Learn about types of tattooers before you walk in | INK:ED #1

Are you someone who is willing to finally get that tattoo but you don’t know where?

Do you still want to find the cheapest spot to get the tattoo your friend has gotten?

Are you thinking of getting your first tattoo just unsure what to do?

Welcome to INK:ED, a now weekly segment on the site. Within each written piece we aim to contribute to tattoo culture & it’s involving aspects. If you’ve found yourself in some of those questions the today’s topic might come in handy.

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My first time walking into a tattoo studio was as a walk in, with a friend with whom I was about to possibly have a matching tattoo with, we were about 19 & it took us one look at the room to do our best to leave. We wanted a stick figure smiley face. We had no idea where we walked into but it was definitely not the spot for us.

It can be even more embarrassing to look back on that years later and realise we simply walked in, were willing to get tattooed by anyone, thinking it’s all they do all day long & we were definitely wrong

Ok, actually years later it also became easily understood that we genuinely had no clue the spot was the best in town & there was also a waiting list, no walk ins other than for general questions for a possible booking.

Tattooing can definitely be that & it does seem interesting, but it’s leaving out all other types of tattooers & tattoos done. Seemingly more often than not it’s still safe to walk in and just ask with no shame.

Seriously, just walk in. Ask. Feel peace. It’s artists. Not the IRS.

But in that case be very prepared to handle the option of having the apprentice do your tattoo. Do NOT forget to ask to see their work.

Of course you probably know about traditional ink, done by people from it’s culture. We will more so lean into the types of tattoos away from that,

Before you search who to book with, consider understanding there’s a generalized formation of several types of tattooers who can give you that tattoo.

By Professional Role:

• Apprentice Tattooer: Still learning under a professional mentor.

That one might be your cheapest option.

The apprentice tattoos CAN be done right but do keep in mind that you’re signing up for showing understanding for whatever process you get.

• Custom Tattooer:

Creates unique, one-off designs for each client. Usually you send them a message with your desired concept, size, placement, budget.

The artist makes a tattoo usually from the same style you see across their page.

• Flash Tattooer:

Works mainly with pre-drawn designs (“flash sheets”) that clients choose from.

There’s a chance you catch a tattoo you love if you follow their social media, turn on notifications, check out their flash on the door of the studio or walk in to see if they put it on over there. Whatever you get can easily be denied a re sketch - depends on the artist.

• Specialist:

Focuses only on one niche (e.g., realism portrait tattooer, lettering artist).

Usually it’s the same as with the custom tattooer except here you kind of know what to expect, whereas with custom tattooer you can get a choice of a variety of styles and inspo.

• Generalist:

Comfortable working across multiple styles. Cares less over their own style and more on the tattoo & giving you exactly what you want.

It feels wrong to not mention:

• Scratcher:

learning to tattoo at home, this type of self taught tattooer doesn’t charge & learns on you. Whether it’s their own flash or whatever you want - it’s clear that this person is doing this before their studio. These are at home & have a special nature & possible pain or a waste of time unless you’re sure that you’re in the right hands.

Do not forget that there is plenty of bad scratchers out there - but there is also brilliant ones.

Don’t forget:

By Technique or Tools

• Machine Tattooers: Use modern coil or rotary tattoo machines (most common).

• Hand-Poked (Stick & Poke): No machine, done manually with a needle and ink.

• Traditional Indigenous Methods: Cultural tattooers who use ancient techniques (e.g., tapping in Polynesia, bamboo tattooing in Thailand, Inuit skin-stitching).

Remember:

1. Read the policies of the people you book with, do not think just because you’re a client the experience needs to court you.

That does sound wonderful - but by following infrastructural guidelines the whole experience runs smoother & more professional.

That’s ink on your skin forever. Why remember it as something negative if the negative aspect is not from the person giving you the tattoo or people in the studio if there are any.

Do not forget to do research, do not just show up & expect perfection in this day and age when there is a easy way for you to be the judge way before the tattoo.

Thank you for reading INK:ED, follow us on IG to be notified of new uploads but our segments are uploaded every week & there will always be something to read.

Much love,

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