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Design and Life of your
tattoo
Will you design something for me?
Absolutely! Most
of the work done at Dragonfly Ink is custom-drawn. Bring all your ideas and any pictures to your first consultation where
we will discuss design, color, style, size and location. We will work collaboratively with you to ensure you get art
you'll love that will also look great as a tattoo.
Can I bring my own design?
Most definitely. You can
bring original drawings, photos, or other art. Designs can come from any source: postcards, magazines, wrapping paper,
paintings, photos, the list goes on...The studio also has resources and ideas. Feel free to bring your designs in to discuss tattoo
feasibility.
Why
is size important in tattoo design?
Larger designs
work best at tattoos for a couple of reasons. Tattoo ink is similar to paint in that the pigment particles are suspended
in a medium for application. In paint it is oil or acrylic, in tattoo ink it
varies, but most often it is glycerin, distilled water, and/or alcohol. The ink
is pushed into the dermis layer of the skin during the tattoo process. During
healing, the body absorbs the liquid medium, living only the pigment. While the
dermis layer doesn’t change the way the epidermis does, there will be minor changes in the skin over time. These changes account for the blurring of tattoo line. This
blurring has more of an impact in tattoos that have smaller and tighter designs. Larger tattoos, while still
blurring, will look better over time. Smaller tattoos must be simpler to allow for the “line spread”. Designing well from the start can save the frustration and expense of altering
a little tattoo later. Dragonfly Ink's artists use experience and skill
to create beautiful tattoo art that looks great over time.
How can I make my color last longer?
Conscientious aftercare is the first step to long lasting color. One of the surest ways to fade color is to expose your tattoo to the sun. The powerful rays of the sun will lighten the colors of posters in windows, photos on sunny walls, clothing; and tattoos. A fresh tattoo
should be kept form direct sun for as long as possible, 3-4 weeks is best. After
healing, your tattoo should always be protected from the sun with clothing or a strong sun block. The best inked, most cared for tattoo will fade with sun exposure.
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Tattoo Safety and Risks
What safety procedures do you use?
Dragonfly
Ink takes tattoo safety seriously. We maintain the highest standards of
cleanliness to insure the safety of clients and artist alike. Pre-sterilized needles and tubes are single use only and are
discarded after use. All machines and equipment are protected from cross-contamination with barriers; frequent hand washing
and generous use of gloves are also standard practice. Please feel free to ask
any questions about the universal safety precautions we take as part of our dedication to healthy, beautiful tattoos
What are the risks?
With
proper precautions tattooing, is very safe. In fact the Center for Disease Control
has no records of HIV transmission from a tattoo shop in the US, and less Hepatitis transmission then from dentist offices. Visit the links page for articles and resources.
A very few people have allergic reactions to inks,
soap used during the tattoo, or aftercare products. These reactions are rare
and usually result in a loss of ink. In these cases, usually a different brand
or product is all that is necessary to have a finished tattoo.
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Tattoo Aftercare
What aftercare do you recommend?
After care is simple, but important. The bandage put on the after the tattoo has been applied should be left on for 4-6 hours, (leaving it on
overnight is ok, too). Remove the bandage with clean hands; wash with a mild
soap without fragrance or abrasives. Pat dry with a clean towel and thinly spread
coca butter over the tattoo. Do not rebandage. Repeat this process once to twice daily, additional coca butter may be applied if the tattoo is dry or
itchy. After about three days, the skin will itch and flake, a bit like a sun
burn. Pick and scratching will take ink out, and should be avoided. Do not soak in pools or hot tubs; no swimming all for about two weeks, until the skin
is back to normal. Keep your tattoo clean, and avoid direct sun for three to four weeks as the sun will fade colors very quickly.
Detailed aftercare is given to each client and with time taken
to answer all questions. Follow ups are standard and any questions are welcome any time during the healing process.
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Tattoo Discomfort and Pain Reduction
Does
it hurt?
Everybody experiences tattooing
differently. Some hardly notice, and most find it tolerable, while a few find
it painful. And remember, almost everyone who gets one tattoo comes back for more!
Can anything be done to reduce pain?
There are some easy ways to
minimize pain:
- Increase your water intake a couple of days before your tattoo
- Avoid alcohol, drugs and
caffeine the day before and
day of your appointment.
- Get lots of sleep the night before.
- Eat a good
meal before coming to your tattoo appointment
- Most importantly: relax and enjoy getting tattooed.
There are also some topical
anesthetics available, which some people find helpful. Dragonfly Ink carries LMX4, and also has some other products
available for during the tattooing process. Ask your artist for more information and usage.
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Cost
How much does it cost?
Dragonfly Ink charges an hourly rate, and the
final price will depend on the size, location, and detail the tattoo takes. Your
artist can give an estimate during the consultation for the tattoo. The price we ask for our work is one we feel is fair, so nothing more is expected.
Should I tip?
If a client wishes to give a tip or gift, it
is most appreciated, but not necessary. What we love is hearing from clients
who love their work, and photos of the tattoo in action out in the world are great!
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