Q&A: Can You Get A Tattoo If You're Sick?

Getting sick sucks, and it's even worse when you can't stay home with some soup and a box of tissues. But while life must go on, there are still some things you can't do when you're sick. Like, getting a tattoo.
We get asked all the time if people can get tattooed while fighting a cold, a cough, or even the flu. The answer is a solid NO. This is why it's a bad idea.

Immune System
When you're sick your body isn't at 100% and getting a tattoo puts a strain on your body. A new tattoo is no different from any other wound to your body, so it works to heal the area. If your sick, your body is already working to fight that so trying to heal a tattoo at the same time could push it too hard. Basically, your immune system can't fight off a virus/bacteria and heal your tattoo at the same time.

Healing Time
Simply put, if your body is fighting a battle on two fronts it can't be as effective. It also can't do it as fast as normal. This means that your tattoo won't heal as quickly. The longer a wound is open the greater chance of infection there is.

Spreading Germs
No one likes that person that gets everyone sick. Your tattoo artist has to get pretty close to you, so if your sick chances are you'll get them sick too. So do everyone a favor and just reschedule your appointment if you're not feeling well.

Sitting Still
People often forget this, but you have to sit pretty still when getting tattooed otherwise you could cause your artist to make a mistake. You know what causes your body to move a lot? Being sick. Think about how much your body moves when you cough or sneeze.

Aftercare Time
Being sick doesn’t just complicate the actual tattooing process, but it also impacts your ability to care for it afterward. A fresh tattoo needs care, and if you don’t follow proper aftercare you increase your chances of infection or ruining your tattoo. Are you really going to feel like running out to get tattoo cream when you can barely breathe out of your stuffed nose? Are you really going to want to wash your new ink when you have a fever? Make aftercare easier for yourself by just waiting until you're better to get inked.

Medications
So what if you’re feeling better but are still on medications? We recommend you still stay at home and reschedule. Even if you’re feeling better, taking medication means your body still isn’t at it’s best. Your body is still running hard, even if you no longer feel the symptoms of the sickness. Plus, certain medications can aggravate the healing process. If you’re on medications for reasons other than small illnesses, contact your doctor and get their advice regarding tattoos. Be sure to also discuss any medication you’re taking or any long-term medical conditions you have with your tattoo artists.

Conclusion
It sucks having to put off a new tattoo, especially if you've been looking forward to it. But do everyone a favor, including us and you, and just rebook your appointment. It's important that you're at your best so that your tattoo turns out perfect.Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need to reschedule your booking.

Q&A: How To Tip Your Tattoo Artist?

It should be said from the beginning, that tipping for tattoos isn’t just nice it’s expected. Many tattoo artists will tell you “if you can’t afford a tip, you can’t afford a tattoo”.  Tipping in Toronto isn’t complicated, but here’s what you should know before walking into that tattoo shop.

Average Tip is 15-35%

Tipping is absolutely expected. Add 15-35% extra to the cost of the tattoo as a tip. The average tip is around 20%, but some people tip a bit more or less depending on the size and level of detail.

With Multiple Session Tattoos Tipping Is Up To You

Larger tattoos will require multiple sessions to complete it. This can complicate tipping. It’s up to the client whether or not you want to tip at the end of each session or wait until the end. Most tattoo artists prefer smaller tips at the end of each session, but if you let them know you’re waiting until the end they’re fine with that as well. As long as they know they won’t be getting stiffed, tattoo artists are good.

Compliments and Gifts Are Nice, But Not Replacements

Ever hear the saying, “compliments don’t pay bills”? Well, it’s true. As great as gifts and compliments are, they aren’t things we can use to pay our bills. Tattoo artists are professionals that expect to get paid for their services. And like other industries, like salons and restaurants, tips are apart of that payment.

Tattoo Artists Aren’t Rich

While some tattoo artists make it big, most don’t. Tattoo shops often take a percentage of each tattoo. Artists also have to pay for equipment like ink, needles, and other supplies. Tips are important and matter more than people realize.

Tattoo Artists Deserve Tips

You should recognize that this person is marking your body forever. If they do a good job with that, they deserve that tip. Tattoo artists work hard to make clients happy, so give them the respect they deserve and tip accordingly.

Tip Accordingly

While tipping is important, the rules become fuzzy if a client isn’t happy with their tattoos. If you aren’t happy with the final product, discuss this with your artist, and give them a chance to fix it. Tipping is a judgment call. If you love a tattoo tip more than average if you like it tip average, and if you are unhappy tip less or none at all. Just try not to be a jerk.

All Tips Are Great, But Cash Is Best

Tattoo artists aren’t picky, they’ll take tips in whatever form whether that’s cash or credit. Most artists prefer cash though. It’s quick, easy to use right away, and they don’t have to go through the process of calculating and cashing it out at the end of the day.

Conclusion

Tipping tattoo artists in Toronto is pretty simple. It’s just like tipping in a restaurant or salon. A decent tip is expected, but the client determines the amount according to the level of work. Expect to add on at least 20% to the quoted price, if not more. Try to tip in cash, always convey your feelings truthfully to your artist, and most of all if you can’t afford a tip you can’t afford a tattoo. If you have any questions about tipping feel free to contact us or visit 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!