What Does It Mean When an Artist's "Books Are Closed"? A Guide for Clients

What Does It Mean When an Artist's "Books Are Closed"? A Guide for Clients

Michael Hollman
You've done it. After weeks of dedicated research, you've found the tattoo artist you've been dreaming of. Their style is perfect, their work is flawless, and you are ready to...

Do You Have to Shave Before a Tattoo? A Guide to Pre-Appointment Prep

Michael Hollman
You're getting all your ducks in a row for your tattoo appointment tomorrow. You've packed your bag with snacks and headphones, you've planned your outfit, and you're mentally prepared. But...

Can You Use Anti-Aging Skincare Over Your Tattoos? A Guide to Protecting Your Ink

Michael Hollman
You've invested in two important things: the beautiful art on your skin, and the high-quality skincare products designed to keep that skin looking youthful and healthy. It's only natural to...

Does Gaining Muscle Stretch or Ruin Tattoos? A Lifter's Guide

Michael Hollman
You're dedicated to two things: building your body and decorating it with incredible art. You spend hours in the gym, and you've invested significantly in your tattoos. But as you...
Can You Get Two Tattoos in One Day? A Guide to Back-to-Back Sessions

Can You Get Two Tattoos in One Day? A Guide to Back-to-Back Sessions

Michael Hollman
You're feeling ambitious. Maybe you're traveling and have a rare opportunity to get work from an artist you admire, or maybe you have two smaller designs you want to get...

How to Tell a Tattoo Artist What You Want (Without Being Annoying)

Michael Hollman
You've done the hard part. You've scrolled through hundreds of portfolios and found an artist whose work you absolutely love. Now comes the moment of truth: the consultation. It's your...
How Do Walk-In Tattoos Work? A Guide for Spontaneous Ink

How Do Walk-In Tattoos Work? A Guide for Spontaneous Ink

Michael Hollman
You're out and about, feeling adventurous, and the urge strikes: you want a new tattoo, and you want it now. You don't want to wait months for an artist's books to...
Can I Put Neosporin on My New Tattoo? (Spoiler: No)

Can I Put Neosporin on My New Tattoo? (Spoiler: No)

Michael Hollman
You're at home, caring for your fresh new tattoo. You know that keeping it clean and preventing infection is your top priority. You open your medicine cabinet, and right there...
How Badly Does an Armpit Tattoo Hurt? A Survival Guide

How Badly Does an Armpit Tattoo Hurt? A Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
In the world of tattooing, there are certain placements that are spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. They are the final frontiers of pain, the "if you know, you know"...
How Long Does a Tattoo Peel, and What Should You Do?

How Long Does a Tattoo Peel, and What Should You Do?

Michael Hollman
Your new tattoo is about a week old. The initial soreness has faded, the swelling has gone down, and just when you think you're in the clear, a new and...

How to Email a Tattoo Artist to Get the Best Response: A Professional Guide

Michael Hollman
You've spent weeks, maybe even months, doing your research. You've found them: the perfect tattoo artist. Their style is exactly what you've been looking for, their healed work is flawless,...

What Happens if a Scab Gets Ripped Off Your Tattoo? An Emergency Guide

Michael Hollman
It's the scenario every new tattoo owner dreads. You're a week into healing, right in the middle of the itchy, scabby phase. You accidentally snag your tattoo on a doorway,...