Common Tattoo Questions; Does it Hurt?

I get people stopping by every week asking the same questions; this week was no different. I've decided to answer some of these questions in a public forum, so that others can benefit. I'm going to break this up into segments to that it's not a novella. Hopefully more like smaller chapters that anyone can read in their preferred order, depending on which questions are the most important to them.

With the new-found acceptance of body art, including tattoos, in popular culture, comes waves of people that in decades past would have never considered a tattoo because of the stigma attached. But now that tattoos are an accepted way to express yourself; a way to express your differences; a way to protest society;  even a way to express your sense of belonging to a particular culture, group, club or way of thinking; a way to remember someone, something, or a moment in time; sometimes even just a way to fit-in. The reality is, more and more people are getting tattooed for every reason imaginable.

But, even though it's widely accepted, not everyone can jump into the commitment of a new tattoo so easily. Which is understandable. I've talked to numerous people that really want a tattoo, but deep-down they are afraid for one reason or the other. What if I can't handle the pain; What if I don't like this image staring back at me for the rest of my life; What if I don't like the results; What if I change my mind in the future; What if my best-friend/boss/parents/members of the opposite sex/and the list goes on... doesn't like it? What if..., What if... What if... And each is a valid concern. It's a life-long commitment. What if? And I can't answer that question for anyone. That's something that each individual must answer for themselves.

What I can tell you, from experience, that once you find that perfect first tattoo, you'll know it. You'll know where you want to get it, and you'll know why. And in reality, that's all that should matter. What do you think of it. Here's why: After you get your tattoo, as you're caring for it, you're going to look at it multiple times a day for weeks, months even. Then, after about 6 months you'll notice that you haven't looked at it or even shown it to anyone in a week or two. That's when you'll look at it from time to time with fond memories that bring back the original emotions of why you got it in the first place. Then, after about 9 months to a year, you'll realize that you only see it now and then, and you usually don't even notice it anyway. Maybe when you're getting dressed one morning,  or walking past a mirror at a certain angle, etc... The reality of a tattoo is; It becomes a part of you. You don't notice it any more than you notice the lines on your wrist or elbow. It's just that... a part of you.

Now, if you did your research, and go to an artist that will do a great job on your tattoo, an artist that will give you honest advice. And you did your research, making sure what you are getting isn't a symbol that stands for the opposite of what you are thinking to some other culture, and that you are realistic about what is physically possible as a tattoo (it is pigment(s) injected into living tissue in real-time by an individual; not a computer printing onto a two-demential piece of flat paper), you'll do what most of those tattooed people out there do. Look at your tattoo from time-to-time with fond memories. And that's the reason most people get tattooed. Some times people get a tattoo so that others can tell instantly a little something about that person, or provoke a thought or conversation. But a tattoo is a personal choice that should have meaning to you, and you alone. Expressing that thought or idea to others is, and should be a secondary motive.

So, now that you know that you aren't alone in your fears of the comitment of a tattoo, we can get down to some of the questions people ask about their first tattoo.

Does it Hurt to get Tattooed? 

What do you think? Of course it hurts! it's a very hard sensation to describe; that's why you've heard so many people describe the sensation differently. But honestly, getting a tattoo feels like... getting a tattoo! The pain comes from multiple needles penetrating your skin thousands of times in quick succession. The needles don't go very deep; In fact, when done correctly, the needles are going just below the first layer of skin (the Epidermis) and barely into the second layers (the Dermis). The tattoo needles don't go deep enough to puncture veins, they don't go deep enough to hit the bone. They are barely go a millimeter into the skin. (otherwise blood would push the pigment back out as quickly as it was applied). The easiest way to answer this question is; the sensation of getting a tattoo is similar to a slow scratch.

I tell everyone; Yes, it hurts. But, it's a manageable pain and as soon as I do the first small line so that you can feel it, You will realize that you will be just fine. You, like everyone that's come before you, have built the pain up in your imagination based on what others have told you and your perception. I also tell everyone that in addition to the realization that a tattoo is rarely as painful as they imagine, that by the time we're done, they will be ready to be done. So, it's not the pain of getting tattooed that's the painful part, it's the pain over time that will get to you. Most people can't go beyond the 3 hour mark; I certainly know that I can't, and won't get tattooed for over 2-3 hours. That's my personal limit. (Thus the need for "sessions" on larger pieces.)

What is the Least/Most Painful Area to Get a Tattoo?

This is a tricky question to answer. Tattoo pain is tattoo pain. It feels the same no matter where you are getting tattooed. The difference in pain at certain areas of the body is directly related to the sensitivity of that particular area. But beyond that, it's biased. The reality is; Everyone is different when it comes down to "the most painful area to get tattooed". While there are areas that everyone says hurts more than others, There are almost as many that say those areas are no more painful than easier areas. So, you will never really know where the most or least painful areas are until you experience them for yourself. The strange thing is, I've worked on someone for several weeks in a row and they have experienced little or no pain in that area. Then one week, they say it's excruciating. And while they have been able to go 3-4 hours in weeks past, on that particular day, they an only go for 45 min - 1 hour. So i've come to realize that it has a lot to do with the state your body and mind are in while getting tattooed. Coming to the conclusion that pain is subjective. So, I answer this question with:

Don't worry where it's going to hurt More or Less. It's a Tattoo, it's not going to be pleasant. But, you'll make it through it just fine. Worry more about where you want this particular tattoo. Get it there regardless of the perception of pain associated with that area. The pain is temporary. It hurts while I am physically tattooing you. After it feels akin to a sun-burn. When it's healed, you won't remember the pain. You will however, have a tattoo where you wanted it. For a Lifetime of enjoyment.

To sum it all up: Tattoos do hurt. They don't hurt as bad as most people think. Anyone can make it through a tattoo with a little will-power and persistence. While there are areas on the body that hurt most people a bit more than other areas, please don't let that get in the way of your decision. Get your tattoo where you want to get it, get your tattoo how you want it, and get your tattoo for the reasons you want.  Don't let anyone directly influence your decision to get a tattoo or not get a tattoo. This is your body, You get to live with this tattoo for the rest of your life. Not every tattoo needs to have meaning; sometimes the meaning comes from getting the tattoo itself. It represents a time in your life; Be it a struggle, or anything but a struggle. A tattoo is a representation of a moment in your life and a reminder of that moment.

If you are considering your first tattoo, we are here to help  you make informed decisions on what to get, where to get it and everything else.

Feel free to contact Jon Poulson directly with questions, etc.. You will find him at his private studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, or by clicking here - www.AncientMarksTattoo.com

We'll help you make informed decisions about your new tattoo.

White Tattoos

I got two more calls yesterday about white tattoos. It seems like they're becoming more and more popular with the ever-present phrase "do you do white tattoos?" 

Like every "poplar" tattoo white tattoos come in and out of style, but it seems like this one is here to stay. I understand why; most that ask me about getting a white tattoo are noobs to tattooing. (usually it's their first tattoo). It almost seems like they are trying to dip their toes into the waters of tattooing without actually committing to jumping in. So, I get it. With the dramatic increase in popularity over the past 5 years, it's almost become the norm for 20-somethings to have a tattoo that they can show-off. But, like I've often said, "Tattoos aren't for everyone". Heh-since when has that ever stopped a young person from trying out a new trend...

Basically, there is nothing wrong with a white tattoo. I get it; you can easy conceal it; it doesn't attract attention the way a solid black tattoo does; The fact is, you can barely see it. So it's easy to hide from parents, from judge-mental friends, and current and future employers. And you can even look cool to your friends, sexy to the opposite-sex, and seem like a bad-ass that's breaking the rules, without having to really commit.  So, I really do get it.

However, there are some down-sides to it as well. First, it's white! White is already a light color. Most people don't realize that the tattoo pigment we put into your body is just like any other paint in many ways. The pigments used to die the medium to get the vivant colors are the exact same things. (kinda scary, I know) But, like any other pigment, the sun damages them over time. Meaning after years of sun exposure, they lighten up and aren't so bright anymore. Now, that's a long-term problem that many of us face, and I'll get into that more another time. But, my point is... it's gonna all but disappear at some point. And, not in the way that you want either. Spots and areas degrade, leaving blotches of un-recognizable ink and something completely unrecognisable. - Now, that's a worse case scenario. But, it happens.

Beyond that, white pigment doesn't appear to be white under the skin. Let me say that again! White Tattoo Pigment Does Not Look White Under YOUR SKIN! And it never will. You see, every one's skin has a color to it. Look around, and you'll see the range in color; Nobody is the same shade. I'm bringing this up because... Again,  most people don't realize this either; We put the ink (tattoo) into the second layer of the skin, called the Dermis. It's just below the epidermis, but above the Subcutaneous fat in your body. The Dermis is a stable area for the ink to reside. If we go too deep, and it reaches the fat layers, the ink spreads out and looks smudged. If we don't go deep enough, and end up in the epidermis, the ink just falls out when the epidermis exfoliates (or falls off, revealing a new layer). The pigment sits below these layers of skin all of which have your skin color in them. So; Think of your layers of skin as a stained glass window. Each of us has skin of a different color or tone. The ink is behind that layer of "stained glass" skin. So, you see white through your skin tone. (all tattoo pigment is viewed from behind this "stained glass" layers of skin). So, your skin color distorts the color of the pigment. In the case of white, it appears to be a lightened verson of your skin color. Usually a Yellow-ish ocre color. It looks a bit like a scar in some people, but usually it doesn't look pretty. And more-often than not, it doesn't look good once it's all healed.

Now, fresh white tattoos, Look great! They look bright white and pop off the skin. Who wouldn't want that! But the reality is, over a few weeks, your new skin forms over the fresh tattoo, and you lose the brilliance. Then over the long-term the pigment degrades even more due to damage caused by unprotected exposure to the elements; mainly the sun.

And lastly, you are extremely limited in what you can get with a white tattoo. Usually you can't do any shading; and if you can, only small amounts work. You're limited to simple designs that aren't too small.

So, If you're thinking about getting a white tattoo for what-ever reason, think twice. We certainly do white tattoos @ Aloha Salt Lake Tattoos. But, we're going to try and talk you out of it first. In addition, we don't offer complimentary touch-ups on white tattoos for the reasons mentioned above.

If you still want to schedule an appointment to get a white tattoo; Contact us and we'll set-up a consultation so we can discuss the specifics of what you want, and the potential problems. But, realize that we ultimately understand that it's your tattoo, and you get to live with it. So, if you decide that White is the color for you; do all of your research so that you know what you are getting into and call us. We'll take great care of you.

Feel free to contact Jon Poulson directly with questions, etc.. You will find him at his private studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, or by clicking here - www.AncientMarksTattoo.com