You Shoot a Gun, You Tattoo With a Machine...

Tattoos Done By "Pros." vs "Cons."

Everyone has seen the "jail house" looking tattoos that looks like someone took a rusty razor blade and dug into the skin and smeared ink over it... Yes, these are the work of the infamous "Scratcher."  I will have to say not all look so horrible, (LOL) but most are not the quality that you get from a professional tattooer in a professional environment. There is no guarantee they have an autoclave in the trunk of their car or the sobriety to even care to use new needles on each person. In saying that, I would like to point out that sanitation factor a little closer. When you go into a professional and reputable studio,  you can be most assured that they have all the equipment required to do a safe and sanitary tattoo, so as not to pass on such blood-borne pathogens like Hepatitis-C. These studios must abide by strict health codes enforced by the local Health Department. I'm not saying every shop holds to these high standards, but notice I did say reputable and professional in the same sentence. Keep in mind also, if the person doing this was really good or really health conscious, then why aren't they tattooing in a shop instead of at someone's home? Yes, I understand tattoos in a professional and reputable studio may cost more, compared to the $50, some dope and/or a six pack a scratcher may charge, but why put a price on your health and/or artwork that you can be proud to show to anyone without saying "I was drunk with my buds and it was fun at the time, but now I wish I hadn't done it." Whatever the cost, you are paying for someone that has had enough experience from an apprenticeship, passed down from another seasoned tattooer, that you will have the piece of mind that you are not only getting a good tattoo, but you will live to get another one... Remember, you get what you pay for......