Does it hurt?
Yes! It always hurts to be tattooed. After all, the colour is being inserted into your skin by using needles.
BUT. Tattooing never hurts so much that you can not manage. It is very difficult to explain just how much it hurts, as it is different from person to person, from the place on the body, and even from time to time. The more relaxed and easy you feel, the more easy the process.
Remember that the pain is part of the process! A tattoo is not a simple transfer. It marks you (also) as a person who is special, and who has some degree of endurance.
So do not bother about anesthetics of any kind, and never mix tattooing with alcohol. Being drunk while being tattooed is just an old myth, and absolutely no good.
Where does it hurt the most?
It hurst most of the places of your body, where you are most sensitive. And again this is different for different people.
NEVER bother about where it hurts the most, when deciding where to place a tattoo. The hurting is limited (mainly to the mere process). And it is much more important that you place the tattoo where you want it, and where it feels most natural to you. After all, you shall enjoy it for the rest of your life.
What does it cost?
The price is depending on time, size and complexity. Our shop minimum is $60. Pieces that take more than one session, will be paid by the session. All tattoos are paid in cash or credit card.
Is it safe to get a tattoo?
Yes it is safe to get a tattoo. We are always using new, sterilized needles, etc. Disposable colours, Vaseline, gloves, etc.
You can see that we use this. The skin is not lastingly affected by the tattoo (- apart from the tattoo, that is!). Where the needles have penetrated your skin, it will form a light scab, and peel off. Once the tattoo has healed (the healing process takes about a week, depending on your personal healing ability), it is protected by a new layer of skin and is a part of you for the rest of your life. We have never experienced any allergic reaction to our pigments, which are all special pigments for tattooing. If you are hypoallergenic, you may want to make a small test dot before undertaking the main tattoo.
What happens as I get older?
The tattoo will be with you for the rest of your life. If it is placed well on the body, it will not change much. Off course it will look older -as will you.
Do accept ageing! Colours will change slightly. Lines will get slightly fatter, and close lines will tend to blend (that is why we like to avoid fineline, detailed work). Do accept that an old tattoo is part of your history. It should not be covered or altered, if it is otherwise ok. Times and fashions change. A tattoo is permanent.
Who is getting tattooed?
Everybody is getting tattooed. I do believe that the urge to get tattooed is a basic human need. Since tattooing has been around since time began, and in every kind of society. Even YOU will get a tattoo - if you do not have one already! Everybody may not DARE - but the NEED is there! That is one of the reasons why so many react negatively to a tattoo. They feel the fascination - but it scares them as well.
Where is tattooing originating from?
Tattooing does not come from any particular place or country. Tattooing has been practiced as long as human beings has been. Every culture on Earth and every society has its own tattooing practice. If you believe in The Bible - God created the first tattoo! When he put "the Marc upon Cain". Cain was one of the sons of Adam and Eve, and you can not get much further back than that. If you take this "picture" a little figuratively, it is a tattoo. The Bible contains several other references to tattoos. The sign upon Cain was not a very good thing in the story, but that is beyond the point of this image. The idea of it is to make you understand that tattooing goes way back.
What is the latest Fashion?
Tattoo is not fashion. Fashions change. Tattoos are permanent (some tattoos have lasted for millenniums (the Iceman, the mummies, etc)). Some tattoo designs have been around for hundreds, and even thousands of years. At Big City Tattoo Inc. we even make a virtue out of exploring history and cultures to find inspiration - and renewal. Because of course technique and execution and composition change. We are not static. On the contrary we strive to develop. Both our abilities, and the public's view on what is possible. It seems that every new generation thinks they have discovered this "new fashion". Alas! That is not so. At Big City Tattoo Inc.
Can I bring My Own Design?
Yes you may bring your own design! We even encourage this, since it gives US new ways of seeing things.
But we reserve our right to say no! We do not tattoo anything. We do not tattoo negative images or politically reactionary statements. And if it is too small or too full of teeny weenie details, we will simplify it. You must accept that a tattoo is different from a drawing on a piece of paper. And we are supposed to be the experts on tattooing. At Big City Tattoo Inc. we even reserve our rights to have our own ideas and values and thoughts on this artform. But in the end we do it all in order to achieve the best possible for you. The more you let go, and let us do the best we can, the better the result (if you ask us!). Sit back, shut up and relax - and let us do the creative work.
When can I get a tattoo?
If you want a tattoo at Big City Tattoo Inc. - you will have to make an appointment. Preferably by telephone. Do it well in advance! You have to be over 18 years of age. Telephone number is 619-299-4868.
Our hours are Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Other Questions
If you have other questions, or comments, you are welcome to send us an e-mail or use the telephone.
Contact Big City Tattoo Inc. at info@tat2inc.com