Does Tattoo Removal Hurt? What to Expect From Laser Sessions

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist pain removal
Yes. For most people, laser tattoo removal hurts more than getting the tattoo did. That's worth knowing upfront so you can prepare correctly rather than walk in expecting something manageable...

Can a Tattoo Artist Copy Another Artist's Work?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist
Technically, a person with a tattoo machine could copy any image. But a professional tattoo artist will not directly copy another artist's custom tattoo design, and a reputable one will...

How Much Do You Tip a Tattoo Artist?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist
The standard is 15% to 20% of the total tattoo cost. On a $300 tattoo, that's $45 to $60. On a $500 tattoo, $75 to $100. If the work was...

What to Bring to a Long Tattoo Appointment

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare artist
Eat a proper meal before you go, pack snacks and water, charge your devices, and bring your ID. That covers most of what goes wrong at a long session. Here's...

How to Find a Tattoo Artist That Matches Your Style

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist design
Every tattoo style has its own rules, tools, and technical demands. An artist who is exceptional at Japanese traditional may produce mediocre fine-line work, and vice versa. The most common...

What to Wear to Your Tattoo Appointment (Based on Placement)

Michael Hollman
Wear something that gives your artist easy access to the placement, that you won't mind getting ink or ointment on, and that you'll be comfortable sitting in for however long...

Is Tattoo Ink Supposed to Weep or Come Off After an Appointment?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare artist
Yes, your tattoo is supposed to weep. For the first 24 to 48 hours after your session, a fresh tattoo produces a mix of plasma, lymph fluid, and surface ink....

What to Do Before Your Microblading Appointment for Best Results

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare artist
The final result of a microblading session depends as much on what you do beforehand as it does on your artist's technique. Prep your skin correctly and the strokes come...

What Happens at a Tattoo Consultation? (And How to Prepare)

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist
A tattoo consultation is the planning session before any needle touches your skin. It's where your reference photos get turned into a real design plan, where you and the artist...

Do Forearm Tattoos Hurt? Inner vs. Outer Pain Guide

Michael Hollman
The short answer: not very. The outer forearm sits around 3 to 4 out of 10 - thick skin, good muscle padding, and no bone in the way. The inner...