Artistry of Mike Harmon A.K.A. "NECKBONE"

Tattoo Questions????

1. How much does it cost?

   Tattoo prices vary and depend on:

       - location of tattoo, certain parts of the body are more time consuming and  will take longer to apply. More time = More $

       - Details, the more detail a piece of art has the longer it will take to apply. More time = More $

   
   

                                     SHOP RATE = 125.00 PER HR.

     ADVICE FOR TIRE KICKERS:

       Do Not select an artist by price alone, You Get What You Pay For.

       Before even asking how much for what it is you would like to get

       tattooed, Look at artist portfolio's and get an idea of the quality and

       range of style an artist has before asking a price.

     WARNING:

       you will not win a new friend or a discount for letting your artist and or

       his shop know that the other shops are talking shit about them. That's

       what happens in this industry and 90% of it is just gossip created by the

       general public and customers.

        ALSO, there are no sympathy discounts for your buddy's handy work to

        be covered up. I do Not fix up anyone's practice work. cover it up

        with something new.
   

2. Does it hurt?

    Yes, Tattoo's hurt. and more specifically where the tattoo is applied will depend on how much it hurts.

    Here are some sensitive areas to have a tattoo applied:

     - Top of foot

     - Ribs

     - soft tissue i.e.= inside of arms, throat, etc.

     - Bony areas i.e.= head, knee's, elbows, etc.

   
   

         That being said, if tattoos hurt that much no one would get them. it really comes down to the individual pain tolerance, which is different for everyone.
   

3. Covering Old Tattoos?

   
   

   Most tattoos can be covered up, however, some cover up pieces may require a second pass to completely cover old tattoo. Consult with artist before assuming it can or can't be covered up.
   

Tattoo Aftercare

1. How should I take care of my new tattoo

                 Remove bandage 1 1/2 - 2 hrs after tattoo application.

     - It is Very Important to wash tattoo immediately  removing any blood and

      ink then apply A&D ointment.

     - Do Not cover with bandage again unless you absolutely have to in

       avoiding exposure to potentially dirty situations. Afterward, remove

       bandage, wash, reapply A&D
   

    DO:  Keep your new tattoo clean and moist

       - Do Not use your daily bath towel to dry fresh tattoo. Use a clean paper

         towel and pat dry.
   

       - Do Not use dirty hands when applying fresh layer of A&D ointment.

          whenever possible wash old layer of A&D ointment off before applying

          new layer. If you don't wash in between adding new layer , you run the

          risk of trapping anything you might have exposed the tattoo to

          between layers.
   

       - Do Not use lotion before scabbing

          Lotion has very little to no medicinal value and is more likely to

          cause an allergic reaction or blood poisoning. ONLY USE approved

          tattoo aftercare products on your new tattoo.
   

       - Do Not directly expose new tattoo to dirty environments

         i.e.= Automobile work, Landscaping, etc.If exposure is unavoidable,

                 the best method is to wear a loose fitting shirt/ long sleeve while

                 performing work then wash tattoo and apply more A&D. The last

                 resort method of barrier would be to use a bandage or paper

                 towel to cover. keep in mind the tattoo needs oxygen to promote

                 proper healing.
   

    DO: Keep moist by applying a thin layer of A&D ointment 3-5 times daily

            as dryness requires.

           - Do Not over-saturate new tattoo with A&D ointment. In this case ;

              Less is more. if new ink is over-saturated you run the risk of

              infection due to the oxygen being blocked and not providing the

              balance of dry and moist, Also the body's natural reaction is to

              reject the ink, so if it is unable to dry out as it heals , ink retention

              declines and you will most likely need a rework . at your cost of

              course, due to lack of proper aftercare, which is out of the artists

              control.
   

           - Do Not allow your new tattoo to become excessively dry or you

             will experience heavy scabbing and can lose ink. In the scab is ink.

           - Do Not pick at scabs because in the scab is ink. if you pull a scab

             prematurely you will lose ink in the area it was picked from.

           - Do Not expose new tattoo to prolonged periods of direct sun light

             or UV (tanning beds). This by far is one of the most damaging things

             you can do to a new tattoo. Keep out of direct sunlight and tanning

             for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. After tattoo is completely healed, you

             should protect the tattooed area of body by applying a higher SPF

             sun block.

           - Do Not expose new tattoo to swimming pools and Jacuzzi.

             Pools and jacuzzi have a ton of tattoo damaging chemicals such

             as chlorine and acid, which essentially is bleach. Thats exactly what

             will happen to your new tattoo, you will bleach it by premature 

             exposure to these chemicals.3-4 weeks before you can safely

             expose fresh ink to these environments.
   

2. Is it normal for ink to come out of my new tattoo?

   Yes, it is normal for a new tattoo to lose a minimal amount of ink in the first couple days of healing. very little though. be sure not to over-saturate tattoo with A&D ointment. A fresh tattoo needs a combination of light coats of A&D ointment and oxygen (air) to properly heal.