When getting a tattoo, there’s never a stupid question, in fact, there are a number of normal questions people ask before getting a tattoo, especially if it’s their first. Remember, if you go into a shop and feel uncomfortable, or the artist or person at the front desk makes you feel stupid for asking questions, this probably isn’t the right shop for you. Getting a tattoo isn’t like joining some elite club, anyone can do it, and you should be comfortable, and feel free to ask questions. Read on to see if any of the questions you have are answered here.

Does it hurt?

This is a common question, and the only real honest answer is, yes. But, everyone has a different pain thresh hold, and tattoos hurt more for some, than for others. I saw a bumper sticker once at a shop that said, “If tattoos felt like orgasms, everyone would have them.” This is pretty much true. So yes, expect it to hurt.

Are there certain places that hurt more than others?

Yes, certain places on your body will hurt more than others. This has to do with more fat, more muscle, if the skin is on top of a bone. But, in the long run, where you get your tattoo should not be based on whether or not a particular spot is going to hurt. They’re all going to hurt. Pick a spot you want, and know that even though you’re going to be in pain for a good amount of time, you’ll have that tattoo for the rest of your life, which outweighs the amount of time you’ll be hurting.

How much do tattoos cost?

Tattoos are an expensive undertaking, and they’re definitely not cheap. Remember, you’re paying for art, so, you can’t expect to go into a shop and get a cheap price. Usually shops have set prices, and all you have to do is ask. It’s not uncommon for a shop to charge by the hour. It’s also not uncommon for a shop to charge more for specific parts of the body, depending on how hard they are to access or work on. Also, custom tattoos will cost more than a design you pick out of a book.

Are they safe?

This depends on the shop. Always pay attention to and ask questions about the cleanliness of a shop and how they handle their equipment. Does an artist wipe down his area before and after each client? Do they use new needles? Do they autoclave their equiptment (both methods are acceptable)? Has your artist and the particular shop been in business for a logn time, and what kind of training does your artist have? Does the artist wear gloves? All these questions are valid and should be asked before deciding on a shop or artist.

Should I tip my tattoo artist?

It’s always appreciated if you like your artists work, but there’s no real rule for this, it’s totally up to you.