Red Flags When Going to a New Tattoo Shop

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Red Flags

Selecting the right tattoo shop St. Pete can be an arduous task, especially if you have no idea what to look for. Despite that, you can still base your choice of the shop in which to get your tattoo by looking out for a few red flags.

Below are the red flags that should convince you to think twice before entering the new shop.

Cleanliness of Shop

First, check the cleanliness. Watch out for signs that scream ‘unkempt’ all over the shop. A tattoo shop should be as clean as the local hospital. After all, the procedures you will go through involve piercing skin using needles and other supplies. Everything should be clean.

Training

Do not ignore the tattooists. It’s good practice to get a tattoo from trained artists only. Untrained artists and novices are the wrong choice. An untrained artist is not worth entrusting your health to. Training helps the artists to:

  1. keep the shop attractive and free of infections
  2. prevent disease-causing microbes from spreading

Cleanliness of Furniture

Cleanliness of the furniture is equally essential. Some types of furniture are capable of spreading germs. Microbes have a tendency of lingering around the studio. They multiply exponentially in St. Pete tattoo shops that are filled with dirty and tattered furniture.

Cleanliness of Needles and Other Supplies

Another red flag worth keeping an eye on is the use of needles that have already been opened. A trustworthy parlor hires and encourages its artists to use needles from sealed containers at all times. Needles should not lie all over the studio.

Location

Home-based tattoo shops are not a good place for getting a tattoo. A home-based shop lacks some essential supplies, such as an autoclave, that are common features of the best tattoo parlors in St. Pete.

Customer Relations

The desperation you have for new St. Pete tattoos does not give the artists any right to ignore you or treat you contemptuously. The artist who will be working with you should spend time discussing a few details with you prior to your session. Look for artists who communicate well.

Quality of Aftercare Service

It’s important to check the quality of aftercare service and advice the tattooists provide. Proper after care is crucial for your health. The best tattooists will not hesitate to educate you on the different ways of taking great care of your tattoos. If they don’t, leave and go elsewhere.

Lastly, consider extremely low prices as red flags warning you of the poor quality of services to expect at the tattoo parlor. Normally, good tattoos cost substantial sums of money. With tattoos, you get what you pay for.

 

Here at Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery we supply only the best of quality for our clients. We treat tattoos as they should be treated, like works of art. Schedule and appointment today and see why everyone is chose Black Amethyst Tattoo & Fine Arts Gallery!

Thorough Research When Looking for an Artist is Key

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Research It

There are different types of tattoo artists operating today. One category comprises professionals who have been trained, certified, and licensed to provide these services. The other category is made up of individuals with a passion for tattoos who open tattoo parlors in St. Pete. It’s important to choose a tattooist carefully considering that you’re about to get a permanent mark on your body through a risk-filled procedure.

Thorough research on the artist is essential for your peace of mind.

Research Safety

It’s wrong to step into the first tattoo shop St. Pete that you come across without prior research. The focus of the research should be determining the safety of the entire process. Tattoos can open up your body to all manner of skin infections and health problems. Fortunately, state and local governments in the United States regulate tattoo shops. The actual rules regulating the parlors vary from one jurisdiction to the next though.

Research Staff Training

While doing your research, make sure that the parlor you step into has an all fully-trained team of tattooists. Check that the tattoo artists put on fresh set of disposable gloves before attending to a new client to reduce or eliminate the risk of contamination. After removing the gloves, ascertain that the artists discard them in the trash bin in between each session. Confirm that the tattooist only uses fresh needles that he gets from sealed containers.

Research Reputation

In the tattooing industry, reputation is king. A tattoo artist with a reputation of operating without any formal training is a huge risk. A ‘freelancer’ or ‘scratcher’ is not worth selecting for such a potentially life-defining procedure. One reason for this is that an untrained tattooist is more likely to reuse the needles and other supplies thereby increasing your chances of suffering a skin infection or developing an allergic reaction.

Research Quality of Services

Some artists are renowned for producing excellent tattoos. The quality of the final product should not cloud your judgment. A professional tattooist acts as a craftsperson, technician, and an artist. Scrutinize each artist’s work. Look at how the artist blends colors. Evaluate the tattooist’s ability to design an even form of depth, dimension and shading. Look at his previous work to determine his expertise in all these.

Research Premises

Lastly, check the condition of the artist’s St. Pete tattoos studios. Visit the studios for a firsthand evaluation of the quality of services offered. It would be unwise of you to select an artist who does not operate from St. Pete tattoo shops but rather from his kitchen, in the bleachers, garage, or a local bar. If everything is clean, new and in the right place, you may now ask the artist for information on the tattoo charges.

The research has already been done and all signs point to Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery! Schedule an appointment today and come in and see why so many people are choosing Black Amethyst.

Do and Don’ts for Getting a Tattoo

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In the movie ‘Hangover II’, one of the actors – Stu – wakes up to discover that he has a tattoo on his face. He has no idea how the tattoo ended up on his face. The tattoo is just one of the many mysteries they have to solve.

Normally, nobody goes to the St. Pete tattoo shops half-dazed to get a tattoo. The reason for this is tattoos are permanent. Therefore, appreciating this and other dos and don’ts of getting a tattoo is highly advised.

Dos of getting a tattoo

First, as previously mentioned, tattoos are permanent marks on the body. Therefore, choose a tattoo that you’re happy leaving on your body the rest of your life. There is nothing wrong in taking as much time as you need to choose the best tattoo.

When it comes to tattoos, location is just as important as any other factor. Here, location does not refer to the physical address of tattoo parlors in St. Pete. Instead, it refers to the exact part of the body where you want to be tattooed.

Also, it’s fine to speak up when you’re unhappy with anything regarding the tattoo. For example, if the design isn’t what you envisaged, let the tattooist know. Otherwise, you will leave the parlor with a tattoo that only makes you sad, frustrated, and sick.

It’s alright to take time researching and learning as much as you can on your preferred tattooist. Limit yourself to the choice of artists who know what they are doing. Check the reputation of the St. Pete tattoo shops with other customers too.

Don’ts of getting a tattoo

Some people tattoo the names of people they love on their bodies. Although there is nothing wrong with this, you should choose the name carefully. For example, tattooing the name of a girlfriend or boyfriend might appear cool now but only lead to regrets when you break up.

Always get tattoo from licensed professionals. Do not show up at your cousin’s or friend’s place unannounced and ask for a tattoo. If the friend or relative is a bona fide tattooist running or working at a tattoo shop St. Pete, then let him to ink your body.

Avoid getting a tattoo when you’re intoxicated or as high as a kite. The artist needs you to be as cool and non-fidgety as possible. It’s hard to stay still when you’re in a drunken stupor and not in control of your faculties. Intoxication makes it hard for you to cooperate with the artist.

Lastly, it pays to tip the tattooist. A tattoo artist who does an excellent job and treats you nicely is worthy of a token of appreciation. Therefore, carry some money with you (on top of the tattoo fees) to show your appreciation for services rendered at St. Pete tattoos studios.

Have a tattoo you need to void out? Schedule an appointment today at Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery and turn an old Don’t into a future Do!

Don’t Tell Mama

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Pretend you are a parent and your kid (not your favorite, but the one you love and all but, you know, can be a pain in the ass, truthfully) is in the market for a tattoo. What are the last things you’d want to think about?

That getting tattooed is considered to be medical procedure in some places.

That the ink is being pushed INTO skin. By a bunch of little pricks. Applied by a big prick. (Just checking to see if you are paying attention.)

That the open wound, which will ultimately be the envy of you friends, can put you at risk for allergic reactions, infections and blood-borne diseases. Yeah, that’s right, mama, there are risks  even at the state-of-the-art St. Pete tattoo shops.

But wait, Ma, there’s hope!

Because your offspring is going to a licensed, inspected, clean, reputable shop. Because you have done your research. Because kids’ your tattoo artist knows the importance of health and safety and will instruct everyone – even people who didn’t ask and may not care – about proper healing and aftercare routines for that ultimately gorgeous, currently sore, itchy-while-it-peels new tattoo.

Your tattoo professional is the one person to listen to and trust when it comes to knowing what to do with your new tattoo form the moment you finish your session to the next time you come in for work. And if listen really hard then forget it all – call him back. Stop by again. Write it down this time.

In the best case, poor aftercare can distort the tattoo’s appearance. In the worst case, failure to take excellent care of your ink can result in expensive, unpleasant follow-ups. You know, at the walk-in clinic or family doctor. And the pharmacy. And the ATM.

So relax, all you Mothers, we got this. And remember, “kid” is a frame of mind, not an age. We don’t work on humans under the age of 18.

Looking to get a new tattoo? Schedule and appointment today at Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery.

I’m on the Internet Telling You Not to Believe the Internet

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The Internet is just but one of the many resources that provide people with too much information. While it’s pretty much second nature now to find out things for yourself, that should only ever be a starting point. WebMD doesn’t fill prescriptions, in other words, and for good reason.

Your tattoo artist can help you avoid making costly mistakes. The most expensive and painful and crappy being paying to have a bad tattoo removed.

Good artists at the best tattoo shops in St. Pete love building a base of well-informed customers. Everyone wins, because you will learn from the source about:

Good Timing

Your tattooist will help you plan your tattoo experience, including estimated time for the piece(s) you decide to work on.  You might be surprised how wrong novice-tattoo-getters can be when thinking they know how long something is going to take.

Being Yourself (Within Reason)

Tattoo artists have seen it all. So no need to be anything other than who you are – unless you are a foot tapper or a hair flipper or have other habits that might f-up your tattoo. So establish that comfortable one-on one thang, and then let your freak flag fly – or be a wallflower – just don’t fidget or feel the need to dance while being worked on.

Costs

Tattoo artists do not all charge the same price. Do your online research: you may find a range of price points, even in a relatively small place like St. Pete.  Flat rate? Hourly charge? Pre-paid deposit?  Tips? TALK to your guy (or gal) for all the important money info up front.

Positive and Negative Reference

St. Pete has a deserved reputation as an artistic place.  That doesn’t mean you want your artist pulling stuff out of his or her, um out of the blue. Google yourself silly looking through references. Choose things that speak to you, and be ready to engage with your artist to discuss. Search. Research. Even choose a bad example to bring in to share.

 

Looking to get a new tattoo? Schedule and appointment today at Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery.

Cool Your Jets on These “Hot” Tattoos

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Get Em While They’re Hot

Because we care, it’s time to remind everyone that unlike a trendy haircut, a “hot” tattoo is not “here today, gone tomorrow,” so you may want to re-think the following designs when visiting top St. Pete tattoo parlors:

Tribal Tattoos

These types of tattoos have spikes in their popularity over time. If you are of a certain age from a certain moment in pop culture, your tribal work may be juuuuust fine. But these days, in fact, they are often referred to as frat tats. There is no problem inking your body with these types of tats if you belong to an actual tribe. Avoid this trend if your only reason for inking them on your body is that you’re a young, white college boy out on his own for the first time.

Social Media-Inspired Tattoos

Tattoos that show your appreciation of or addiction to a social media network or meme of the moment should also be avoided. Let’s face it, even if Facebook turns out to be immortal, sites and apps and memes have a short relevancy lifespan. Yik Yak, anyone?

One-Word Statement Tattoos

Any word that you can remember without having to tattoo it on any part of your body is a good candidate for exclusion. You may also include quotes in this category. Also, do you really want people to randomly stop and grab you to read your skin on the streets?  (If the answer is yes, then, by all means…)

 

Looking to get a new tattoo? Schedule and appointment today at Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery.

Ever Google For Tattoo Ideas?

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Ever gone to the grocery store hungry, but not quite sure what sounds good? Ever pulled up to the bar and started to order and thought “hang on, maybe something different?” before ordering your usual? Ever settled in to Netflix and chill forreal and your queue made it harder instead of easier to choose what to view?

That’s like being ready, being itchy, jonesing like the ink junkie you are for your next skin art, and when I say “so, what are you thinking” you reply…

…

…

…

Dude. Really? Your brain is stuffed with ideas. The world is full of images. The universe was built on art. Pictures are everywhere. And you got nothing?

It’s OK, it happens to everyone. (Well, a lot of people.) So when you are absolutely, positively, no way no how, coming up empty, have less than zero clue what your (next) tattoo should be…whip it out (your phone), get those thumbs thumpin’ (again, on your phone), and once you’ve found some pictures to get your juices flowing, bookmark ‘em and then google yourself, for a happy ending to your image search.

Search result for “skull” = about 320 million returns.

Search result for “demon” = about 193 million returns.

Search result for “viking” = about 168 million returns.

Search result for “Thank you for this great advice, Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery” = No results found. Yet. And you’re welcome.

 

Update of Yesterday’s Man Eating Bacteria Post. *Warning Graphic Images*

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Iflscience (and who doesn’t?) reports about a man who should have listened to advice after getting fresh ink. Unfortunately (or, if you happen to be a gnarly flesh-eating bacteria, fortunately) the result was worse than some minor discomfort or prolonged healing to get past that just-touched-up look. Here are the details (including some horrific pix, so don’t look if you tend to spew easily):

A 31-year-old man died after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. The deceased had a newly inked tattoo on his right leg and ignored advice to wait at least two weeks before going swimming in the ocean.

As reported in the British Medical Journal Case Reports, the man was infected with Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous pathogen that is present in many marine environments, like estuaries and coastal areas. It is related to cholera and wounds infected by the bacterium have a mortality rate of around 25 percent.

After his swim, the man developed a fever and chills. A rash began to form around his tattoo and the symptoms became worse in the following two days, resulting in him being rushed to hospital. By the time he was under medical care, his leg had turned purple. The right calf, where the tattoo was, quickly developed deep wounds due to the infection

The infected tattoo. Hendren et al.

The medical examiners suspected V. vulnificus to be the cause immediately but within 24 hours of his admission, the man was on life-support battling septic shock. His immune system was devastated by the infection and his organs were struggling to function. Although the man’s condition improved after a few weeks, the damage to his body was so severe that he passed away after two months in intensive care.The research paper highlights how the aggravating cause for the patient was chronic liver disease due to years of heavy drinking. They report that severe liver damage could likely increase the mortality rate for the V. vulnificus and medical professionals should be aware of that factor when treating patients. This might help patients although it’s not a guarantee.

“Unfortunately even if we are able to identify that the liver is diseased no additional therapies are available beyond antibiotics, wound care and supportive care,” lead author Dr Nicholas Hedren told IFLscience. “Even despite appropriate antibiotics and supportive care, unfortunately, the infection is very serious and many patients still pass away as the infection overwhelms the body.”

The infection spreading down the leg. Hendren et al.

The V. vulnificus bacteria can be contracted not just by having skin lesions from a tattoo but also by ingesting infected raw fish, like oysters for example. In the best case scenario, infections can be easily treated with antibiotics but in the worst case, like this one, the body develops sepsis. Sepsis causes the body to attack itself in the desperate fight against pathogens.

The optimal treatment against this bacterium is not yet known but there are some clinical trials investigating it. Surprisingly it disproportionally affects male patients, 85 percent of those who develop endotoxic shock from the bacteria are male compared to just 15 percent for women. Estrogen has been shown to protect against the dangerous bacterium.

Don’t Go Swimming After Getting New Ink!

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A 31-year-old man kicked the bucket after he overlooked notices about swimming in the wake of getting another tattoo and gotten a substance eating microorganisms contamination in the Gulf of Mexico. The unidentified man, whose case was point by point in the British Medical Journal, had gotten a tattoo on his right calf five days preceding swimming, Metro detailed.

The man had picked a cross and match of imploring hands for his most recent ink, and started experiencing fever, chills and a rash near the tattoo in the wake of swimming, the news outlet announced. He apparently got sepsis in his right calf, which had turned purple when he was admitted to the clinic.

Two weeks after he was placed on life support, his condition further progressed and his kidneys failed, according to Metro. Doctors reportedly believed his years of alcohol abuse left him susceptible to vibriosis infection and septic shock.

While the man’s nationality was not identified, vibriosis causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the U.S. each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patients become infected by consuming raw or undercooked seafood, or by exposing a wound to seawater.

Distributed June 01, 2017 Fox News

BATG Vlog 2-2nd Annual Art&Ink Anniversary Show

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This week’s Vlog will focus on an overview of this months 2nd Annual Art&Ink Anniversary Show.