The Questions we get asked most Frequently
(and some pretty good answers).
At SleeveMasters we've heard it all... a few times. These are some of the most commonly asked questions we get and some of our stock responses.
Does it hurt?
This question is asked more than any other when it comes to tattoos. Yes, even more than "How much?"
The answer is, "Yes."
Quite literally we are stabbing you thousands of times a minute with multiple needles. Of course, it hurts!
Now before you go getting all freaked out, keep in mind that thousands of people every day get tattoos, and they all survive. If done correctly, a tattoo should feel more like a burning sensation. It can be described as what it feels like to be scratched by a cat. Different areas of the body can hurt more than others and sensitivity can even vary in small areas.
A good test is to drag your fingernail across your skin, it will tell you how sensitive the area is and how it will differ from other areas. A pinch of skin between your fingernails can give you and idea of how much pain you will feel. Different people have different pain tolerances, but most tattooists can help you deal with that pain. Always remember, listen to your tattooist, he's done this before and he's probably learned a thing or two.
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Is there anything I can take to make it hurt less?
Sorry, but not really. The only thing that can really help is general anesthetic, which is far too expensive and dangerous for most tattooists to use. It takes years of training to keep people from DYING while under anesthesia.
If you're thinking of topical sprays or ointments... the problem is that they wear off too quickly... the suddeness of the pain coming back can send a person into shock and cause them to pass out, which will probably ruin the tattoo and your nose if you land wrong.
Most modern pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofin, etc.) are also blood thinners. Since the tattooist is poking needles into you, the chance that a small amount of blood will escape is pretty good. If you're on pain killers, that small amount of blood can turn into a large amount of blood. This isn't so dangerous that you will bleed to death. No, it's much worse, it could damage your tattoo! If you bleed more than normal, it pushes the ink out of the skin. This makes the tattoo artist have to work harder to keep it where he wants it, not only does this piss the tattooist off, but it can cause your tattoo to look faded or have blank spots when it heals. Also, because he has to work the tattoo longer, there is the chance of overworking the skin and scarring.
The same goes for alcohol. It is always better to be completely sober when you get a tattoo. Look, we're all adults, most tattoo artists don't care if you're making a bad decision... that isn't the reason that we don't want to tattoo you when you're drunk. It's because the alcohol that you used to work up the courage to get the tattoo has thinned out your blood and you're going to bleed like a stuck pig! Also, on the word of a lot of people, alcohol doesn't really help that much, so you're actually causing yourself more pain in the process.
The bad news is that you're going to feel it.
Now the good news.
When you are being tattooed, the initial few minutes will be the worst... then your body releases endorphines into your system. Endorphines are your body's answer to pain, they enter your bloodstream and calm down all those nasty pain receptors. You'll still feel it, but it won't be nearly as bad. Plus, in the process, endorphines have a way of causing a mild natural high. This is one reason that tattoos can become addictive, people can really get hooked on those endorphines without even knowing it.
Keep in mind that things like muscle relaxers or Valium can actually BLOCK your endorphines! So while it may calm you down a bit, they can cause you to be even more sensitive to the tattooing process.
So the most painless way to get a tattoo is to come in sober, drug-free, and just let your body take care of it.
The long and the short of it is: even if we could make it painless, tattoos are something that should be earned. A rite of passage, a Zen experience... you'll appreciate your tattoo far more knowing that you made it through it and that you didn't flinch.
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How do I take care of my tattoo?
This answer will vary from tattooist to tattooist. Everyone has their own way of taking care of a tattoo. You should always listen to the tattooist and follow his rules because different techniques can require different care. There are some universal rules that you should follow, though:
- Keep it clean! It is vital while your tattoo is healing to keep the area very clean. This is probably the most important rule. Wash it at least a couple times a day until it is healed. Use plain soap and water. Use whatever soap works best for your body, as everyone's body is different, but make sure it's something with no dyes or perfumes. If you work or play in an unclean environment, cleaning more often would be a good idea. Always make sure to wash your hands before cleaning your tattoo.Touch your tattoo as little as possible between cleanings. Touching your tattoo with dirty hands can put contaminants into the tattoo and cause an infection.
- Keep it moist! Whether you use an antibacterial creme or a moisturizer, it is important to moisturize your tattoo. A dry tattoo can crack and peel, breaking new skin and reopening the wound. This can give further risk of infection and cause some ink to pull out. It's also a good idea to clean your tattoo before moisturizing it. So remember, "It puts the lotion on it's skin, else it gets the hose again!"
- Do not scratch or pick at the scab on your new tattoo! As mentioned before, keep your fingers out of it! Just touching your tattoo can get it dirty and increase the risk of infection. Scratching it or picking at the scab can cause the scab to crack, breaking the fresh skin underneath and reopening the wound. Not only does this make the healing process take longer, but it can pull ink out of your tattoo in the process. You just went through all that pain, do you really want to repeat it? If you really can't stand the itching of a healing tattoo, with a clean hand, gently slap your tattoo, this is the ONLY way you should relieve the itch of your tattoo.
- Do not soak your tattoo! This means No swimming! Give your tattoo at least one week to heal before doing any soaking of any kind. It's best to wait until the scab is totally healed before you do. Soaking in water may sound like a good idea on an itchy tattoo, but it is very likely that if you go soak your tattoo that you will get an infection. Pools and hottubs can harbor all sorts of bacteria. If you soak in your own bathtub, think of all the dirt and body oil that is being washed off your body and could wind up in your tattoo. Don't think that the salt in the ocean will cleanse it... just think of how many fish are shitting in that water... tell me, do YOU think it's a good idea to get that in your tattoo. Well, it's not... so DON'T! Remember, running water or showers are very good for your tattoo... soaking it is very bad.
- Keep your tattoo out of the sun! This is especially important while your tattoo is healing. Think of your tattoo as an open wound, something even more sensitive than a baby's skin. Think about how much damage a sunburn could do. If you get a sunburn while your tattoo is healing, you can do irreparable damage, not to mention it will make getting the tattoo seem like a warm soothing caress. So if you have to be in the sun, keep your tattoo covered. Once your tattoo is healed, it's best to keep it out of the sun. Most inks are colorfast, meaning they don't fade, but with constant exposure, the sun can damage your skin, breaking up the ink particles and releasing them, causing your tattoo to look like it's fading or that the lines are getting fuzzy. The simple fact is that if you damage your skin (sun tan, sunburn) you damage your tattoo. The best way to combat this is to keep your tattoo covered. If you're out sunbathing, put a heavy sunscreen over it, something with a high SPF. Keeping your tattoo out of the sun will ensure that it looks crisp and clean even 20 years from now.
- Do not listen to your friend's advice! The ONLY person you should be listening to is the person who tattooed you, not your friend, not a competitor. The rules above are just general rules. As mentioned before, your tattooist has rules you should follow for the type of work he does, he will know best.
If you have any questions about the care of your tattoo, contact the person who put it on you. Most tattoo artists will be happy to hear from you again and will be glad that you're doing what you can to take care of their work.
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Is SleeveMasters clean?
Absolutely! You can always expect a clean, sterile and save environment at SleeveMasters.
- SleeveMasters is inspected by the Health Department and recognized by the P.T.A.A.
- All tubes and needles are sterilized in our autoclave (hospital grade sterilizing machine).
- All needles are disposable, single use, and sterilized.
- All items used during tattooing (razors, ink caps, ink, etc.) are single use and are disposed of after each tattoo (barring machines and tubes).
- All tattooists are required to wear gloves during all proceedures and change gloves between sessions.
- All surfaces used during tattooing are either disposed of or disinfected after each tattoo.
- Even our shop floor is disinfected with hospital grade bleach every night! (or more often when required)
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What is the P.T.A.A. and what does it mean to me?
The Professional Tattooing Association of Australia
is an organization that works with the Health Department and professional tattoo artists throughout Australia and New Zealand to upgrade and improve the standards of tattooing.
SleeveMasters is recognized by the P.T.A.A. and inspected by the Health Department, meaning you can always feel confident that you are getting a tattoo in a safe and sterile environment by top professionals.
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How much does a tattoo cost?
This is a very popular question, but not one that is easily answered. Tattooing is unlike any other art form and as such there are a lot of aspects that can change the cost of a tattoo.
- Size of the tattoo: This is pretty obvious. A tiny butterfly on your girlfriends ankle is going to cost a lot less than that full backpeice that you're getting.
- Detail of the tattoo: If the tattoo is very detailed, it will take longer, hence a higher cost. Many shops will tell you that color costs more. While color itself doesn't cost more, very often extra color will mean more detail, more time spent tattooing. Also, if the peice has large sections of solid colors, this takes a while to fill in. Tattoos aren't like painting, we can't just dump it on and swirl it around, each tiny area of skin has to be pricked in order for all that color to go in. So if you have a large area of color (like tribal) and you want it nice and solid, this takes time... hence a higher cost.
- Area of the body: Certain areas of the body are more difficult for the tattooist to work than others. Under the arms, the belly, etc., are difficult to stretch during tattooing, are harder on the tattooist, and may take longer because of it. Hence a higher price. There are some areas that, well, let's face it... most tattooists don't relish doing. Guys can be assured that anything below the belt line is going to be about twice as much.
- Artwork difficulty: Some artwork, like portraits, very intricate pieces, or one-of-a-kind designs require more preparation and can be more time consuming causing them to cost more.
- Tattooists experience: Tattooists with more experience can work faster with better results. Often because of their experience, they will charge more as well.
- Location: Simple economics. If you get a tattoo in an area where the cost of living is higher, odds are that your tattooist lives there and has to deal with that higher cost of living. Hence, higher prices.
The long and the short of it is that people come into SleeveMasters and demand, "How much for a tattoo?" Well, how long is a rope? It depends on which rope you're talking about, doesn't it? There is no simple rule to how much your tattoo is going to cost. There are just too many factors to consider. The only way to find out is to come in, either pick one out or show us the artwork you want, and we can work out a quote for you.
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Do I have to make an appointment?
SleeveMasters works on a First Come - First Served basis. We do our best to give everyone the same attention, and quality care. We don't take appointments, but what that means to you is that if you want a tattoo tonight... just come on down to SleeveMasters and we'll hook you up right now.
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I think there might be something wrong with my tattoo, what do I do?
Wrong is a broad term, but the first thing you should do if you have ANY questions concerning your tattoo is to talk to the person who tattooed you. Here at SleeveMasters we have generations of experience backing us up, we can answer nearly any question about tattooing that comes through the door.
Remember, talk to the person who tattooed you. Don't go to another shop, don't take your friends advice... your first trip should be back to the tattoo parlor. Reputable tattooists will care about how your tattoo comes out. As every tattoo is different, the best tattooists may even consult their colleagues for their opinions.
On the off chance that you've gotten your tattoo at some place that won't talk to you about it. It serves you right, you should have come to us first! Seriously though, come in and we'll take a look at it and try to figure out what is wrong, if anything.
Last but not least, see a doctor. If you are getting no help from anywhere else then consult a physician. It's not worth losing a hand to gangrene because you failed to take care of your tattoo or chose your tattoo shop poorly. When in doubt, get it checked out.
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I'm unhappy with my tattoo, what should I do?
Oooh, this is the worst. I mean, if you have buyers remorse on a painting, you can take it back to the dealer or sell it to a gullible friend.
What do you do if you came home to find your girlfriend in bed with your brother and now you just can't handle the thought of having "Maria - Till Death Do Us Part" on your arm for everyone (including your new girlfriend) to see?
How about if you got a tattoo at a less than reputable parlor and realize that "Angel" isn't spelled "...le", or that your fierce tiger looks more like a sketchy tabby cat?
What if your tribal tattoo looks like it was put on with a sponge?
Do the scales on the dragon tattoo you got twenty years ago need a bit of touch-up?
For all these problems and more, SleeveMasters can help. Our artists have years of experience in cover-ups, restorations, and touch-ups.
If you've gotten a tattoo from us and you've taken care of it to the best of your ability but it still lost some color, our artists guarantee their work and will be happy to touch it up for you, often free of charge.
We've heard it all, and regardless of who broke up with whom, we'll be happy to work with you and offer options on how to get that bitch's name off your arm. Come in and see us, we'll be happy to do anything we can to help.
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Can you help me design my tattoo?
Of course we can! We always want our clients to be happy with the finished product, so we'll do whatever we can to get it right the first time, because really, we only have that one shot at it, ya know?
All of our tattooists are artists as well and will be happy to work with you.
The best thing to do, though is to bring in a picture of something that you have seen that is similar. Give our guys a place to start and we can work from there. A great place to find the picture you are looking for is the internet. You found this site, so obviously know what you're doing. Search around and print out what you think you would like and show it to our artists.
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How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
You have to be 18 years old.
No ifs, ands, or buts.
Parent's consent does not help.
Simply put, there are laws concerning minors that we just can't get around. Child endangerment, child abuse, health department, corruption of a minor... all these things block you from getting a tattoo if you're underage. So do not pass go, do not collect $200 unless you have an I.D. and it tells us that you're over 18.
We know you want one, but it's not going to be until you turn 18!
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Billy is making me nervous, what should I do?
This happens on occasion.
The best thing to do is to lower your eyes and back away slowly, being very careful not to make any sudden movements.
If you've disturbed his food, apologize profusely and offer to pay for the meal. Then leave as quickly and quietly as possible.
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Are there areas that you won't tattoo?
SleeveMasters is recognized by the P.T.A.A. and as such is subject to it's rules.
SleeveMasters' tattooists will not tattoo hands, faces or the bottoms of feet. In special cases we are allowed to make exceptions, but don't count on it being you.
This is for a number of reasons, one being that you cannot hide hand and face tattoos and as such they make a statement that many people aren't ready to live with for the rest of their lives. The other reason is that the skin of hands, feet and faces have special properties that make them difficult and unpredictable for the tattoo artist.
Beyond this, every tattoo artist has his own personal rules. Certain tattoo artists will not tattoo genitals, or even below the belt at all. Others will just charge you more.
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Are there designs that you won't tattoo?
Every tattooist has their own personal beliefs or principles. It is up to them if they will tattoo a swastika on your arm or Fuck the Queen on your neck.
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How come you don't have a phone?
We don't have a phone for the same reason that we have this FAQ section. It's so that we don't have to keep answering the same questions over and over again. We're artists and we're here to make beautiful tattoos. If you want to talk to someone, there are a number of hotlines that you can use, or just go to a coffee shop and bug the person in the next chair.
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When are you open?
SleeveMasters is open 7 days a week, from Midday to 4am. That's every day, of every week. We do close for major holidays.
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