Our Forum

Is there a difference between a Tattoo Studio, a Tattoo Parlor, Tattoo Clinic or Permanent Cosmetic Clinic?

Some will say YES, but the true answer is No.  They are all places that tattoo. Many may be set up slightly different according to each artists taste or different services offered surrounding the tattooing area, BUT ALL MUST BE INSPECTED AND LICENSED by their local health department and/or by their State Board of Cosmetology.

We are an Academy, because we teach tattooing classes, so we are a little different, but still a tattoo regulated business.

When should I go to get my tattoo?

Most tattoo business's usually open late in the morning and close late at night.  A typical parlor might be open from 12:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.  

We are open by appointment only. This works out best for both the client and artist for privacy issues.   We do not take walk-in's, but who knows, we may be available right when you call.

Do I need to call ahead?

Yes! Alternative Arts Academy only works by appointment. Sometimes you can call and get right in, and sometimes we are already booked. Either way, please call and we will do our best to fit you in at your earliest convenience.  

How much do tattoos cost?

We have a $55.00 minimum charge.  This money covers the costs of equipment sterilization.  Good tattoos aren't cheap.  If somebody says they can give you a tattoo for ten bucks, don't let them do it!

How long do they take?

This always depends on the size and intricacy of the tattoo.  Very large tattoos may require several appointments lasting a couple of hours each.  Plan on at least two hours for the average tattoo. The first hour is finding the perfect graphic, the second hour is applying it. It's always different. If you already know exactly what you want, this cuts out the time needed in finding a graphic.    

How much do tattoos hurt?

This is always different for each individual.  One person's slight sting might be another person's severe pain.  Additionally, when talking about the amount of pain caused by a tattoo needle, location and body type are everything.  Bony areas and areas with many nerve endings tend to be the most painful.  Thin people tend to experience more pain than muscular or heavy people, and men tend to experience more pain than women. Everyone is different. 

Some say that tattooing feels like a carpet burn, a paper cut, a bee sting, a tiny sewing needle going in and out of your skin or a sunburn.  It's not as painful as some might have you believe.    Wherever you get your tattoo and whatever your tolerance for pain is, this won't be the worst thing you've ever experienced.  If it is, you're pretty lucky. 

Certain areas do seem to be more likely to cause significant pain than others.  According to opinions, rumors, and a general consensus among the tattooed. here is a list of where the more  and less painful area's are. 

 Can I take a painkiller before my tattoo?

Maybe.  You want to stay away from Aspirin and anything else that can thin your blood.  However a doctors prescription medication may be ok, if he/she has approved the medication while receiving your tattoo.  

We will not work on a client who has noticeably been using drugs or drinking alcohol, for it may have influenced the decision for getting tattoo related work done.  

Disposable needles and Autoclaving. 

Autoclaving is the only method of sterilization accepted in the State of Ohio to use in tattoo businesses who buy needles that still need to be sterilized.  However, some needle packages do come pre-sterilized, and are brand new and individually wrapped in single sterilized packages. These are called disposables.  This is real popular with Permanent Cosmetic needles. 

Some artists claim to give SEMI-permanent tattoo's.

Several years ago some artists claimed that they had found a new technique for Semi-permanent tattooing.  Supposedly the tattoos would rise to the surface and fade away after 3-5 years.  Some unfortunate folks are just now figuring out that their tattoos are not fading away.  Please plan on your tattoo being permanent. However, colors do fade.  

Permanent Cosmetics are known to fade and it may be a good idea to every few years have your cosmetic tattooing "freshened". This will help your color to stay just how you loved it.

We offer our clients a touch up fee of $55.00 per area (lips, eyes or brows). We never charge a already existing client the first time initial charge, unless they have done something like a chemical peal and the color was eliminated to where we have to start over.

It's not a bad idea to have your old tattoo "freshened" either.

I heard that I can never have an MRI if I get a tattoo.  Is this true?

No, it isn't.  However, some inks have been recalled because they can cause a burning sensation during the test.  This happens because these inks have a high concentration of metallic elements, and an MRI is basically an incredibly strong magnet.  If your tattoo is new, you shouldn't have to worry about this, but if it is older, be sure to tell the MRI tech about it before the test. 

Can I get HIV or AIDS from a tattoo?

While it's not impossible, it would be very difficult to contract HIV from a tattoo.  The HIV virus is weak, and it can't survive outside the body for very long at all.  Also, contrary to popular belief, it is hard to get HIV from a needle stick.  This virus is much more likely to be transmitted through sexual contact.  If someone came and stuck you with an HIV contaminated needle right now, your chances of contracting the virus would be approximately 1 in 200.  That is one half of one percent. 

Can I get Hepatitis from a tattoo?

YES.  A recent study suggests that between 22% and 33% of commercially tattooed individuals are infected with Hepatitis C.

Your chances of contracting the disease may not be as high as this statistic suggest though. The fact that a certain percentage of tattooed people have a disease does not necessarily mean that the disease was caused by the tattoo.  Nevertheless, tattooing certainly carries a higher risk of transmission.  This is why safety and hygiene are so important.

Alternative Arts Academy follows all the safety regulations, sanitation and sterilization laws that the State Of Ohio requires.

However: Safety and sanitation procedures must be obtained even after leaving the place of business.  In other words, if you take off your band aid to show off your tattoo, while out in a public place.  You are subjecting your "open wound" too anyone, who may or may not have washed their hands. They could have been in the public restroom.  Think about it and be SAFE! Do not let anyone touch it. 

Can a tattoo give me skin cancer?

There is no evidence to suggest that it can or does.

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If you have any questions that you could not find here, please do not hesitate to email us or call our office.

DocJ@AlternativeArtsAcademy.com

330-825-6866