Category: Blog

False information regarding tattoos has been circulating for centuries. Society catches on to a lie and then that misinformation lives until people like us debunk them. The internet has done a good job addressing these claims and ensuring people understand the myths. These are four common tattoo myths and misconceptions debunked. The next time you hear one, ensure you correct the individual.

Myth #1: Tattoos Are Incredibly Painful

Yes, all tattoos will have some pain level. However, not every tattoo will be so painful you can’t handle it. Pain is subjective, and it varies from person to person. Many tattoo enthusiasts you talk to will compare the application process to scratching a sunburn. Plus, there are numbing creams many tattoo shops use to help alleviate some of the pain. Making the customers comfortable is important.

Myth #2: Tattoos Lead to Cancer

Dermatologists consider tattoos to be safe when a tattoo studio follows proper safety and health guidelines. This myth came from a single report that said tattoo ink contains chemicals and minerals like cobalt and aluminum. There is zero hard evidence that tattoos cause cancer.

We encourage people to go to reputable tattoo studios because any artist following strict safety guidelines is worth your time and money. If not, you could endure other health risks like infections. InkNation Studio is a premier tattoo parlor in NYCthat ensures all customers that our artists follow these rules and regulations.

Myth #3: You Can Never Remove a Tattoo

There was a time when tattoos were permanent. When you got one, that was it, but times have changed. You can get laser removal, dermabrasion, removal creams, and surgical procedures. Science and medical professionals have made it possible to remove a tattoo.

Myth #4: Excessively Applying Ointment Will Heal Your Tattoo Faster

Proper aftercare is incredibly important for every tattoo; part of that is keeping the healing tattoo hydrated. It’s important to note that too much ointment can suffocate the skin, which disrupts the healing process. If you’re unsure how much is too much, talk with your tattoo artist during the appointment. They’ll provide professional information to ensure a well-healed tattoo.

Just because tattoos have been around for centuries doesn’t stop the rumors from flying. Understanding the above common tattoo myths will help debunk and eliminate them from society. Let’s stop this false information.

Deciding which tattoo style to get can be challenging. There are many different tattoo designs, each appealing to different people, from first-time tattoo getters to experienced ones.

One tattoo style many tattoo enthusiasts love is the portrait. Continue reading to understand this design and the benefits of getting a portrait tattoo. You’ll also learn the importance of choosing the right tattoo artist for this style.

What Is a Portrait Tattoo?

A portrait tattoo is artwork that realistically depicts a person or animal. The tattoo is usually done with black and grey shading and can be of anyone from a loved one to a beloved pop icon. But that doesn’t mean that color portrait tattoos don’t exist. Color can make a portrait tattoo stand out from the rest.

One thing you’ll want to remember about portrait tattoos is that you must find the right artist. Not every tattoo artist can do portrait tattoos. Look for an artist or shop that specializes in portrait tattoos. Browse through the artist’s portfolio online or in-store to see if you like the other portrait pieces they’ve accomplished. Find an artist whose style matches your tattoo vision. They should have lots of experience with portrait tattoos.

Portrait tattoo placement can be tricky. The chest, thigh, inner forearm, and side of the calf are the best areas on a body to get a portrait tattoo. You don’t want the image to become distorted by muscles. Of course, if you’re wanting another spot, talk with your tattoo artist.

Ink Nation Studio is a tattoo parlor in New York City that has artists who specialize in portrait tattoos. Our artists have the experience to create stunning portrait tattoos in an incredible environment. Click here today to book your appointment with Ink Nation Studio.

Keep a Lost Loved One Close to Your Heart

Getting a portrait tattoo is an excellent way to keep a loved one that’s passed close to your heart. When you look at the beautiful tattoo, you can keep their memory alive. Use your favorite photo of them as inspiration for the portrait tattoo.

Maybe you want a tattoo of your grandmother who helped raise you. Perhaps it’s a child you lost too early. It could also be a close friend. Don’t limit yourself to people; you could also get a portrait of a beloved pet.

Incredibly Meaningful and Personal

Portrait tattoos are incredibly personal and meaningful. Getting a tattoo is already a personal decision. Deciding what you’ll have permanently inked on your body takes time. It’s not a decision most individuals take lightly.

Choosing a portrait tattoo signifies that person, event, or animal is very important to you. You can’t get more personal and meaningful than that. You’re permanently marking your body with the cherished memory of a loved one.

If you’re looking for your next tattoo idea, consider the above benefits of a portrait tattoo. It’s a meaningful and beautiful option you can admire throughout the decades.

People have been getting tattoos for centuries, and countless Americans understand why. They show a person’s personality through art. People commonly travel to get tattoos, and a popular location is NYC. New York City’s tattoo history is deep and meaningful, so read up on it in this blog.

In the Beginning

The first NYC tattoo shop opened in the 1870s. Martin Hildebrandt was the city’s first-known tattoo artist who formed (what’s believed to be) the first tattoo parlor in New York City and the United States. The location was 77 James Street in Manhattan, which is now Chinatown.

Hildebrandt’s “supposed” daughter, Nora, is believed to be the first tattooed lady. She had over 350 tattoos and joined Barnum & Bailey’s circus troupe because of her incredible body art. It should be noted that Nora’s lineage is unclear. Some sources claim her past was fictitious to hype up her circus persona.

Sam O’Reilly was the second person to open a tattoo shop in New York City, around five years after Mr. Hildebrandt opened his in 1875. It quickly became the place to get a tattoo in the city. Tattoo enthusiasts of the 19th century could find it at 11 Chatham Square.

The Tattoo Machine

In 1876, Thomas Edison created and patented the predecessor to the tattoo machine we’re familiar with today. It was an electric pen used to create stencils and puncture paper.

The very first electric tattooing machine came about in 1891. Mr. O’Reilly, NYC’s second tattoo shop owner, was the brains behind it. After this invention hit the scene, tattoo shops opened on the Bowery, Coney Island, and Vinegar Hill.

The most popular tattoo designs at this time were religious and patriotic; the average cost was around a nickel!

Charlie Wagner

Wagner worked for Sam O’Reilly and eventually took over his business. He improved O’Reilly’s tattoo machine and received a patent for the new device in 1904. This step put Wagner on the map, making him incredibly popular in New York City. His specialty was covering up ex-partner’s names for his clients.

During World War II, he used his craft to cover up “obscene” tattoos on sailors. They were forbidden to show these tattoos, and Wagner was the best at cover-ups. He created a new tattoo style, American Traditional. It uses thick lines, bold colors, and folksy images.

Modern Day

The tattoo scene is alive and well in New York City. You’ll find a generous number of shops covering various styles. InkNation Studio is the best tattoo studio in New York City, and our incredible tattoo artists are ready to design the perfect tattoo for you. You’ll find us in the heart of the city in a penthouse studio with amazing views. Book your appointment today, and see why we’re the best!

As you’ve discovered, New York City is full of rich tattoo studio history. When your appointment is over, you can take in all the sights and sounds of the Big Apple.

Tattoos are an investment, and enthusiasts take time to choose the style and design. The last thing you want is to not properly care for the tattoo and to have it fade. Following the tips below is important to prevent your tattoo from fading. They will help you preserve the art on your body.

Don’t Skimp on Aftercare

A solid aftercare routine will do wonders for your tattoo. It’s one of the best things you can do to ensure your tattoo looks good for years. A new tattoo is basically an open wound, and caring for it correctly will ensure that it heals right without leaving blemishes and scarring.

Even after the tattoo has healed, continue with a daily care routine. It’s essential for fade prevention and to keep your tattoo looking fresh.

Placement Matters

Location can affect how a tattoo changes over time, including fading. This is because some body areas are more susceptible to changing as you age. This change includes sagging, loss of elasticity, and stretching. Any of these will impact your tattoo’s appearance.

Ink pigments break down when your skin stretches, which leads to fading. Too much friction can eliminate the skin layer that’s protecting your tattoo. Consider avoiding tight clothing in the area with the tattoo to minimize fading.

Choose a Quality Tattoo Artist

When you’re getting a tattoo, it’s important to choose the right tattoo artist. Seeking out a reputable and experienced artist will make a big difference when it comes to fading. They’ll use quality ink and tools, and they understand how to properly provide an excellent tattoo that you’ll love for years to come.

The artist will know how to deliver the ink into the skin properly. Going too deep could lead to infection, but not going deep enough will mean a faded tattoo. A skilled tattoo artist will know exactly what to do.

Provide Protection From the Sun

This tip for tattoo fading prevention is important. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is important, but ensure you preserve your tattoo, too. UV rays gradually break down the ink molecules, causing your tattoo to fade.

Keep your tattoo covered while it’s healing. After the healing process, apply sunscreen to your exposed skin and tattoo. Don’t forget to moisturize daily.

Use the above tips to prevent your tattoo from fading. Don’t forget to use an experienced artist and tattoo parlor. InkNation Studio is the premier tattoo shop in NYC. We’re here to make all your tattoo dreams come true.

Getting a new tattoo is a big deal for many people. You’ve considered all the different tattoo styles, found the design, and now you’re ready to book the appointment. Which tattoo shop should you select? These are five factors to consider when choosing a tattoo shop.

How Is the Shop’s Cleanliness?

Quality tattoo shops will have visibly sterile and clean environments. It’s incredibly important. You could get infected if the shop doesn’t believe in sterility and cleanliness. The artists should treat their tools like a surgeon or dentist would. They must keep all their items individually sterilized and packaged and dispose of tubes and needles after use.

Before you book an appointment, ask about the shop’s sterility and cleanliness. Are the artists wearing disposable gloves? Does the place feel clean? Take a look around the tattoo parlor yourself. If you get bad vibes, it’s not the place for you.

Is the Shop Open and Communicative?

Does the shop respond to your messages promptly? Do they call you back when they tell you they will? These are signs of an open and communicative shop. Collaborating with an artist to create a tattoo is challenging, and it’s a red flag if the artist or shop doesn’t communicate openly.

You should also be open with the shop. Be forthcoming about the tattoo type, style, and design you’re looking for. If you don’t like the artist’s design, tell them. It will create an overall better tattoo experience when everyone communicates.

What’s the Vibe Like in the Shop?

Your body is going through a lot when you get a tattoo. Choosing a shop with a relaxed and professional vibe is necessary. How do they sound on the phone? Are the people you’re talking to kind and polite? Do they seem helpful? Or are they quick to get you off the phone?

You shouldn’t feel on edge after talking with the shop on the phone or reading an email. All of these details tell you how they run the shop. The artist should listen to your ideas, make you feel relaxed, and get to know you. These are all signs of a good shop.

Do You Get Along With the Artist?

You should have a memorable experience while you get the tattoo. The artist should be kind, courteous, and professional while you spend the hour(s) in their chair. When you make the appointment, talk with the artist to understand their personality and interest.

What Kind of Accomplishments Do the Artists Have?

Now, not every artist will have many accomplishments, but trusted online reviews can say a lot about an artist. When you see that many tattoo enthusiasts have taken the time to write positive things about a shop, it’s a good sign. You can trust you’re looking at a solid professional business.

If the shop is new, look at the individual artists. Great tattoo artists typically band together to form incredible shops. Look at us, InkNation Studio. We’re a tattoo parlor in Manhattan that started in 2021. But don’t take our two-year opening for inexperience. We have amazingly experienced and knowledgeable artists.

With these five factors, you can choose the perfect tattoo shop and artist for you. It’s important you take your time because a tattoo is forever.

Getting a tattoo can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first. The appointment length depends on the size and type of tattoo you’re getting, and some pieces make for all-day affairs. How should you prepare for a long tattoo session? That’s an excellent question. The information below will provide tips to ensure a successful and comfortable long tattoo appointment.

Sleep Well the Night Before the Session

You’ve most likely had this appointment on the books for a while, so don’t schedule a party or other commitments the night before the tattoo session. Getting plenty of rest is one of the most vital things you can do to prepare your body.

A tattoo wounds the skin; if you don’t sleep well enough, your body could reject the ink and take longer to heal. Plus, you want to stay alert and awake during the session. Staying in a positive headspace will ensure you have an enjoyable tattoo experience.

Drink Plenty of Water

Hydrating your body is crucial to preparing for a long tattoo session. The more hydrated you are, the better the session will be because you’ve improved the quality of your skin. Your body will have an easier time healing because hydrated skin will absorb the ink more effectively and bounce back from the procedure faster. Plus, the tattoo will look better. Finally, drinking plenty of water will also result in a less painful session.

Start drinking plenty of water the day before, but you’ll have a better chance of being hydrated enough if you begin a few days out. Ensure you also bring enough water to drink during the session. If you’re worried about restroom use, your tattoo artist will have zero problems letting you go to the bathroom. It’s more important to continue drinking water than it is to stay in the chair the entire session.

Moisturize Your Skin Well in Advance

Along the same lines as drinking enough water, you’ll want to start applying lotion or another moisturizer to your skin. This habit should begin a few weeks before your tattoo appointment to ensure proper hydration.

Moisturizing will help the ink apply better during the session. This practice will also help the tattoo appointment go faster, and you could end up feeling less pain.

However, don’t apply moisturizer or lotion to the tattoo location on the day of the session. The residue could interfere with the stencil application your tattoo artist will most likely apply.

Eat Food Before the Session

Being nervous before a tattoo appointment is normal, but you should try to eat a hearty meal beforehand. If you’re having difficulty eating, take some food with you to the session. Your body is about to endure a long, potentially painful tattoo appointment, and food will help you focus and relax. Plus, eating also helps your body heal.

Even if you do eat well before the appointment, still take snacks with you. Consuming these snacks will help keep your blood sugar up to prevent you from becoming dizzy or faint. It’s not fun to faint during a tattoo session. Just ensure the food is something easy you can eat during the appointment, such as nuts or dried fruit.

Wear the Right Clothing

There are a few considerations regarding what clothing will be most comfortable for you. The tattoo location is a big one. For example, jeans aren’t the best option if you’re getting a large leg tattoo. Shorts will expose more of the leg and be more comfortable post-appointment. Likewise, avoid wearing a tight long-sleeve shirt if you’re getting an arm tattoo. A tank top is more appropriate to wear. And if you get a backpiece, consider wearing a zip-up hoodie or button-up shirt. You can turn the shirt around to cover yourself up during the session, helping you feel more comfortable.

Additionally, you’ll be sitting for an extended time, so comfort is essential. Furthermore, ensure you wear clothes you won’t mind staining with ink. Tattoo artists are incredibly careful and diligent, but accidents can happen. Some of the stencil or tattoo ink could rub onto your clothing, especially with larger pieces. You could also deal with blood or plasma splatters on your clothes. So wear something you don’t mind getting dirty or can easily wash.

Think Before You Drink Caffeine

Some clients have an easier time managing pain when they haven’t had a lot of caffeine the day of the appointment. If your body has difficulty handling caffeine, you may want to consider limiting your intake or skipping coffee, energy drinks, and soda altogether.

Another thing to keep in mind is that caffeine can increase anxiety. Switch to decaf or skip the caffeine if you feel anxious about your tattoo appointment.

Bring Along Distractions

Different tattoo artists have varying preferences, so check with them about watching movies or television shows or listening to music during the appointment. These entertainment options can help distract you from the pain and make the session go by faster.

Just ensure you bring headphones because you could otherwise distract your artist and other clients. Nobody wants to listen to a movie without seeing it, and the tattoo studio intends to create an enjoyable experience for all.

Prepare for a Hot or Cold Studio

The temperature of the studio can vary depending on the season and location. However, most studios will probably run colder, especially when full of other appointments. Bring along layers to make yourself feel comfortable, no matter the temperature. Bringing a blanket along is also OK if you’re susceptible to getting chilly.

Care for the Placement Area

The tattoo area shouldn’t have any skin trauma or fresh wounds. That means no going outside without sunscreen and exposing the placement area to the sun before your appointment. You could end up sunburnt. Asking an artist to tattoo over damaged skin is also a big no-no. It would be painful for you and almost impossible for them. Call the studio if anything happens to the area before the appointment. You can reschedule the session if necessary.

Now you know how to prepare for a long tattoo session. Going in for a full-day appointment can be stressful, but InkNation Studio will make you feel as comfortable as possible. We’re the premier tattoo shop in Manhattan, New York. Feel free to book your appointment online with our book now feature. We’ll find the right tattoo artist for you to guarantee you’ll love your next piece!

Deciding to get a tattoo is an exciting time. You want to create a wonderful memory you can carry throughout your lifetime. I’m sure you’ve heard advice about missteps from people with tattoos. You can avoid most of these tattoo mistakes if you understand them beforehand. Continue reading to explore four mistakes to avoid before getting a tattoo.

Copying Another Artist’s Work

This mistake is common and a big no-no in the tattoo world. You would never copy a painting and then sell it as your own creation, so don’t expect a tattoo artist to be okay with it, either. It signals to the artist that you don’t respect their strengths and style. Plus, it disrespects the tattoo artist that you’re attempting to copy.

If you see a design you love, bring a copy to your consultation and ask the artist to use it as inspiration. You’re opening the door some a unique tattoo inspired by something you already love. You’ll more than likely love your unique tattoo over the original design. Why? Because it’s yours!

Not Discussing the Budget Beforehand

Some tattoo designs are more expensive than others, and you may have to save up before getting the style you want. Some artists charge by the hour; making even simple designs cost over 100 dollars.

Discuss the price and cost breakdown before you book the appointment. Call the studio or visit their website to ask questions about pricing. You should have a clear understanding of what you’ll be paying at the end. And don’t forget to tip!

You’ll have this tattoo for the rest of your life, and you should avoid going to a different studio because it’s cheaper. It’s best to save up and get the tattoo from the artist you want.

Getting a Tattoo While Hungover, Sick, or Hungry

Before your tattoo appointment, you should get a good night’s rest, eat a filling meal, and drink lots of water. You’ll have a better experience if you care for your body beforehand. It can also speed up the healing process. Coming into an appointment hungry, hungover, or sick could cause you to experience more pain because your body is already working hard to heal.

It’s also important to remember that drinking the night before can lead to issues the day of your appointment. The alcohol in your bloodstream can lead to excessive bleeding causing the ink to have difficulty settling into your skin.

Ignoring the Tattoo Artist’s Advice

Your tattoo artist is a professional for a reason. They know what they’re doing. You could come in with a design idea that won’t translate to a beautiful tattoo. Instead of expecting the artist to follow your instructions, ask them for their advice and expert opinion on the tattoo design and placement. Have faith in the artist and give them control.

Now that you understand the tattoo mistakes to avoid, it’s time to book an appointment. InkNation Studio is a premier tattoo studio in New York City, ready to provide you with an incredible tattoo experience. You’ll appreciate our fantastic atmosphere and skilled artists.