My friend and I have decided that we want to get tattooed, and we've also decided that we should do it while we're in London together! So, is there anyone here from London who knows of GOOD tattoo places? I definately don't want to go to a seedy tattoo shop and end up with a staph infection.
Also, can anyone give me a rough estimate of how much a tattoo would cost? This is what I am looking to get, and probably about an inch or two long:
http://mystic-caravan.com/elvish/leaf.jpg

I have a few 'fears' about this, but not many. Can somehow just educate me on the tattoo process? What are some risks? How likely are these risks? I know it hurts to get a tattoo, but I'm pretty sure I can tough it out.
Thanks a lot!!

hey.. I personally go to Tusk (Stukely Street , off Drury Lane). Andy has done two of my tattoos, and 3 of my best friend's.
It's been a while since I had my last one done but if I remember rightly they charge £60 per hour (well worth it in my opinion) but I also think they have a minimum charge even if it only takes 30 mins.

It does hurt to get a tattoo, but not much...and it is dependent on where you get it. Arms are fine, but getting something over your spine or collar bone is much more uncomfortable.
It isn't agony..it just...stings/burns a bit but it's pretty easy to ignore to be honest.

Risks - you do have to be careful about infection but providing you go to a decent place and make sure you don't do stupid things like pick at it after, you should be fine!!

The most important things to consider are as follows:

1) do you *really* want a tattoo. For ever. Until you're old and wrinkly?
2) the design... think long and hard about it. Then think again. Also..do you want colour? Shading? etc etc. You have to know this stuff unless you're giving the artist a free reign.
3) location of design. Don't kid yourself that the world's all liberated and no one cares any more about tattoos...they do and if you can't cover it up you can find yourself missing out on jobs, having to deal with abuse etc.
4) Who does the work... some people don't mind, if it is a big, or very important piece though please check out a variety of artists to make sure you find the right one. Also you've got to feel comfortable in the place, and with the artist. And of course, don't go anywhere dodgy.

DON'T GO TO CAMDEN
Its an easy choice as almost every other shop does piercings and tattoos, but its SO expensive. they cash in on thier alternative image!
go to camden for other reasons though, its an awesome place and has a vegan burger takeaway =0

http://bmezine.com is great for information. theres experiences there so you can read what looads of people say

ps. not all tattoo ink is veg*n - theres loads of threads here on that already!

I don't know about London, I'm in Birmingham, USA. BUT I did want to say congrats! I got my first ink in June. I'm planning my next in December after I get a little debt off my back. It's my way of 'patting myself on my back'.

I like your design. But yes, I second what Schoska said. Make sure you want it. Then think about it again. Then sleep on it. Then get a henna temp. tat and see how you like it. Then think about it some more.

Where are you planning on getting it? I have mine on my hip, on the outside. I want one on the bone to. And I have enough 'padding' I don't think it would hurt too much! :rockon: It felt kind of like a bunch of fire (stinging) ants walking on my hip with stingers on each foot. They will stop if you ask though if you need a breather. If I get a large piece I know I'll have to stop for a smoke.

Congrats! I wish you a really happy, healthy, safe and fun ink experience!

Rebbecca

hmmm... london isnt my topic, but i have 6 tattoos, so i consider myself fairly knowledgable. first things first-- think about where on your body you want the tattoo and then think about the plane ride home. the first 2-3 days, youll want to keep it gunked up with neosporin. after that, youll be peeling and itching. #1 from my tattoo guy: do NOT scratch it-- slap it or ignore it.

Into You (http://www.into-you.co.uk/) is good, but expensive. You have to book in advance and they get busy.

I agree with Pirate, don't go to Camden for tattoos.

Thanks so much, guys! Since some of you are in London, can you tell me how much tattoos are? Do you use euros or pounds now? I always forget... for some strange reason.

Pounds...and most of the places I know charge around £60 an hour.

Thanks!

I have all my done at Saints on portabello road--he is better with Black ink outline ones and he keeps weird hours as he is like 75 years old and lives below the shop and doesn't take everyone who comes in. If he thinks you are dodgy or not serious enough he sends you away. prices vary--he quotes you one and then chats and if you are really friendly the price drops. It can take HOURS to get a 30 minute tatto because he just talks and talks (about interesting things like politics or war or the environment or art) and then at the end if you've been really fun to talk to the price is much lower. the last one i got went from £60 to £30 but it took 2 hours. he is old and slightly mad but it is good fun.

He might be dead by now as it has been a year since I got one, but when I was last there he was tlaking about wanting to be the oldest person to swim the channel.

He doesn't do shading or airbrush but solid black celtic or tribal or words he does well.