FAQ

If My Question Is Not Answered In The FAQ Page Will They Be Answered In The Forum?
Yes, Michael Rose Visual Art Has Now Set Up A Forum Which Will Also Help Answer Some Of Your Questions If They Are Not Answered Here. Go Into the Community Page And Join The Forum, Get Involved And Ask Different People Questions About Tattooing And Art. Alternatively Please Ring The Studio, 01707 663055

Where Can I leave Feedback About The Website And Your Studio?
Michael Rose Visual Art Has Now Set Up A Forum, Keep up with us and get involved. Join our Forum, anything tattoo or art related. Add comments, start conversations and find out what everyone else thinks.
Once you are in the forum simply click on the Register button and accept our terms & conditions which will allow you to create your account. Once it has been created the board requires account activation, an activation key will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Once you have confirmed, you will then be a member and will have full access.
Thank you for joining.

Copyright
All of the tattoos you see on this website are designed only for the person who received the original tattoo from Michael Rose. They are posted to advertise Michael's tattooing style and artistic capabilities to the public. Additionally they are offered as inspiration for other artists, tattoo collectors, or anyone who simply appreciates body art, but they are not meant to be replicated. Please respect the original wearer of the tattoo by not having another tattoo artist copy it exactly. Use them for inspiration and ideas only. This same concept applies to the other artwork on the website as well. It’s all property of either Michael Rose or the client/collector. Please do not reproduce any of these images without permission. Thank you.

What are your opening times?
Opening Times are 10am- 6:30pm Monday-Friday. Closed on Weekends.

Do You Have Disabled Access?
Yes the shop Has Disabled Access Although Our Bathroom Facility's Are Only Set Up For Staff

What is the waiting list to get a tattoo?
All large on going custom work is done by appointment only.
For a small tattoo, it might be able to be done that day if we have space's or normally within a few days. If it's a large tattoo it will depend on the artist you choose and their availability, It could be a week to two weeks wait or as long as several months. For Artists waiting list call the studio on 01707 663 055. We would Advise Everyone To Make An Appointment To Avoid Disappointment.

Do I need to put a deposit down to book in a date?
Yes we require a £50 Deposit to secure you a date. If paying by cheque we can not secure your appointment until cheque has cleared.

Do you do gift vouchers?
Yes we do gift vouchers, all vouchers are valid for three months from the date of purchase. If you are thinking of giving that special someone in your life the gift of a tattoo for Christmas, a birthday or other significant holiday or occasion. As a fan of body art myself, I would consider this the perfect present. Giving the gift of a tattoo could be a great idea, take your time, plan it out, and the gift you give will thank you for a lifetime. For more advice and tips join our forum and look in the New To Tattooing Category and then under the Gift Of Ink Page

I can’t get time off work in the week, if I pay more can you do weekends?
No, we do not work weekends at the studio. We work conventions all over the country on most weekends. If you wish to travel and get tattooed at one of the shows we would be more than happy to do your tattoo. If interested contact the studio. 01707 663055

I have found a design that I want tattooed, what do I need to do now?
You will need to send a clear print of your design at the size you want it, by post or come into the studio. Remember the clearer the image, the better we can tattoo it for you. Once we have the design at the size you want it we can accurately give you a price. If sending by post please remember to add your name and contact details so we can call you to discuss your design. You will also need to provide as much information about your design, placement, colour, if you want bits added or taken off for us to be able to understand and help you achieve the best results. If you wish to book, you will also need to send a £50 Cheque made payable to Michael Rose or cash sent recorded delivery with your name and contact details. Alternatively, if you are coming to the studio you can pay in person.

Can you give me a rough price based on an image I send or show you via Email/ Mobile Phone image?
Because we cannot determine the size for the tattoo design that you want by looking at the computer / phone screen, we do not do prices via Email or by phone. To get an accurate price, you will need to send the image by post or come to the studio with the design at the size you want it tattooed on you.

Can I book a date for my tattoo via Email and phone?
If a deposit has not already been paid prior to your phone call or email, you cannot book a date. To secure a date you will need to either send a £50 Cheque made payable to Michael Rose (cheque needs to clear before an appointment can be confirmed) or cash sent recorded delivery with your name and contact details. Alternatively, you can come to the shop and do it in person.

Do you do cover up’s?
Yes we do cover up’s , however we would need to see your existing tattoo and any design ideas which you want to cover over the top, to determine weather a cover up can be done please make an appointment at the studio. If your tattoo cannot be covered with your desired design or ideas, we strongly recommend laser treatment to lighten or remove your existing tattoo.

How long will my tattoo take?
Once we have seen the tattoo design at size you want, we can only give you a very rough guide of how long the tattoo will take. This is because everyone has different skin and tolerance levels.

What do I need to do to prepare for my tattoo on the day?
On the morning of your tattoo appointment it is important that you eat breakfast even if you do not usually. It would also be sensible to not go out drinking the night before or taking drugs as you may find yourself unable to cope with the pain and become light headed. Also Good personal Hygiene is a must! No one wants to tattoo someone with bad hygiene.

Do you charge by the hour?
We have a minimum fee of £50 at the studio. Which means all tattoos start from £50, even if you want a dot or a small outline of a star, they all start at £50. All large custom designs or ongoing work would be charged at £50 or £60 per hour depending on your chosen artists. If you have a design that can be completed in one session it would be priced up individually, for a price please come to the studio.

Can you finish or re-work my tattoo if I had it done at another tattoo shop?
First, we would ask you to contact the studio where you originally had your tattoo done, as most studios will fix your tattoo if it was done at their studio. If for some reason you do not wish to return to the studio you had it done originally, we would be happy to take a look at your tattoo and see if we can help. However, you will need to come to the studio for us to see your tattoo first so we can price it up for re-working or finishing off.

Will my tattoo hurt?
Getting a tattoo is not without some pain, however everyone has different pain thresholds. Different places on the body are more sensitive than others. Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerance to pain. I'm not going to kid you it does hurt, Just not that much. Some have compared it to a "hot scratching feeling" but people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad! Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there. There is more information about this subject in our forum, please join and look in the new to tattooing page.

If I need to rearrange the date or cancel my appointment, how much notice do I need to give and will i loose my deposit?
You need to give at least 48 hours notice, Saturday & Sunday are not included as we are closed. Failure to do so will result in you losing your deposit.

My Son/Daughter is under 18, if I give my consent, can you tattoo them?
No professional tattoo studio will accept signed consent, by law you must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. Studios that tattoo minors run the risk of loosing their license and gaining a bad reputation, not only for themselves but for the industry.

I want you to design my tattoo from scratch, how much do you charge?
We charge £50 to design a tattoo from scratch. However, in most cases, if you have references of what you want and it just needs putting together, there is no charge. You will need to make an appointment for a consultation to discuss your design ideas, please contact the studio. 01707 663055

When you have finished designing my tattoo, can I take it home to show my friend and family?
Unless it is a design you have brought into the studio or paid for, we do not allow any designs created by us, or from the shop floor to be removed from the studio, all designs are subject to copyright.

Is there any part of the body that you do not tattoo?
when we see the design and where you would like it tattooed we will give you our professional and experienced advice accordingly.

Do I need a Consultation?
For custom pieces, and designs that require changes, you will need a consultation. Please contact the studio for an appointment, 01707 663055

Do you use the same needles for everyone?
No, we use brand new pre sterilised needles for every job, these needles are disposed of safely by our local environmental health department

Are you hygienic?
We are A fully Licensed Studio with our Local Environmental Health Department. We have a strict hygiene regime throughout the studio, after every customer, all machinery, chairs, work surfaces and floors are vigorously cleaned, sterilized or disposed of.

Can I just walk into the studio and get my tattoo done?
We occasionally have availability but Its always best to call the studio first on 01707 663 055, to avoid disappointment .

I want a tattoo but I don’t know what I want?
We have thousands of designs in the studio for you to look at and get ideas, you can also buy tattoo magazines in the studio which will also help you gain ideas. We cannot tell you what you want, tattoos are a very personal thing, everyone has different tastes. Try to be individual, search the internet for ideas and then when you have found a direction you wish to go in, then we can be more helpful.

Do you do Laser Treatment?
No we do not do laser treatment in the studio, we can recommend you to a professional clinic. Please contact the studio for their details, 01707 663055.

Do you do temporary tattoos?
No we only do permanent tattoos in the studio.

I’m happy with my design, but not sure where I want it, can you do me a transfer so I can see how it looks before you tattoo it on me?
If it is a design that you have, you can roughly cut out the design and tape it to yourself to see what area you prefer. If it is a design from the studio, we will do the same thing here for you if we have time. You can not leave with the design if it is one of ours. On the day of your session, a transfer will be put on you as a guide, for the tattooist and you to finalise placement

Do You Use New Inks And Could I Be Allergic To Them?
All Of Our Tattoo Ink Is Disposed Of Within Accordance To Our Local Environmental Health Department. Our Inks Are Pure Pigment, Application On Some Individuals May Cause Allergic Reaction. Michael Rose Visual Art Disclaims any responsibility for allergic reactions of certain individuals to whom this pigment is applied. Spot testing or consultation with a dermatologist prior to application is urged if in doubt.

I’m 17 years old and want to book to get a tattoo for when I turn 18, can I still book in?
Yes providing you can prove with photo I.D that you will be turning 18 prior to your booked date.

Can you use numbing cream when you tattoo me?
We Are Not Licensed To Apply Anaesthetic But We Understand That Some Chemists Are Now Selling A Light Anaesthetic Which You Can Buy And Apply Yourself, We Would Recommend That You Don't Use It As We Have Found That Some Individuals Have Had A Reaction leading To Poor Healing Of There Tattoo.

What do I do if my tattoo needs a touch up after it has healed?
If your tattoo needs further work on it due to your poor Aftercare then there will be a charge.
If it is a small touch up that can be done within half an hour then we will do it for free.
If it involves a lot of re work then there is a charge.
Due to a foreign substance entering into your skin, sometimes you can just heal badly, it is not necessarily something you or we done wrong.
If you are planning to have another tattoo in the near future, we may be able to touch up your old tattoo while you are in for your new one.
What ever you do, we will need to see your tattoo to determine what needs to be done. Call The Studio and let us know you will be coming in and we can explain where to go from there.

If I have a skin conditions or think I am allergic to the ink what do I need to do?
We always recommend consulting your GP if you are worried about any allergies OR skin conditions you may have. If they are happy for you to get tattooed then we are happy to tattoo you. If you do have any allergies or skin conditions you may take longer to heal than the average person, there is nothing we can do about this.
Michael Rose Visual Art Disclaims any responsibility for allergic reactions of certain individuals to whom pigment is applied. Spot testing or consultation with a dermatologist prior to application is urged if in doubt.

UV Tattoos
We do not do UV tattoos.
To explain why, I have added Arguments for UV tattoos & Arguments against UV tattoos, In my opinion the Arguments against out way those for:

Arguments against UV tattoos:
UV tattoo ink is not commonly known or used, as very few varieties of UV inks are approved for use in the UK. It is also many times more expensive than regular tattoo inks. Some people have had reactions to ingredients in the ink, ranging from minor itching to dermatitis. Several UV inks are suspected carcinogens and allergens and at this time, no research has been conducted into the side effects of long term exposure. Although, many people who have received black light tattoos have had physical effects on the skin. However any ink could cause a reaction, this can be caused by not protecting the tattoo from UV rays within 3 months of receiving the tattoo process or by using scented creams or lotions on the tattoo area. This can damage the ink causing it to become a normal ink colour in all light. In time, it may also not glow in black lighting. Clear/blue UV inks are known to yellow or turn slightly brown with sun exposure. Colour/black UV inks are known to become coloured in all lighting. Therefore, it might permanently appear as a regular tattoo.

Arguments for UV tattoos
Over recent years, as the formulas for UV inks have been improved upon, it has become more common to hear reports of success with little or no reaction.

Tattoos can be mostly invisible, suitable for those who may be restricted in their choice of tattoo placement (because of their profession, for example) who can then choose to show off the tattoo under UV or Black light lighting

Sun Exposure
It's no secret that tanning isn't really good for your skin anyway, but it's even harder on your tattoos. Ultraviolet rays, while adding a nice bronze tone to your skin, drain the life out of a tattoo. The more you tan, the more the ink fades and slowly goes from brilliant to boring.

Does that mean your tanning days are over? Well, I guess that depends on how much you love your tattoos and want them to stay bright and looking their best. I can certainly empathize with anyone that also loves the sun and just can't stay away. If you absolutely must go soak up some rays, at least be sensible and use sun block. Find the highest SPF level you can find and re-apply often if you're going to spend a lot of time outside. If you just can't accept having pasty white skin and your goal is to go out and get some color, make sure you at least protect your tattoos with as much sunscreen as possible.

Tanning Beds
What about tanning beds? Indoor tanners are just as damaging as the sun, if not more so. The ultraviolet rays are much more concentrated and people tend to over-expose themselves in tanning beds, not realizing their own limits. Burning the skin damages a tattoo even more than slowly tanning. Again, if you must do it, protect your ink!

At Risk?
If you don't like laying out in the burning sun or getting a tan, does that mean you're not at risk? Maybe not. Most of us spend more time exposed to the sun than we realize. Ever get home and find your left arm sunburned from resting your arm on your car window while driving? Or find yourself getting tan lines just from running errands or working outside? Any time that your tattoo is going to be exposed to the sun, cover it! You can cover it with clothing or sunscreen, or stay in the shade.

Brand New Tattoo
Don't put sunblock on a new or fresh tattoo - follow your artist's aftercare instructions and keep your tattoo covered or shaded with clothing for the first few weeks. You can use sunblock once your tattoo has finished peeling and has grown it's first protective layer of skin. But sunblock alone is not going to be sufficient for a new tattoo if it is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. A tattoo is usually considered well-healed after about 3 months.

Sunless Tanning Lotions?
If you use sunless tanning lotions for a tanned effect, this is as safe to your tattoo as applying any other type of lotion. As long as the tattoo is completely healed, nothing can hurt the tattoo that doesn't hurt the rest of your skin. However, depending on the shade and color of the particular sunless tanning lotion you use, it may create an odd effect to your tattoo's appearance. It would make more sense just to avoid putting the lotion directly over the tattoo.

Don't be a Gambler
Your tattoo is an investment, so don't gamble on that investment by not properly caring for it. It takes very little effort to either cover up or safeguard your tattoo with sunscreen. Proper care can keep a tattoo looking vibrant for years to come.

Tattoo Aftercare
Products You Will Need To Get For The Aftercare Of Your New Tattoo

1: Carex Bacteria Protect hand wash, Kills 99.9% of bacteria. (Available at Supermarkets or chemists)
2: Tattoo Healing Cream (Available To Purchase From Michael Rose Visual Art)

Taking Care Of Your New Tattoo

1: Remove dressing approximately 3-4 hours after applied.
2: CAREFULLY, with clean hands, wash your tattoo with warm water & soap (preferably Carex Bacteria Protect)
3: Rinse your tattoo off with cold water and pat dry. DO NOT RUB
4: VERY IMPORTANT leave your tattoo to air-dry out for 10-30 minutes
5: Then apply a VERY THIN layer of recommended Tattoo Healing cream once tattoo is dry, this will aid healing & prevent itching. DO NOT RE-DRESS YOUR TATTOO
6: Continue steps 2-5 three times a day until tattoo has started to heal and flake off. This usually takes around 4-7 days. DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK YOUR TATTOO
7: ONCE tattoo has started to heal and flake off, STOP STEPS 2-5 but continue to apply Tattoo Healing Cream twice daily until your tattoo is fully healed. DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK YOUR TATTOO

Extra Information

It is very important that your new tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environments, as it is an open wound at this time. You should wait to remove the bandage until you can properly clean it. Washing it with warm water opens pores of the skin allowing correct cleaning, rinsing with cold water closes the pores locking the ink in.
You should apply Tattoo Healing Cream keeping the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough Tattoo Healing Cream to make the tattoo slightly shiny, and blot off any excess. Your tattoo will lose fluid at first--this is normal. You want to make sure that moisture DOES NOT get trapped under the Tattoo Healing Cream (hence the air-drying first). Trapped moisture, usually caused by too much Tattoo Healing Cream, can also cause “bubbling” of your new tattoo, which can lead to thick scabbing. Should this happen leave the scab alone and keep it dry, the scab will eventually fall off on its own and your tattoo should be fine.
Some people develop a small allergic reaction to Tattoo Healing Cream, which shows up as a red rash around the tattoo, this will disappear once the Tattoo Healing Cream is no longer used.
APPLYING TOO MUCH CREAM WILL LEAD TO COLOUR LOSS & POOR HEALING. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO WHEN HEALING, AS THIS LEADS TO COLOUR LOSS AND INFECTION. No sunbathing, Swimming or Saunas until tattoo is fully healed. Put sun block over your new tattoo after it has healed (not before) if going out in the sun or going on sun beds. Any problems phone me at the studio, do not listen to your mate in the pub. If your tattoo has healed poorly and gaps in the colour have appeared, you did not look after your tattoo correctly, YOU WILL BE CHARGED a touch up fee. Remember your dog licks its own balls; do not let it lick your new tattoo


Tips On Aftercare For Hands & Feet Tattoos

Most of the time I ask my clients to use some kind of non-stick barrier such as plastic wrap. This is important for protecting the tattoo and keeping it from sticking to their clothing or bedsheets, especially in the first hours after the session. However, I have noticed that on hands and feet in particular, leaving these areas wrapped for too long can cause the skin to prune up really dramatically, as if immersed in a bathtub for too long. Furthermore, this pruning does not readily go away and in my opinion, after observing this enough times, causes healing issues and significant colour loss. The answer is simple: Wrap these areas for a short time- 45 minutes to 1 hour- and then clean them and let them air out, blotting occasionally to prevent body fluid build up from forming a scab. For foot tattoos, keeping the foot elevated for the first day will reduce seepage (and pain as well!).

Extended Sitting Tips

* Tattoos are an open wound and as such, an attack on your immune system. So be healthy in the weeks or days leading up to a long intense sitting, by eating and sleeping right and taking multivitamins if need be.
* On the morning of the sitting, eat a healthy breakfast even if you are nervous. it is VERY BAD to get tattooed on an empty stomach. You need nutrients to sustain energy and pain tolerance, and sugar in your blood to withstand the adrenalin rush and thus not get light-headed
* Bring some food and drink with you to snack on during the day's sitting.
* Start taking extra-strength Ibuprofen (non-aspirin pain relievers) before the sitting and maintain it according to its directions (every 4 hours or whatever it says)...it will help with soreness and swelling which can take the edge off the discomfort. Obviously, though, it will not take pain away completely.
* Remember to focus on disconnecting your mind from the area being tattooed, through any number of meditation, breathing/relaxation, or 'mind over matter' techniques...bring books or similar distracting items if you think they may help with this.
* Healing a very large tattoo is very similar to preparing for it, and the first 4 items in this list pretty much apply to healing as well, in addition to the preferred healing instructions of your tattoo artist (you can read mine in the faq section of the website).


PAIN MANAGEMENT TIPS

1. Our first instinct is usually to run away from the pain, to push and fight against it mentally, and be afraid of it being 'too much.' this creates a lot of excess tension, jittery-ness, and wasted energy trying to block out something that is there whether we like it or not. What I have found is better, is to acknowledge the pain, accept it into my body as a sensation, and then let it pass through me. Repeatedly, whenever necessary, just observe the sensation you are feeling, label it as a sensation (not as "pain" or "bad"), and then just relax and release the thought. To relax you can focus on your breathing, literally one single breath at a time if needed. Imagine as you exhale air, that you are also releasing the "pain" sensation for that moment. If you can take the "pain is bad, I need to get away" mindset out of it, and instead just be with the uncomfortable sensation and know that it is only temporarily passing through your mind and afterwards you are still just sitting and breathing and existing, it can help remind you of your own strength and endurance.

2. You can take regular doses of extra strength ibuprofen before and during the session. You can realistically take 2-3 of these (not on an empty stomach) every few hours, and it can help 'take the edge off' a bit. You can also get prescription strength ibuprofen from a doctor, but store bought ones i have found are exactly the same thing, just in smaller amounts so you need to take more of them.

3. Make sure you are well rested for a sitting. Being tired makes our minds weak, and thus our moods are irritable and things get to us quicker and easier. However, sometimes people prefer to be tired for a sitting so that they relax and almost doze off, noticing the tattoo sensation less. It depends on the individual though.

4. Bring snacks and drink liquids throughout the day to help keep your blood sugar level high, thus keeping your body at 'peak performance' type of level.

5. This is in slight contradiction to #1 above, but some people sit better when they bring a portable DVD player with headphones, and get totally
immersed in watching something, because it takes up more of their senses (sight, sound) and doesn't require thoughtful concentration like reading does. However, for these people, they don't have a problem "blocking out" the pain or disconnecting from the body area being tattooed. But if you're the type who can't block it out with these types of things and is still miserable, the only other way out is by acceptance and surrender, as explained in #1 above. Anyway, if watching or listening to something to overpower the pain is what you prefer, feel free to bring a laptop, portable DVD player, or iPod, along with headphones, and totally immerse yourself in another environment.

6. Some people say that getting tattooed regularly, or more frequently in shorter duration, helps with pain management because it keeps you in the correct mindset, its like having a familiar routine that's less scary or shocking to your system. If you're doing really long intense sessions, sometimes it's good to wait a while before getting tattooed again so that you can mentally recuperate; the memory of the discomfort slowly fades and then your mind is rejuvenated and ready to handle the challenge again.

7. No matter what, just remember that getting tattooed is almost all mental. It is all about the attitude you have and your thoughts. If you go into it focused on and worried about the pain, then you are setting yourself up for a bad sitting because that is what you are giving attention to. If you go into it thinking about the art, the finished result, or about anything else, that is happy or good, chances are you will have better success. Of course, the more into the tattoo you are, the more motivated you are to see it done because you'll be so pleased with it. Having it will give you lasting satisfaction, the less the unpleasant aspects will affect you.


How Do I Get A Tattoo Or Piercing Apprenticeship?
So, you want to learn how to tattoo or pierce? If you're serious about it, you'll do it the right way. The wrong way is by buying a "shop in a box" kit and trying to teach yourself. The right way is through apprenticeship - learning from a skilled artist with hands-on experience.

Finding a tattoo apprenticeship, or should I say finding a good apprenticeship, is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. There may be many offers with pricey dues, or no offers at all. With so many "traps" and cons out there, the hunter many times becomes the hunted. Don't become the victim of your own prey. Gear up, my friends! The hunt is on...

Your Mission: Apprenticeship
To find an apprenticeship within your means that will provide the proper training to get you into the business of tattooing. This is not a "get rich quick" scheme. You are looking for an apprenticeship that will last long enough to provide you with the proper skills needed - not just in tattooing - but also in sterilization, proper cleaning, and business management. Among these skills you may also learn things such as needle making, prepping, making stencils and every other aspect of the business. A complete apprenticeship cannot be accomplished in just a few months time. A good mentor won't even let you begin tattooing until you have learned all these other things.

Your Prey: Tattoo Artists
There are many out there - some good, some not. You must find a strong, able tattoo artist with plenty of experience, usually at least 5 years, preferably more. You obviously need to find one that is willing to take a budding new artist under their wing and train them. You will want to find someone that you believe you can get along well with, as you will be working side by side with them for an extended period of time.

The Bait: Your Portfolio
To show a prospective mentor your artistic abilities, you will need to carry along a portfolio of your best work. This can be drawings or paintings, but can also be pictures of wall murals, sculptures, or anything else artistic you have done. If you have had any formal training, bring along any certification you have received. This is not absolutely necessary though - if you have enough raw talent, your mentor will help you to hone these skills over the time of your apprenticeship.

The Trap: Enthusiasm & Humility
A prospective mentor is going to be looking for someone with a lot of enthusiasm and a real love for the art. If you walk in with the attitude that they owe you something, you're sure to leave empty handed. Knowing at least a little bit about the business is also helpful, and it doesn't hurt if you have a few tattoos!

Your Weapon: Money
Although there are a few artists out there that still offer free apprenticeships, these are few and far between. The other end of the scale are the artists that are more interested in your money than providing you with an education. You will more than likely be looking for a happy medium between these two - a price you can deal with and make it worth the artists time for training you. If you happen upon an artist that offers apprenticeship at no cost you have found a real gem. But don't think this means a free ride! You will have to work very hard and be as dedicated to your training as they are.

Finding a piercing apprenticeship can be just as difficult, but the requirements are a little different. You're not going to be expected to have artistic talent, so you won't need a portfolio. You do, however, still need to attract the attention of your potential mentor. So, how should you go about it?

Standing Out
Needless to say, you are just one of literally thousands of hopeful future-apprentices. The competition is immense, and if you are going to have any hope of standing out, you've got to have something the others don't. So, here are some suggestions you just might want to consider:

Be respectful and presentable
I don't care if the studio is blaring heavy metal and the artists are dressed like thugs. You are there to make an impression. Don't assume that just because you're in a tattoo shop that it's OK to cuss, smoke or be obnoxious. Responsible managers may enjoy a comfortable environment, but they're not going to be interested in someone who acts like this is all fun and games.

Gain Knowledge
Obviously, no one expects or even wants you to already know how to pierce at this point. But you can study up on cross-contamination, blood-borne pathogens and sterilization. You will also want to learn as much as you can about human anatomy. You don't have to go to medical school first - just visit your local library and dig up as much information as you can find. If your local red cross or health department offers a course in blood-borne pathogens, take it! Every bit of knowledge you can gain before you begin your search will help you to stand out.

Be Sincere
Now that you have all this knowledge, the last thing you want to do is sound like a know-it-all. Share your enthusiasm for piercing with your potential mentor and use this as an opportunity to tell them what you have learned. Tell them why it was important for you to study these things, and why it is important to you to become a piercer. Be yourself, and be honest.

Be a Good Customer
If you want an artist to remember your name and face, the best thing you can do is become their favorite customer. If you're interested in being a piercer, I would hope you also have an interest in being pierced. Visit the artist, talk with them and observe, ask questions, get pierced and tip well.

Be Determined
If you find a studio that you just feel so comfortable in that you have to work there, let them know why you feel that way. Visit as many reputable shops as you can, and leave your name and number at all of them. Follow up on your first visit with a phone call, then follow up your phone call with another visit. Make it plainly obvious that this is really important to you.

Synopsis:
Finding a good apprenticeship is not an easy task. You may have to visit several studios before you find someone willing to take you in. You may not find anyone in your area, and relocation might even be a consideration. But the fact remains that if this is what you really want, it is more than worth it to do it right! Learning how to tattoo or pierce on your own is not only unwise, it is dangerous. You must be properly trained in sterilization techniques and how to avoid harming the customer. There is nothing more damaging to your own reputation than 100+ people out there showing everyone what a horrible tattoo or piercing you gave them. Or worse yet, the disease or infection they got as a result of your ignorance. Take your time and learn the right way.