BODY ART FAQ's  
 
1. How long will my tattoo take?

A tattoo can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several 3 or 4 hour sittings (or even longer). If you desire a small tattoo (say, the size of a quarter), you can be sure you will be in and out of the chair within half an hour to 45 mintues. This includes artist set-up and laying the stencil. However, one thing every tattoo customer must keep in mind is that many shops work on a first come, first serve basis. If there is a list of people who have entered the shop before you, you may have to wait to get your tattoo. Many shops will take appointments. Be sure to ask your artist if you want an appointment. You will also want to keep in mind that the time a tattoo takes will vary from one artist to another.

2. Why do tattoos cost so much?

When you decide to get a tattoo you must keep in mind that not only are many tattoo artists artists in their own right, but that they are trained to work in a medium which changes constantly. While it takes talent to paint on a canvas, it also takes much skill and patience to create an image in the skin of a living person. Most tattoo artists don't get health benefits or a retirement plan and most give half of what they make to the owner of the tattoo shop. Many artists are required to supply their own equipment as well.

3. What determines the price of a tattoo?

There are many factors that might determine how much your tattoo costs. One, and perhaps the most obvious, is the size of the tattoo. If you want something small you will pay much less than you will if you want a full back piece or a sleeve. Another factor is where the tattoo is going on your body. Some places are harder to work with than others. For example, if you want something on your upper arm, you will most likely pay less than you would if you wanted it on your lower back. The lower back normally stretches out the original stencil to about twice it's size when you sit in the chair and therefore takes more time and effort on the artist's part. Many artists feel less comfortable working on the hands and feet because those particular spots are harder to heal properly. Many shops have pre-priced flash sheets for you to choose from. However, if that is not an option or if you require a custom piece of artwork, the artist will take into consideration the above factors when pricing your tattoo.

Many artists also work on an hourly basis and know how much time it will take him or her to complete the tattoo..

4. When can I get an appointment?

Every shop takes appointments differently. At Body Art Emporium , the artists take appointments at their discretion. However, you may not be able to make an appointment on the busier days of the week (i.e. Friday and Saturday). It is always a good idea to call a week or two in advance to make your appointment, just as you would with a doctor. If you would like to make an appointment with Chuck, you may call him at Body Art Emporium or E-mail him HERE .

5. I have a dark complexion. Can I get a color tattoo?

Many people think that only pale people can get color tattoos. This is not a solid fact. However, there is a chance that the darker your skin tone, the less vibrancy you will get from the more subdued colors such as, pink or yellow. If you are not sure a color will show in your skin, ask your artist if there are any other colors you can substitute. Some people are limited to black tattoo pigment and even that can vary. If you don't think you can get any color in your skin, look for an artist that is fluent in grayscale. He or she may be able to work with you and give you a tattoo that is still beautiful.

Some artists believe that pigment won't show in people who are even of a yellow tone and they will overwork the skin. This can cause scarring. Your best bet is to ask a tattooed friend with the same complexion. Check his or her tattoo to see if the tattoo appears raised. This is NOT what you want from your tattoo. If a tattoo is raised, it means the area was over worked and the flesh has been scarred. Don't be afraid to shop around. This is your body and you will have to live with the results.

6. Why do I have to stay out of the sun after I get my tattoo?

When you expose your skin to UV rays, you increase the activity of the melanocytes in your skin (melanocytes are the cells which produce melanin in your body). Your tattoo is under just the first couple of layers of your epidermis and is therefore still effected by changes in the amount of melanin these melanocytes produce. As your skin produces more melanin, the melanin darkens the colors in your tattoo which gives it a faded look. If you expose your tattoo to UV rays too soon after you get it, especially if you are prone to sunburns, you run the risk of extending the heal time of your tattoo and losing the vibrancy of the tattoos colors. If you can't go without tanning, it is a good idea to use sun block over your tattoo. However, it is better to keep your new tattoo out of sunlight at least until it is completely healed. If you expose your tattoo to sunlight for extended periods of time or on a regular basis even after it has healed, your tattoo will fade.

7. What are the health risks involved with getting a tattoo?

The ABSOLUTE worst case scenario is that you will contract a horrible disease such as HIV or Hepatitis. You ONLY need to worry about contracting a blood borne pathogen if the health standards in the shop you choose are not up to par.

Here are a couple of things you will want to ask BEFORE you get a tattoo, unless you've patronized the shop before:

A. Do you use new needles for each customer?

While it is possible to re-use needles using proper sterilization techniques without spreading illness, it is the most common practice for tattoo shops these days to use NEW needles for every customer. Most shops now use this approach because it is much better to spend the extra money for new needles and have piece of mind.

If you are getting a piercing and your artist is re-using needles, promptly jump out of the chair and leave the shop before they get the chance to stick you. Piercing needles are hollow and capture tissue during the piercing procedure. Re-use of piercing needles causes cross contamination between customers. Don't be afraid to ask if you can watch your piercer set up for your piercing. It's YOUR body and you have the right. Make sure the piercer opens a fresh steri-bag during set up. Don't be afraid to ask about sterlization. B. How do you sterilize your equipment?

Chances are your artist or piercer isn't dipping his or her equipment in peroxide, barbicide or rubbing alcohol to sterilize it, but it never hurts to ask what is being done to insure proper sterilization. The proper way to sterilize tattoo and piercing equipment is to use an autoclave. Autoclaves subject equipment to very high heat and pressure to kill any bacteria that may be present. They are the same thing used by hospitals to sterilize medical equipment. Autoclaves come in many shapes and sizes but they work the same. Don't be afraid to ask questions about this item before you get your body mod.

Some states require all tattoo artists to take a course in blood borne pathogens. Check to see if this is a requirement in your state and ask your artist if he meets this standard.

Other than the miniscule possibility of contracting a blood borne pathogen are the less mild risks of allergy and scarring. Very few people are allergic to tattoo pigment and unfortunately there is no way to tell if you will be unless you get a tattoo. Most people who are allergic to tattoo pigment tend to be allergic to the color red. Usually one who is allergic normally notices a bubbling of the skin. However, it is always best to ask your artist before you get frightened about an allergy. If the bubbling you're experiencing doesn't go away in two weeks, show your artist and let them decide. Everyone heals differently and you may just be experiencing a longer or more intense heal time than others.

8. What should I consider when I am choosing a tattoo shop?

It is common for people to feel a bit apprehensive when they enter a tattoo shop for the first time. Don't let this get to you. Take your time and wander the shop to become accustomed to your environment. There are usually plenty of tattoo designs to look at and artists are used to people browsing. Once you feel a bit more comfortable take a look at the artists' portfolios. Almost every tattoo artist has a portfolio to give a representation of his artwork. Most of the time the portfolio will be readily available at a counter. If you don't see any, ask someone if there are portfolios to look at.

Most shops have a website as well. Ask if you can have a card with the URL on it or if someone can write the URL down for you. That way you can browse the artists' work without feeling any pressure. Remember, the only way to get rid of a tattoo is to cover it up or have laser removal. So it's best to take your time when choosing an artist and design.

If you want something simple like a rose or a butterfly you will most likely get the next available artist. More often than not, all artists in the shop will be able to do a great tattoo if the design comes from one of the flash sheets on the wall or is something that isn't extremely ornate. However this is all relative. Something you might consider a hard design might not be to your artist.

Most artists also have their own unique style. If you want something more ornate, check the portfolios to see if there is an artist who specializes in the style you want. In a more relaxed shop, an artist may refer you to one of his co-workers who would enjoy doing your tattoo more

9. I got light headed and/or passed out after my first tattoo.
             How can I avoid this in the future?

One of the main causes of light-headedness and/or fainting is low blood sugar. Make sure you've had enough to eat before you get your tattoo or piercing.

Another factor that causes fainting is nervousness. The more nervous you are about the pain to come, the more your blood vessels constrict. Once you get your tattoo or piercing and realize it isn't all that bad, your blood vessels open up and blood rushes into your system. Try to stay as relaxed as possible before and during your body mod and it may reduce any light-headedness or avert fainting.

10. I want to become a tattoo artist/body piercer. How can I do that?

First you must learn the secret body mod hand shake...no...but it can often be that hard to gain an apprenticeship. Just ask the owner/manager of the shop if he or she is looking for apprentices. If the owner/manager isn't available an artist will most likely know the answer.

Some shops charge for apprenticeships, some don't. Some shops only take apprenticeships under special circumstances.

If you are interested in learning how to tattoo make sure you have a neatly kept portfolio of your artwork to present. This can include drawings or paintings. Make sure it is YOUR work. If an artist catches you stealing other peoples' artwork, you may be in for Hell!

11. Ok, I have a tattoo. Now what?

In my experience there is rarely one shop that gives the same care instructions as another. There are many ways that work and many that don't. This can depend on the process itself and your own biology. For example, I've met people who can use Vaseline to heal their tattoos, while I use nothing but a daily cleansing and some Lubriderm. Some people heal all types of tattoos easily (color vs. black and grey), while some tend to scab more with color tattoos. There are varying levels of skin sensitivity and everyone is different. However, if you would like to see how Body Art Emporium recommends you care for your body mod read the after care recommendations below. If these don't work for you, ask one of the body modification professionals at the shop for an alternative.

 
  Disclaimer:  
Know your body! Not everyone heals in the same amount of time.
Not everyone can use the same after care products.
If the suggestions given on this site do not work for you, contact Chuck Body Art Emporium at
(502) 452-1485 and ask the body art professionals for an alternative.
 
 
  Tattoo Care  
  After an hour or when you get home for the night the day of getting your tattoo, carefully remove the bandage the artist used to cover it.
If it sticks run it under luke warm water to help release the bandage. 		 
  Then wash your tattoo thoroughly with warm water and an anti-bacterial soap. Run cold water over it or ice your tattoo down for five minutes, making sure to apply the ice to the entire tattoo.  
  After you wash your tattoo, apply a thin layer of the A&D ointment supplied by your artist over the entire tattoo.
Apply it as you would lotion, so there isn't an excess amount left on your skin.		  
  Over the next several days, your tattoo will develop a thin layer of scab.  
  Wash and apply the A&D ointment 3 to 5 times daily (in the manner described above) for the first 5 days after getting your tattoo, after the 5th day use a good moisturizing lotion* 3 times a day for the next 7 to 10 days or until the scab is completely gone.
*unscented is recommended		  
  Once healed, using sun screen will help protect your new tattoo and keep the colors bright and help prevent fading  
  DONT'S  
  Do not pick at the scab as it may pull out some of the color.  
  Do not soak the tattoo in water (hot tubs, baths, pools, etc.) until your tattoo is completely healed.  
  Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or UV rays from a tanning bed until your tattoo is completely healed. (use sunscreen after it has healed to retain color)  
     

All my work is guaranteed 100%
If your tattoo needs a touch up you must wait a full 30 days before going over it.
 

Chuck Patton
Electric Devil Tattoo

964 Baxter Ave.
Louisville, KY

(502) 584-2140