In our last post we examined some of the ways in which artists charge; some less-that-ethical tactics some use to keep prices high; and some of the pitfalls a prospective client should try to avoid when considering an artist. This all involved the legitimate tattoo business. We didn’t mention those people tattooing illegally from their homes and the false idea that someone can save money by getting tattooed by them.

First, we understand that no one who would even consider getting tattooed by one of these knuckleheads would go so far as to read a blog (or anything for that matter) so we’ll have to rely on our dear customers to show this to their friends who are dumb enough to go to these people out of desperation.

Read this aloud to them: RAAARGH! Humma lub-dub. Tika no-no humma glub glub. Raarh rah rah, summa tum nub doo.

The previous being translated from ancient cro-magnon man, you know, someone on their level. It reads something like this: Hey! No one should ever get tattooed by one of those home-grown assclowns. You should know better. Not only will the artwork be terrible, but even if the tattoo is free the subsequent cover-up won’t be and you’ll just be spending good money to get rid of something bad instead of getting what you really wanted in the first place. Also, you take a real risk with your health by going to someone who not only hasn’t received any professional training (they also say they used to work in a real shop though), they’re also comfortable skirting the health department and cutting corners. You’ll be lucky not to end up with Hepatitis! Do you really think a person like that knows how to prevent infection or cares if you get sick?!?!

Seriously though, if you DO know someone who’s been scarred by one of these assholes, don’t bring them here, we don’t need that kind of problem! Fact is, if you associated with people dumb enough to get tattooed by some kitchen magician or out of a hotel room in order to save a buck, you’re probably worth losing too. I mean hell, the truth hurts sometimes.