The Inked Perspective

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door,” he used to say. “You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.” -Bilbo Baggins to Frodo Baggins, The Fellowship of The Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien.

As someone who deals with Anxiety Disorder, new interactions can be intimidating. Despite being 6ft, 275lbs, heavily tattooed, and bearing the appearance of an Aryan Brotherhood cosplayer (Fuck all Nazis, btw); every time I’ve had to step foot in a new tattoo shop I feel nauseous in the pit of my stomach. What if they’re mean, they think my idea is shit, or are arrogant? What if they think I’m a goofball, nerd, or just generally uncool (a caveat: I’ve never been cool, but still).

Unfortunately, I’ve been in shops where all of those worries were true. The artist barely greets you, hums and haws about your ideas, or even worse acts like they are God’s gift to tattooing and acts as if we are mere mortals who get to be blessed by their “art” (looking at you, ignorant style) touching our skin.

While those shops ABSOLUTELY exist, they are the EXCEPTION and not the RULE. 90% of shops you will encounter are friendly, welcoming, nice, and want to work with you and your design.

So what makes a good shop?!

In my humble opinion, if you walk into a place and they don’t at least say “Hi”, walk the fuck out. I’m not saying they need to roll out the red carpet, or act eternally grateful that you decided to walk in, but you’ll know within 5 minutes if you want a person in that shop tattooing you. Now, everyone has bad or off days, that’s why I recommend at least 5 minutes of your time. You’ll find out by then, I promise.

Second, is the shop clean? Does it smell bad? I don’t mean cluttered magazines and fashion or flash on the walls: I mean is there literal food on the floor, or excessive grime on the counters? Most shops pride themselves on cleanliness/sanitation, so it bears looking at. If it ain’t clean, dip out. If the front room isn’t clean, I will put money on it that the standards in the back aren’t much better.

Finally, are the folks at the shop nice to you? Not everyone is a talker, everyone has their own shit going on, and you aren’t the center of the universe (despite what your Momma says). However, if the shop is full of dicks, they’re constantly talking shit, or just toxic, don’t stick around. Sure, the artist tattooing you may be nice, but do you really want to spend the hour of needles hitting you listening to his coworker spouting toxicity?

None of that’s happening.

Perfect. Do you like the artist/s? Do you like the style they do? Are they honest with you about your design, their abilities, or feedback? If yes, stay there and get a tattoo. See what the experience is like. If you like how the experience was, toss them a tip and schedule another appointment. At the very least, tell them that you had a good experience and that you will be back when you are able. This isn’t Wendys®, don’t just pay and leave. It’s ok to make new friends.

Ok, so now what?

I am not only a creature of habit, but I’m not super adventurous. If I like a place, I’m probably going to make that my spot until the end of time. I frequent the same restaurants, grocery stores, cigar shops, etc. Tattoo shops are no different, so once I find a place I like, I go there exclusively.

I’m not saying don’t try different places. What I AM saying is that if you like a particular shop or artist, build a relationship with them. I started getting tattooed by Mr. Q over a year ago, when he was finishing his apprenticeship. We’ve invested a lot of our time, ideas, and pain with each other. He knows I’m going to sit still and I know he’s going to tattoo efficiently and produce a bad ass tattoo. He knows I’m going to keep every appointment, I know he’s is going to take my ideas into consideration and apply his style to them. Most importantly (and what I appreciate the most about him), is that he is going to tell me “No”. Whether it’s a bad idea, not his skill set(yet), or it won’t look good; he is ALWAYS honest with me. THAT is what is most important about finding a tattoo shop to call home.

I write all not to tell you that you have free reign to be a complete and utter Karen if something isn’t JUST to your liking. I’m writing this for the person with virgin skin, the anxious, or the person looking for a shop to call home. It can be scary, intimidating, and what may seem like an anxiety-inducing experience to walk through the door.

Don’t be scared. Remember: 99% of artists are cool, kind, and genuine. Take a deep breath.

Invest and vote with your dollars and time.

Sit still and tip your artist well. Don’t just pay for the tattoo, throw your artist some extra cash for a job well done and good conversation or experience.

Most of all, keep the places and artists you like in business.

xoxo

Jake

P.s: If you’re in Southern Missouri, go check out Liberation Tattoo. They’re talented, professional, and unbelievably kind. They do a ton of work for the local unhoused community and will ALWAYS treat you with kindness. Personally, I refuse to go anywhere else.

Check ’em out on Insta: