Man Denied Entry Into Bar Over Face Tattoos, And Yes It’s Legal

In 2018, tattoos, piercings, and body modifications barely get a second glance. They don’t hold the same taboo that they once did due to their ever-increasing popularity. But even as society has become more accepting, facial tattoos are still viewed negatively. A Winnipeg man found this out the hard way recently after he was denied entry into a bar over his facial tattoos.

Craig Ginter is a local Winnipeg tattoo artist. He and a few friends decided to grab food at a bar after work. However, he was stopped at the door by the bouncer and informed he wasn’t allowed in, even despite the fact that he had visited the bar before.

The reason? The bouncer notified them there was a sign stating they no face tattoos were allowed.

Ginter was understandably frustrated, stating, “If that’s what they think … that if I have face heavily tattooed that it makes me a bad person … well it doesn’t. I am a father. I work every day of the week. I am just trying to provide.”

While it does seem ridiculous that a man can be denied entry over harmless facial tattoos, unfortunately, the law isn’t on his side. The law prohibits discrimination on a variety of grounds, such as race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. It doesn’t, however, exclude discrimination based on appearances, such as having tattoos.

This is why businesses can get away with those “no shirt, no shoes, no service” signs. The issue becomes a little greyer in some cases. If Ginter had a facial tattoo related to religion or nationality, there might be more grounds for a complaint. But a facial tattoo or physical appearance alone is not prohibited ground in the eyes of the law.

As frustrating as this may be for Ginter and others that have been discriminated against due to facial tattoos, it’s perfectly legal. This sort of bias is one big reason why many tattoo shops refuse to do “life ruining” tattoos such as graphic images, crude words, or facial tattoos.

Nobody should be denied entry or service due to facial tattoos, especially innocent ones that aren’t rude or graphic. However, with the law not on their side, it’s something that people with tattoos in these locations should prepare for.

This case is precisely why we always encourage our clients to think carefully before selecting their tattoo design and location. Whether or not it’s right, people can and will discriminate based on how many tattoos, what tattoo designs, and where the tattoos are located. If you want to discuss this more, or want to get some new ink (facial or otherwise) please contact us! We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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.

The Differences Between Dermal, Surface, and Regular Piercings

There are tons of different piercings, which unfortunately means people sometimes get confused about the differences between them. Piercings can differ based on location, jewelry type, and how it's inserted into the body.
When it comes to piercings there are three ways it can be done: regular, dermal, and surface. Here are the differences between them.

Regular Piercings
Regular piercings are what most people are familiar with. It’s when the skin is piercer all the way through. Think of a basic earlobe piercing. That’s an example of a regular piercing. The needle goes in one side of the skin and comes out on the other side. Regular piercings are the easiest to do, the cheapest, and heal the quickest.

Cost: Regular piercings are the cheapest. Most of the cost goes towards jewelry.
Heal Time: It depends on the location of the body. Lip and earlobe piercings heal faster than areas that have more cartilage like the upper ear and nose.
Jewelry: Studs, rings, and barbells can all be used for regular piercings. Some jewelry works in certain locations on the body better than others.

Dermal Piercings
Dermal piercings are more complicated than regular ones, and they are composed of two parts, the piercing, and the anchor. A small pouch is made under the skin where the anchor is then placed. The chosen jewelry is then pierced through only one side of the skin and attached to the anchor.

Dermal piercings are super versatile and can be put almost anywhere on the body. Some people find their body rejects them and notice their piercing coming to the surface of their skin. That’s rare though so don’t be too worried about it. Dermal piercings do hurt a little more, depending on where they’re placed, and they require more skill than regular piercings. It can also take longer for them to heal.

Cost: Dermal piercings are more expensive as they require more skill, special equipment, and specific jewelry.
Heal Time: This type of piercing usually takes 6-12 weeks to heal fully, though it could be longer depending on the individual.
Jewelry: Specialized jewelry is needed for dermal piercings. Jewelry is typically a stud shape.


Surface Piercings
Surface piercings involve two holes, with the jewelry running under the skin and coming out of the ends. Most surface piercings use bar type jewelry to achieve this look. The issue with surface piercings is that they put strain on your skin. Most people’s bodies end up rejecting the piercing, meaning they don’t last forever.

There are a few limitations to surface piercings. They don’t do well on flat surfaces on the body, which means they can’t be put anywhere. They tend to take awhile to heal too, longer than dermal or regular ones.

Cost: Surface piercings cost more than regular ones, but not as much as dermal. They don’t last forever though so think carefully about if you want one.
Heal Time: Surface piercings usually take at least 3 months of healing before jewelry can even be changed, and need longer to be fully healed.
Jewelry: Barbell jewelry is typically used for surface piercings.

Conclusion
If you still have questions about the differences between piercings, feel free to contact us or stop by our tattoo shop. It’s important that everyone knows exactly what type of piercing they’re getting and everything that comes with getting it. Make sure to pick a professional piercer that has experience in the type of piercing you want to get. More skill and experience is needed to have a good dermal or surface piercing.

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!

This Is How To Tell If A Piercing Is Infected

New piercings are exciting, but it’s not unusual for a client to return a few days later in a panic because they think it’s infected. Most of the time it’s not, and it’s just the piercing healing naturally. The symptoms of healing and infection are similar, so confusion is common. It’s always best to check with your piercer first if you’re concerned about infected, but here’s how to judge if it’s infected or not.

Timeline

Depending on the piercing location and style, it can take weeks if not months for it to fully heal. But most piercings look “healed” before they actually are. For roughly 24-72 hours after a piercing, you will experience redness, soreness, irritation, and swelling at the sight of the piercing. This is completely normal and isn’t any cause for concern.

A sign of infection is if these symptoms get worse as times goes on or if they linger for a while. A good idea is to keep an eye on the piercing, noting if the swelling or redness spreads or increases. Take pictures if possible to keep track of it.

While swelling is perfectly normal, it can be dangerous if it gets too bad. Swelling can cause loss of function. Excessive swelling isn’t always a sign of infection though. It could be that your piercing is too small, and just needs to be replaced with a larger one until it heals. Return to your piercer if the swelling becomes too painful or uncomfortable.

Discomfort the day of or the day after a piercing is normal. It generally takes a day or more of signs of infection to even develop. Old piercings are also unlikely to get infected unless there has been a recent injury to is.

Symptoms

Part of the reasons it’s hard for people to determine if their piercing is infected is because the symptoms of infection are similar to how a fresh piercing heals. That’s why it’s important to not look at the symptoms in isolation. Here are the most common symptoms of infection though:

·            Redness (especially if it gets worse or spreads)

o   A new piercing may be red or pinkish for a few days. If the redness gets worse or starts spreading keep an eye on it for other symptoms of infection.

·            Swelling

o   Some swelling is normal, but it should subside after a couple of days. If the swelling gets worse or appears suddenly it could be an infection.

·            Pain

o   Your new piercing will be sensitive and sore for a few days. If you notice the pain lingering or getting worse this is a symptom of infection. However, if you have recently snagged or irritated your piercing, this could also be a cause.

·            Heat

o   Infected piercings may feel inflamed or hot to the touch. If you touch your piercing be sure to wash your hands first.

·            Discharge and pus

o   Some oozing is perfectly normal, and part of the natural healing process. Clear or straw-colored fluid is normal, but is the discharge is thick, whitish or colored (like yellow or green), or smelly it might be infected.

Location

Some areas of the body are more prone to infection than others. Your professional piercer will let you know this at the time of the piercing. Navel (belly button) and tongue piercing shave a higher risk of infection.

Belly button piercings are more prone for a few reasons. First, they’re in touch-prone locations. The belly button is constantly rubbing up against clothing and other objects, which introduce bacteria to the area. Belly buttons are also warm, and sometimes damp, places, which increase the risk of infection.

Tongue piercings are especially prone to infection. Your mouth is full of bacteria, which is a big cause. Tongue infections are especially serious. Complications can cause tongue numbness or even brain infections.

Avoiding Infections

The good news is that infections aren’t as common as people suspect. They’re also extremely easy to avoid. After you get your new piercing, your piercer will go over proper aftercare instructions. Make sure you listen and follow them. Different piercings have different cleaning requirements, so don’t assume you know what to do. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions either. Even if you think it’s a dumb question, we’d rather you ask.

Aftercare isn’t just about how to clean your piercings. It’s also about how to generally take care of it. For example, you should avoid sleeping on it, wearing clothing that may catch it, touching it with unwashed hands, or removing the piercing.

Another way to avoid an infection is to go to a reputable piercer. Never go to a Claire’s or mall piercer. These people aren’t properly trained, and the equipment they use often isn’t properly cleaned. Trained piercers work out of licensed studios. Most tattoo shops in Toronto have professional piercers that work in the studio.

Getting Help

So what should you do if you think your piercing is infected? A lot of places will tell you to go to a doctor, but the first person you should see if your piercer. Doctors, while trained professionals aren’t that great at telling if a piercing is infected. They often recommend just removing the piercing which can be bad. Removing an infected piercing can make things worse. It can trap the infection, rather than heal it.

Visit your piercer, or another professional piercer, first. These people are trained in piercers and can quickly tell you what to do. They’ll tell you whether you should see a doctor, how to clear it up, and whether or not you should remove it.

Conclusion

If you have any more questions or want to learn more about what piercers we offer at our downtown Toronto tattoo shop, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you and set up an appointment.

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.

How To Prepare For A New Piercing

Piercings aren’t as serious or permanent as tattoos, but there is still some preparations that should be taken before you sit down in the chair. No matter what piercing you’re getting, here’s what you need to know to get ready for your new piercing.

Research Ahead of Time

Before going in for a piercing, it’s a good idea to always do some research. Safety and cleanliness are what you should be looking for. Make sure it is a licensed studio and your piercer is a professional. It’s a good idea to make sure they do the piercing you want ahead of time too.

Drink Water and Get Sleep

When you get a piercing, you’re introducing a foreign object to the body and causing trauma to it. The body will work to heal itself, which requires it to work harder than normal. Being hydrated and well rested will help your body do its job.

Sick, Stay At Home

If you’re sick, it’s okay to reschedule your appointment. Being healthy is important to proper healing. Plus, when you come in sick you expose others to the illness, especially your piercer who is likely working close to your face. Be considerate and stay home if you’re sick.

Disclose Medical Conditions

Toronto tattoo shops and piercers don’t need a full medical history, but have certain medical conditions should be disclosed. Some conditions may even need a doctor’s note before you can get piercer. Medical conditions like blood disorders or heart conditions should be disclosed, simply so your piercer can take extra precautions if necessary. Just because you have a medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t get piercer. We just want to ensure everyone’s safety involved.

Bring ID

Tattoo shops in Toronto require valid government ID before doing any piercings or tattoos. Certain piercings have legal age restrictions on them. Anyone under the age of 16 needs parental consent to anything more than a love piercing, and nipple and genital piercings will absolutely only be given to people over 18, regardless of if they have their parent’s consent or not.

Leave Plenty of Time

Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you have time to select your jewelry and ask any questions. After the piercing is done your piercer will chat with you and go over aftercare tips. Being rushed just makes everyone stressed, so have plenty of time.

Prepare Mentally

Piercings are quick and pretty painless (other than some initial discomfort), but if you’re squeamish prepare mentally ahead of time. Bring along a friend or two for emotional support too if you need it.

Hair and Clothing

Hair should be kept out of the way, especially for facial piercings. Long hair can get tangled in them, which can be painful if they’re new. Clothing should be loose and avoid wearing anything that could rub against or get caught in your new piercing.

Come Sober

We legally cannot piercer anyone that is intoxicated, and even if we could we wouldn’t. Alcohol thins the blood, which can lead to more bleeding during a piercing. There’s also the chance that you’ll be a drunken fool and accidentally harm your new piercing. So arrive sober, or leave without a new piercing.

Please Come Clean

We shouldn’t have to say this, but please come clean. Wash, shower, and groom ahead of time, please. We also recommend doing any shaving because it may not be possible while the piercing heals.

Aftercare

Aftercare is the most important step for a new piercing. Your piercer will go through it all with you but it’s up to you to follow it. Keep the area clean, and avoid touching it. If you think it’s infected, come back to the original piercer to get their advice.

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.

Nape Piercings 101

Just like tattoos, piercings have fads and trends too. The latest one has been big in Asia and Europe for a few years, but now it’s made its way here. Nape piercings are the hottest piercing trend right now and it’s expected to get even bigger this summer.

Location

As the name implies, the nape piercing is located on the back of the neck, of the nape. The area is pretty large, so people can decide exactly where on the nape they want the piercing to be. Some people get one other go for two or more. Whether you want a single one centered, them stacked or side-by-side, it’s completely up to you.

Design

There’s not one design for nape piercings. The most popular styles are to have a single piercing centered in the neck, or double piercings side by side.

Pain

Pain is always a valid concern for people. Dermal piercings do hurt more than regular ones, but not by much. People who have gotten nape piercings before say the pain is pretty mild.

Piercer and Aftercare

You should always go to a trained professional piercer that knows how to do dermal piercings. There is a higher chance of infection with dermal piercings and the neck has its own risks being so close to the spine and head. Concerns of paralysis aren’t necessary unless you’re going to someone untrained.

Make sure you follow all aftercare advice. Snagging is a big issue with the nape location so be mindful of hair and clothing. Healing could take between two to six months, so keep it clean until it’s healed.

Contact us with any question or concerns or stop by our downtown Toronto shop to get a nape piercing 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.

Cuticle Tattoos 101

Yet another tattoo trend we can credit Rihanna for bringing into popularity. The Queen of Cool first sported cuticle tattoos back in 2013, and since then they have taken over Instagram. These tiny tattoos are just the latest in tattoo trends.

Location
The name says a lot, but cuticle tattoos aren’t actually on the cuticle. Rather, they’re placed around the nail. People usually opt to stick close to the nail but some people have taken to extending the design up the fingers and even across the whole hand. One choice people interested in these tattoos have to make it how many fingers they want to be done. Some get a few, some get only one hand, and others get them all done. It’s all up to you!

Pain
Here’s the bad news- the hands hurt to get tattoos. That pain only increases for that area on the finger. Hands and fingers are mostly bone and skin, with very little fat to cushion. The area near the nail is even more bony and sensitive. Ever gotten a hangnail? Imagine that pain times a thousand.

Time
Since most cuticle tattoos are small and have simple designs, the process can be done quickly. Make sure that you find an artist skilled in small tattoos though so that they don’t make any mistakes and can work in the small area.

Design
There is no single design for cuticle tattoos. Some popular designs are geometric shapes, lines, dots, and henna-style designs. Due to the small space simpler designs tend to work best.

Aftercare
It’s super important to follow all aftercare instructions. Since your hands usually come in contact with germs and objects first, it’s important that you keep your new ink clean and dry.

Conclusion
Cuticle tattoos act like jewelry, elevating whatever outfit one is wearing. They can hurt though, and it’s pretty costly for a small tattoo. Some people are opting for alternatives like temporary tattoos or nail art to get the design. If you want to book an appointment please contact us today!

Q&A: Should I Be Worried About My Raised Tattoo?

First things first, don’t panic. Tattoos become raised for a variety of reasons, most of them nothing to worry about. We understand it can be concerning to see lumps and bumps where your ink is. Here are a few reasons as to why your tattoo may be raised and what you should do about it.

Rising Reasons
As we said, tattoos rise for a number of reasons. It’s not always easy to figure out the exact cause so take notes as to when, how often, and what you’re doing when the rising happens. The more information you have, the better chance you have at figuring out what’s causing it to happen. Here are a few of the likely candidates causing your tattoo to rise.

Healing
A big reason tattoo artists don’t freak out when a client tells us their tattoos are raised is that that is a perfectly normal part of the tattoo healing process. It’s caused by the body trying to heal itself. You may also notice scabbing, flaking, fading and oozing as your tattoo heals. None of it sounds pleasant, and it doesn’t always look it, but it’s perfectly normal. All of this should go away if you follow aftercare advice. Don’t panic if it doesn’t go away right away either. It can take months for a raised tattoo to go down. 

Heat
We told you to take notes on everything because the weather can have a big impact on your skin. A lot of people notice that their tattoos rise during warmer weather, like during summer. The reasons are simply your body swelling due to the heat. Humidity, heat, and dry air can all irritate skin, which can cause your tattoo to rise. It’s totally normal and if this is the cause you probably notice it goes away once it becomes cooler.

Scarring
Scaring is one cause that is permanent. Scar tissue can form during the tattoo process and cause it to stay raised, even once it’s fully healed. It’s pretty uncommon, but it can happen if the tattoo artist isn’t trained. The scarring happens when the artist pushes too deep into the skin causing scar tissue to form. The scarring can go down, but it will still remain. This is why it’s important to go to a licensed tattoo shop and see a professionally trained tattoo artist.

Infection
It’s rare, but unfortunately, sometimes tattoos become infected. The chances of infections are low when you follow proper aftercare advice and visit reputable tattoo shops, but they do still happen. Symptoms of infection depend on the individual but common ones are swelling, white dots, rashes, and oozing in the tattooed area. Always get an infected tattoo treated as quickly as possible to limit the amount of damage to your body.

Allergies
Being allergic to tattoo ink is uncommon, but it’s been known to happen. Allergies could cause the tattoo to rise, even if it’s been awhile since the tattoo was done. Allergies can develop at any stage of life so you may not notice them when you first get inked. If an allergy is serious you may have to get the tattoo removed. In most cases, the tattoo just becomes slightly raised, swollen, and irritated. Creams, aloe vera, and allergy medication can help relieve symptoms.

Individual
Honestly, this isn’t what people want to hear, but sometimes it’s just the individual. People’s bodies are different, so each person reacts differently to tattoos. That’s why it’s so hard to give an exact healing time because it’s different for everyone. If you have sensitive skin the tattoo may stay raised longer after healing or rise more often. If you have other skin conditions such as eczema, they could cause the tattoo to rise too. Don’t worry though because usually, a raised tattoo isn’t noticeable to others.

What To Do
Don’t panic right away if your tattoo is rising. If the rising is causing pain, discomfort, or lasts for a long time you may want to consult with a doctor. Don’t irritate a raised tattoo further by scratching it.

Contact us if you have any questions about your tattoos. If you are interested in getting a tattoo come by our downtown Toronto tattoo shop to set up an appointment.

Stick and Poke Tattoos 101

Stick and Poke tattoos are all the rage right now. As a professional tattoo shop, we get a little wary about them. They can turn out wonderful, but there is risk involved too since it isn’t be done by a trained professional. This style was once dominated by jails, but it has since become a hit with a new demographic- college kids. We can’t necessarily recommend these tattoos, but here is everything you should know about them.

History
Hand poke tattoos are rooted in the historical practice of tattooing. Back before tattoo guns were a thing people got tattoos in the same way that stick and poke tattoos are done- by sticking a sharp object with ink on it into the skin. Some areas in the world still practice tattooing in this way. Angelina Jolie is famous for her tiger back tattoo that was done by Thai monks using their form of sick and poke tattooing. Western countries stopped practicing this style once tattoo guns became widespread, but they still persisted in the jail system. This style used to be referred to as “jail house” tattoos. Now with college kids adopting this style, that stigma has dropped.

What is it?
The name of this style says it all. A sharp object is dipped into ink and then poked into the skin. People used a number of sharp objects, such as sewing needles, safety pins, or even tattoo needles just not connected to the machine. There isn’t standard ink used for this style. Most inks used for hand poke tattoos isn’t FDA regulated so be warned. Sometimes people even used regular pen ink.

Artist
Stick and poke is a style that can be done by anyone, from traditional monks to professional tattoo artists. However, the current style has more of a DIY notion to it, with it usually being done by a non-professional individual. These people are usually talented, and some even do it for a living. They aren’t trained, licensed or work out of a shop though so there is more risk than a standard professional tattoo. Hand poke tattoos are usually done in a more intimate setting, like a home, and done by friends so there is more meaning behind them.

Hygiene
The biggest concern about sick and poke tattoos is the sterilization and sanitization of the equipment used. Professional tattoo artists are held to certain standards, even more so if they work out of a tattoo shop. All equipment is cleaned and sterilized regularly. With hand poke tattoos there is always a risk that the needle isn’t clean. Using a needle that isn’t new opens up the risk of contracting a disease such as hepatitis or HIV.

No matter who’s doing the tattoos, make sure that everything is cleaned properly. Never use the same needle as someone else too. Also, make sure you follow the same aftercare advice that you would for a professional tattoo. Keeping it clean helps prevent infection.

Pain
A huge downside to hand poke tattoos is that they hurt even more than professional ones. Having a machine do a tattoo means that the process goes by quicker. When it’s done by hand, every line and dot have to be done individually. It takes longer and more practice to get the ink right. The ink used also isn’t the best, meaning it takes more layer to get the ink to show. What all of this means is that it will hurt, no matter where it’s done.

Time
Another downside is time. Stick and Poke tattoos take longer to complete. Everything has to be done by hand, more layers of ink are required, and the design comes to life one dot at a time. What would usually take a few minutes can take up to hours.

Design and Size
The DIY aspect of hand poke tattoos can give you some ideas for what designs are popular. Doodle designs are common, especially on a smaller scale. Some people have become incredibly talented and skilled in this style though. They can create large, intricate tattoos that look like a machine did them.

Fading
There is an art to placing ink in the right part of the skin for tattoos. This is part of what’s covered and practiced when a professional tattoo artist gets trained. When the ink is placed too close to the surface, it won’t hold. If it’s placed too deep then it will blur and bleed. It takes skill to hit the sweet spot for ink placement. Due to this, and the lack of FDA approved ink used, stick and poke tattoos tend to fade more. This isn’t always the case, but most hand poke tattoos fade more often and quicker than professional ones. For some people though, this is actually a benefit.

Price
Price is the number one reason people are drawn to hand poke tattoos. A professional tattoo can cost hundreds of dollars while stick and poke tattoos are either free or significantly cheaper. People who have a talent for this style and have made a name for themselves may get a higher price, but the majority of people use friends who don’t charge anything.

As professionals, we don’t advocate these tattoos but they can turn out super cool. Make sure you get everything sanitized before getting a hand poke tattoo. If you have any questions or want to discuss a professional tattoo, contact us.