MOI XOXO

Mobile tattooing is the new craze! Search through your local online Craigslist and you will find an ample supply of tattoo artists offering the option of getting inked in the comfort and privacy of your own home or office. My main concern regarding tattoos whether from a shop or from home is everything should be clean and sterile. Tattooing is minor surgery. To be safe, you must shop for tattoo artists like a dentist. With the introduction of mobile tattooing, there are things you can look for, but your best bet when scouting for a mobile artist is to talk with them and ask questions. Your tattoo artist should be way more concerned about being clean and safe than you are, after all, you deal with one tattoo that day and your artist is dealing with many people every day. If the artist blows off questions or gives you vague answers, that’s not a good sign. If they are happy you are asking, answer your questions clearly, and show a genuine concern for safety then you are probably in good hands. My partner gets the “tattoo itch” once a month and wanted to share her tips on how to pick a great mobile tattoo artist as she gets Pride redone on her stomach in the video above. (Rated R for inappropriate language and slight nudity)

Choosing a Mobile Tattoo Artist

• Talk to people who have tattoos about their experiences with mobile tattoo artists. If you like the work they are wearing, ask for a referral.

• Go online and read about tattoo artists and the art of tattoo to help you understand industry standards or expectations. It wasn’t until we visited one tattoo shop here in Orange County, CA that we learned most artists would not put “lips” on the neck which would violate the old school rule of no hands or neck application. This lead to us finding a mobile artist to do the job at home.

If you Insist on a Professional Tattoo Shop

• Once you have decided on a tattoo shop, go take a look around and note whether or not the business is adhering to safety standards. The shop should be clean in appearance. Artists should not be eating or drinking in their work areas.

• Notice if the artists in the shop are wearing gloves. All of the items used in the tattoo process such as ointments, ink trays, antiseptics, and needles should be in one-time use packages. Needles should be taken out of the package in front of the client. All surfaces, tattoo table, cords, and instruments should be covered in a moisture shield such as plastic wrap. This measure protects everyone from infection from pathogens.

• If the shop and the artist check out, consult the artist. Look at photos of his previous work and plan your tattoo. If you feel comfortable with the artist and share a vision for your tattoo, book an appointment to get it done.

Moi xoxo