattoo
Covering the tattoo in question is a tried-and-true option for a reason. It’s the best way to ensure the bad ink is entirely out of sight and out of mind. There is more to covering up a bad tattoo than showing up at the tattoo parlor and asking for a new tattoo.
- Be sure to meet with your artist for their recommendations.
- Plan out the size. You may need to have a larger tattoo than the original.
- Find out if there are certain shades to include or avoid. Colors will blend when applying a cover-up tattoo, so you and your artist must understand what you’re trying to accomplish and utilize with this new tattoo.
- Laser tattoo removal to lighten the affected area is sometimes a good option.
- Be prepared for a follow-up appointment after the tattoo has healed. You might need a touch-up after the colors have faded.
Incorporate into the New Tattoo
Incorporating an old tattoo design into a new one is related to covering up the old one, but this idea is slightly different. It will, of course, always depend on the tattoo and what you would like to do next with your ink. Incorporating a past design into the upcoming one can recycle what you have on your skin currently and be quite efficient.
This also is a great option to flex your creative muscles. If you’re incorporating an old tattoo into a new design, you have a couple of choices for how to go about this, so feel free to let your artistic side shine here!
Depending on your needs and the tat, you could choose:
- Contrasting colors
- Complementary designs
- And more
Research the Right Artist
Not all tattoo artists are created equal. An amateur artist or non-licensed artist will produce amateur work. That’s just a fact of life. Choosing a reputable artist and tattoo parlor with clear aftercare instructions, hygiene protocols, and public portfolios of work is necessary to redesign this tattoo correctly.
However, it is also worth noting that some artists specialize in tattoo redesigning and will likely have more to offer you. Others can redesign tattoos but prefer not to. Still, others might enjoy redesigning in one style but not the style you need. If you are redesigning a realism tattoo, you need a realism style expert to give you the type of result you’re looking for.
You must find the right artist and have a detailed consultation with them about what this tattoo will look like and your needs. A good artist will offer helpful suggestions, give feedback on your design, and ask questions to help you think through the process. Plus, you’ll also be able to ask to see their portfolio of work and see how their tattoos look a few months after the healing process.
Contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club
As one of Dallas’s premier tattoo parlors, we’ve redesigned many tattoos. If you need help understanding your options for this new design, call us today! We’re voted the best tattoo shop in Dallas for a reason!
Call Us Now at 972.863.3518 for a Free Consultation or to Schedule an Appointment!
4 Questions to Ask a Tattoo Artist
November 30, 2023
What questions should you ask a potential tattoo artist? Lamar Street Tattoo Club in Dallas shares their thoughts.
READ MORENovember 30, 2023
4 Questions to Ask a Tattoo Artist
Planning a tattoo is a fun and exciting process, but it comes with a lot of research. You should not be getting a permanent piece of art on your body without thinking through what you want it to look like, where you want it, and why you want the tat that you do. These are all important parts of the process, and we encourage you to keep thinking through these questions as you plan your next tattoo.
However, we find that sometimes tattoo enthusiasts, especially those who might be new to the craft, spend more time on the tattoo itself than the artist who will be designing and making the tattoo. That’s not to say that you should focus on one over the other, but we would encourage you to carefully consider your selection of a tattoo artist.
A quality artist dramatically increases the chance that you’ll walk away happy, that your tattoo will heal properly, and that the tattoo will last long. This also should decrease the odds of infection and the need for future retouches. Inversely, choosing the wrong artist increases the odds of infection, poor recovery, and general dissatisfaction with the process.
As you make a short list of potential artists, ask them these questions to get an idea of what they’re about and what you can expect. Doing so might just be the difference between a stellar and long-lasting stroke of genius on your skin and a regrettable doodle.
Read On to Learn About Questions to Ask Your Artist!
What Style Do They Prefer?
If you’re new to tattooing, you can be forgiven if you don’t know just how diverse the art form is. There are so many different styles of tattooing and it’s impossible for any artist to love them all equally. Most artists have a style or two that they really excel in and knowing their core competencies can be helpful. This is not an exhaustive list, but it can be helpful to know that these are often common styles. Ask any potential tattoo artist which of these they prefer to work in:
- New American Style
- Geometric
- Stick-n-Poke
- Realism
- Traditional
- Neo-Traditional
- Fine-Line
- Eastern Style
A good tattoo artist will also be able to refer you to someone who can best assist with the genre you want. For example, our own Josh Hall here at Lamar Street Tattoo Club in Dallas is an expert in American traditional.
However, if you need a piece of realism on your body, Josh will recommend you book with an artist on our team who specializes in this genre. That’s ok! Josh is one of the best tattoo artists in Dallas for American traditional style and he’d much prefer you discuss a realism tattoo with one of our realism experts! Any good tattoo artist should be able to tell you the same.
Can You See Examples of Their Work?
This is one that you likely already know that you should ask. It only makes sense that you would want to see the result of the artistic process of any potential tattoo artist, especially since it will be forever!
We would also recommend that you ask for many detailed examples of work. This tat should last you the rest of your life. It’s worth a little extra time to investigate. Ask for not only multiple examples, but also examples of healed tattoos at multiple stages of recovery.
Depending on your familiarity with tattooing, you might even ask to see examples of different styles of tattooing to understand the core competencies of your artist. After all, if you love the work of an artist, but they can’t provide clear and compelling examples of geometric-based work and that’s what you’re asking for, then it might not be the right fit.
What Pre & Post Care Instructions Should You Be Aware Of?
A good tattoo artist will make it very clear what they need you to do. The pre and post process are critical pieces of receiving a tattoo and a good tattoo artist will recognize this. Beforehand, they’ll likely recommend….
- Coming properly hydrated.
- Avoiding any alcohol the day before and the day of your inking.
- Wearing baggy clothing to provide access to the tattoo.
- Getting a good night’s sleep.
- Bringing snacks and water.
- Moisturizing your skin in the days before inking.
The days after receiving the tattoo are just as critical. Ask your tattoo artist about their instructions here as well. They’ll likely tell you to…
- Keep the area covered immediately after.
- Apply a quality tattoo balm like Mad Rabbit.
- Wash the area twice daily.
- Avoid itching or scratching.
What Hygiene Procedures Do They Follow?
If you’re choosing a reputable tattoo parlor, whether in Dallas, the state of Texas. or anywhere in the world, you should have more peace of mind about hygiene protocols. However, it is still worth investigating, just to be safe. A good tattoo shop will…
- Sterilize equipment after each use.
- Dispose of some materials – like gloves – after each use.
- License their artists.
- Mandate plastic gloves when an artist is working.
- Regularly clean the shop.
- Be able to discuss their blood-borne pathogen precautions.
Contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club for a Recommendation
Have questions about tattooing? Contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club! We’re voted the best tattoo shop in Dallas for a reason; we have some of the best tattoo artists in DFW!
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Tattoo
October 26, 2023
Lamar Street Tattoo Club shares four questions to ask yourself when planning a tattoo or looking for a tattoo parlor in Dallas.
READ MOREOctober 26, 2023
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Tattoo
As a Dallas-area tattoo parlor, we love to hear that people are planning their next tattoo. It’s a fun and exciting time! The world is your oyster at this stage, and anything is possible.
If you struggle to turn your idea into a tattoo design, you’re not alone. Tattooing is an extensive and diverse field, so it’s no surprise that some people need help planning their next ink. What style should you use? Where do you want it? What’s the significance of it? You might be struggling even to get started.
We’ve found that the below questions can be helpful when you’re looking to plan out your next piece of art. These questions will help your artist be more efficient and ensure you’re prepared when you finally consult a tattoo parlor to plan that new tattoo. Ask yourself these questions to jumpstart the process, and as always, come into our DFW tattoo shop if you need additional help. We’re always happy to talk shop with fellow Dallas tattoo lovers.
Do I Have Anything to Provide for the Artist to Mirror?
Knowing where you want the tattoo is a great starting point, but the more detail you can give your artist, the better. We recommend considering a sample of what you want before discussing it with the artist. The tattoo doesn’t need to be a one-to-one example, but anything you can provide regarding size, style, or color will give your tattoo artist some thoughts to work from.
Any good tattoo artist will provide a draft tattoo for your approval before they put ink to skin, but having thought through exactly what you want and locating samples to leave the artist will help jumpstart this process.
Have I Thought Through My Pain Tolerance?
You don’t necessarily need to be a tattoo expert to know that tattoos come with pain. This pain is often quite manageable, but thinking through your pain tolerance is key to designing a tattoo. Location will be the most significant factor to consider when creating a tattoo. A tattoo on a bony or sensitive body area will come with more pain than a fleshy body part.
Believe us when we say you don’t need to be a tattoo newbie to remember this fact. We’ve seen seasoned tattoo aficionados surprised by how much pain a tattoo on a wrist or rib brings. Again, this is manageable if you’re prepared for it, but it is still essential to consider your pain tolerance when planning.
Have I Researched My Artist?
We strongly recommend researching any tattoo artist you consider using. After all, their work is going to be on your skin forever. It’s important to know they’re the real deal and will leave you with a beautiful piece of art, not an eyesore you’ll regret. A little bit of prior research can save you many problems and make your life a little bit easier. There’s no price for peace of mind; finding the right artist will provide you with more peace.
For one, choosing to get a tattoo through a tattoo parlor is a great first step. It sounds like a no-brainer, but we’ve seen many redo tattoos in our Dallas tattoo parlor. Quite a few of them were the work of amateurs, not professionals, and it shows. Take the time to find a reputable tattoo shop and then ask to see examples of their artists’ work. A tattoo artist can be a talented professional but not necessarily have the specific touch or style you want. That’s completely OK. Take the time to research and find an artist you can feel 100% confident in when underneath their tattoo gun.
Am I Ready to Follow Post Care Instructions?
Finding an artist, designing a tattoo, and then receiving the tattoo does not end when you leave the tattoo parlor. Post care is a critical part of maintaining a tattoo. Without proper post care, you dramatically increase the risk of a tattoo infection, a poor recovery, or a faded tattoo. Post care is relatively simple, but you must be prepared to follow all instructions. Without that discipline, you’re increasing the risk of a poor recovery.
Be prepared to….
- Keep the Area Covered the First Few Days of Recovery
- Apply a Tattoo Specific Cream like Mad Rabbit
- Avoid Water
- Gently Wash the Area Twice Daily
- Don’t Pick or Scratch
- Closely Monitor the Recovering Area
These instructions are not particularly difficult. However, if you know that you cannot resist picking a scab or do not have the time to wash the affected area twice a day, it might be worth delaying going under the tattoo artist’s gun.
Contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club
If you need help, contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club! We’ve been voted the best tattoo parlor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a reason: we have some of the most talented artists in all of Dallas! Contact us today or peruse the work of any of our artists.
We’re always happy to weigh in on your tattoo design or make suggestions as needed. Contact us today to make an appointment at the best Dallas tattoo parlor!
Voted Best Tattoo Artist In Dallas
October 16, 2023
Lamar Street Tattoo Club has been voted as Dallas observer’s readers choice for best tattoo artist in Dallas!
READ MOREOctober 16, 2023
Voted Best Tattoo Artist In Dallas
Lamar Street Tattoo Club has been voted as Dallas observer’s readers choice for best tattoo artist in Dallas!
Thank you for the awesome opportunity and recognition!