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Also visit:
For details of two other great artists under our roof
- "Painless" Chris Thomas and Steve Black.
F.A.Q.
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We were all first timers once and I know what it is like to walk into a tattoo
studio with no knowledge of what to expect. Rest assured that you will get
a friendly reception and free, no obligation advice. Whether you
speak to me, my receptionist Nunu or one of the Painless Chris guys, we will help
you refine your ideas so you are sure of what you want. We will make sure it
is YOUR decision - we can't make up your mind for you. We will however,
show you lots of designs so you can formulate your own opinions on what you
want, where you want it, how big, what colours, etc.
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INSPIRATION |
Many people
choose designs that have a personal meaning to them, but you might just love
the design. Take your time. Read tattoo magazines like Skin Deep. Look in art
books, reference books, the Internet and magazines. Doodle. Sketch. Ask our
advice. Whatever it takes. When you see the right design, it will jump out at
you!
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PLACEMENT |
The tattoo
must fit your chosen area. All designs look better if they flow with the shape
of your muscles and body.
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Wide V
shapes look good on the lower back. |
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Long
designs suit arms and legs. |
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Round
pictures are good for shoulder blades or thighs. |
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Backs need
larger designs so they don't look lost. |
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Inner wrist tattoos need to stay away from
the creases. |
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Foot tattoos are fine on the upper foot but
avoid the sole and toes (very painful) and avoid the skin at the sides which
is tough and does not take in ink properly. |
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We will not tattoo faces at all and we will
not tattoo hands or necks unless you are already HEAVILY tattooed. |
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Stomach skin is hard to tattoo as it is thin,
loose and stretchy even on flat stomachs, so they take longer and incur a
50% surcharge. |
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Finally choose the place where you want to
wear it for life, not the place where you think it will hurt less. |
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SIZE |
Despite what they say, size IS
important! Don't be tempted to go too small – from a distance it can look like
a dark blob. The one common regret is "I wish I'd gone bigger". Small designs
can work but only if they are kept simple and put in the right area. Big
designs look good for longer and allow for more detail and impressive colours,
blending, shading, etc. Size is particularly critical
with lettering because the gaps will close up as the tattoo ages, rendering
the lettering unreadable if it was too small.
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DESIGN |
Nowadays
there are hundreds of different styles of tattoo - basically anything from the
art world can be tattooed by a good artist. For our views on some of the more
popular styles, please click on the "Choosing" page. These are
my opinions and
written purely from my perspective - you may have other ideas. At the end of
the day, tattoo design is a matter of personal choice and you should choose
what really appeals to you. All I aim to do is provide a professional view on
the pro's and con's of the various styles.
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COLOUR OR
BLACK? |
There is a
myth that black lasts better than colour. This is rubbish. Modern ink colours
are better and as long as they are put in by a competent tattooist, they last
well. There is also a myth that black hurts more
than colour - rubbish too. The needles hurt, not the ink.
The main
danger to any tattoo – whether it's black or colour – is UV light, from the
sun, sun-beds, etc. UV breaks down pigment in skin just like is does on
posters, etc. in a shop window. So do yourself a favour – pick the colours you
really want and protect them well with sun-block.
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THE OUCH
FACTOR! |
If this is your first tattoo,
you've probably had lots of conflicting advice about whether it hurts or not.
The truth is that is varies according to the placement and your own frame of
mind. Bony areas do not necessarily hurt more than fleshy ones – if anything
it's the opposite.
It ranges from a mild scratch you
hardly feel, to a "grit your teeth, it's over soon!" It's NOT agony!!!
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COSTS |
You will have your tattoo for life,
which means most people will get enjoyment from it for many decades to come.
Break down the cost year-on-year and suddenly it seems cheap. Many people will
happily pay over £60 for a pair of trainers that last a year if you're lucky –
so a good tattoo is well worth the money. Pick the design that's right for
you. Not just the one you can afford. Save a bit longer if you need to – it
will prevent a cover-up in the future!
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PREPARATION |
Don't turn up on an empty stomach
or with a hangover! We will refuse to tattoo anyone who is under the influence
of alcohol or drugs. (As a precaution, we also do not tattoo anyone who is
pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you suffer from any skin complaint, heart
condition, nervous complaint or similar complications.) Please arrive clean.
If the area to be tattooed is hairy, we do appreciate it if you shave it
first! Eat before you come and bring chocolate and/or a sugary drink as
maintaining your blood sugar levels really helps.
See our
Frequently Asked Questions for more advice.
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