Whether you spend months or minutes deciding to get a tattoo, it is always a good idea to be prior informed about safety, location (both on body and on shop), and price. As a fellow young, relatively broke NYU student, I decided to scope out St. Mark’s Whatever Tattoos with some friends in order to learn what makes up a good tattoo.
Before coming to the shop, I had heard a few things from friends who’d gotten tattoos. For example, bonier areas like toes, feet, and ribs tended to hurt more than others. I consulted Linda Wulkan, a tattoo artist at Whatever Tattoos, to confirm this. She agreed that the rumor was true, and added that areas that aren’t always exposed, like your inner arms, will be more painful than areas than are – like your outer arms. Women should take into consideration tattooing the torso in case of pregnancy because it will warp the ink. However, gaining a few pounds won’t do anything to the tattoo.
In terms of design, there’s really no wrong way to go about it, as long as you like what you’re getting. It’s all about personal preference, and while some of us will wait and scroll through Tumblr for weeks for inspiration, you can be just as happy getting one on a whim. When choosing within the gamut of designs (trendy, tiny, geometric, elaborate portraits), be careful not to fall for the stick-and-poke trap – otherwise known as a DIY tattoo. Although they are cheap, immediate, and tempting, Wulkan believes they should be outlawed. Stick-and-pokes can get infected if the person performing the tattoo doesn’t know what they’re doing and can irreparably damage skin. It will be costlier, but much safer and long-lasting to go to a professional.
I referenced a paper taped up on an adjacent wall (Top 11 Dumbest Things to Say in a Tattoo Shop) when asking about price. The first thing written on the list was: Can I get something for under $80? “It’s possible, of course. You can get a dot,” Wulkan says. “I mean, essentially, the tattoo will be small and not very detailed.” I wanted to get a  simple lotus about 1/2 the size of my palm, so I aksed about the price of that. She gave me an estimate of between $120-$150.Â
Pricing is based off of the expertise of the artist, the detail and size of the tattoo, and equipment and ink expenses. Most artists charge by the hour. So yes, legitimate tattoos are expensive. From a skilled artist like Wulkan, the tattoos will look good, but “keep in mind that it’s human hand—not machine.” She has turned away a customer who insisted on a perfect circle.Â
The list also mentioned other non-negotiable things: you MUST be 18 and older to get a tattoo, the shop will not sell ink and needles, and getting a tattoo will hurt. The end result, however? Totally worth it in my opinion. Happy inking, everyone!