9 Things Tattoo Artists Want You To Know Before Getting Inked

Tattoo artist Deseo tells Romper in an email exchange that when, you need be honest about your pain tolerance. If you do have a low threshold for pain, then you should discuss your options with an experienced tattoo artist for the best choice for you.

Having a few drinks with friends isn't usually a bad idea — except for when you're about to get inked. As tattoo artist Tyson Weed tells Romper, you shouldn't drink alcohol within 24 hours of your tattoo appointment. Why? "Alcohol thins your blood, dehydrates you and makes you urinate often," Weed says. Basically, alcohol and ink shouldn't mix.

You may be surprised to learn that not all shops provide the same services. "If you're looking to get an uncommon place tattooed — like your face, fingers, or inner lip — make sure the tattoo shop can do that," tattoo artist Bob Marrama shares with Romper. Though it's not necessarily common knowledge, Marrama says that plenty of places have these policies in place and that's why you should check first.

W lot of folks underestimate how long they'll be sitting in a chair. That's Weed suggests people, "bring a snack, water, and headphones — you'll probably be at the tattoo studio for a while." Better yet, bring a buddy if you're prone to boredom.

If you're getting a large area tattooed, that's certainly not going to happen in just one visit. But, Deseo tells Romper that if you're planning a large piece and want to break it up for monetary purposes, it doesn't always work. He explains that line work can end up looking disjointed if it all wasn't done at the same time, due to the way your body heals or how the ink settles. You can certainly plot out your dream piece, but talk with the artist first about how to break it up instead of just calling it quits halfway through things.

Though everyone has their own style preferences, some fads are better left on the pages of a magazine than your skin. As Marrama tells Romper, "white ink tattoos were 'in' for a while and — because of their popularity — people were going to whatever shop advertised for it." That means that, in a rush to be part of the latest trend, people can overlook the importance of finding a clean, reputable shop in favor of just getting the work done quickly.

Would you go to a hairstylist you've never met before and tell them to do whatever they thought was best? Unless you're particularly adventurous, the answer is likely no. "Unless you're familiar with the artists' personal style, and you are open to getting their work, don't waste their time entertaining the possibilities of all the tattoos you've seen on Pinterest," Deseo says. Doing your research seems to be a key element.

"Most artists take home only a portion of what the client pays," Weed tells Romper. "Artists pay 'rent' or pay the tattoo shop owner a portion of what they bring in." That's why a considerate tip is greatly appreciated by the artist. Plus, it shows that you respect the time and skill that went into your piece.

Although you can remove an unwanted tattoo, the process is neither cheap nor quick. "You probably shouldn't get a name tattooed on you unless it's a family member," Marrama says. "Tattoo artists want you to be happy with your piece. So if we make suggestions, it's because we don't want you coming in a few months from now upset that we let you get your ex's name inked on you." It's a grey area at best, but perhaps you should listen to what your artist has to say on the matter since they likely have years of experience under their belt.