In a quality studio you should observe the following:
The studio is smoke free, clean, bright and food or drinks should be seen. A tattoo should smell clean, TRUST YOUR SENSES.
The artist is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Cleaning Products and sterilizing equipment are avaiable and used.
Autoclaves are the only accepted sterilizers today.
Disposable razors and ink cups are used.
All items used during the tattoo process should be discarded.
New needles are used on each client.
Consent forms and aftercare instructions are available and used.
TATTOO FACTS!
Not every part of your body is well suited for a tattoo. If the size of your tattoo is your primary concern, then try to choose an area with tighter skin. (Ex. Shoulder Blades, Ankles, Upper Arms, Outer Thighs)
Designs should not be tattooed too small or your lines will blur over time and small spaces in your design will disappear.
The process of your tattoo will feel like a cat scratch, sunburn or a bee sting.
Some areas are more sensitive than others. These includes, Lower Back, Chest, Inner Arms, Inner Thighs and the Abdominal Region.
Properly done and well taken care of, tattoo will never get infected and will result in a well defined tattoo.
Water will cause severe damage to your tattoo by creating moisture and messiness to the tattoo.
Pulling pigment out of tattoo area, will result in empty spaces.
Your tattoo should heal naturally. Using medicated creams such as Vitamin E or Lubriderm. Polysporin and Vaseline should be avoided.
You should never get a tattoo if you are sick, intoxicated, pregnant or if you are dealing with too much stress.
Good tattoos are not cheap. Cheap tattoos are not good. A good tattoo may cost more, but you know that it is top quality.
Take time and shop around. Check out several studios and look over photos of completed work.