The Parlour

Hey there! After much prodding and nudging and frowny faces *ducks*, I decided to go ahead and make myself a journal. I wasn’t really quite sure what to talk about that people wanted to hear until I realized I don’t much speak about my place of work all that often.

Now, I love my job and it’s something I’m terribly passionate about. But, like any job, there are people that come and go that make it unpleasant and it’s something that’s been happening the past few days. I’m not exactly sure how deep some of you folks are into the whole tattoo/piercing business, but you don’t have to do my job to know these types of people.

I may still be fresh to the job, but hey, we all have to have a beginning and I do have a few years on me. In being so, most times I will know more than you unless you are a tattoo and piercing  junkie like me (and if you are, you probably wouldn’t be asking a newbie to do bodily harm to you.) I understand that most people coming in are virgins to the whole ordeal. I do not have to worry too much about collectors as they know what they are getting themselves into and are particularly enthusiastic about it. They may still get butterflies, they may still get sweaty, but they generally love this and love what they have gotten so far. I have to worry about the new guy.

I can usually tell far off if you are interested in the culture of it or if you are just hassling me to get something done because you think you will be cool then. Please understand that as an employee in the business, I recognize that what you are doing is possibly permanent and I have the right to offer my concerns as advice so that you are ready for this change in your life. I also have the right to turn down a request. Sure you can search for someone else but give it a little thought.

For starters, realize that such things as body modification are going to lessen your realm of job opportunities depending on what you come in asking for. I’m sure your potential boss isn’t going to frown at the rose on your hip that he can’t see but he is going to frown at the kanji lettering on your hand that you forgot what it meant anyway or the giant gauge holes in your ears.

Also, please tell me first hand if you are possibly squeamish or scared compared to just being nervous. This is your first tattoo/piercing and you don’t have to act like you’re perfectly ok. I’m here to help and make you as comfortable as possible. It is very annoying to get in the middle of something and have your client wig out, scream, pass out or back out and leave when they kept convincing you that this is what they wanted.

No I will not tattoo your boyfriend’s name on your butt. What about when he stops being your boyfriend? Your new lover wont appreciate it much if there’s a permanent name of someone else on your fur. Telling me you two have been dating for five years does not make me want to do it either. Think about your future when you come in asking for things like the name of your “crew”, groups you belong to, significant other or anything else in this category. My concerns are there for a reason so do not treat me like crap when I refuse to do so.

I am also here to offer information on how to maintain your new piercing/tattoo. Take note of how you currently carry yourself about, what you got in the first place (such as the placement and size and bodily damage if handled wrong) and that your need to pamper this thing may possibly hinder you for a while but that if you do not do it properly, it will be ruined for you and for the artist as well in the long run. So do not rush me when I am trying to tell you how to take care of it like you know what you are doing. The first weeks of healing are crucial.

I would think this is something people come into the parlour with thought on the subject before making the decision but many times it isn’t.

When it comes to permanent matters, body art is also supposed to be a personal thing. It doesn’t have to be super deep or something you’ve held dear to you growing up and wanting. But you do not have to be lazy about it either. Coming in stating your budget and asking for anything at all is lazy. Picking the first thing you see off the wall or in a flash book is lazy. You do not have to be an artist. I can do this for you. But please have an idea of what you want so we can get started on a design. This is something that will be with you for the rest of your life whether it’s safely hidden in your pants or out in the open on your neck. I do not want to regret it just as much as you shouldn’t.

Realize that not every parlour is happy peppy and an artist might do it simply for the money or just to spite you thinking you’ll regret it down the road anyway regardless of their reputation on the line. Even if an artist himself doesn’t feel he or she fits this category, you can get on our bad side quick when you don’t take things seriously. So don’t sit there and haggle prices like this is an auction or tell me I ruined it when this is clearly what you asked for or come back with lies trying to sue an artist because you are suddenly embarrassed. Also, don’t act like you can’t tip me when I see you rifling through several hundred dollar bills.

The best feeling I get is working with someone positive and willing to listen then seeing that knowing smile that means the person is truly pleased with what they have gotten, even if I am just sitting in on someone else’s session and learning. You’ll know it when you get it and it feels great compared to the person that just walked out in a huff of cuss words at your workplace because one of the workers refused to needle a flash heart on their cheek. I do not wish to feed tattoo removal centers more unhappy clients.

Anyhow, I know what you are thinking. How do you tattoo furry people?