We're Living In The Future-You Can Now Put DNA Into Tattoos

Q&A: Who’s To Blame If A Tattoo Is Misspelled?

Tattoo mistakes are never fun, but unfortunately, they happen. One of the most common errors is spelling mistakes. But who's at fault when this happens?
Well, it all depends on what stage the error was made at.

 

When It’s The Artist’s Fault

Artists try to not make mistakes, but they are only human. Typically a client will discuss their tattoo design with the artist, who will then go create a stencil. Once the stencil is approved they'll place it on the body giving the client an idea of how it will look. Then the tattooing process begins.
Now because clients approve the final design, if the error happens at that stage, even if it's the artist the misspelled the word, if the client approves it, it's on them.
So any mistakes made after the tattooing process has begun is the artist's fault.

What Happens If It’s the Artists’ Fault

The good news is that almost every reputable tattoo shop will make every effort to fix the issue if it's the artist's fault. That could mean fixing the original design, doing a cover-up, or refunding the cost of the tattoo. It's usually decided on a case by case basis. But you can bet the artist will feel horrible and do everything they can to remedy it.

When It’s The Client’s Fault

Somehow it's even worse when it's the client's fault. It's on them to check the spelling and grammar of the final design. If you approve misspelled words, that's on you, not the artist.

A lot of times clients come in with a word or a phrase written down and hand it to the artist to reformat it into an appropriate tattoo. Usually, if the artist notices a misspelled word they’ll ask the client, but sometimes they don’t notice or they assume it was intentional to the design.
So basically if the error happens during the design process and was approved by the client (whether they realized it or not) it's on them.

What Happens If It’s The Client’s Fault

Here’s where it gets tricky. Most tattoo shops want a happy client, so they'll try to work with them to fix the issue. If it's an easy fix they might do that for free, but if they can't it's even more complicated. The shop may offer a free cover-up or full refund, but since it's on the client they could only refund part of it or offer only a partial discount on the fix or coverup. Or, they could do nothing.

How To Avoid Misspelled Tattoos

Double and triple check any words or phrases for spelling or grammar mistakes. Running the sentence or words through Google is another great idea too as it will usually catch errors. Or you could show the design to family or friends since a fresh set of eyes is more likely to catch mistakes.


Also, please do research before picking an artist.

Conclusion

To sum it up, if the spelling mistake happens during the design process and is approved by the client then the fault lies with them, but if it happens during the tattooing process and wasn’t on the original approved design it’s on the artist. No matter who's at fault you can bet the artist and shop will feel bad.

Nail Tattoos 101

Move over cuticle tattoos, this trend is the next evolution of tiny hand tattoos. Nail tattoos are exactly what they sound like, but there's some more info people should know before getting them. Here's everything you need to know about nail tattoos, the latest tattoo trend.

Location
Did you know you can actually tattoo your fingernails? Well, you can. Other trends such as cuticle tattoos were on the area just around the nail, but this trend takes place on top of the nail itself.

Pain
As painful as it sounds to get your nails tattooed, it’s actually not that bad. Most people who've gotten them say they're pretty painless. That makes sense since your nail doesn't have any nerves. At most you'll feel some small fibrations on your fingers.

Time
Small tattoos take more time to complete than people realize. The exact time all depends on how detailed the design is and how many fingers you're getting done, but the most amount of time goes into the consultation and planning. It should also be noted that these aren't permanent. As your nails grow out so will the ink. They should last around 6 weeks, but it all depends on your individual nail growth.

Design
Nails are pretty small, so the design has to be too. Most nail tattoos fall into the minimalist style out of sheer necessity. Designs like letters, dots, lines, or simple images like flowers are popular.

Artists
This is a fairly new tattoo trend. So new in fact that only a few locations in the world probably do. If you’re looking for a local artist it’s best to find one that has done it before, or who at least has experience doing tiny tattoos. There's a risk of going too deep which can have serious consequences.


Conclusion
This tattoo trend certainly is crazy, but it’s definitely fun.  If you’d like to learn more or want to book an appointment feel free to contact us or stop by our downtown Toronto tattoo shop.

The Meaning Behind PM Justin Trudeau’s Tattoo

Justin Trudeau is a lot of things- the Prime Minister of Canada, the most attractive world leader, and someone with a tattoo. Society is more accepting of tattoos today, but for a politician, and one as high up as Trudeau, sporting ink openly is daring. It was a shocker when Trudeau showed off his massive upper arm tattoo, and it left people wondering what the meaning behind it was, and well now we know.

Tattoo Design
Trudeau’s tattoo is actually two separate ones blended together. He got a globe when he was 23 years old. When he turned 40, he added a Haida raven onto it completing the ink.

Meaning
While we might never know why 23-year-old Trudeau got a globe, it turned out to be a smart choice considering he’s one of the most powerful world leaders. The raven element has more meaning. The Haida are natives of the Haida Gwaii territory in BC and Alaska and are one of Canada’s First Nations tribes. People believe Trudeau got the tattoo to honor his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who was declared an honorary member of the Haida tribe in 1976.

Conclusion
What Justin Trudeau’s tattoo shows us is that one, yes, even politicians can have tattoos and two, maybe think about whether or not you should get a cultural tattoo. Think about how much fun we make of all those people with bad Chinese symbols on their body.

If you want to book an appointment feel free to contact our downtown Toronto tattoo shop!

Tattoo Questions: Can I Get My Own Art Tattooed?

We get asked this question a lot in our Toronto tattoo shop. Here is everything you need to know about potentially getting your own artwork tattooed on yourself.

Not All Art Works As Tattoos
Tattoos are a whole other art form in itself. That means that not every drawing will translate well into a tattoo. Don’t be afraid to show your design to the artist, but just know that they’ll likely have to make a few changes to make it looks its best.

It Will Have To Be Redrawn
Even if your artwork can perfectly be turned into a tattoo, that tattoo artist will still have to redraw it. They may have to alter the proportions of the body, or simply redraw it onto the stencil that will be their guide.

Art Style Will Impact Your Artist
Like art, tattoos have different styles. What type of art do you create? This will impact what tattoo artist can best translate it into a tattoo. Finding one with a similar aesthetic will be key to getting the best results.

You’ll Have To Pay The Same Amount
This may seem unfair, but the design is only a portion of what you’re paying the tattoo artist for. The price also covers the equipment, the ink, the artist’s skill, and their time. You may have saved them a few minutes by creating the initial design, but all of the other work is left to them.

Don’t Be Offended If We Say No
If we say no to your tattoo design it isn’t a personal insult. Some tattoos just won’t work. Tattoo artists work for years to reach a level of skill and expertise so if they say it won’t work, they’re not lying to you and it’s not because they don’t like the artwork.

If It Has Meaning, Let Us Know
We understand that tattoos are personal and not everyone feels comfortable opening up. Tattoo artists are like therapist though in that many people do open up to them. Let us know if a piece of artwork has some meaning so that if we have to make any changes we can make sure to still capture what’s so special about it. We don’t want to press you for the whole story, but a little insight will ensure your tattoo artist delivers something that you’ll love.

Some Artists Won’t Under Any Circumstances
You know what they say about artists. Some tattoo artists have worked in the industry so long that they only do their own original work. It’s not personal; they just have reached a place in their career where they can be a bit picky about what they do. Most artists are open to tattoos clients work though; just ask ahead when booking to be sure.

Conclusion
The answer to the question isn’t straightforward. You can get your own artwork tattooed but it may be to be changed and altered for the best outcome. Book a consultation with a tattoo artist in our downtown Toronto tattoo shop today to get started!

Walk-In Etiquette For Toronto Tattoo Shops

Tattoo shops love walk-ins. There’s nothing quite like it to perk up a slow day in the shop. However, it can be frustrating for tattoo artists when new clients don’t understand how walk-ins work or have if they have unrealistic expectations for them. Here is everything you need to know about walk-in etiquette for tattoo shops in Toronto.

Know What You Want

If you book an appointment ahead of time, there is typically a consultation where you and the tattoo artist will discuss what you want and collaborate to come up with a design. With walk-ins, you’re expected to already know what you want. There may be a chance to discuss a few minor things with the artist, but there isn’t time for a full consultation. If you don’t have a design decided on and printed out, or if you have tons of questions or don’t know what you want, then a walk-in tattoo appointment might not be for you.

Call Ahead

It’s always a good idea to call head on the day you’re thinking of coming in. That way you can avoid arriving at the busiest time or on days where everything is booked up. We don’t like making clients wait hours, but unfortunately, that might happen if you just arrive.

Flash Is Your Friend

All tattoo artists have a book of pre-designed tattoos called flash tattoos. For walk-ins, these are great because they’re already designed and ready to go. Some artists are open to small changes but don’t expect to alter anything major.

Expect To Wait

If you’re walking in for a tattoo there will be a waiting period. Even if on the off chance the shop is dead empty, the tattoo artist will still need time to draft up the template. Toronto tattoo shops will also give priority to booked appointments. Expect to wait at least a half an hour, if not more. If you want to avoid longer wait times then call ahead.

Don’t Bring The Whole Gang

We get it, getting a tattoo is fun and exciting and you want to share that with your friends. But please limit how many people you bring. Tattoo shops in Toronto are typically small, so a large crowd can be in the way. A friend or two brought along for moral support is fine, but an entire entourage is not.

Don’t Haggle The Price

People like to think of tattoo shops like farmers markets where they can bargain the price. Prices are set because tattoo artists know exactly how much time it will take, what the materials will cost, and what their art is worth. Negotiations on price aren’t an option for walk-ins or booked appointments.

Show Up Sober

Who hasn’t thought about a tattoo while having a fun night out on the town? Just know that Toronto tattoo shops don’t tattoo people that aren’t fully sober. Alcohol makes blood thinner, which causes more bleeding during the process. Plus, no studio wants to be responsible for a horrible drunken tattoo.

Other Tips

·            Don’t bring pets

·            Don’t bring kids

·            Make sure you have payment available (Call ahead to know what payment types they accept)

·            Dress appropriately

·            Trust your tattoo artist

Conclusion

Don’t be discouraged from walking in to a tattoo shop in Toronto, just know what to expect. Contact us or stop by our downtown Toronto tattoo shop to learn more or get a new sweet tattoo today.

What Medical Details Do I Need to Disclose to Tattoo Artists?

Your tattoo artist doesn’t need your entire medical history, but it is important to let them know if you have certain medical conditionals or are taking certain medications. Tattoos aren’t dangerous usually, but there are cases where medical conditions have made tattoos deadly. Be smart and tell your tattoo artist if any of the following medical details pertain to you.

Medical Conditions to Disclose

Certain medical conditions make getting a tattoo incredibly dangerous. In many cases, having one of these conditions doesn’t mean you can’t get a tattoo. It just means that you and your tattoo artist may need to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy.

If you have any of the following medical conditions you should disclose them to your tattoo artist:

·            Heart Conditions

·            Diabetes

·            Hemophilia

·            HIV

·            Hepatitis

·            Severe Allergies

·            Epilepsy

·            Pregnant or Nursing

·            6 Months (or Less) Postpartum or Post-Weaning

Medications to Disclose

Some medications can make getting tattoos dangerous too as they cause strange reactions. If you’re taking any of the following medications be sure to talk to your doctor first and then tell your tattoo artist.

·            Acne Medications: Acne isn’t a major medical condition, but if you’re taking certain medications like Accutane, Minomycin, or any other prescription drug for acne, you probably don’t want to get tattooed. These medications make the skin incredibly sensitive. Getting a tattoo on these medications can lead to pain and scarring.

·            Antibiotics: Discuss all antibiotics you’re taking with your tattoo artist. Some are perfectly safe to get tattoos on, but others make skin hypersensitive or can cause unusual skin reactions when tattooed.

·            Blood Thinners: If you’re taking any medication to thin your blood, your tattoo artist should definitely be informed and you should consult with a doctor. Depending on the medication, it may not be smart to get a tattoo, or it may require shorter sessions.

·            Anti-Rejection Drugs: If you have had an organ transplant or are on anti-rejection meds, getting a tattoo may not be wise. Ask your doctor first to determine if it’s safe. Some medications may interfere with the healing process.

Concealing vs. Revealing

Going ahead with getting a tattoo even knowing it isn’t safe isn’t a smart move. It puts your life at risk and is potentially dangerous to others. Make sure to disclose any of the medical details discussed above. Also, make sure you follow all the aftercare advice. If you have any questions or want to book an appointment please to contact us or visit us at our Toronto tattoo shop.