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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Last Answer on May 23, 2014

Best Rated

I've seen quite a few thin text tattoos that show great detail in the text. But, parlors i have went to insist my text needs to be quite larger. Are there different tools to use to make them thinner or is it preference of the artist not wanting to do

Asked by dani about 11 years ago

Small lines that are close together, as in the case with small lettering, will expand under the skin and end up growing together after a few years. This happens with all tattoos over time. Small lettering is not recommended because it will be unreadable over time. 

Is it common for artists to tattoo the artwork of another artist? For instance, if there was an artist overseas who's work I admire, could I have a local artist tattoo it on me? Or is that tacky/disrespectful?

Asked by --- almost 12 years ago

Honestly, I have no idea. If it's the work of an artist- like painter, sculptor, etc, then I don't think a tattoo artist would have a problem with it. But, if it's the work of another tattoo artist, then yes, that's tacky/disrespectful. Every tattoo artist has their own style, and they are making (or have made) a name for themselves based on that style. Having another person copy that style is disrespectful. If you admire the original tattoo artist's work that much, why would you want someone to do a reproduction on you? Wouldn't you want an original? There are always tattoo conventions in the US that overseas artists come to. That's an easy way to get tattooed by someone whose work you admire.

When it comes to blacklight tattoos, is it possible to use anythin like shading? I'm savin to get a tattoo and the idea is to have fire spring up over in blacklight - but I do NOT want cartoony. I want the fire realistically shaded. Is it possible?

Asked by Shine almost 12 years ago

Tricky question to answer. Tattoos can be shaded, yes, even if blacklight ink is used. Now, blacklight ink is brighter than regular ink, so, in my opinion, it can look a little cartoony just because it's a neon color. 

Please note, too, that blacklight ink is NOT FDA approved to be tattooed onto humans like those websites tell you. It's FDA approved to tag fish for classification purposes. AND, blacklight ink does NOT last as long as regular ink. My advice on blacklight ink is to pass on it. It's more expensive than regular ink, so the tattoo artist generally charges more, and it only sticks around for, on average, a year. I'd get a regular tattoo and forget about the blacklight ink.

Can I send you pictures of what I want my tattoo to be and you draw it up for me and send it back?

Asked by Samantha almost 12 years ago

It's best for the person who will be doing your tattoo to be the one to draw it up. 

Is it tacky to get quotes tattooed all over your body?

Asked by ILoveInk93 almost 12 years ago

I have seen it done before. On some people, it works. My opinion, though, is that tattoos are for artwork, and words aren't really artwork. Instead of gettting words tattooed everywhere, why not have the quote turned into a piece of art that reminds you of it, instead of covering your body in words? I can almost guarantee you'll regret having your body covered in words down the road.

I wanted to extend my tattoo, but 2 tattoo artists so far have already refused to "work on other's work". Is that an ethical code or something? Does this mean I must always go back to the same artist even if I don't like his style or attitude?

Asked by Christine over 11 years ago

It depends on the tattoo artist. Maybe explain to them why you don't want to return to the other person. That would probably help more.

I want to cover up my tattoo on my foot. it is a heart with four letters in it.. I want to cover up the tattoo with something like "ohana" with my family members. any ideas ?

Asked by lilly over 11 years ago

Using words as a cover up is nearly impossible because of the spaces between the letters.