The Tattoo Process
Everything You Need To Know About Getting Inked!

Learn The Body Art of Happiness

Get Inked

Everyone who has ever considered getting a tattoo knows that it’s an important decision. Tattoos are permanent, and you can’t take them off when you’re bored of the design or regret your choice.

So before you go through with anything, use this brief tutorial to learn about the tattoo process and what to expect from each step!

Step 1: Coming Up With An Incredible Design

It’s important that the design you choose is not only meaningful but also something that will look good on your body. As previously stated, tattoos are forever, so it needs to be a decision you’re confident with! You can use any of the pre-designed pictures that many tattoo parlors use, but why copy the masses? Why be like everyone else?

At Red Ink Tattoos, we believe every tattoo should reflect the uniqueness of the individual, the same as your DNA, fingerprints, eyes, and voice. Our artists can help you come up with your own customized design that no one else in the world has inked. Be special!

You can get the creative energy flowing by reflecting on what inspires you, what moves you, and by examining your passions. Come up with some ideas and we’ll take it from there!

Step 2: Where To Get Inked?

That is the million-dollar question. Yes, the placement of your tattoo is significant; the good news is, you do have some leeway. The location can be determined prior to settling on a design or afterward as you go through the design process.

The thing is to consider all possibilities. For example, larger tattoos typically feature more details to take up more space; they may work better on your back, arms, legs, chest, or sides. Smaller tattoos may be better suited for your neck, the back of your hand, etc.

Carefully consider the lines of your tattoo and the way they cover space. For example, if you select a square-shaped military insignia for your bicep, it might look out of place if you place it on your thigh.

Also, when thinking about location, consider possible stretch marks. How your skin looks today will change fifteen years from now. You may be happy with your decision today, but if that tattoo was inked on an area where stretch marks are known to happen, we are more than likely going to need a follow-up session.

Step 3: Only Enter Into a Tattoo Safe Haven

Before allowing anyone to perform any type of tattoo work on you, it is critically important that you understand what’s required for a tattoo parlor to be classified as a safe haven.

  • Ink is made under sterile conditions
  • Artists use fresh ink for each client
  • Artists use new needles for each client
  • Artists do not reuse gloves on different clients
  • The tattoo parlor is fully compliant with OSHA requirements
  • The Tattoo parlor has an autoclave or some other type of heat sterilization equipment
  • The shop must be clean
  • The artists can explain and show you what they do to keep clients safe
  • The shop should have a written tattoo aftercare guideline

At Red Ink Tattoos, we guarantee that you will always be in a safe environment and that all of our artists remain vigilant about your health, safety, and well-being.

Step 4: Getting Inked!

Once you have settled on a tattoo design and location, it’s time to get inked! The artist will then prepare for your inking. The first obvious step is getting you in a chair, then putting on new gloves and preparing your skin.

As part of the tattoo process, the area must be cleaned properly and then sterilized. If you have hair in the area about to be tattooed, that area may require shaving.

When your skin is ready, the outline of the illustration or drawing will be etched into your skin using non-permanent special papers and inks, we refer to these as temporary tattoos.

When the tattoo design is laid out how you want it, the tattooist will pull the skin taut and begin permanently inking your skin. The ink is applied to the dermis layer of the skin with tattoo machines using special needles.

The needles move up and down in the same rhythm as sewing machines. The artist’s steady hand directs the needles to create lines of various widths, lengths as well as filling out the design.

Tattoo Process

Typically, your design will first be outlined in black ink, followed by blending the different colors until the design is formed. That process may require the artist to swap needle types while tattooing; doing so gives them the ability to draw fine lines, and add shading and filler colors.

As to the question, “How much time will this process take?” It depends on how intricate your design is, its location, and its size. Other factors could include restroom and food breaks.

Step 5: Pain Is Part of The Tattoo Process – Grit & Bear It!

Tattoos are painful for some. Getting a tattoo includes all sorts of needles that prick the skin many times. To fight back against the pain, there are those who grit their teeth against the feeling until the process is complete.

Several factors determine how painful a tattoo experience will be, such as location and style. Tattoo sessions can be long and challenging. It’s okay to ask for a break any time during this tattoo process.

We would rather give you the opportunity to take a breather and recoup yourself as opposed to having you faint due to the pain! All of our artists are used to various reactions and will make sure that you are OK throughout the process.

Step 6: Today We Will Share The Best Tattoo Aftercare

After this part of the tattoo process is finished, the surrounding skin will often appear slightly red. You may see a little blood, but it should stop rather quickly. Your tattoo artist will delicately clean the tattooed area and then carefully apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and a bandage to your new tattoo.

That step is to protect your wound from getting infected or irritated. Now comes the part you need to play which is going through the healing process properly! Follow this link, to learn about, what we call Tattoo Aftercare!