Does it hurt?

First of all, everyone's tolerance to pain is different.
I can tell you that as with tattooing, certain areas
of the body are more sensitive than others, so it
would depend on where you were getting the tattoo
and what your individual tolerance level is. Anywhere
closer to a bone you will feel more, but again, everyone's
tolerance to pain is different. As a professional tattoo
artist with 20 years of experience, I can tell you that
I've never had anyone jump out of my chair and run out
the door.

How do they do it?

Tattoos are applied using a tattoo machine which has
remained basically the same design since it was patented
in 1896. Advances have been made in the quality of the
equipment but the process is the same. The machine causes
a needle or combination of needles to first scribe a line
and then apply color. The tattoo pigment is inserted into
the skin cells in the epidermis and new skin grows over the
top forming a protective layer over the tattoo.

How long does it take?

The time it takes to do a tattoo depends mostly on the
design. The size and complexity of the design are the
two major factors. Another would be where the tattoo was
to be applied. Certain areas of the body such as the arm
takes less time because the tattooist can get a good grip
on the area and stretch the skin, which is essential to
applying a good tattoo. Flat areas like the stomach take
more time because they are harder to stretch.

How do I choose the right shop to go to?

Look at work that the artist has done on other people if
possible. Spend some time in the shop and see work that
is being done. Talk to the artist. If he/she doesn't want
to take the time to talk to you and make you at ease then
maybe that isn't the place for you. The shop should be
clean and well lit. As with piercing, autoclave sterilization
should be used on any instruments that are not disposable.
A dry-heat sterilizer does NOT take the place of a steam
autoclave. If you're in doubt, ask to see the autoclave.
It may sound picky but a reputable artist should have no
problem allaying any concerns you have.

What exactly is autoclave sterilization?

Autoclave sterilization is a process where steam under
pressure is used to kill any living organisms, including
spores which are very resistant. There are other forms of
sterilization such as dry-heat and chemical and have their
place, but the only accepted form of sterilization for
medical instruments in this country is autoclave. It's
just like a pressure cooker and you can use one if you
have to but you can't control the temperature as precisely.
You have to be at least 246 degrees for 30 minutes.

How can I become a tattoo artist?

There are instructional books and videos on both subjects
and I can tell you that they are worthless without hands-on
instruction from someone who knows what they are doing.
The only thing I can say is to first find out if you have
the talent or if you're ready to make the commitment to
get the educational art background necessary to do good
artwork. Then you have to find an artist willing to take
you on as an apprentice. DO NOT think you can buy a book
or video, a kit that promises "everything you need to open
a studio is included" and you're on your way to a successful
career. All you will do is a bunch of bad tattoos, get
disgusted, and sell your investment for half of what you
paid for it. Find a reputable artist and ingratiate yourself
to him/her. You can start by getting a lot of tattoo work.
This proves you're serious. There may be a fee involved
and possibly the signing of a contract. This to me is the
only right way to get started in the business.