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.

Constellation Piercings 101

We talk a lot about tattoo trends, but piercings have their own trends in styles too. The last year has seen a huge boom in on particular style- constellation piercings. This style allows for creativity and individuality as people cultivate their own unique cluster of piercings on their ears. Here is everything you need to know about this piercing trend.

Style
Constellation piercings are basically an artful cluster of piercings on the ear. The multiple piercings allow people to go as simple or as creative as they want. Having multiple ear piercings have been a trend for a while, but it’s only recently that it’s gotten the starry name and taken off. It’s a fresh modern take on multiple ear piercings that really is unique to each person.

Location
Part of the reason people love constellation piercings is that they can be anywhere on the ear. For those that don’t want multiple cartilage piercings, having the option for a cool lobe-piercing trend is exciting. The cluster can be anywhere, whether you want it on the earlobe, the cartilage, the inner ear, or up the entire ear, it’s up to you.

Jewelry
The great thing about this trend is that it can be tailored to your ear shape and sense of style. Most people have been opting for smaller, daintier piercings that give an understated minimalist look. Other’s are going for statement shapes like stars, moons, and crosses. People can use any mix of jewelry, such as studs, shapes, rings, and bars, for constellation piercings.

Design
There are endless possibilities and combinations for constellation piercings. Just like the starry constellations, the piercing is named after, each piercing helps create an image. A popular lobe constellation design is a triangle arrangement where three piercings are close together. A more classic one is a linear design where the piercings go up the ear. You can add dimension to the design by alternating between longer rings and shorter studs for a staggering height.

Timeline
There’s no set timeline, but most professional piercers don’t recommend getting a ton of piercings done at once. It can make it harder to heal with all the swelling. Sleeping and other normal tasks may also be uncomfortable with multiple new piercings. It’s best to build them up one at a time.

Pain
How much a piercing hurts depends on where it’s done. Lobe piercings generally tend to hurt the least, while cartilage and inner ear ones hurt more. The good news is that pain from piercings is brief.

Conclusion
Constellation piercings look like a trend that will last awhile. Make sure you always take care of your new piercings my following proper aftercare advice. If you’re interested in getting a new piercing, or a tattoo, contact us or visit our downtown Toronto tattoo shop!.

Tattoo Stretching

The body is a constantly changing thing. We grow taller, gain weight, put on muscle, and stretch out our skin. Because of the ever-changing canvas that is our body, many people have questions about tattoos stretching. It’s one of the most asked questions we get asked as a Toronto tattoo shop. So we’ve decided to answer the burning question, do tattoos stretch?

Do Tattoos Stretch?

The simple answer to this question is yes. The answer to the follow-up question, why is that it depends. Tattoos are inked into the skin and as the skin stretches so does the ink. This can cause stretch marks or make the design look distorted. The good news is that most tattoos don’t stretch, even as the body changes. Location makes a big impact on if a tattoo stretches. Tattoos on the wrists, hands, feet, ankles, or neck don’t tend to be affected. Stomach, arm, legs and breasts are more prone to stretching though. The larger the tattoo the less likely the stretching is noticed but with smaller tattoos, the changes can be extremely visible.

Causes of Stretching

There are a few things that cause the skin and tattoos to stretch. Some of them can be avoided but others are a natural occurrence. Here are a few of the most common causes.

Muscle Building

Working out and gaining muscle is a big trend today. However, this can affect your tattoos to be careful. Building muscle slowly usually won’t affect a tattoo but rapid gaining or losing or muscle mass will likely cause a tattoo to stretch.

Weight

Just like with muscle, quickly gaining or losing weight will cause your skin to stretch. This will impact the tattoo if it’s in certain locations. The skin could sag or create stretch marks, which can affect the design. If you’re trying to change your weight do it slowly. It’s not only healthier but it won’t change your tattoo as much.

Pregnancy

As a baby grows inside of a woman her body goes through extraordinary changes to accommodate it. Part of this is the stomach stretching and growing. A tattoo in this location can be affected looking distorted or stretched out. Stretch marks may also be lasting markers on her body due to pregnancy. These can impact a tattoo design but the good new is usually they don’t, at least not for long.

Age

It’s perfectly natural for skin to become less taut as we age. This is what causes the skin to wrinkle and sag. Unfortunately, this also impacts tattoos on the body. There’s not much that can be done about this but many people say their tattoos still look good even as they get older.

How To Prevent Stretching

Sometimes stretching can’t be prevented but gaining or losing weight or muscle slowly is the best way to try to combat this. Although, your skin is pretty resilient, so don’t worry too much about tattoo stretching. If you have any questions or concerns contact us or visit our downtown tattoo shop.

Which Piercing Locations Are The Most Painful?

A big question we get asked a lot at our downtown Toronto tattoo shop is “how much will it hurt to get pierced there”? 

To answer that burning question we’ve ranked the most popular piercings locations by pain level from least painful to most painful.

Least Painful

Lobe Piercings

A lobe piercing is so painless and common that it’s the only piercing that can be done under the age 16 without parental consent. Even babies get them done. People compare the pain to a slight, brief pinch. To get an idea of pain, pinch your earlobe.

Eyebrow

Eyebrow piercings aren’t as common and they’re certainly more for the trendy crowd. However, they aren’t painful to get despite what many people think. People say it’s more of a slight pressure pain than anything.

Navel

Who didn’t get their bellybutton pierced during the early 2000’s? This piercing location’s popularity has died down some but it’s still a hit spot. The good news is that it’s pretty painless with piercers comparing the pain to a brief bee sting.

Moderately Painful

Nasal

When it comes to nose piercings there are tons of options. The pain can differ depending on where on the nose you get pierced. The nostril is the least painful while the septum, which has more cartilage, is more painful. Overall, a nose piercing is moderate in terms of pain though expect your eyes to water.

Lip

There are lots of options for lip piercings too. Most lip piercings are the same amount of pain but if you get multiple the pain multiples too. These piercings aren’t too painful though but the swelling afterward can be (and it makes you look like you took a hit!).

Ear

The lobe isn’t the only popular location to piercer on the ear nowadays. Other location on the ear, basically anywhere on the ear, is popular today. These locations tend to be more painful than the lobe though. The exact pain level depends on where you get pierced but the thicker the cartilage in the area the more painful it will be.

Tongue

Tongue piercings are still more taboo than other facial piercings. People expect them to hurt a lot, especially since the only experience people have to compare it to is biting one's tongue. The truth is that the pain is fairly moderate as the pain is more localized than accidentally biting your tongue. It can swell afterward though making it difficult to eat and talk.

Most Painful

Nipple

Thanks to celebrities like Rihanna and Kylie Jenner, nipple piercings have become incredibly popular. Toronto tattoo shops get more of this requested every day. Be warned though- they hurt. This area is sensitive which only increases the pain. Clothing rubbing against them also makes them more uncomfortable than other piercings.

Dermal

Dermal piercings are different than other piercings in that they don’t go all the way through the skin. They are either placed partially or completely under the skin. Because of this, dermal piercings are incredibly painful. They can be placed almost anywhere on the body and depend on where they’re placed the higher the pain is.

Genital

As expected, genital piercings are the most painful. Whether you’re getting male or female genitals pierced it’s going to hurt. The pain is intense but it’s over pretty quickly. It’s extremely important to follow aftercare advice for these piercings though as serious health issues could arise.

Conclusion

Much like tattoos, the piercing pain is all based on where it gets done. They don’t always hurt as badly as tattoos, nor are they as permanent, but a professional Toronto piercer should do them.

Options For Regrettable Tattoos

Tattoo artists always hate when they hear stories about people regretting their tattoos. As more people are getting them it’s only fitting that the rate of regret and removal increased too. Whether it’s design, time, or a bad artist, the reason for regret are numerous. Luckily, so are the options for removal.

Laser Removal

Laser removal is the most popular option for completely removing a tattoo. The ink is targeting with pulses of concentrated light that break down the ink. The bad news it that it takes at least 10 treatments for the tattoo to be fully removed. This is less if you only go in for a partial fading. The more treatments you get the more your skin gets damaged which means blisters, scabs, and scarring are all possible side effects of laser removal. This process is incredibly painful and it’s pretty pricey. Colored ink, especially blues and greens, are significantly harder to remove also.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

IPL is another treatment option that is gaining popularity. It’s similar to laser removal. A high-intensity light is emitted from a wand onto the targeted areas. This method is a lot less painful than laser but unfortunately, it is also more expensive. It’s relatively new so specialists aren’t sure about recommending it or not yet.

Dermabrasion

This is an old school removal option that isn’t used much today. It involved “sanding” or “blasting” away the top layers of skin through abrasive friction. If it sounds painful that’s because it is. It’s also not super effective, which is part of the reason it’s not even offered in most places anymore.

Tattoo Creams

Tattoos creams claim to lighten and fade tattoo ink. If this sounds too good to be true because it is. Most of them don’t work or at least don’t work effectively enough to match their hefty prices. Chances are they won’t work but if you really want to try them there aren’t really any side effects other than a loss of money.

Cover Up

Cover-ups are a good option for some people. A skilled artist that specializes in or has experience with cover-ups can give you a new ink to replace the bad one. If done well you can’t even see the old one at all. Cover-ups are only good if it’s the design, not the idea or placement of the tattoo, that you regret. A good cover-up can be expensive depending on the size and detail needed. Look at artist portfolios to make sure you’re not getting another bad one. Colored tattoos are harder to cover up and may require some laser fading first.

Restoration

Ink fades and spreads as time goes on causing some people to fall out of love with their tattoo. In this case, restoration might be the option for you. Top tattoo artists can go over old pieces and bring them back to life. Be sure to find an artist that specializes in this.

Conclusion

Tattoo regret is unfortunate but there are tons of reasons people regret tattoos. In order to avoid regret always research your artist, make sure you love your design, and think about the long term. Thankfully, there are far more options out there for removal than there used to be. Contact our Toronto tattoo shop today to set up an appointment for cover-ups or restoration.

7 Things Your Piercer Wants You To Know

Getting piercings isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be. Nowadays they are common, socially accepted, and usually aren’t as permanent as a tattoo. 

Still, anytime you are putting a needle into your body (even for a second) you should take it with some seriousness. There are a few things that piercer’s wish people knew before heading to their local Toronto tattoo shop. Here are seven of them:

1.    Avoid Piercing Guns

Almost everyone has gotten a piercing with a gun at some point, usually as a child in the mall. But piercers wish people would stay away from them. Not only are they not regulated or precise but they also are extremely hard to sanitize properly meaning you’re more likely to get an infection. Guns also use a dull stud rather than a sharp needle, which makes them more likely to damage the area.

2.    Only Listen to Professional Aftercare Advice

You should only listen to aftercare advice of a trained, professional piercer. In other words, avoid the Internet. People are still spouting off aftercare advice that they learned from a Claire’s piercing handout as a kid. Don’t twist the piercings when it’s dry as this can cause damage. Always clean it properly to avoid infections. If you ever have any questions or concerns be sure to contact a professional piercer to get your answers, not Google.

3.    Don’t Throw Around the Word Infected

People toss around the word infected about their piercings far too often. It’s actually pretty rare for a piercing to become infected as this can only really happen in the first few weeks. Most often people confuse normal irritation and healing with infection. Some hurting, soreness, oozing, crusting, and swelling is perfectly normal and part of the healing process.

4.    Don’t Go to a Doctor For a Piercing

As soon as people worry their piercing is infected they go running to the doctor. This is a big mistake though as most doctors don’t actually know a whole lot about piercings and can just make the situation worse. Always go back to your piercer first if you have any concerns. They will best advise you on when and if you should go see a doctor.

5.    Don’t Haggle

Save the price haggling for the flea market, not the tattoo shop. Getting a piercing done by a professional can be a little pricey, especially if it’s a unique piercing. But you get what you pay for. Going cheap can lead to an uneven, unsanitary piercing that will end up costing you more later on. Professional piercers are trained, experienced, and follow certain regulations so they know what they are doing. Don’t insult them or their work by haggling on a price. Prices are set for a reason.

6.    Communicate and Be Honest

They say communication is key for a reason. Communicate with your piercer every step of the way. Be honest with them about your feelings, concerns, and what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions, even if you think they sound dumb. Your piercer isn’t going to judge you. Even if you go in with a piercing you did yourself or by a poor non-professional piercer to get fixed your piercer just wants to help you out go be open and honest with them always.

7.    Listen to Your Piercer’s Advice

You go to a professional for a reason. They know what they’re doing and talking about so be sure to listen to them and follow their advice. If they tell you a certain piercing can’t or shouldn’t be done listen to them. Head their advice on placement, jewelry size, and all aftercare tips. It’s their job to give you the best possible piercing and advice, that’s why you’re paying for a professional after all.

Everything About Tattoo Regret

It’s a shame when people regret their tattoos. Tattoos are expensive, time-consuming, and pretty permanent. Unfortunately, it happens, though. As more people are getting them more people are also getting them removed. It raises some questions, like who, why, and when are people getting their tattoos removed. Here is everything you need to know about tattoo regret so you don’t end up regretting your own ink.

Who

People often wonder who is regretting their tattoos. Women actually make up the majority of people getting their tattoos removed. They account for closer to 72% of all tattoo removal procedures. It might also be surprising to learn that it’s not teenagers or young adults getting tattoos removed. Most people who regret their tattoos are middle aged.

When

A big concern for some people getting tattoos is that they’re worried they will regret it when they get older. The majority of removals happen between the ages of 35-50 so it’s a valid concern. In the past few years, people over the age of 85 gave been starting to make a dent in the removal population.

Why

There are a number of reasons people regret their tattoos. Some of them are pretty valid too. Here are the top reasons.

It’s Related to An Ex

The biggest reason people regret a tattoo? It’s related to an ex. Whether it’s their name, one-half of a couple tattoo or just something that reminds them of the ex, any tattoos related to an ex-significant other is cause for regret. Love isn’t permanent but tattoos are, so be 100% before getting a tattoo with your S.O.

It’s Too Visible

Sometimes people regret a tattoo not because of the design but because of the location. A tattoo being too visible is a cause for regret. Society is more accepting of tattoos now but some jobs still require them to be covered, which can be difficult. People often feel that certain visible tattoos hold them back professionally.

Faded Ink

No matter how good a tattoo artist is, ink fades. The older the tattoo is the more faded it will be. Certain things can be done to slow this down but nothing can be done to stop it. Some people love their original tattoo but as it fades it starts to lose their appeal. Luckily, a faded tattoo can be restored so it doesn’t have to be removed.

Poor Quality Work

There’s nothing worse than going in for a tattoo and coming out with poor quality work. A poor job done on a tattoo is probably the top reason people regret them. Not all tattoo artists are the same so be sure to research yours before hand.

Design Mistake

Who hasn’t gotten a good laugh from seeing those tattoo mistake pictures online? Whether a word is misspelled, a translation wrong, or a font choice that makes a word look like something else design mistakes suck. They’re not only a product of a bad artist but they are a cause for regret. Sometimes they can be fixed but other times it’s a permanent reminder of not double-checking.

Feelings Towards Image Changed

Feelings and attitudes towards certain things change over time. Sometimes it’s because of age or maturity, or it could be because of a major life event. There’s no way to tell if you’ll love your tattoo in the future. If you’re worried about this write down your idea, put it away for a while, and then look at it again. If you still want it then go for it and get it done.

Drunken Mistake

There’s a reason tattoo shops don’t like to tattoo drunk people. Alcohol makes people’s blood thinner, which causes more bleeding during the process. But more than that, people tend to make bad decisions when they’re drunk. So do yourself a favor and stay away from tattoo shops when you’re intoxicated to avoid a butterfly tramp stamp in the morning.

Inappropriate Image

When you’re young an inappropriate image seems funny and daring, even rebellious. When you’re older it’s just stupid. Even the most relaxed jobs about tattoos will take issue if it depicts something offensive or inappropriate. Not to mention many parents regret certain tattoos once they have children. Kind of hard to explain that naked girl on your arm to your toddler.

Aged Badly

Certain tattoos don’t age well and it’s not always because of ink fading. Bodies change, as people get older. Muscles disappear, fat appears, and skin becomes less tight. All of this can impact the look and design of a tattoo. Certain areas will be more affected by age than others so consider this when getting inked. No wonder the older crowd is beginning to make a dent in the removal population.

Conclusion

It’s a good thing that tattoos are becoming more accepted and popular in this age. It’s even better that tattoo removal options are becoming more effective and cheaper too. In order to prevent regretting a tattoo though thing about it before you go through with it. Sit on a design for a while, research your artist, and make sure you’ll love it now and in the future. Contact our Toronto Tattoo Shop today to discuss getting a tattoo, covering one up, or getting a touch-up.

Underboob Tattoos 101

Everything you need to know about underboob tattoos

At our Toronto Tattoo Shop underboob tattoos have become a hit trend. It all started in 2012 when Rihanna got an underboob tattoo of the Egyptian goddess Isis in honor of her late grandmother. Rihanna, a celebrity icon that already oozed coolness, suddenly became even cooler. Since then this location has only become more popular as each year passed.

Underboob Placement

This location is hard to define since it over creeps into chest, sternum, stomach and rib regions. There’s a defining shape to underboob tattoos though that mirror Rihanna’s iconic one. Underboobs tattoos tend to be symmetrical, sweeping into arches under the breasts.

Design and Look

Part of the reason this tattoo location has become so trendy is that a lot of them look the same. Even a one of a kind tattoo looks similar to others because they all have the same shapes. There’s a natural shape to the underboob region that requires this similar shape.

Designs tend to follow certain patterns for this region. Half mandalas, chandelier or jewelry pieces, and creatures with feathers are all popular. Octopuses are rising in popularity as well. The design has to look good with the natural curves of this area.

Pain

There’s a downside to this trendy location- they’re painful to get, like really painful. The skin in this area is more sensitive and thinner than other areas. There’s also more bone in this region, especially on the sternum and ribs. All tattoos hurt but if you have a low pain tolerance consider getting a tattoo in another location.

Artist

The thing about trendy tattoos is that you have to pick the right artist and shop to get them done at. A trendy spot or style typically hasn’t been around as long meaning not everyone has skill in it. Look at an artist’s portfolio or a tattoo shop’s Instagram to find an artist that has experience and skill in underboob tattoos.

Controversy

We should let you know that there’s some controversy about underboob tattoos. You should never let anyone dictate what goes on your body but it’s still a good idea to know what people are saying about them ahead of time. Underboob tattoos are often called the “new tramp stamps”. The location is risqué and a little trashy to some people.

The only opinion that should matter when it comes to tattoos is your own. Just make sure that you’ll be happy with your tattoo, not just weeks and months afterward but years. This location is hard to do cover up tattoos and to get removed.

Conclusion

Underboob tattoos are a beautiful and bold trendy location for people that want to make a statement. Make sure you find the right artist, design, and tattoo shop to get yours done at.

Top 12 Locations People Are Tattooed

Toronto tattoo shops have seen and tattooed it all. From the extremely visible to the incredibly personal, tattoo artists will ink anywhere; it’s part of the job. Some places are more popular than others, though. Gender plays a big role in where people get inked more than any other factor. Here are the top 12 places people get tattooed.

Neck

The neck has been gaining popularity as tattoos have become more socially acceptable. In the past, this location was avoided because it was hard to cover up, a problem for people with certain jobs. Females have especially been getting more lately but it’s still not the most popular location.

Males: 8%

Females: 4%

Upper Back/ Shoulders

The upper back and shoulders are by far one of the most popular places to get inked. The area is pretty painless (as painless as a tattoo can be), the area is large, and can be covered easily by clothing. For both men and women, it’s the second more popular location for tattoos.

Males: 34%

Females: 25%

Chest

Thanks to celebrities like Rihanna, chest tattoos have become more popular among women. It’s actually become the third most popular location for them and it’s always been a popular place for men. Be warned, though, it’s a painful place to get tattooed due to the thin skin and boney areas.

Males: 17%

Females: 20%

Abdomen

Stomach tattoos aren’t as popular as they use to be but they’re still high on the list. The area isn’t as painful as other places and it has the added benefit of being able to be covered easily.

Males: 5%

Females: 13%

Arms

Arms are the top spot that men get tattooed. That number drops significantly for women, though. The arm is a pretty painless area and getting a sleeve ( a full arm of tattoos) has become popular thanks to celebrities like David Beckham.

Males: 75%

Females: 7%

Hands/Fingers

Getting hands and fingers tattoos is rising in popularity, in fact, tiny finger tattoos are becoming a trend. In the past, this area was considered taboo, as it was hard to cover and was usually reserved for criminals and thugs. The area can be painful and tattoos here tend to fade quicker so be warned.

Males: 47%

Females: 1%

Lower Back

The lower back, home for the infamous tramp stamp. The popularity of lower back tattoos has definitely dropped in recent years. Tattoo in this area, thanks in part to the common nickname “tramp stamp” have gained the perception of being not classy.

Males: 5%

Females: 18%

Hips

Hip tattoos aren’t as popular and there’s a simple reason why- pain. Tattoo artists say the hip is one of the most painful areas to get tattooed. The area there is usually all bone, which is why it hurts so badly.

Males: 2%

Females: 9%

Buttocks

When we said tattoo shops get personal, this is what we meant. Butt tattoos are only one of the intimate places tattoo artists get to see. The area isn’t super popular but we still see our fair share. This area is easy to cover, isn’t seen by a lot of people, and is pretty painless due to the lack of bone and thin skin.

Males: 3%

Females: 15%

Legs

Leg tattoos are a favorite among clients and artists. The area is big enough to allow for detailed pieces. The leg isn’t too painful to get tattooed either but that all depends on what area of the leg you get inked at.

Males: 20%

Females: 14%

Ankle

Ankle tattoos tend to be small and simple pieces. Be warned though that this area can be painful due to the bone here. This area is really popular, though, especially for women. It’s one of the least popular places for men, though.

Males: 2%

Females: 27%

Feet/ Toes

The feet and toes aren’t very popular for either men or women. It’s also a difficult place to judge the pain. Some people say it’s the most painful spot while other’s say it didn’t feel like anything at all. This area is full of bone, tendons and thin skin.

Males: 2%

Females: 4%

Tattoo Statistics You Might Not Know

We’ve tattooed a lot of people at our downtown Toronto Tattoo Shop - like, a lot. But even after all this time, we were still shocked by some of these tattoo statistics. Tattoos use to be the mark of military and criminals. Today, tattoos are for everyone and the statistics are certainly proving that.

Prevalence

It used to be that tattoos were something for military personnel, criminals, or rebels. Today they are becoming more common every year. About 3 out of ten Americans have at least one tattoo, which is up from a few years ago when it was one out of five. People aren’t stopping at one tattoo either. They say getting tattoos is addicting, which explains why 69% of people with tattoos have two or more.

Gender

In the past, men dominated the tattoo market. From artists to clients, men were the main ones there. That’s changing now, though. Almost an equal number of men and women are getting tattoos. In fact, 22% of women have tattoos, while 26% of men have them. This disparity is way less than it uses to be.

Age

It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that tattoos are more popular among the younger generations. 36% of people aged 20-31 have at least one tattoo, 24% of people aged 32-42 have one, and 15% for people aged 43-53. It also shouldn’t be surprising that Millennials and Gen Xers are more likely to have multiple tattoos too.

Regret

As the number of people getting tattoos goes up it’s not surprising that the number of people getting them removed gets higher too. About one-fourth of people says they regret one of their tattoos. There are so many reasons people end up regretting their ink, from having it being related to an ex to it being done by a bad tattoo artist. Make sure you don’t end up regretting your tattoo by researching your artist and studio ahead of time. Make sure you like the design as well by going on Instagram and online portfolios for inspiration.

Location

Some locations are more popular than others when it comes to tattoos. Factors like design, size, coverage, pain and personal preference go into selecting where people get tattooed. Shoulders are popular for both men and women, while men get their hands tattooed significantly more than women and women have a proportionally larger number of ankle tattoos.

Occupation

In the past, even as tattoos became more socially acceptable, many jobs required them to stay covered. This made it difficult for some people who selected locations that weren’t easily covered. Today, most job environments don’t require tattoos to be covered as long as they aren’t obscene or offensive.

Conclusion

Social ridicule or job limitations are no longer reasons to not get a tattoo. More people are expressing themselves with tattoos every year.

10 Things Your Tattoo Artist Wants You To Know

Getting a tattoo is a personal decision but making life easier for your tattoo artist will only guarantee a smoother and more fun process. Here are ten things your tattoo artist at our Toronto Tattoo Shop wants you to know before sitting down in their chair.

1. They’re Not Mind-Readers

While the world artists make looks magical, they aren’t magicians. They can’t create an awesome design that you’re going to love until you communicate with them what you want. You’ll discuss the final design with them but make sure you have ideas ready when you walk in. Look at Instagram or portfolios before you go in for inspiration.

2. Be Prepared to Wait

If you’re walking into a studio for a tattoo be ready to wait. Even if an artist is available they still need time to set up and get ready. Artists need to set up and sterilize equipment and need time to create a design. If you don’t have time to wait around book an appointment ahead of time.

3. They Don’t Enjoy Nit-Picking Clients

Tattoo artists understand that a tattoo is personal, intimate, and permanent. But making multiple tiny changes is a sure way to irritate your artist. At the end of the day, you need to have faith in them. Once you go over the design and the details that are important to you trust them to do the rest.

4. Large Work Takes Time

TV shows and movies have created the untrue perception that any tattoo can be done in an hour. The reality is that large work, especially large tattoos will a high level of detail, will take many hours. They can even require multiple sessions. In addition to sitting under the needle for that long, it will require consultations for designing. If it requires multiple sessions expect to have to wait a few weeks in-between each session.

5. No Kids Allowed

Look, even the most well-behaved kid has no place in a tattoo shop. There is dangerous, sharp, and hazardous material there. Kids get bored, they get hungry, and they like attention. You’re going to be immobilized, distracted and in pain. In other words, you’re going to be in no position to take care of let alone want to take care of a kid.

6. Take Bathroom Breaks Ahead of Time

There’s nothing worse for an artist then getting into the groove and having a client ask for a bathroom break. Sometimes it’s an emergency and it can’t be avoided. But most of the time its simply because the client didn’t go before they sat down. So please, sure the bathroom before sitting down in the chair.

7. Don’t Expect An Exact Price

Toronto tattoo shops get countless people coming in asking for an exact price while only providing a vague description of what they want. General descriptions like “a sleeve” or “a dragon” do little for us. The price will depend on the size, the level of detail, the style, and the time it takes. We can’t give you’re a price based on general knowledge.

8. They Don’t Work Well Under Time-Constraints

The pressure of a time constraint is intense for anyone. For tattoo artists, it is the worst to be given a time limit by a client. Tattoos are works of art and while most artists work as efficiently and quickly as possible these things can’t be rushed. If you have to be somewhere at a certain time come back at another time when you’re less busy.

9. Don’t Pretend to Be A Master of Tattoos

There’s nothing worse for an artist than having a client thing they know everything about tattooing. Unless you’re a professional tattoo artist, and honestly not even then, don’t give advice. Your artist is a professional with experience and talent. No matter how many tattoos you have or how many documentaries you’ve watched we can bet your artist knows more. And if they really don’t then why are they tattooing you?

10. Don’t Haggle

Haggling has no place in a tattoo shop. Tattoo artists and studios have set prices that are based on the artists, the detail, the design, and the time it will take to complete. Give your artist your budget ahead of time so they can create a design within that. Leave the haggling for the flea market.

Contact us today to set up an appointment in our downtown Toronto tattoo shop.

Before You Get A Tattoo Ask Your Artist These Questions

Tattoos are expensive, time intensive and not to mention, pretty damn permanent. To make sure you’re getting the best possible artist, image and work done, be sure to ask these questions before you get inked.

What are your qualifications?

            Any artist that gets offended by this questions or skirts around it is not someone you should trust. Reputable tattoo artists are honest and proud to talk about their experience and skills.

Can I see your portfolio?

            An artist’s work will always speak volumes so be sure to ask to see their portfolio. Make sure the work is actually theirs by reverse Google searching the images and reading online reviews and testimonials.            

What styles are you specialized in and/or comfortable in?

            Even the most experienced and skilled tattoo artists in the work aren’t specialized in every tattoo style- it’s just not possible. Make sure to ask them, and check their portfolio, to see what styles and techniques they’re comfortable in.   

         

Do you and how do you sterilize your tattoo equipment?

            A sterile, clean tattoo studio should be your main priority. Ask to see where and how they sterilize the equipment. Also make sure that they use proper disposal protocols and take all necessary hygienic methods such as using gloves and bags.             

How long will it take?

            There’s no set timeline for tattoo completion but an artist should be able to give you some idea of how long it will take after you have settled on a location, size and design. Make sure you have the patience, time and pain tolerance to commit to the general timeline you’re given-and don’t be surprised if it goes over a little.            

What is your recommended aftercare protocol?

            Proper aftercare is just as important as a quality artist. Aftercare keeps your body and tattoo healthy. Make sure you ask about aftercare before getting inked to make sure your tattoo will be in a location you can handle.

Never be afraid of asking too many or a stupid question. Good tattoo places like our Toronto Tattoo Shop will be more than happy to take the time to reassure you. They want you to be just as confident as they are in their work. Make sure you pick a qualified artist that can bring your desired image to life.