Summer is the season for tattoos. At least, this has been the theme for me. As I was drawing up some ideas and consulting with my tattoo artist, I got to thinking I bet a lot of other people could use some of this information!
I met my artist in college. He's great. He's done the past few tattoos for me, and I'm not only pleased but always surprised at how awesome they really are. He's my tattoo guy for life. I promised him that after the first one, and no matter where he goes I'll go to get my work done. He's just that good.
Right now, Joseph Realubit is working out of the Chicago area from his personal studio and a tattoo shop in Downer's Grove called SkinGallery located at 1402 Ogden Ave.
You can check out some of his awesome work at: JoeRealArt
And when you're ready, go ahead and give him a call or email. He's super chill and will work out a custom design with you that will blow your mind and expectations out of the water.
Like I was saying, I'm thinking of getting some new ink in a less than traditional place. NO! Not there; get your head out of the gutter. Don't worry, I'll post pictures after I get the work done. In the meantime, I talked Joe into sharing some of his personal experiences and wisdom with me.
Tattoo Tips: Expert Advice On Getting Your Ink Done Right
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Joe is a man that loves what he's doing. He empathizes with all people and especially the artist. As he puts it, "A true artist appreciates all the little things in life. They're sensitive to their feelings and connections around them. Being an artist is hard because many see art as a luxury, especially these days when a lot of people are just trying to get by. It's already tough, and being an artist is even harder. I'm really lucky I've found an outlet to do what I love."
Mr. Realubit has been an artist ever since he can remember. We did, after all, meet at art school. He got his Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design from the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg, Illinois. After school, he got a job tattooing. The schedule and work seemed to suit him well, so he continued on, expressing his personal art through his tattoo work, participating in events around the area, including the Tattoo Expo at Navy Pier.
He offers some tips for those thinking about getting their own ink.
1. Pick a good artist and your tattoo will heal nice. A good artist with a strong portfolio is a good sign that you're going to be safe and enjoy the process more.
2. Look at that artist's portfolio and feel out the vibe. Are they on the same page as you?
3. Plan ahead. Some artists are booked years in advance.
4. Consult with your artist. Bring pictures and your ideas to the table. Make your appointment.
5. You will need your energy. Get plenty of sleep and do not drink a bunch of alcohol the day before or day of getting your tattoo. Make sure you eat something before you go and bring a snack, something with sugar.
6. Make sure your artist unwraps the needles and inks before you. Don't forget to pay your artist, and don't forget to tip!
7. Bandage. Keep this on for 2 to 3 hours after you get your ink. There's no need to keep it on overnight. Stay well hydrated.
8. Wash your art with mild/scent-free soap and water everyday.
9. Apply unscented lotion. This will keep the itching down to a minimum. Do not itch! Healing times will vary from 2-3 weeks.
10. Enjoy!
For those fearful of the pain. Trust me, it really doesn't hurt much, and if you're up to it try out Joe's special pain-free anecdote:
Mix some olive oil and water in a cup.
Add 1 piece cockroach wings
Add 1 gecko tail
Add 1 piece of white wizard hair (from his bear)
You'll need some of his armpit oil too
Boil this all together and drink while it's hot.
And you won't feel a thing! Ok, but really, it doesn't hurt so I don't think the gecko tail or wizard beard will be necessary. But hey, to each his own.
According to Joe there's absolutely no need to keep your tattoo covered for weeks. Once a good tattoo is made, it's not going anywhere. Be wary of places that suggest you keep that thing covered for weeks. That just doesn't make sense. Just like any skin wound, the area needs to remain clean, moisturized, get some air and remain free from itching hands.
That's it! I can't wait to get my new art. Happy tattooing everyone!
Let me know if you're getting any tattoos or if you get your work done with Joe. I'd love to hear your feedback at: artofadvice@gmail.com
Mr. Realubit has been an artist ever since he can remember. We did, after all, meet at art school. He got his Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design from the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg, Illinois. After school, he got a job tattooing. The schedule and work seemed to suit him well, so he continued on, expressing his personal art through his tattoo work, participating in events around the area, including the Tattoo Expo at Navy Pier.
He offers some tips for those thinking about getting their own ink.
1. Pick a good artist and your tattoo will heal nice. A good artist with a strong portfolio is a good sign that you're going to be safe and enjoy the process more.
2. Look at that artist's portfolio and feel out the vibe. Are they on the same page as you?
3. Plan ahead. Some artists are booked years in advance.
4. Consult with your artist. Bring pictures and your ideas to the table. Make your appointment.
5. You will need your energy. Get plenty of sleep and do not drink a bunch of alcohol the day before or day of getting your tattoo. Make sure you eat something before you go and bring a snack, something with sugar.
6. Make sure your artist unwraps the needles and inks before you. Don't forget to pay your artist, and don't forget to tip!
7. Bandage. Keep this on for 2 to 3 hours after you get your ink. There's no need to keep it on overnight. Stay well hydrated.
8. Wash your art with mild/scent-free soap and water everyday.
9. Apply unscented lotion. This will keep the itching down to a minimum. Do not itch! Healing times will vary from 2-3 weeks.
10. Enjoy!
For those fearful of the pain. Trust me, it really doesn't hurt much, and if you're up to it try out Joe's special pain-free anecdote:
Mix some olive oil and water in a cup.
Add 1 piece cockroach wings
Add 1 gecko tail
Add 1 piece of white wizard hair (from his bear)
You'll need some of his armpit oil too
Boil this all together and drink while it's hot.
And you won't feel a thing! Ok, but really, it doesn't hurt so I don't think the gecko tail or wizard beard will be necessary. But hey, to each his own.
According to Joe there's absolutely no need to keep your tattoo covered for weeks. Once a good tattoo is made, it's not going anywhere. Be wary of places that suggest you keep that thing covered for weeks. That just doesn't make sense. Just like any skin wound, the area needs to remain clean, moisturized, get some air and remain free from itching hands.
That's it! I can't wait to get my new art. Happy tattooing everyone!
Let me know if you're getting any tattoos or if you get your work done with Joe. I'd love to hear your feedback at: artofadvice@gmail.com
2 Comments
Daniel Scogin said:
Awesome Advice! From a guy having 5, I agree; you need to know who is marking you up!!!
Rachel M. Wolfe said:
Thanks! I have five right now as well! I like to keep things balanced, blaming the Libra in me-so I hope to get my sixth soon!
Let me know if you do too!
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