Tattoos FAQ | Liz Tattoo & Piercing

Does it hurt to get a tattoo?

Yes, tattoos hurt. However, pain is very subjective and individual. Some kind of defined pain or discomfort will probably be present, but the degree of this will vary. Most people think it’s endurable. The sensation is affected by different factors such as your physical status – have you been sleeping well? Eating enough? No infections present? The placement on the body also affects the whole experience. Generally speaking, getting a tattoo on top of superficial bone or thinner skin hurts more. However, a big part of your perception is determined by your mindset. The best way of dealing with a tattoo session is to be relaxed above all.

How long does it take getting tattooed?

The time it takes for you to be tattooed is decided by us both together. This depends on the size, the placement, the amount of details and such. If you are experienced, maybe you want longer sessions each time. If you are new to tattoos and still want to have something bigger done, maybe we should rather book shorter and more sessions. Regardless, after many years of experience, I have a good tempo.

How much is a tattoo?

The price of a tattoo is estimated based on size, placement and the level of details. The artist normally would like to see references of pictures, meet you in person to discuss it further, get emails with pictures/details of modifications/sizes in centimetres or get a more informative phone call from you.

To get a more exact price estimation, read my pricelist.

How can I prepare myself to get tattooed?

There are a few ways to prepare for getting tattooed. I would like you to come well rested, not fasting or hungry. Bring maximum ONE friend if necessary. A well charged phone is always a good way to disctract yourself and be entertained. Some snacks are always good to keep your blood sugar well balanced. Come in comfortable clothes, preferably those you are not too afraid to happen to stain in worst case scenario.

Can I use numbing gels, creams or drugs for my tattoo?

Yes you may use numbing creams for your tattoo. But beware that the effect of these can be a bit limited. There is a few numbing gels to get at the pharmacy, but you have to apply them at least 1-2h in advance under plastic wrap before your tattoo session in order to get an effect at all. I also want to inform you that there are a number of people and artists saying that it can effect the condition of the skin. However, I have never noticed any problems at all during all my years of tattooing. Although – the effect is relatively short lived. When the numbing wears off(after 45 min- 2h) the pain can be even worse than before using the gel, according to some of my clients.

Do you tattoo people under 18?

I do not tattoo individuals under the age of 18.

Do you do drop ins?

Call me and see. If I have a gap in my schedule – then why not? But if you just show up, I cannot guarantee that I can help you right there and then. I am very flexible though, so I always try to help you as soon as possible and adjust my schedule if I can.

Can I remove a tattoo?

Yes, you can remove tattoos. There is always laser removal. However, I would not recommend it as a plan B. The final result very rarely lives up to the expectations of “naked skin”. It is expensive, painful and time consuming.

You can contemplate having a cover up. This means a new design which covers the old tattoo. This normally takes a consultation in which I can evaluate your old tattoo and your requests for the new one. I will have to see if your wishes are realistic and if the final result can be satisfying. Most likely, the new design needs more shading and darkness.

For how long should I keep the plaster/protection on my fresh ink?

I normally recommend keeping it on the first night. This primarily to initially protect the fresh wound, protect your bedding and prevent the tattoo from scabbing and coagulating during the night. The aftercare is mostly about keeping the tattoo clean, moisturized and stop scabs from forming.

However – some placements of the tattoo will prevent the plaster from sitting well during the night. In these cases I will give you a few tips right after the session.

I want to have a text tattoo, how should I choose the style/font?

There are a few things you can consider when choosing a text tattoo. My recommendation is to listen to yourself and your gut feeling first and foremost. Write the text you have in mind and try out different fonts. I normally advice you to think that the more compact or detailed/swirling the font is, the more size it needs. This is to prevent it to blur and float all together in a few years. If you are uncertain, feel free to consult me.

I can recommend these sites for your text tattoo:

1001 free fonts

dafont

In the links above, you can dig into several styles and categories of fonts. You can see the style directly and download your favorite for free.

Can I train after I get tattooed?

Yes you can train pretty soon after getting tattooed. Although, try to avoid rubbing and bumping on the fresh tattoo for a few days. This could affect the final result and give irritation because of dirty surfaces and bacteria. But as long as you protect the tattoo, keep it moisturized and shower as usual afterwards, it shouldn’t be a problem given that you are in good health.

Is there a risk of getting an infection in my tattoo?

Yes, there is a minor risk that your tattoo can get infected. There will of course always be a risk when it comes to all form av invasive procedures where the skin is perforated. But to get an infection solely based on getting the tattoo in a clean and serious tattoo shop is very unlikely. However - there is always a risk the upcoming days right after if you won’t take care of the tattoo as recommended. For example, if you have a dirty environment at work, you can always change the plastic wrap/plaster 1-2 times during work days to keep it clean and protected. Just make sure you clean it in between and apply new ointment.

Some people are extra nervous about the summer months, especially considering the warm dog days and such. I think it depends more on what your plans are for the near future. If you are going to sunbathe and swim , maybe you should consider having the tattoo done closer to the autumn or after your vacation. But if you are not into the sun or swimmingpool/beach and can keep your hygienic routine, it shouldn’t really matter at all.

Is there a risk of an allergic reaction from the tattoo ink?

Yes, there is a minor risk of getting an allerigic reaction from tattoo ink. When exposing your skin or stomach for any chemical substances, there is of course always an individual risk to get or develop some kind of allergies. But during all my years as a tattoo artist, I have only witnessed a handful of cases in which my customers have had an allergic reaction. If this has happened, it has mostly been related to the red ink.

All the ink I use is controlled by the local health authority and is well componed chemically in order to be biocompatible. If you are uncertain, have many allergies or just have a very sensitive skin – contact me. We might be able to do a “dot test” in which we try out your wanted colors on your skin in advance.

Do you touch up the tattoo for free?

Yes, I touch up my customers' tattoos for free. If the color has faded or disappeared in the healing process after the first session, you should return as earliest after 2 months and latest right before a year after in order for me to fill it in for free.

Do you fill in or fix others’ work?

Yes. It is not a problem. There might be limitations on what can be done, but in the bigger picture: yes.

Do you do cosmetic tattoos?

No. Or at least I don’t do makeup related ones. However – I do quite a few reconstructions of your own skin nuance such as defect nipples, scars, pigment spots and sometimes I have even given my customers permanent freckles.

Which style do you prefer to work with?

I really appreciate the variety. But I am extra keen on doing the unique, creative, cute, weird or dark and grotesque. I have, as mentioned on my start page, a very mixed repertoire.

How do I take care of my new ink?

There is some general advice on aftercare for tattoos. See previously mentioned Aftercare for tattoos.

Why do people get tattoos?

There is a lot of different reasons on why you would like to get tattooed – almost as many as there are people getting them. Some people come to me for the first time purely out of curiosity. Some have planned it all for a long time in advance. Someone has been influenced by a celebrity or a friend. Some are old experienced veterans who want to keep adding to their old creations, cover old sins, adjust the old tattoo to new times in details or definition. There is also always someone who wants to make a tribute to loved and lost ones. To get a tattoo could also be motivated by showing which “tribe” you belong to. With this I refer to for instance fans of a band, ollowers of an ideology or friends. Sometimes the carrier of the tattoo just wants to show which family he or she belongs to. Then, of course, there is always those who only want to experience that rush of endorphines and adrenaline again. You have probably heard of the addictive nature both tattoos and piercings can have. Body art rarely come in a singular shape.

A tattoo is above all something very intimate and personal. It can be based on a spontaneous whim of the moment, but also on something psychologically fundamental in the individual. Tattoos communicate with their surroundings. They strengthen our identity and send a message about the carrier. They can create feelings of belonging, be thought provoking and also just simply provocative. Some of their powers lie within the permanent commitment. It is a strong statement. To get a tattoo is to communicate via your skin. An artistic expression of who you are.

Relatively few people regret their tattoos. Even if the artwork goes out of fashion, get old and worn out, it still testifies about the history of its owner. Who this once was or still is. It tells a story about a narrative, similar to a diary that documents the history of its owner. We put markings on our skin to eternalize beginnings or ends, to show the phases of our lives. Then and now. Even if a tattoo no longer feels up to date, it will always be a part of the carrier. It is memories and experiences in a picture.

What should I think about when choosing a tattoo?

Have a tattoo done for the right reasons. Don’t have a group or buddy tattoo done just because everyone else around you is having it done. It is important that it feels good for YOU. Trust your gut instinct. You are the one who will live with it. You are the one who will carry it and you should feel good about always having it. A friend can always join you for advice, but in the end it is your own thoughts that count.

Don’t follow trends blindly. A tattoo is permanent. A trend is not.

Don’t have it done too small. This is a common mistake among first timers and young people. It could be because of being overly careful and scared of pain or due to being a bit economically restricted. Regardless, some people want the tattoo minimal and discreet, which in time could easily end up being just an unidentified blurry blob. Small tattoos in combination with lots of details and poor placement normally age extremely bad. Most of the times the customers later would want to cover the whole old thing with a new, bigger and darker tattoo. Or even laser treatment. If you are uncertain about size, placement and so on, I will help you adjust the design to the best possible tattoo. You can always consult with me and I can tweak the details and size for your motif.

Be careful with putting the name of your loved one on your body. I wouldn’t say that this is wrong since you know best when it comes to your feelings. But of course it could feel more safe to have it done when being in a stable, long term relationship or when it comes to the love within families, such as for your children or parents.

Each thing has its more flattering spot. Even tattoos. A picture with exact and important proportions would fit better on a bigger, flatter surface such as back, upper arm or thigh. Detailed motifs will benefit from placements with less wear and tear such as bending, rubbing, stretching, sun and wind. Placements that are more prone to wearing and tearing normally have a certain skin to show for it. Just look at for instance your elbows, knee caps, palms, knuckles, underneath your feet, fingers and inside of your mouth and so on. When it comes to these last mentioned, problematic areas, you can of course easily still get tattooed there, but do account for at least one refill to get a satisfying result. 

Do you use vegan tattoo ink?

Yes. I only use vegan ink which hasn't been used in animal testing.

Do you follow any specific business related guidelines?

Yes. I am a member of Sweden's registered tattoo artists. We work according to specific guidelines when it comes to hygiene and ethics, for instance.

Where is it most painful to get tattooed?

This is highly individual, but generally the answer would be "where your bones are more superficial". More painful placements like this could be ribs, sternum, collar bone, elbows, kneecaps, fingers, shins and on the head/face. Also placements with thin delicate skin such as buttocks, knee folds, arm folds, armpits, inner thighs, around the nipple, throat, genitals and similar areas are normally quite painful. Though, time spent under the needle, daily conditions and state of mind do play a part here as well. There are a lot of sites trying to answer the pain question when it comes to body parts, but I can assure you that you personally wouldn't always agree with all of them. See for example some charts of pain or common opinions.