North by Northwestern

Getting a tattoo is serious business. Once you’re inked nothing (except really painful, expensive lasers) can get the ink out. Sarah Gray, a Chicago-based tattoo artist, tells you what you should expect…and what is just plain wrong about getting some sick body art.

Choosing a tattoo

The Good

• Let the artist run with your general idea.

• Bigger tattoos can be custom fit to your body.
• Pick something that means something to you.

  The Bad

  • NEVER get names. Memorial tattoos are better.

  • Don’t just walk in and point at something on the wall.

  Before you ink

  • Make sure the artist’s station is clean.

  • Watch the artist open all needles and tubes of color. If everything is set up already, ask them to open all new equipment.
  • Look at the artist’s portfolio, and ask about their apprenticeship.

    Gettin’ the tat

    • Don’t choose a location based on how much it will hurt–it all hurts.

    • Make sure you’ve eaten. Tattooing is a long process, and if your blood sugar drops, you could pass out.
    • The less breaks you take, the better. You body builds up endorphins that help with the pain, and if you stop, your body will figure out that the process hurts.
    • Breathe

      Aftercare

      • Use A&D Ointment (or unscented lotion), but just a thin coat…let it breathe.

      • It’s fine to shower, but don’t submerge the tattoo until it’s healed.
      • It usually takes 10-14 days to heal.
      • Use sunscreen on it forever.