Doing what I do...

After taking months off from writing  tattoo articles- The thing that seems most important to write about is something we collectively are experiencing at the shop; the demands of the clients. Ultimately, I write this to help out everyone, the clients and particularly the artists.

I have written before tips on how about getting a tattoo. They are in the archives of this blog. You may look it up to work with this segment. You then will be bound for a GREAT tattoo!
(This is great advice for beginners!)

First off, the recommended steps for getting your tattoo would be; STEP 1: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!
Once you know what you want- you have either done online research of tattoos and art that are along the lines of what you are thinking and or you have gone into your local shops, checked them out or got a referral. Bring your reference printed out with you. Narrow it down to a few examples. Not 10. Printing them out yourself shows that you have figured it out and your not showing your artist what you want on your phone, which has a tiny screen- showing them multiple images of tattoos you like, because you couldn't put your phone down while you were waiting in line at the DMV or something. You must be clear and concise.

Once you have consulted with your artist about what you want and they are on board with working with you and your idea, the artist will ask for a deposit to do your artwork (artwork can take lots of time) Allow your artist the time it will take to do your piece- they may ask you to make a appointment anywhere from weeks to months.

It is pretty normal these days that artists have their email address on their cards now. We do a lot of PR this way now. However, this by all means DOES NOT MEAN you could or should abuse the privelage by emailing them all these questions and things about changing artwork and whatnot. A question or two is fine if you forgot to ask a question during consulting. But a problem we are having is people are sending all these images that are different then the original artwork than that was discussed before. If you do this, you will lose us. We are in the business of being positive and sure of what we are doing.
See, tattooing is a heavy responsibility.

If we get nervous since the client is being wishy-washy, then we will decide not to work with you. In which case after drawing and consulting and more email consulting, you will lose your deposit. This is why we ask for a 50. deposit because before the tattoo is even done, we have already spent lots of time on YOU!

Tattooing is a VERY personal thing. We want to talk person to person, face to face about what you are wanting tattooed on your body. We are trying to keep it old school here. If you live miles away and have to consult via email/telephone we can arrange it.

Please know that your tattoo is important to us, and if you are not supporting us in the way that we deserve, it really hurts our feelings.

Tattoo by my main man, Harry Tucker

By Jen H.V.I.C.

By Jen

 I will tattoo any subject matter in most cases, and live by a tattooing rule " if I can make it look good, do it." Spiritual, religious matter, whatever. I am usually down for it. 

I can be reached at Valkyrie Tattoo in Penngrove Ca

jennifer@valkyrietattoo.com

IG :jen_untalan

Too long

I always feel guilty when too much time passes by without writing- as if what I am saying, conveying is uber important. I've just been doing what I do- tattoo a lot, draw, karate training, rear my child and run the shop...I recently have started quite a few new projects I can't wait to bring home.

succulents in progress on a lovely lady

Bruce Lee inspiration

 Lot's of really wonderful people coming into the shop. Some people that that make me smile the whole time working with them. They support me and give me freedom and trust my judgement. They trust me that I want to do the best for them. They believe me that I have their best interest in mind and they KNOW that I want to and will kill it for them! This is who I want to be working with.
I always say it is not what you tattoo it is who you tattoo that is important.

Vintage roses for a special soul

Besides my stuff as usual, Valkyrie is doing well, moving right along, sailing the seas of tattoo bliss. Got my main man, Harry Tucker on my side, and my sweet bird, Annelise Kinney working hard, laying down tattoos with vigor. My manager Anabel has got my back like no other and doesn't get sensitive on me when I'm ordering things about. I can't forget to mention my handsome Samster who is forever cleaning tubes...So, ya I am in a stoked flame of inspiration.

My girl, Annelise handling it!

artwork by my man, Harry Tucker

Man, while I am mentioning how great everyone is, I should take this moment to honor the now, late- Lemmy! So sad to see a metal God journey to Valhalla!

What a lame bummer! Love you Lemmy, one of my most favorite capricorns!

Officially, in winter the rains have been coming down soaking my back yard, creating a fungus frenzy. Inspiring indeed, since I have a sleeve coming up that will feature some mushroom majesty.
If time permits, I will share more in progress works that hopefully will keep the inspiration However, it may be likely I will be returning to write in the spring!...xxoxoxox

Tattoo aftercare

After care for a new tattoo is important. Just as important as it was for you to find that amazing, trustworthy artist you selected for your tattoo. There is no point going through that pain and paying the money you saved for to get your piece, if you don't take care of the tattoo once you get it. So here is what I recommend for your piece once you get. All artists are different and will have different instructions for after care and you should follow what your artists says. In my aftercare instructions I am always sure to say- don't listen to your friends for what they tell you to put on it! Everyone has a cure all.
Alright, so here it is;

• Remove bandage after about 4-6 hours. You may be instructed to leave the bandage on over night and I recommend this only to people that I feel like it is necessary to do this.  
• Rinse tattoo well with warm water- you may use liquid soap. I recommend Dr. Bronners, it is pure castile soap, nothing harsh and biodegradable. I always recommend liquid soap diluted down with water. I never recommend bar soap because it sits out and I don't believe bar soap is self cleaning. Most bar soaps are made with lye (animal fat) and bi-products. Not too mention harsh scents.
• Once the tattoo is rinsed and clean,  patting it dry with a clean towel or paper towel will remove extra moisture that can cause the tattoo to get goopy. 
• Let it get some air. This will help the drying out process which will lead to a peel or flaking of the tattoo. This is normal. It may peel similar to a sun burn. Do not pick at it.
• I recommend washing your tattoo twice per day, morning and night for 3-7 days then once a day is good. 
• After the first 48-72 hours I recommend an ointment or lotion to put on it to help smooth it out, feel better and create ease of your skin bending, since in joint areas movement alone can irritate and prolong healing. 
• The ointments and lotions I recommend are: Aveeno, aquaphor, waxelene. These are great to use during the healing process. Once the tattoo is healed all the way I like to use coconut oil, almond oil or vitamin E oil to moisturize it and keep the skin glowing and happy. 
• While your tattoo is still new (within the first month) never expose it to sun. The sun can do some real damage, since a fresh tattoo is like already having a sun burn or road rash. 
• It is common enough to have some areas on the piece that heal rough. If this is the case, the best thing you can do is leave it alone. Irritation comes from over touching it. A lot of the times tattoos are also irritated by having too much ointment or cream on it. When tattoos get irritated and angry often times I have to recommend not putting anything on it for a couple of days or so. That way it can dry out. When you have a wound to your skin, if it is dry it can not get infected. 
• Witch hazel is also a nice toner to use if your healed tattooed is giving you trouble. If you have gotten scratches or bug bites on it, I would spray it down lightly. 

Always use a nice sunblock over your tattoo for the future, otherwise you will sun blast it out sooner and make it look ruddy. And be sure to be proud of your new tattoo and show it to your friends and refer your artist to them!