When considering a tattoo shop, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Take into consideration that tatooing is like a minor surgery- look for cleanliness in the shop and workstations, including the floors, the counter surfaces, the chairs/tables you will be seated on. Also- think about it- would a doctor smoke during a medical procedure, or allow his staff to smoke around him while he was doing it? Aside from being blatantly wrong, this promotes cross-contamination and can transmit disease.





If the artist you're considering is working- watch him/her! Look for barrier film covering all contact surfaces, and a clip cord (the cord that comes out of the tattoo machine) protected with plastic. Find out what sterilization methods they use, and whether or not they adhere to a single-use needle policy. (Do you see the artist open a sealed bag each time he/she changes a needle in the machine?) This is very important, and where the "rubber meets the road" in terms of major risk factors. Single-use, hospital sterilized needles mean that the only skin it touches- and the only blood it comes into contact with- is yours. Are they wearing gloves throughout the procedure, and do they change them whenever they touch an an protected surface (i.e. the phone) before they go back to their client's procedure? It is not uncommon for an artist to go through several pairs of gloves during a session. (For more detailed info on this, see sanitation.)





Observe their professionalism- are you comfortable with the way they act with their clients? Remember, you will wear a tattoo forever- who wants to share this expereince with a total jerk?!?





Obviously, you want to look carefully at the artist's portfolio. Do you like what you see? Are the photos taken well? If you go to a shop and they have no portfolios to show you, do yourself a favor and leave. No amount of verbal swaggering by a guy at a counter will give you any idea of what you're getting yourself into!





Cost is an equally important point- there is a fair price for everything! A good tattooist generally commands $100 to $125 per hour. Very famous artists can ask for around $150 and up, depending on their reputation. Tipping is optional, and should be determined by your satisfaction. Don't get robbed!





One last, and very important thing to consider- the law in New York state prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from being tattooed. Any artist who is good enough to tattoo you shouldn't have to break the law to make a living (remember, $100 an hour?). If you're under 18, wait until you're legal and can demand the respect you deserve- don't get scarred or worse because you're in a hurry.