How To Determine If Your Tattoo Artist Is Using The Best Tattoo Ink
Although some people might wish you hadn’t, you’ve finally decided to get your first tattoo and you’re super excited because you’ve done your due diligence. He researched artists in the area, inspected and reviewed all the salons he had in mind, and even had a great design in mind. But there’s a problem: how do you know if your chosen artist is using the best tattoo ink on the market?
If you’re like most people who hear about the sliding scale of tattoo ink quality, you’re now pretty deflated and unsure about going ahead with your tattoo. First of all, don’t feel so bad. As it turns out, most tattoo artists agree that a problem they often notice among clients is a lack of knowledge about ink quality. You’re not the only one missing out on this detail, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s a big deal. Still, don’t be discouraged.
As with any artist, he or she can learn their trade with what can be considered a rudimentary tool, gradually becoming more adept at their craft. As time goes by, your talent dictates that the tool of your choice improves in quality. Ask a concert violinist what kind of violin he plays and you won’t be surprised to learn that it doesn’t come from an online wholesaler. The best tattoo artists are the same. They look for the best tools so that when someone sits in their chair, the client knows that this is exactly the place where they should be.
But if you are starting with tattoo number one, you may not know how to approach this issue. The best advice on this feeling: dispel it immediately. You’re talking about starting a journey that will leave you not only with a lifelong work of body art, but you’re also placing a foreign substance on your body. You owe it to yourself to find out if your tattoo artist has the best ink in her station.
How do you find this out? Here are some tips:
Learn about industry favorites and standards – Do some research and find out which brands of ink and ingredients tend to be used the most.
Ask the artists what they use and why – Every tradesman thinks of his tools for a reason, and so goes the journey of the tattoo artist. This is where research into him pays off.
Read industry information on ink classifications – Check out published materials on tattoos, artists, and even ink models. Also, check out the FDA for lots of information about tattoo ink and your health.
Don’t buy the hype – Hyperbole is a sure way to tell if someone might be pulling your leg. You want information, not a sales pitch.
The best tattoo ink can be difficult to identify considering that you first need to define what “best” really means. Also, keep in mind that the type of ink your artist will use may depend on your tattoo. It might seem like a hassle to go through all of this, but the best tattoo artists are always happy to share their knowledge and talk to someone who is genuinely into it. If you don’t feel that vibe, you need to find another artist.
