Not as bad as getting dumped... yes, it hurts, for crying out loud! You're paying someone to stick a needle into your body... However, some parts of the body are more painful than others. Tattoos on areas with bone, tendons, and cartilage near the surface tend to hurt more than areas with fatty tissue or muscle. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. Some of us even like the pain. Pain is considered part of the process. In most cases the body reacts to the pain by releasing endorphins. This dulls the pain somewhat and many people get a cool buzz off it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Does it hurt?
Not as bad as getting dumped... yes, it hurts, for crying out loud! You're paying someone to stick a needle into your body... However, some parts of the body are more painful than others. Tattoos on areas with bone, tendons, and cartilage near the surface tend to hurt more than areas with fatty tissue or muscle. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. Some of us even like the pain. Pain is considered part of the process. In most cases the body reacts to the pain by releasing endorphins. This dulls the pain somewhat and many people get a cool buzz off it.
- How do I choose a tattoo design?
This is about you. Getting a tattoo is a personal decision; it's something that you have to look at for the rest of your life. Be smart, take your time in deciding, and don't cave in to pressure from other people. Your design should mean something to you (as opposed to, say, the person you're seeing at the moment). Read up on the designs you like. Find an artist whose previous work and style you like and whom you feel comfortable with. Don't just head to the shop with the lowest hourly rate. A tattoo that you're happy with is priceless. Here are a few comments on the subject from the artists at Mom's: - "Shit or get out of the cave. Make up your mind, or go away and think about it. We'll still be here." - Barnaby
- "Take your sweet time." - C.C.
- "Really make sure you know what you want. Do research. Look around. Are you really going to like this in 20 years?" - Dave
- Do I need to do anything to prepare for my appointment?
Sitting for a long time and letting someone drill you with a needle can be an emotionally and physically exhausting process. Be sure to get enough sleep the night before and eat a good meal before your appointment.
- How much does it cost?
A good tattoo should cost exactly what the artist's time is worth. Most shops have a minimum charge as well as an hourly rate. Mom's Body Shop has a minimum $60 charge. The hourly rate at Mom's is $150 per hour. In some cases, depending on the size, placement, and design, we will charge a flat rate rather than hourly for a tattoo. Cost should, honestly, be a very small factor in deciding on an artist or a design. The money you save now by paying less for shitty tattoo work will later be spent on more painful and extremely expensive laser removal of your shitty tattoo. Either that, or your grandkids are going to wonder what that faded blue blob on your leg is supposed to be... You make the choice. Our advice is, don't be a cheapskate, and show us the money !
- Can I get my boy/girlfriend's name tattooed on my _________?
Sure you can! Just remember, men cheat, women lie (and vice versa) and love fades... but tattoos are forever. Think about it.
- How old do I have to be to get tattoed and/or pierced?
In the State of California, and therefore at Mom's Body Shop, you must be 18 years old (with valid ID) to get pierced or tattoed. Those under 18 who are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian can get pierced. You cannot legally get a tattoo if you're under 18 (even if your Mom says it's OK). This is considered molestation of a minor by the law and the tattoo artist can be prosecuted and heavily fined. - Trust us, you're going to do plenty of stupid things when you're young. What you think is cool now might seem pretty stupid when you're older. If you still want the same tattoo at 18 that you wanted at 16 then it's worth waiting two years to get it.