SO YOU WANT TO GET SOME INK?
Teresa Hedderich Sun tattoo by Twin Tattoo Manta tattoo by Thomas Clark Turtle tattoo by Geoff McCann “My fi rst tattoo was the sun on my back, and shows my love for the ocean, summer and that I love balance in my life. The turtle on my hand was a rebellious one! After working 12 years in hospitality I got this tattoo and took off to Thailand to become a dive master. Once I became a certifi ed DM, I got another turtle tatttooed on my hip. I’ve always been fascinated by New Zealand and Maori life, this combined with my love of the ocean lead me to a manta ray done in traditional Maori style.”
Take your time to shop around, ask friends and gather intel on tattooists. Take in some photos, sketches, examples or ideas you have. These could be for an exact design or general feel. Look at the artist’s portfolio photos rather than just sketches, check that straight lines are straight, and that circles are indeed circular. Don’t drink booze before or during a tattoo. Alcohol may numb the pain but it thins the blood so you’ll bleed more. Don’t be afraid to say no or to disagree, your tattoo will be permanent after all. Don’t go for the cheapest. You’re not just paying for a service, you’re commissioning a work of art — the goal is not to get the best deal but to get something worth paying for. Eat well before the tattoo, a higher blood sugar level will make you feel better during the work. Wear clothing that easily allows the artist ample room to the area to be tattooed.
Let your artist work their way. Some like to chat, others like loud music to concentrate.
Do not pick, rub or accidentally knock the scabs during the healing process.
Tip your tattooist if you’re happy with the work.
Allison Elias Tattoo by Josh at Wise Guys Tattoo, Calgary “I am a cancer; the crab symbolizes my astrological sign. Other than that I’ve always been a water baby and attracted to things related.”
Chris Goldblatt
Tattoo by Pat Fish, Lucky Fish “To show support, I off ered to
donate a tattoo to
www.fi shreef.org after reading about their reef ball programme in Santa Barbara. One of the volunteers took me
up on the off er and together we designed the tattoo. All in all, a
lovely way for the medium of tattoo to bring this vision of a restored ocean to life in skin.” - Pat Fish
Listen to your artist once the tattoo is completed, they will give you advice on care and treatment in the weeks ahead. Don’t moisturize the tattoo with petroleum jelly products. These can clog the pores and create blank spots. Use a moisturizer that does not contain too much water or alcohol. Avoid excessive sun exposure and defi nitely no sun beds! Gently wash your tattoo two to three times per day using warm soapy water, until its healed. Do not swim or dive in the sea or a swimming pool for at least two weeks, or until all the scabs have fallen off naturally.
Do not attempt a tattoo if you suffer from haemophilia (inability to create blood clots). Some tattooists will refrain from tattooing pregnant women. If you have a communicable disease let the tattooist know well in advance.
Diabetics should avoid tattoos in the area were they may experience poor circulation. If you have epilepsy, talk to your doctor and tattooist fi rst.
www.divermag.com 29
Photo: Scott Stevenson
Photos: Russell Clark
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