Tattoo Artist

Tattoo Artist

Tatted Mom

Tucson, AZ

Female, 32

I'm a tattoo artist who underwent a standard apprenticeship under a certified tattoo artist. I am an artist first, tattooer second, which means I put creativity and art into my tattoos, not just the 'you pick it, we stick it' type of tattooer. Apprenticeships for tattooing vary by state, according to the laws. I'm also a trained body piercer, as well. Any questions about the job or apprenticing, I'd be happy to help!

PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT price tattoos. Seek a shop for that.

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Last Answer on May 23, 2014

Best Rated

I feel most tattoos seem to lack a specific light source? I feel many confuse light source with shading. Is this because some are tattooist and some are true artists? Do you feel there is a difference?

Asked by TheIcon over 11 years ago

There is definitely a difference. Many people are pick-it-and-stick-it tattooists. I would never call these people tattoo artists because they can only replicate the flash on the wall. If you wanted a custom piece, they'd be lost. Tattoo artists are that- artists. They can draw, get a light source correct, and create custom pieces. Thank goodness there is a rise of tattoo artists as society accepts tattoos more, but unfortunately there's still an abundance of tattooists out there.

Is it a bad idea for someone to get a tattoo just for the sake of having a tattoo, as opposed to having something meaningful come into their life and *then* deciding to immortalize it with a tattoo?

Asked by JoeyTX over 11 years ago

That's completely up to the person, but I have noticed that spontaneous tattoos are generally regretted later. Either the subject is regretted, or the placement (for example, someone wants to plan out an entire sleeve and we have to work around a little butterfly tattoo they got when they turned 18 or cover it up, which isn't easy). I am covered in random, spontaneous tattoos (we used to get really bored at the tattoo shop in the off season and would practice new techniques on each other) and I regret a lot of them. I hate how splotchy and not-brought-together my body art is. I think if you wait until you have something meaningful to tattoo, there's a lot less chance of regretting it later.

Hi there
I am wondering if you can help
Is it possible to tattoo colour over healed blackwork?? I seen it done with lucky diamond he has a coloured sleeve done over his black healed sleeve is this actually physically possible for many artists?

Asked by Peter almost 11 years ago

Lucky Diamond Rich is pretty much one big black-tattoo-ink blob. I barely see any color on his body. If the tattoo is solid black, then no, it's very difficult to put color over black and have it show up. If the tattoo is a black-and-grey tattoo, then yes, usually color can be put over top or used to accent.

Kudos to you for admitting you've messed up a tat on occasion :) My question is, let's say you ROYALLY messed one up, like a mispelling or something. Can the customer sue you in that case?

Asked by Brian ABQ over 11 years ago

Hey, everyone's human. ;) To be honest, I have no idea. If the paperwork signed before the tattoo is done is worded correctly (and most are), then no. Most paperwork says somewhere on it that the customer releases the tattoo shop and artist of all liabilities involving the tattoo. That's written, not so much in case someone screws up (though it will cover that), but in case someone has tattoo regret down the road, or to keep people from saying they don't like the tattoo and trying to get their money back.

how much does it cost to get a name tattoo

Asked by melinda almost 11 years ago

It all depends on where you want it, how big it is, what style lettering, how long the name is, etc. Walk into a shop and talk to someone. Please, whatever you do, don't call a shop to ask. One of the biggest pet peeves of tattoo artists are people who call a shop to get a price quote. You could call and say, "How much does a name cost?" and we're thinking it's a little name on the wrist and say it'll probably be the shop minimum, but when the person shows up, they want "Sarah Elizabeth Smith, aka Princess" tattooed down the back of both arms, and think it's still only going to cost them under $100.

Okay, I've got this gorgeous chest piece I want done, but I'm overweight, by a lot.. I'm losing weight now, and have about 100 llbs to go, should I wait to get this piece till I'm done losing weight, or can I get it now without it deforming?

Asked by It'sJess about 11 years ago

Theoretically, a tattoo adapts with the changes in skin and the body. But, if you have 100 lbs to go, I'd wait. I've fluctuated about 20 lbs in my own weight in the past, and the tattoos I have on my lower stomach shifted slightly to accomodate for my extra weight. Normally this isn't a problem and you wouldn't even notice it, but I have symmetrical tattoo machines on my abdomen that are no longer symmetrical because of the weight gain. The tattoos themselves are fine, the ink expanded with my skin, but they are just slightly off center due to the inconsistant weight gain. I'd hate for you to get the perfect chest piece and have it shift.

Are there different inks or techniques you have to use for people with dark skin? I notice that black people typically only have very dark tattoos; is it just because colors won't stand out enough?

Asked by c_adams over 11 years ago

Generally speaking, that's exactly why. In darker skin, usually the only colors that show up well are black, green, red and blue. The rest of them are too overpowered by the skin tone. In medium toned skin, purples and pinks can show up too, but it's hard to get orange and yellow to really show up.