When done right, a tattoo can be a striking visual that highlights your uniqueness and individuality. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that there are mistakes you can make that will dramatically impact the longevity and quality of your tattoo.
Not all tattoo shops and artists are equally vetted and competent, and we’ve removed many bad tattoos from patrons using laser tattoo removal. Unfortunately, if you don’t do your homework, it’s easy to make some common tattoo mistakes.
The good news is that these tattoo mistakes are easy to avoid with little research. Read on to learn more about common tattoo mistakes and how to avoid them!
Failure To Research
Generally, the more you research, the more your tattoo results will improve. This research can look very different from tattoo to tattoo and person to person, but we’ve noticed that there seems to be a conspicuous lack of research involved with tattoos that turn out less than stellar.
We’ll discuss specifics further, but the most common thread we’ve noticed is that poor tattoos generally result from a failure to research. Everything from style to recovery should be thoroughly researched before you get under the artist’s gun. If you’re looking for a quick and easy overview of the most frequent tattoo questions we receive, refer to this guide.
Failure To Choose a Quality Artist
The tattoo artist you entrust your tattoo to is one of the most important parts of the process, and it can go awry. Not all tattoo shops and artists are created equally, so failing to research the unique specialties and work of the artist you trust to create permanent art on your flesh can backfire.
If you are researching tattoo artists, be sure to review their past work. Ideally, you’ll also have a sit-down consultation with the artist before reviewing. From there, you should be given a detailed mockup of the tattoo for approval. If these guardrails are not followed, the risk of you receiving a poor-quality tattoo increases substantially.
Asking your artist for some of the basics is a great way to prevent misunderstandings when you get your tattoo. Be sure to ask:
- About hygiene protocols
- For examples of past work
- For artist certifications
- For detailed recovery directions
Failure To Research Pain
You probably know that tattoos can come with some discomfort. However, you might not know that some body parts are more sensitive than others. Certain body areas have more nerve endings than others and are thus much more receptive to pain.
If you don’t assess your pain tolerance and compare it to the area where you want to put your ink, you could be walking into a rough tattoo session. While it will vary from person to person, tattoos on the ribs, spine, or face generally sting more than tattoos on less sensitive body parts.
Failure To Research Cost
Many people are dissuaded by the cost of a tattoo. While you might intuitively know that a larger tattoo will likely cost more, other factors impact the price of a tattoo. This is one of the reasons you need to consult thoroughly with your Dallas tattoo artist before agreeing to receive the artwork.
When you have this consultation, be prepared to discuss the style, colors, and size of your tattoo. From there, your artist will be able to give you a quote. You should never be surprised by what a tattoo costs, so be sure to discuss this with your artist beforehand.
Failure To Follow Recovery Instructions
Recovery instructions are an integral part of the tattoo process. When you leave our Dallas tattoo parlor after receiving your tattoo, you’ll depart with a detailed list of instructions and some topical cream.
These recovery instructions are vital to recovering from a tattoo. Failure to adhere to these instructions dramatically increases the risk of infection and the risk of the tattoo failing to set properly. If you are looking to receive a tattoo, be sure that you can follow all post-op instructions.
Contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club
Are you interested in contacting a Dallas tattoo artist or tattoo shop? Call Lamar Street Tattoo Club today! We’re Dallas’s favorite tattoo shop and look forward to discussing your next tattoo!
When you visit our Dallas tattoo shop, know you’re selecting the best possible artists. Choosing the right tattoo shop is the first step towards creating the tattoo of your dreams. Get it right and get your next tattoo done with Lamar Street Tattoo Club….after all, it’s only permanent.