FEATURE__ TATTOOS GNI, but I did it well; tattooing for 23 years, which is almost as long as I’ve been strutting around this planet, Janine Triskele has honed her skills in tattooing with a particular brand of stylised, yet organic, pieces. She’d tell you herself about the old days and the hustle artists had to go through, especially women, but I’ve always had a feeling she downplayed just how much grit it took to be a woman in a very male-dominant and often outright sexist community of artists. Some things have progressed, sure, but I have the utmost respect for any woman to take on misogynistic men and quietly match or outrank them with talent, skill and humility – I appreciate Janine’s beautiful work often, but I respect her always. It’s something key in building a trusting relationship with your tattoo artist. So to my second piece of advice for research, find someone you trust, respect and are willing to actually pay for their skill and talent without trying your luck at a bargain. If you don’t ask your hairdresser for money off, don’t ask a tattoo artist. If you do ask your
hairdresser for money off, I’m probably laughing at your haircut. Just sayin’ Rule two: First contact: You might like their work, but you don’t have to sit for an asshole. Likewise don’t be one. Don’t barter, complain about distance or ask them to do it faster. Don’t even think about suggesting bringing your own inks, or essentially take the piss. It’ll compromise their work and your relationship with someone who’s fixing your mistake in the first place. Be on time, bring your references and if you don’t gel, go back to research. Hopefully you do gel however, and luckily Gary and Janine did. Unfortunately the initial design theme didn’t, but years of experience and a vague sixth sense of what people like lead Janine to suggest Gary go for another one of his ideas on a bigger scale and get a beautiful double lotus. The style, curves and an expert use of colour would reconfigure and disguise the heavy black of the original piece. So Gary got to booking his first session, which brings me to the next rule. Rule three: Breakfast!: In the words of a great Nebraskan tattoo artist, “Eat
your Wheaties!” Or in my own words, take this opportunity to shamelessly carb load for breakfast and lunch – cool as it is, tattooing is still trauma to your body and over time your blood sugars will plummet. Gary experienced this himself despite the Haribo and can attest to it making your session less pleasant than it needs to be. So eat before you come, and bring sugary snacks and drinks if you’re having an extended session. While you’re still at home and finished eating… Rule four: Body Prep: Shower. Seriously. Just have consideration for your artist. Wear anti-perspirant, preferably one that isn’t overpoweringly screaming of gender-binary based marketing, and if you’re particularly hairy in the area to be tattooed, shave that area down. Rule five: Go: Get your tattoo – and try your best not to kick anyone in the face. If you’re going to ask THAT question - it’s not unbearable, and a bit like sun burn. Rule six: It puts the lotion on it’s skin: Finally make sure to follow your after care regime! Gar used Palmer’s
Cocoa Butter for his piece, but every artist and every tattooée has their own preference and advice. Basically, don’t let it dry up, don’t touch it too much and don’t pick! Take a look at Gary’s finished piece and see for yourselves the transformative effect it can have; the before and after pictures speak for themselves. And rumour has it round the office that Gary is very happy but suffered terribly for his new work. The reality is that he sat like a champ and in return had new life breathed into his old ink by someone who loves, respects and knows their craft. This tattoo is for life this time, and not just in time for Christmas. WORDS: Cliff Carter P.S. Rule Seven: Tip. A tip goes a long way. Trust us *See Belfast Tattoo Collective’s pinned Facebook post for full terms and conditions of this offer. Same handle as business name!
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