Tattoodesign.com.au: The definitive site for the best tattoo designs on the Internet

You will never have to search for a tattoo design again. This website offers the best information around and the tattoo designs are simply incredible."
- Frank C, Sydney

Tattoo Questions and Answers

 

 

Does getting a Tattoo hurt


Yes! It always hurts to be tattooed, however the amount of pain varies between person to person. It also depends where about on your body you are being tattooed. The colour is being inserted into your skin by using needles will obviously cause some pain, but tattooing never hurts so much that you can not manage the pain. It is very difficult to explain just how much it hurts, as it is different from person to person and from the place on the body that the tattoo is being applied. The more relaxed and easy you feel, the easier the process is for you and the artist. Don't bother about anaesthetics of any kind, and never mix tattooing with alcohol. Being drunk while being tattooed is not a good idea, and is absolutely no good because it thins the blood, making it more difficult for the tattoo artist to do his or her work.

How exactly is a Tattoo done


Tattoos are applied using a tattoo machine, which has remained basically the same design since it was patented in 1896. Many advances have been made in the quality of the equipment, but the process is the same. The machine causes a needle or combination of needles to first scribe a line and then apply colour.

Firstly, you design will be copied onto a special kind of paper and then pressed against your skin. This causes the design to appear on your skin so the artist can follow the layout and you can also see how it will look before they actually get to work. The artist will first draw the outline of the tattoo and then the colouring in bit starts. Many people find the colouring in bit easier in terms of pain. The tattoo pigment is inserted into the skin cells in the epidermis and new skin grows over the top forming a protective layer over the tattoo.

What design shall I get


This is entirely up to you, but one thing is for sure - don't make any quick and rash decisions! Take your time in choosing your tattoo. If you're selecting one in the shop, don't be hassled and have a good think. The artist will respect you for taking your time. Remember, it's permanent!

We offer links to two websites that offer many designs. Our partner website is a superb place to start as they are by far the best place on the web to get designs. There's thousands! We also recommend downloading an ebook as there's lots of design and you can keep it. They are very inexpensive and are well worth a look. Click here to buy the ebook (instant delivery). We strongly recommend you do both of these!

How long does it take to get a tattoo


The time it takes to do a tattoo depends mostly on the design. The size and complexity of the design are the two major factors. Another would be where the tattoo was to be applied. Certain areas of the body such as the arm takes less time because the tattooist can get a good grip on the area and stretch the skin, which is essential to applying a good tattoo. Flat areas like the stomach take more time because they are harder to stretch, but generally the more complex the design, the longer it will take.

How do I choose the right Tattoo Shop


Look at work that the artist has done on other people if possible (artist should have a portfolio that you can look at). Spend some time in the shop to see some of the work that is being done. Talk to the artist. If he/she doesn't want to take the time to talk to you and make you at ease about the process then maybe their shop isn't the place for you. The shop should be clean and well lit. As with piercing, autoclave sterilization should be used on any instruments that are not disposable. A dry-heat sterilizer does NOT take the place of a steam autoclave. If you're in doubt, ask to see the autoclave. It may sound picky but a reputable artist should have no problem in explaining and talking over any concerns or questions that you might have.

What about after-care


The artist that did your tattoo will have something very definite to say about the care of your new tattoo, and it is probably a good idea to listen to him/her. Many shops will have an information sheet listing care instructions. The information provided in this section may or may not be the same method your artist offers.

At TattooDesign.com.au, we suggest the following: Firstly, listen to your tattoo artist! They are the experts and have the experience to give you an indication of what to do. If you keep it clean (briefly wash it and pat it dry), donít get it too wet (eg donít have a bath or go swimming!), moisturise it and make sure you don't pick it, youíll be fine.

Other people will recommend different ointments and lotions. Some people swear by Tea Tree Oil (toner) from the Body Shop for its healing qualities. Others like general healing creams and the one that always seems to get good reports is Vaseline Intensive Care.ÝBut, like we say, talk to the person whoís doing your tattoo!

What exactly is 'autoclave sterilisation'


Autoclave sterilization is a process where steam under pressure is used to kill any living organisms, including spores, which are very resistant. There are other forms of sterilization such as dry-heat and chemicals, but the only accepted form of sterilization for medical instruments in this country is autoclave. It's just like a pressure cooker and items should be in the autoclave at least 30 minutes at 246 degrees.

How can I become a Tattoo artist


There are instructional books and videos on both subjects and I can tell you that they are worthless without hands-on instruction from someone who knows what they are doing. The only thing I can say is to first find out if you have the talent or if you're ready to make the commitment to get the educational art background necessary to do good artwork. Then you have to find an artist willing to take you on as an apprentice. DO NOT think you can buy a book or video, a kit that promises "everything you need to open a studio is included" and you're on your way to a successful career. All you will do is a bunch of bad tattoos, get disgusted, and sell your investment for half of what you paid for it. Find a reputable artist and ingratiate yourself to him/her. You can start by getting a lot of tattoo work. This proves you're serious. There may be a fee involved and possibly the signing of a contract. This, to me, is the only right way to get started in the business.