Portrait Tattoo

Portrait Tattoo: 5 Important Tips to Get the Best Result

What to Know and Do Before Getting a Portrait Tattoo

Planning a portrait tattoo? There are considerations the tattoo artist would like you to remember; these tips will help you achieve the best result possible.

You’re getting a portrait tattoo? Start here first.

In the United States, about 38 percent of people between the ages of eighteen to twenty-eight have at least one tattoo. Investing in a tattoo is a big decision and requires planning ahead of time.

For those looking for the best result, check out these five important tips for a portrait tattoo.

Read on to learn more.

Find a Design for Your Portrait Tattoo

A portrait tattoo, such as face portrait tattoos, require lots of fine detail and time. Communicate early on with your tattoo artist to discuss expectations and design ideas. Have a picture, drawing, or design idea on hand when you meet with your tattoo artist.

Remember to discuss with the tattoo artist where you want the tattoo to be placed. Talk about ideas like color choices early on to avoid any surprises in the tail end of the process.

Be open to input from your tattoo artist. They create tattoo art for a living and will be able to help you produce the best portrait tattoo design possible by working with you from day one.

Be Prepared for the Process

It’s important to find good places for tattoos. Be sure to look into the tattoo parlor beforehand. Tattoo laws are different between states. Be sure to check out the guidelines in your state.

Always ask the artist to present their state tattoo license to ensure they have completed all training and requirements.

Make sure the tattoo parlor has proper licensing and adheres to all guidelines. Don’t be afraid to ask the tattoo artist questions prior to scheduling your appointment. Consider questions like:

• How do you sanitize between tattoos?
• What surface do you tattoo on?
• How frequently do you clean the tattoo surface?

Remember the parlor should be perfectly clean!

Check out the artwork on the walls and consider a consultation with the artist to further discuss topics such as portrait tattoo ideas and color portrait tattoos. Being comfortable with your tattoo artist is just as important s getting the tattoo itself.

Obtain Aftercare Products Beforehand

After you receive your tattoo, have the aftercare products already on hand to make sure your skin is getting the best care possible.

When you get a tattoo, insoluble ink is injected about a millimeter beneath the surface level of your skin into the dermis, the second layer of your skin. The needle will puncture your skin anywhere between fifty and three-thousand times every minute.

A tattoo can take up to six months to fully heal. After your tattoo artist bandages your tattoo, the healing process begins. It involves three main steps:

1. Skin redness and oozing
2. Itching
3. Skin peeling

Your tattoo artist with ask you to cover your new tattoo for a few hours to several days. After the bandage is removed, there may be fluid and redness at the site of the wound.

Remember to have fragrance free, hypoallergenic soap on hand to clean the tattoo site. Wash your tattoo twice daily. Let it air dry before applying any moisturizer.

It is very common for your tattoo site to itch as it heals. Try using a gentle lotion such as coconut oil to help protect and moisturize your skin. It’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and can help combat any lurking infections.

If the itching persists, ask your medical healthcare provider for an over-the-counter antihistamine to further reduce inflammation. Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo or you may remove some of the ink.

Your tattoo artist will often provide you with a thick ointment to help the tattoo site heal. Expect to see peeling as the wound heals.

Don’t forget to buy sunscreen beforehand and always keep your tattoo covered with sunscreen to protect it from fading!

It’s important to know the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly prior to getting one. Keep and eye out for symptoms such as:

• Chills
• Fever
• Hives
• Scarring

Contact your medical care professional immediately if you experience any of this symptoms after getting your tattoo.

Create a Budget

Prices vary greatly between tattoos depending on the size and style you get. Create a budget ahead of time. Most tattoos are nonnegotiable and can cost hundreds of dollars, if not thousands of dollars.

Be prepared to consider a twenty percent tip into your budget for your portrait tattoo artist!

Many tattoo prices are figured based on an hourly rate. Portrait tattoos hold great detail and can take several hours and often times multiple sessions as well.

Try the simple 50/30/20 budgeting plan. It works like this:

• 50 percent of your money to necessities
• 30 percent of your money to wants
• 20 percent of your money to savings

It’s perfect to allocate your wants fund to your dream portrait tattoo.

Know What to Avoid Prior

Before you get your tattoo, remember to avoid certain things like:

• Drinking alcohol
• Excessive sun
• Strenuous activity

Alcohol can thin your blood and lead to the ink thinning and skewing your final result.

It’s important you tattoo is not done on sunburned or peeling, dry skin. If you want a tattoo at a site where hair grows, avoid razor burn. Communicate with your tattoo artist beforehand to properly prep the site for the big day.

Portrait Tattoo

portrait tattoo

If you’re planning a portrait tattoo, remember to prepare ahead of time. There are considerations the tattoo artist would like you to remember; remember these tips to help you achieve the best result possible.

What are you waiting for? Your tattoo awaits!

Want to see more posts like this one? Check out the rest of our blog to learn more!

To learn more, contact us here.

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Couple tattoos

7 Best Inspiration Ideas You’ll Need When Picking a Couple Tattoo With Your Partner

Tips You Need When Choosing Couple Tattoos

Nothing says that you and your significant other are in love like getting a couple tattoo! Love is a hell of a drug and if the two of you are committing to getting a tattoo together then you’re in for a hell of a ride.

Now you might be wondering what kind of couple tattoos there are to get? Well, there are plenty that you and your partner may fall in love with right away.

You should definitely choose something that you both find significant to your relationship and want to see on your bodies forever.

Keep reading for our guide to seven of the best ideas you’ll need when picking a couple’s tattoo with your partner.

1. Wedding Ring Tattoos

Once you and your partner are ready to tie the knot, then you may want to get your wedding rings tattooed. Wedding ring tattoos have been around for the past few years but they’re becoming more and more popular with the younger generations. You still get the traditional vibes of a wedding ring but in a modern and unique way.

One of the best things about wedding ring tattoos is that they tend to be much cheaper than the classic wedding ring. They’re also permanent so you won’t have to worry about losing them or taking them off to do certain activities.

You can also express your personal styles any way that you want to with a wedding ring tattoo. It is a great way to bond with each other especially when you’re just getting married.

2. Identical Tattoos

Do you both love a movie, show, book, or mycological creature? If there is something that you both bond over, then that could be the perfect thing to get a couple’s tattoo of.

Identical matching tattoos are cute, classy, and show just how much you both love the same thing. You could get them in the same place on your body or each pick your favorite spot.

The tattoo that you both choose could literally mean anything to you. Whether it is something significant to you romantically or even just an inside joke. The choice is up to you as a couple.

3. His and Hers Tattoos

Instead of getting identical tattoos, you can get “a his and hers” version of a tattoo to be even more adorable. For example, if there is a guy and girl version of something that you both enjoy, then this would be a great tattoo for the two of you.

A lot of couples that just get married will also opt for a ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ style of a tattoo to show that they’re married and in love.

Many Disney lovers will each get a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse respectively. There are plenty of options when it comes to getting his and hers tattoos but it all depends on what you and your significant other like.

Your couples tattoo can be as creative as you want it to be!

4. Correlating Your Tattoos

Another style of tattoos that many couples get is correlating their tattoos together. One person will have one part of the tattoo and then the other person will have the other part of the tattoo. When the two are together, then the tattoos will be complete!

This is one of the cutest ways to get a couple’s tattoo because then your tattoo is only complete when you’re together! Of course, your tattoo will probably still make sense without your partner but it will mean more when the two of you are together.

Correlating tattoos can be two pictures that correspond together or even two phrases that come together. The possibilities are endless and totally up to you!

5. Special Date Tattoos

Many people like getting special dates tattooed on them because they’re very meaningful. A lot of the time these dates will be in roman numerals because they look a bit more classy and are interesting looking as tattoos.

If you and your significant other are looking to get a special date tattoo, then go for it! There are many options for your special date tattoo such as the first time you met or when you become official. You could also get your wedding date or even the birthdays of your children.

6. Quote Tattoos

If you and your partner have a special or meaningful quote that you both love, then this is the perfect unique couple tattoo for you. Many people love getting quote tattoos because they’re simple and elegant looking.

You and your partner will love getting a quote tattoo especially if it is something that will help you to express your love for each other. You can both bond over the words each and every day.

Even if it is a short phrase that just shows the other that you love them it is still the perfect couple’s tattoo.

7. Initial Tattoo

Our final tattoo idea for couples is the initial tattoo. Even though it is a simple tattoo it has a huge meaning and shows that you love and care for your partner a lot.

This tattoo can be done in many places on your body but most people put it on their hands. This is so that when they hold hands the initials are right by each other.

It is a very cute and meaningful tattoo that both you and your partner will love having.

Couple Tattoos For You and Your Partner

couple tattoos

Couple tattoos are the perfect way to show that you’re in love with your partner. They can create a deeper bond and connection between the two of you.

If you and your significant other are thinking of getting a couple tattoo together, then go for it. Make sure to use our inspiration and come up with something that the two of you will both love and cherish forever.

Be sure to give us a call for a free consultation! We have tattoo shops in Las Vegas and Maui with amazing artists ready to make your tattoo dreams come true for both you and your partner.

To learn more, contact us here.

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Feminist Tattoo Ideas

10 Inspiring Feminist Tattoo Ideas That Celebrate Equality

Feminist Tattoo Ideas That Celebrate Equality

Show off your solidarity with your fellow comrades and display your fight for equality with these empowering feminist tattoo ideas.

As women, we sure have come a long way! From fighting for the right to vote to breaking through the glass ceiling and even finding our voice as part of the #metoo movement, we have a lot to be proud of!

Are you ready to celebrate your divine feminism with a cool tattoo? Well, you’re in the right place! Check out these awesome feminist tattoo ideas.

1. Tiny Symbol

You don’t have to get a big, extravagant tattoo to celebrate your feminine power. There are plenty of small tattoos with big meaning.

Small female empowerment symbols are easy to place just about anywhere, so you can give yourself a daily reminder without having to worry too much about upsetting your parents or your boss (or any other lame person who doesn’t like tattoos).

Some great options include:

• The Venus symbol
• Equal sign
• Queen of spades
• A coat hanger (representing the right to choose)

These tiny tattoos are perfect for hiding behind your ear, on the inside of your wrist, on the back of your neck, or in another inconspicuous spot.

You can choose to tattoo a feminist symbol on its own for a minimal, subtle look or incorporate it into a bigger, bolder design. For example, you could tattoo the word “Power” with the Venus symbol as the letter “O.” There are plenty of options, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

2. Simple Phrase

Sometimes just a few words can speak volumes. Do you have a favorite short phrase that means the world to you? These make great feminist tattoos.

The phrase you choose should have a deep meaning to you personally. However, here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• GRL PWR
• I am enough
• Fearless
• I refuse to sink
• Still I rise
• The future is female
• Not your babe
• Fight like a girl

One of our favorites is simply the word “no” inside a heart or other symbol. This can have so many different meanings, but, ultimately, it’s a reminder that “NO” is a powerful word that we shouldn’t fear. It’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to be told no.

Talk about making a huge statement with a tiny tattoo!

3. Powerful Quote

Sometimes, a few words won’t do. A longer quote gives you more flexibility in terms of the overall design of your tattoo. Choose your font, size, and other adornments to make your tattoo uniquely you.

Some of our favorite quotes we’ve seen turned into women empowerment tattoos include:

• “A woman is more dangerous than a loaded pistol”
• “And though she be but little, she is fierce”
• “This is what a feminist looks like”
• “Nevertheless, she persisted”

If this idea appeals to you, spend some time searching online until you find one that really speaks to you.

4. Meaningful Image

You can also say a lot without saying anything at all. Instead, think about tattooing an image that is meaningful to you. A hammer, slingshot, a burning bra, or two women kissing – if it speaks to you, it will make a great tattoo!

5. Famous Feminists

Some women choose to adorn themselves with one or more tattooed images of famous feminists or inspiring women. A great tattoo artist can create a beautiful, life-like rendition that you’ll be proud to display on your body.

If you don’t want to use a real person’s face, you could also choose something like the famous “Rosie the Riveter” poster, or a full-length image of your favorite pin-up girl.

6. Play on Words

Another fun idea is to take a clever feminist phrase and turn it into a visual image. For example, take the phrase “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle” and turn it into an image of a cigarette-smoking fish on a bicycle. It might take a special person to understand it right away – but that’s part of the appeal!

7. Fun and Playful

There’s no rule that says a feminist tattoo has to be serious! There are plenty of different tattoo styles to choose from, so have some fun with it!

Want a rainbow unicorn with the words “Feminist as F*ck?” Go for it! It’s your body, and you can do what you want. And that’s really the point – right?

8. Match ‘Em Up

Do you have a female BFF who has been your rock? What better way to celebrate each other’s strengths than by getting matching feminist tattoos?

Choose a symbol or phrase that’s meaningful to both of you, then go together to get them done. It’s a memory you’ll both cherish forever and can offer strength and comfort when you can’t be together.

Instead of an exact match, you may also want to consider tattoos that complement or complete each other. For example, one of you gets “girl” and the other gets “power.” You could also get the same type of image (for example, the Venus symbol) but each of you can choose a style that appeals to you or matches the other tattoos you already have.

Use your imagination and the possibilities are literally endless.

Bring Your Feminist Tattoo Ideas to Life

Did these feminist tattoo ideas inspire you? Whether you want to keep things simple and go with one of these ideas or use them as a starting point to create your own unique design, we’re here to help!

Contact us today to discuss your idea, schedule an appointment, and get started!

To learn more, contact us here.

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Tattoo Regret

Before You Get That Tattoo! 9 Tips for Avoiding Tattoo Regret

9 Tips for Avoiding Tattoo Regret

Tattoos become a permanent part of your skin. Before you get that tattoo, read these nine tips for avoiding tattoo regret.

In movies, tattoo regret is hilarious. There’s Stu from The Hangover waking up in Vegas with a Mike Tyson-like tattoo inked on his face.

Then there’s That skeevy dude from We’re the Millers proudly displaying his “no ragrets” chest tattoo.

Yes, Hollywood’s take on tattoo regret is epically hilarious. But in real life, not so much. So how do you quiet that little voice in the back of your mind may be asking, will I regret getting a tattoo? Or even more concerningly…will I have ragrats?

Read on for some answers to help quiet that voice down.

1. You Want a Skilled Artist

When asked the top reason why they dislike the tattoo they regretted, forty percent of people said it’s because they don’t like how it looks.

Place quality above everything. Because even if you regret it later, at least it’ll be Grade A quality regret. Do your research on what shop you’re planning to get your ink from, and then after that research, do some additional research. Read Yelp reviews like they are books on the New York Times bestseller list!

You don’t want to go around for the rest of your life, having people questioning if that’s a pineapple or a squid on your shoulder.

2. Planning and Preparation Required

Three out four people who only thought about their tattoo for a few weeks regret it. If we’re going to get spicier forty-five percent of people who planned it for a year, regretted within a year. What we can learn from this is that time is no object when it comes to making significant decisions about your body.

3. Beware of Trends and Cliches

Trends are passing, and so is time.

Thirty percent of people say the tattoo they regret was chosen because it was “cool” at the time. Whatever catchphrase or meme that is popular at the moment may leave you facepalming in the future. Choose your tattoo ideas based on your tastes, no one else’s.

4. Make It Meaningful

Twenty-six percent of people say their regretted tattoo was picked purely for aesthetic reasons.

Certain people pick a tattoo design simply because they like looking at it, and years down the line, these people can honestly say they still enjoy looking at it. But just as many people can’t say the same.

Keep in mind; you may want to glance at your tattoo and think of a good memory or read words that encourage you every time you see them.

5. Age Is Not Just a Number

Thirty-seven percent of people who were tatted around ages eighteen to twenty-one regretted their chosen ink. The percentage of regret in people ages twenty to twenty-five was about twenty percent. Past the age of twenty-six, the rate drops to the single digits.

With the human brain not fully developing until age 25, this makes sense. The emotionally-driven receptors propel your choices in your mind during this time, not the logic-driven ones.

6. Location, Location, Location

If you’re eyeing a job in office administration one day, a gigantic tattoo of a tarantula on your forehead probably won’t do you any favors.

The old interfering with your career goals warning notwithstanding, tattoo very placement is essential as a general rule of thumb. Some pieces can be better angled or spaced on particular surfaces of the skin than others.

7. Size Matters

Sixty-three percent of people surprisingly say the tattoo they regret the most is a tattoo smaller than the size of a palm. One factor that may go into this is that people usually put serious thought into partial or full sleeve ink.

A second factor could be that most smaller tattoos are chosen to be placed on the more visible parts of the body than a more significant piece. A half-dollar sized tattoo on your wrist may come off as a safe bet until you realize just how much time your wrist spends on display.

8. Impulse and Emotion

One in four people who made an impulse decision to get a tattoo experience almost instant tattoo regret. Tattoos chosen on the heels of an existential crisis or a bad breakup will only serve as a permanent reminder of a difficult time.

Keep in mind no reputable tattoo shop will work on if you’re under the influence of any substances, begging to have lyrics by The Chainsmokers tattooed on your inner thigh.

9. Be Health Conscious

Tattoo ink can cause an allergic reaction for certain people, resulting in your body rejecting the tattoo as a whole. Sometimes the mild inflammation caused by a fresh tattoo can increase the risk of certain skin cancers.

10. Don’t Cut Corners

This isn’t the time to shop around for the lowest price or best deal. You want to be in skilled, safe, and sanitary hands. If you’re on the lookout for a bargain, perhaps you should consider putting off your tattoo until you’ve saved up a bit. “You get what you pay for” is more than a cliche saying, and laser tattoo removal isn’t exactly cheap.

Bonus Reasons for Tattoo Regret 

Here are some more reasons that contribute to regrettable ink.

• The majority of people who get inked don’t regret it.
• Seventy-three percent of people multiple tattoos regret at least one of their tattoos.
• Eighteen percent of people over the age of eighteen have body art located on them.
• Exactly twenty-one percent of both men and women confessed it took “no time at all” to decide on the tattoo they’d later regret.
• A survey found that 1.30% of its subjects don’t regret having the image of a  stranger tattooed on their body.
• The most common cause of tattoo regret in men is they no longer value its meaning.
• The most common cause of tattoo regret in women is they got bored of it.
• Men are more likely to regret having someone’s name tattooed on them than women.

Achieving Tattoo Thankfulness

If you dedicate some deep thought, time, research, and follow tattoo aftercare instructions to a T, you should be left with no tattoo regret or (fingers crossed) “ragret” about your new tattoo.

Are you ready for your regret-free tattoo? Then contact us today to set up an appointment with a professional tattoo artist in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Lahaina.

To learn more, contact us here.

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