FAQs
The short answer is yes, but it's not as simple as just choosing your favorite image and heading to the nearest tattoo parlor. If you're looking for a traditional illustrative portrait tattoo, then you'll need to find an experienced artist who specializes in that style.
How do tattoo artists trace pictures? ›
You trace a design on top of the tattoo paper with a ballpoint pen or a metal ball stylus and the ink transfers to the paper. When I first started this process, I traced my designs by hand, but it was very time consuming.
What do tattoo artists put on skin while tattooing? ›
Vaseline is one of the world's most natural lubricants, and you'll find that most tattoo artists will use it on your skin during a tattoo session itself. Though most would also advise, it's unnecessary to use it in your aftercare process.
What do tattoo artists wrap tattoos in? ›
To prevent contamination, tattoo studios use polyurethane-acrylic adhesive medical bandages like Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Sheets and Dermshield Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Roll to wrap tattoos.
What not to ask a tattoo artist? ›
5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist
- “Can't you give me a discount?”
- “Can I bring my friends in?”
- “Can't you just make it work?”
- “Can you please copy this tattoo?”
- “Can you do this while I'm drunk?”
Should I show my tattoo artist a picture? ›
Photos are not always necessary, unless you're seeking a portrait. Use your words to describe your ideas to your artist, and from your ideas they can create something unique.
Do tattoo artists use reference photos? ›
Reference photos serve as a guide for tattoo artists, helping them capture the details and style you desire. They can come from a variety of sources, ranging from books and nature to digital images and artwork.
Can you be a tattoo artist without knowing how do you draw? ›
Aspiring tattoo artists often wonder if they can pursue a career in tattooing without strong drawing skills. The answer is a resounding yes! While drawing skills can be advantageous, they are not the only factor that determines success in the tattoo industry.
Can tattoo artists copy handwriting from a picture? ›
Most tattoo artists will be able to scan handwritten text and replicate it exactly on the skin.
Why do tattoo artists put Vaseline on before tattooing? ›
It is used as a lubricant for the skin to prevent chaffing and for the needle to pass smoothly. Vaseline holds the excess ink from spilling too much on your skin, making it easier to see and follow what you're doing, especially if you're working on a line-work tattoo. ...
You may notice your artist dip the needle in water during the session. This is called a dip cap which helps clean, blend, dry, or dilute ink. Artists do this for smoother ink flow and to reduce friction. This allows more precise and comfortable tattooing.
Can you use Aquaphor instead of Vaseline while tattooing? ›
Aquaphor is designed to get the job done, it's cheap, and it's easily accessible. Many people use Aquaphor for tattoos, and it isn't always the wrong choice. It just doesn't do much to provide a healing tattoo with what it needs. Your healing skin needs more than a barrier with some skin conditioning ingredients.
Why do some tattoo artists not use Saniderm? ›
How to heal your tattoo without Saniderm (the traditional way) Some people are allergic to the adhesive on second skins and prefer not to use it. Also, if I'm tattooing a very large area or a tattoo that has very heavy black areas in it, I will sometimes opt not to use second skin on you.
What if I don't wrap my tattoo? ›
If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight. Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight. Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
Why saran wrap after tattoo? ›
“Cling film is used to protect the fresh tattoo from contact with objects or surfaces,” echoes tattooist Sarah Louise, who works at Sacred Coven, Nottingham. “It's applied, usually with surgical tape, after the tattoo session as a start to the aftercare process.” But she warns, it's only temporary.