The difference between our tattoo shop and others...
How to tell a good tattoo shop from a bad one: communication, creativity, skill and cleanliness, plus tips before your first tattoo.
When considering getting a tattoo, it is important to do your research and find a solid tattoo shop with great tattoo artists. A professional tattoo artist will make the experience enjoyable and rewarding, and they will create a tattoo that you will love for years to come. And this is what you can expect when you get a tattoo at Electric Street Tattoo.
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What a good tattoo shop looks like
Communication: A good tattoo artist will be very communicative throughout the design process. They will listen to your ideas and feedback, and they will be able to explain their ideas and suggestions clearly. A bad tattoo artist will be more dismissive of your ideas, and they may not be able to explain their work in a way that you understand.
Creativity: A good tattoo artist will be able to take your ideas and turn them into a unique and creative design. They will be able to offer suggestions and modifications to your design, and they will be able to help you create a tattoo that is truly one-of-a-kind. A bad tattoo artist will simply copy and paste a design from their portfolio, or they will try to force you into getting a design that you don't really want.
Skill: A good tattoo artist will have the skill and experience to create a tattoo that is both beautiful and long-lasting. They will use high-quality inks and needles, and they will take the time to do the work properly. A bad tattoo artist may use cheap inks and needles, and they may rush through the tattooing process, which can lead to poor results.
Cleanliness: A good tattoo studio will be clean and sanitary. The tattoo artist will wear gloves and a mask, and they will use sterilized needles and equipment. A bad tattoo studio may be dirty and unsanitary, which can increase the risk of infection.
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Tips for a great tattoo experience
Here are some additional tips for getting a good tattoo design experience:
Do your research: Ask your friends and family for recommendations, and look for reviews online. Read our reviews on Google.
Meet with the artist in person: This will give you a chance to see their work and get a feel for their personality. Or just walk in.
Be clear about your expectations: Communicate your ideas and what you are looking for in a tattoo.
Be prepared to pay for quality: A good tattoo is worth the investment.
Be patient: The tattooing process can take several hours.
Take care of your tattoo after it is done: Follow the artist's instructions for aftercare.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to having a great tattoo experience. See ya real soon!
- The Crew at EST
Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work? When to Use Them
Yes, tattoo numbing creams work, but not for every tattoo. What’s in them, safe lidocaine levels, and when a working shop actually uses them.
Do numbing creams work?
The short answer: Yes, they do work. But they aren’t some magical thing that makes the tattoo experience completely painless. There are various creams, ointments, and gels all designed with the tattoo process in mind. They vary in strength. In the US, over-the-counter numbing creams can contain up to 4% lidocaine. The FDA has warned people not to use products with more than 4% lidocaine, including some sold for tattoos, and has issued warning letters to tattoo-numbing brands selling 5% creams. Stronger isn’t better. Use only what your artist OKs, and only on the area being tattooed.
What’s in tattoo numbing cream
All of the ingredients work to prevent inflammation, swelling, and pain during the tattooing process which sounds like a tall order but from personal experience I can honestly say I would vouch for some of these products.
I’ve always felt it very important to know what our clients go through. Have you ever seen tattoo artists with no visible tattoos anywhere in sight?
I have, do you know what that tells me? It tells me this guy, girl , person has no idea what they’re about to put me through lol
How we pick the creams we use
So we try these different tattoo pain numbing products on ourselves in order to pick the ones we feel are best, safest and most effective and these are the ones we use on you guys.
When numbing makes sense
Numbing cream works best partway through a long session, not before a small tattoo.
Long sessions. After a few hours, when the skin is worn out and there’s still a lot left, numbing can get you to the finish line.
Tough spots. On the sternum, we may numb after the outline and before shading. Ribs, armpits and the head are other spots where it helps late in a session.
Small tattoos. Usually not worth it. Numbing can take longer than the tattoo itself.
Expect some pain no matter what. Numbing takes the edge off; it doesn’t switch it off. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Not every tattoo needs numbing
For now let me just say this:
Not every tattoo requires numbing. It doesn’t make much sense to me to spend an hour numbing out skin for a small tattoo that would take ten minutes to complete. I totally understand that everyone is different and pain tolerance varies but in all my time tattooing I’ve had very few clients not able to sit through the inherent pain of a tattoo.
On the other hand, if you got it why not use it right?
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. (954) 666-1138. Ask your artist about numbing before you buy any cream, and follow our aftercare guide.
Tattoo Hygiene and Safety: Why Gloves Matter
Tattoo hygiene basics: why your artist should wear gloves from stencil to wrap, and the PPE a clean tattoo shop uses. From Electric Street Tattoo.
Let’s get right into it, folks.
Why PPE matters
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is very important to the tattoo industry. I would say that hand hygiene is every bit as important as personal hygiene, more so even
Maybe your artist is the type to skip out on deodorant but how would you feel if he was to also skip out on gloves while tattooing you ??? lol Pretty gross right ? We agree !
Tattooing is not just art, It’s a responsibility
When should gloves be worn?
Pretty much always, not only during the actual tattoo process but on all occasions when the artist is handling the client’s skin, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
While drawing on the skin
Applying the stencil
Cleaning and wrapping the finished tattoo
Other PPE in a clean shop
A clean shop also uses disposable arm sleeves, barrier film, face masks, eye protection, and protective aprons and footwear.
See aftercare for your side of the job, and how to choose a good tattoo shop.