Basic Guidelines for Getting a Tattoo
Artists have become increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and have taken steps to protect their clients and themselves. With just a little education and some research, you can assure yourself of a safe, professional tattoo.
Will I get HIV or AIDS?
~ HIV is a very delicate virus and does not survive long outside the human body. Nor is it spread through casual contact. Generally, the virus is only transmitted when sufficient quantities of highly infected blood are introduced into the body of another. The structure of tattoo needles does not lend itself to HIV transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, there has never been a case of HIV transmission from tattooing in the United States. Cases outside the US were not positively attributed to tattooing because all reported cases also fit the profile of a "high risk" lifestyle.
What about Hepatitis?
~ The disease to consider when getting tattooed is hepatitis. Hepatitis, unlike HIV, is a very hardy virus that can survive long periods outside the human body and can be transmitted through little more than a scratch with an infected needle. To combat this and any other infectious bloodborne pathogen, artists autoclave their single service equipment, use individual portions of ink and lubricant, dispose of used sharps according to OSHA guidelines, use EPA registered virucidals to clean their stations between clients, and use barrier protection. These procedures are called Standard Precautions. Basically, the artist must treat everyone (including themselves) as though they were infectious. That way, everyone is protected and the potential for infection is reduced to next to nothing.
How should I pick an artist?
~ APT admits artists based on their desire to educate themselves in safe tattoo procedure rather than artistic merit. For that reason, we do not recommend specific artists. Not to mention, there are a number of excellent artists who, for whatever reason, have not joined APT. While we would like you to patronize one of our artists, it would be a shame to pass up an excellent artist simply because they did not belong to our organization. You can still assure yourself that you are in good hands by following a few simple guidelines.
Your concerns are twofold. You need to find an artist whose work you like, who will work on you safely. Ask people where they got tattooed, especially if you really like the work you see. Ask to see photographs of the artist's work. Most often, the pictures will have been taken right after the work was completed, so redness and swelling are common. In spite of that, there are things you can learn. Are the lines clean and smooth or broken and jagged? Do they meet up? Does the artist work in the style you are looking for? Taking time to check out a few artists and shops will ensure that you are happy with your results.
What is single service equipment?
~ All equipment should be single service. This means that each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated and sealed and autoclaved. The artist should open a fresh set of needles and tubes in front of you. Any ointments, pigments, needles, gloves, razors, plastic trays or containers used in applying your new tattoo are discarded after use. After the tattoo application, the artist will disinfect the work area with an EPA approved virucidal that will kill any surface bacteria or viruses.
What is an autoclave?
~ An autoclave is the only acceptable means of equipment sterilization in the tattoo shop. It is a machine that uses a combination of heat, steam and pressure to kill all pathogenic microorganisms known to man. If the shop does not use an autoclave, do not get tattooed there. Shops should keep regular records of their autoclave use and testing. Ask to see them if you feel uncertain.
Why does the artist wear gloves?
~ Your artist should be wearing gloves any time they are touching broken skin and should change their gloves regularly. This protects both you and the artist from any bloodborne pathogens that may be present.
This is my first tattoo.....What should I expect?
~Getting your first tattoo can be a very exciting experience and being prepared for what to expect can keep it fun. First, you should be well rested and well fed. If you are tired, or your blood sugar is low, you may experience a higher level of discomfort than you normally would. Drinking alcohol before getting tattooed is always a bad idea. Not only do you become dehydrated, it will also cause you to bleed more and consequently have a negative effect on your new tattoo.
There will be blood. The amount varies from person to person, but usually it is about what you would expect from a scraped knee or rug burn. The level of pain also varies from person to person, but most people don't find it unbearable. The best thing to do is just accept the discomfort and relax.
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About Our Studio:
We (my GIRLFRIEND Dana and I an my name is Chris or "KOOLAID") own and operate SPARXWORX Custom Tattoo in Casper, Wyoming at 136 South Center Street, right next store to Sonic Rainbow (the PLACE to go for CD's)... a shop I started 15 years ago in Sterling Co. and has seen life a few times since then... but not like this. We came to Casper from Color The World in Boulder to help an old friend start his shop. Long story short ...I bought him out and we're staying... because I found a lot of really creative/working people up here and am kickin out more career advancing work than I did in 23 years in the Denver/Boulder market. FREAKIN ROCKIN! I can't believe it. We're 2000 sq ft. in the middle of downtown Casper. We've had to move twice in 2.5 years because of growth (if I find myself needing more than 2000sq ft. I'll quit...I'm going crazy already!) I have been doing this for 26 years, 23 in the Denver/ Boulder, Colorado market. I pride myself on doing all styles from FREEHAND CUSTOM, COVERUPS, custom artwork, flash, old school, new school, fine line and the list can go on. Its just freakin me (well this has changed again see artist below). For those who know me ... it's gettin old being either the only artist or the top artist (this hasn't) in a shop, it has been years of this arrrrrgghhhhh.
WE ALWAYS USE NEW NEEDLES!!!!!!!!!!
SHOP OPERATING HOURS: KIDS WELCOME!!!
SUNDAY- 2pm-? It could be as early as 8 as late as midnight
MONDAY- CLOSED (sorry)
TUESDAY- 2pm-9pm
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY- 2pm-9pm
FRIDAY-SATURDAY- 2pm-10pm sometimes as late as midnight
SHOP MOTTO:
"LIFE HAPPENS" (for you as well as us)
MY ARTISTS:
Each and every ARTIST brings their own style and their own uniqueness to OUR Shop so I feel like we have a well rounded shop (as well rounded as a one man shop can be)!!
Chris/Koolaid/Owner:
I pride myself on doing all genres of tattooing I have been doing this now for 26 years. I really love freehand work, custom, fineline, new school, and well you get the point I love tattooing so I am in it for the ART.
Tattooman/Dan:
Tattooman tattoos here and has for the last two years or so but he has been tattooing 12 years or so due to other job commitments, he is on a PART-TIME basis. He has private clients. He strictly does only custom work. He is a terrific artist and pursues this for the ART.
Dave and Dan P have joined the staff otherwise known as the twins.
OPPORTUNITIES:
As you can well imagine the employment pool in this town of 60,000 is about 2 inches deep!!!
So I'm gonna do the guest spot thing ... this situation is prime for it. We still WANT GUEST ARTISTS for the "Third Station"
If you've got ..........at least 10 years......a decent portfolio or web page...or....if you know me (than thats not neccesary)...the ability to travel and be portable ..lets talk. Or get in to town stop by and see us.
WHAT TO EXPECT Getting Tattooed at SPARXWORX Custom Tattoo:
We try to get you in as fast as we can without shorting the Art.
APPOINTMENTS and WALK-INS:
We are currently (as of 08/08/2008) able to take some walk-ins weekdays only for weekend appointments you need to call at least a week in advance so Call (307-237-3342) for appointment sometimes we can get you in on the same day. Appointments depending on ARTWORK can vary from 5 days to 2 weeks sometimes a little longer depending on schedule and ARTWORK. NO deposits on appointments (NEVER will we charge a deposit for appointments).
FLASH: This work there is a possibility to get you in as a walkin. There is 25 years of collecting some on the computer, books, Flash and plenty of reference material.
CUSTOM WORK: Is just that we do not post pictures on the internet unless we have your permission and we destroy the pattern(s). "Sometimes" this work can get drawn fast and schedule you in fast but not always it depends on the level of ARTWORK and this requires an appointment. Appointment times for this kind of work can vary.
FREEHAND CUSTOM WORK: FREEHAND means drawn right on your skin and this requires an appointment for consultation with an artist. These types of tattoos can vary in time and appointments are required for this. Appointment times for this kind of work can vary from 2 days to 1 month.
Money:
Right now we only except CASH, we hope to be changing this soon.
Cleaning:
All items reused go thru an Ultrasonic, to an Autoclave. We have an MSDS book on all our chemicals that we use to keep you safe and we use a lot. Alconox, citranox, bleach, greensoap, iodine and madacide to list a few.
WHERE ELSE TO FIND US ON THE WEB:
www.myspace.com/sparxworxcustomtattoo
www.inkednation.com/sparxworx
Chris (KOOLAID) Smith
136 South Center Street
P.O. Box 1855- zip-82602
Casper WY 82601 US
Phone: (307)237-3342
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Comments on This Gallery Page
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Very Well Done.
Thanks for posting
» Posted by
SeanEBones
on 12/12/2007 8:20:12 PM.
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Tattoo Pictures
