RESPONSIBILITIES - You as the customer have the rights as well as responsibilities.  You have the responsibility to ensure that you are getting tattoed in a safe, and sanitary environment, by a professional artist.

DESIGN PROCESS- You will need to express exactly what you are thinking for your new tattoo.  Let them know what you design idea is, what it means to you, where you want it, and ask your artist what they think about it.  Some artists prefer a consultation prior to your appointment.  Some projects require a lot more thought, research and drawing time to prepare for your appointment.  If for any reason you cannot make your appointment with you artist, you must call at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule.  This show of respect will be greatly appreciated by your artist.  This is how they plan their day and how they make their living.

PREPARATION:  Before your tattoo session, eat a good meal for body strength and endurance.  No alcohol for at least 12 hours prior.  No aspirin that day, ibuprofen helps keep swelling minimal during long tattoo sessions.  Personal hygiene is a must.  Don’t try to shave your tattoo area yourself, the artist will take care of that at the time of your session.  Drink water, hydrate your body and bring water with you to drink during the process.

YOUR SESSION – During your session make sure you sit quiet and very still.  It is difficult for the artist to do their best job on a moving target.  If you need a break just let the artist know.  Remember it will hurt more to take a lot of breaks.  If you feel light headed, let your artist know as soon as you feel clammy –handed and dizzy.  These feelings are no big deal, it’s usually from low blood sugar, due to not eating right beforehand.  If you feel a little dizzy, just eat some candy and drink some water.  If you get sick, aim for a trash can, sink, bowl, trash can etc), and try not to leave a mess.  If you need some extra time to re-group let your artist know.

AFTERCARE – Listen closely to your artist when they instruct you about the care of your tattoo. Do not listen to your friends advice on healing tattoos, they are not knowledgeable professionals, and besides they won’t be the ones touching up the tattoo if it is not cared for properly.  Bad care will show for years to come.  For brilliant color keep your tattoos lotioned regularly and always use sunscreen (on a healed tattoo) when outdoors.