Tattoo Artist

Tattoo Artist

Tatted Mom

Tucson, AZ

Female, 32

I'm a tattoo artist who underwent a standard apprenticeship under a certified tattoo artist. I am an artist first, tattooer second, which means I put creativity and art into my tattoos, not just the 'you pick it, we stick it' type of tattooer. Apprenticeships for tattooing vary by state, according to the laws. I'm also a trained body piercer, as well. Any questions about the job or apprenticing, I'd be happy to help!

PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT price tattoos. Seek a shop for that.

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422 Questions

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Last Answer on May 23, 2014

Best Rated

Will numbing creams ruin your tattoo? Does it prevent proper healing?

Asked by Natalie almost 12 years ago

Numbing creams change the surface texture of the skin, and make tattooing much more difficult. Somehow, they make the skin squishier (for lack of a better word), and they affect how the surface of the skin bleeds, which isn't good for a tattoo artist. We base a lot of how we are tattooing a customer on the look and feel of the skin- if it's been compromised with a numbing agent, it makes our job much harder. I know artists who won't tattoo if you've put on a numbing agent, and because of this, I've become one of those artists.

Can you add more detail to a tattoo that is four years old?

Asked by Allis almost 12 years ago

In theory, yes. Without seeing the tattoo, I can't give definites. Tattoos can be touched up and refreshed years after they are done, though.

is it normal for my tattooer to ink his signature beside the tattoo he just finished?

Asked by james D almost 12 years ago

It's not, actually. I've seen tattoo artists do it, but it's not an industry standard practice, no. They have to ask the client before they do it, too.

What's your opinion on which is a better form of tattoo removal out of the 2 options below:

Laser or Tattoo Vanish

Also, is it possible to ink a 'skin colour' over an old tattoo, as a form of cover up?

Asked by Erin almost 12 years ago

I've never heard of Tattoo Vanish, so I looked it up. It looks sketchy to me; most of the photos look photoshopped, sorry to say. It could work, but it's been my experience with clients who have used topical ointments for tattoo removal, that they just don't work. I've never used one, though, so I can't fully say one way or another.

If the ink that the skin color is going over is darker than skin color, then no, it's not possible. I get asked that a lot, though.

I have a butterfly tattoo on my lower back. It is a cover up. I expected it to be dark, but it looks almost solid black. Can anything be done to "lighten" it up? I believe another cover up would be impossible. I hate it!! Please help. :-(

Asked by Jamie almost 12 years ago

You can't lighten a dark tattoo. Once the ink is there, it's there. In order to lighten it, you'd need to do some sort of tattoo removal. Even one session with a laser remover should lighten it enough to have a cover up be more effective.

I'm wanting to get a tattoo of a bird for a dear friend that passed away but I don't know any sayings that he liked he didn't have any bible verses that we knew off an thebonly music he liked was country so I cant do a song lyric an I have no idea

Asked by jaime almost 12 years ago

Why not just get the bird? Sometimes, keeping a tattoo simple is the best way to go. Many people add words to tattoos, and it ruins the meaning of the artwork. If your friend had a specific quote that they liked, then get that. If they didn't, then just get the artwork. You'll know what it means.

I got a tattoo on Friday, my first one and the girl forgot to cross the second in eternity on it. I have been trying to get her to do it for me, and it keeps getting put off. How much would it cost to go and get it done elsewhere?

Asked by Sarah almost 12 years ago

You'll probably be charged the shop minimum, which can range anywhere from $40-$100, depending on the shop. My advice is to get the artist who screwed it up to fix it- it's her job, and her reputation, to do so.