The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Tattoo in Philadelphia, PA

The first step to getting a tattoo in Philadelphia is finding the right Tattoo shop. When you’re looking for a good tattoo shop, there are some important factors to take into consideration. First off, how many artists does the studio employ? Tattooing is an art form and therefore it takes time just like any other craftsmanship so having more than one artist can help keep wait times down. Second, what type of customers do they serve? The studios that cater to people who have tattoos will typically be better equipped to deal with your needs as a customer because they understand the culture. Thirdly, which style(s) do they offer? What level(s) of quality in line work (the parts between colors)? Do they specialize in black and gray or color-work-only shops? These are all questions to ask that will help you find the perfect tattoo shop.

Next, it’s all about finding the right artist. The best way to do this is by looking through portfolios and reviews online and making sure you go with an artist that matches your style. Instagram has become a great place to get an idea of what your artist has done and is capable of.

It is important to remember that the best Tattoo artists in Philadelphia are generally booked up for months. Once you’ve found the perfect artist, it’s time to book your appointment. The easiest way to do this is by contacting them directly via their website.

How to Choose the Right Tattoo for You

Start with finding inspiration for your tattoo. Check out tattoos on Pinterest or other social media sites, and make a list of your favorite ideas.

Next, narrow down the list to three tattoo designs that you’re really excited about! Once you have those narrowed down, it’s time for some research:

Check if any of your friends has a tattoo similar to the one you like from your list
Find out what the tattoo symbolizes, and if it’s a religious or tribal design that needs special permission
Look up reviews of the Philadelphia Tattoo artist you’re looking at in order to see how they work with their clients.
Once you have all this information together for your three designs, decide which one is perfect for you!

Choosing Size And Placement Of Your Tattoo

It’s always important to take into consideration the size and placement of your tattoo. This is something you’ll want to discuss with your artist beforehand. The best way to do this is by sketching out a rough idea of the tattoo and filling it in together! Intricate Tattoo designs usually require more space.

If your tattoo is going to be on a sensitive area, like the neck or face, then you may want to consider getting an artist that specializes in those areas. That way they’ll know what kinds of surfaces will work best and how to avoid certain problems.

A few other considerations when choosing size and placement include:

The level of pain; tattoos with smaller details tend to hurt more because there are usually fewer breaks throughout the process than less intricate designs
How visible the design would be in different settings such as at home or work
Where you can easily hide it if needed – for example under clothes or makeup. It

After deciding on the size, placement, design, etc., make sure that you’re 100% comfortable with everything before getting tattooed. Your body isn’t an easy canvas, so it’s important to be sure!

How do I decide between a custom tattoo and a flash tattoo?

In the tattoo industry, there are two types of tattoos: custom and flash. Custom tattoos are created by an artist from scratch while a Flash Tattoo is pre-made off of stock images or designs that have been collected over time.

Custom tattoos usually require more consideration before being drawn out because they’re not using any kind of set design to work with. The size, placement, colors, and even meaning can all vary depending on what you want! On the other hand, Flash Tattoos already carry their own brief history within them so it’s easy for artists to just draw up something based on these ideas; less need to do as much research beforehand about what you want since everything has already been done for you in advance! Flash tattoos can be a great choice if you’re not sure what kind of design would work best for your body!

Most Tattoo Artists prefer to do custom work. They enjoy the process of creating a tattoo from scratch and want to create something that is truly unique for you. This also means they’re able to make changes if need be, so it’s really worth getting in touch with them well in advance to ask any questions you might have and get a good idea of what they’re working with!

How Much Does a Tattoo Cost in Philadelphia?

A Good Tattoo isn’t Cheap, and a Cheap Tattoo usually isn’t Good

The price of a tattoo is determined by many factors. These are the size, intricacy, location, and artist’s expertise; all of which make up for how long it will take to do the work.

Typically prices can range depending on where you go in Philadelphia. However don’t forget that quality has its own worth too- after all, your skin art should last a lifetime so why not spend more money a little more upfront and save yourself from potential regret later? Most artists will charge by the hour for large and custom pieces and many pieces can take between two and eight hours to complete.

It’s always best to ask how much a tattoo costs before committing! Tattoo Artists are more than happy to discuss prices with you beforehand, so don’t be afraid to inquire about it no matter where you go for your tattooing needs in the Philadelphia area.

Always Tip Your Philadelphia Tattoo Artist

As in all situations, tipping is optional. However, in the tattoo industry, it’s expected and should be a given.

It is customary to tip your artist anywhere from 15-30% of what you pay for the service if they did an exceptional job or went above and beyond with their work! This will show them that you appreciate all that they’ve done.

Process of making tattoo in the studio.

The Process of Getting a Tattoo

Consultation & Booking

After you’ve completed your research and reached out to the artist of your choice, you’ll be invited to visit the shop for a consultation. This is your chance to meet the artist and discuss any specifics that you’d like them to take into account before drawing out a design

For instance, they will ask about the size of the tattoo, placement, colors desired, meaning behind it all. Make sure to bring in reference images or drawings if possible so that the artist can get an idea of what you’re looking for! This helps put their thoughts into action more efficiently which leads to less time wasted on back-and-forth conversations between artists and clients as well as quicker turnarounds for appointments.

Preparing For Your First Philadelphia Tattoo Session

Here’s a list of things you should keep in mind before you get your new Philadelphia Tattoo.

Be calm. Getting a tattoo is an exciting process, but don’t let your adrenaline get the best of you!
Rest well. Make sure you’re well-rested and comfortable before your appointment. You don’t want to be exhausted or groggy while the tattoo is being done.
Be sober. This is an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning again. Your tattoos are more likely to heal better and you’ll enjoy the experience more if you’re sober.
Be clean. The artist needs to see your skin in as clear a state as possible. Remove any dirt, makeup, piercings or other items that would get in the way of your new Philadelphia Tattoo.
Bring money. This is an obvious one too but it’s worth mentioning again. Your Philadelphia Tattoo Artist will want to be paid a deposit before their work begins.
Bring water & snacks. You’re going to be sitting still for a while. Make sure you have some water and snacks handy so that your body can keep up with the demands of healing.
Bring something to distract you. This may sound silly, but have an audiobook or TV show handy just in case. When in doubt music tends to be the best distraction.
Bring a friend, but not your mom. Friends are more likely to keep you calm during the process as well as take care of you.
Bring your Philadelphia Tattoo Artist a thank you card or gift! This is definitely NOT expected, but it will show that you appreciate their work.

Does Getting A Tattoo Hurt?

The truth is that it can hurt! It all depends on the artist, placement, and your own threshold for pain. Tattoos are an art form and they all have their own style and technique that sets them apart from the next. Some areas of your body may be more sensitive than others, so make sure to ask about this beforehand!

A common area for people to feel pain is in their ribs or back region when laying down because it can take some getting used to having a needle poking into you over and over again.

Some tattoos will hurt less as time goes on while others won’t really hurt at any point during the process. All things considered, there is no way of telling how much something will hurt until afterward (unless you’re able to get tattooed without numbing cream).

Regardless, try not to worry too much if you think that it might end up being painful. It’s your responsibility to know what you’re getting into, so don’t shy away from asking questions!

The answer to this question depends on who you ask and their experiences with pain. Some people will say that they felt more comfortable in certain areas of their body than others while some might not be able to tell which region hurt less or more because it all just seemed like one big blur of scalding hot needles poking at them over and over again until it was done. The reality is – there is no set rule as each person responds differently based on personal preferences (height, weight, build) as well as tolerance levels towards pain.

You SHOULD Care About Tattoo Aftercare

Here is a list of some Do’s and Dont’s

Do’s :

Afterward, pat it dry with a clean towel;
Apply ointments to the tattoo and cover it with a bandage;
Keep an eye on your new Philadelphia Tattoo for any sign of infection. If you notice anything strange, tell your artist immediately!

Dont’s:

Don’t expose your new Philly Tattoo to direct sunlight without proper protection;
Don’t scratch or pick at the healing area;
Don’t use alcohol-based products (yes this includes hand sanitizer), they will cause more irritation than necessary. It’s better to avoid them altogether if possible;
Be sure not to wear tight clothing over your fresh ink–this could lead to skin problems like rashes or sores.

The Tattoo Healing Process

Most tattoos heal at the surface layer within the first couple of weeks, but it can take up to four months for the ink to completely heal into your skin.

During this time, you should be conscious of not scratching or picking at the healing area as these actions are common causes of infection and will slow down the process immensely! Once all signs of bleeding have stopped, apply ointments twice a day on clean, dry skin; try not to touch your new Philly Tattoo with dirty hands because oils from our fingers can irritate fresh tattoos when they’re trying to heal.

Tattoo After-Care Products

We always say if it says Tattoo aftercare on the label…Run. Typically the best Tattoo has no scent or fancy labels. We suggest using a use a simple A +D ointment or Aquaphor. Avoid Vaseline and petroleum jelly.

In closing, it’s important to know what you’re getting into and speak up if there is anything that concerns you. If you have any questions about tattoos in or around Philadelphia, PA feel free to give us a call.

Long-Term Care for a New Tattoo

After about four to six months your skin in the tattoo area has fully recovered and you will be looking at your tattoo through a layer of dead skin cells that contain no tattoo pigment, this will have muted the vividness of your colors somewhat, and given your tattoo a more natural, beautiful quality.
Keep your skin moisturized. Try to use a moisturizer with SPF everyday, and switch up your lotion over time.
Apply ointments twice daily on clean dry skin for up to six months. Continue applying until the tattoo is fully healed; Avoid using petroleum jelly or Vaseline because they can cause more irritation than necessary as well as make it difficult for oxygenation of cells which will slow down the healing process.
Avoid direct sunlight without proper protection – This includes tanning beds too! The sun’s UV rays can change your color pigmentation over time which becomes evident when you start looking older–sun exposure also increases risks for cancer in general so be mindful about this one (especially if you’re going to have any tattoos around sensitive areas like hands).
Maintain a healthy diet. Keep your body nourished by eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
Keep an eye on your new Philadelphia Tattoo for any sign of infection. If you notice anything strange, tell your artist immediately!
If the skin starts to look red or inflamed at all after about six months post tattooing we recommend seeing a dermatologist, it could be something as simple as dry skin but better safe than sorry. Don’t scratch or pick at the healing area; if there is ever any crusty build-up from ointments let them form off naturally then gently remove with a tissue paper soaked in warm water (or use baby oil). Avoid picking at scabs because this will only increase inflammation and slow down the process
Avoid excess weight gain or weight loss.

When Tattoos Go Wrong

We have all made bad decisions in life but getting a bad Tattoo can be one of the worst. The good news is there all kinds of techniques for removing or repairing a bad tattoo

Tattoo Removal Methods

There are many methods for removing tattoos, including laser treatments and surgical excision.

Laser Tattoo Removal (Non-surgical)

The lasers used in tattoo removal have a special wavelength that targets the ink of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin tissue. Laser treatment is recommended if you don’t mind a little pain or stress to get rid of your Philadelphia tattoo.

Laser Removal

The removal process with lasers is like the old-fashioned ink eraser on a blackboard: it’s an intense and focused beam that lasts only milliseconds, so you don’t feel much discomfort other than some mild heating up around the area being treated. But for years practitioners have been able to remove tattoos with lasers that are tuned to a particular color.

Laser Tattoo Removal (Surgical)

The surgical excision process is much more invasive and requires an incision in the skin so the laser can break down tattoo pigment under direct view of your surgeon. It’s also one of the most expensive methods for getting rid of your Philadelphia tattoo, but can be a good option

Tattoo Coverups

Covering up tattoos might seem like a step backward in your tattoo journey, but sometimes people want to start fresh or don’t feel that their original tattoo is representative of their current selves. We recommend covering up tattoos with a new tattoo and will help you decide on what design to cover the old one with. Don’t be afraid to bold or be completely different. Many of our favorite tattoos in Philly have come directly from rescue and cover-up projects.

Before you decide on a removal method, make sure to consult a medical professional. If you decide to do a cover-up, make sure you consult with an experienced tattoo artist.