Ink-ling

i was just thinking about the subtleties of tattoo establishments. The descriptor that follows 'tattoo' makes all the difference in the world. Places to get tattooed seem to be more prevalent every day. For what it's worth these are the three categories of buzzing needle factories as i see them.

First is the 'Tattoo Studio'. Some serious art occurs in these places. These spots have a stylish feel to them and a comfortable atmosphere. Proprietors of such places usually have well-earned reputations and often are booked pretty full. They do not typically have time for walk-ins. These are for the permanent art collector. If you find one of these that fits your style you are golden.

Next is the 'Tattoo Shop'. These remind me of the old t-shirt shops located in malls in the 80's where you'd pick one of the iron-on pictures from the walls and they'd put it on the shirt of your color choice while you wait. The 'tattoo shop' is usually a sterile white with florescent lights and walls covered in flash, usually behind Plexiglas. These places deal almost exclusively in walk-ins. You pick out the skull, rose, or looney-toon cartoon character of your choice and they ink it on you. Sobriety is not a prerequisite for customers. Later in life you'll probably bump into that guy who got the tribal armband before you again in the waiting room of the laser removal clinic. Ouch.

Lastly is the 'Tattoo Parlor'. These are the old school joints. You should probably have been invited or know the secret hand shake before entering these doors. If you've got the guts and neither of these prerequisites, enter this locals hangout at your own risk. Once you know what tattoo you want, you may have to arm wrestle the proprietor. If you win he'll give you the tattoo (maybe even with a fresh needle). If you lose he gets to tattoo whatever he wants wherever he wants. If you don't get shot by someone in a rival biker gang you are going to have one hell of a bad ass tattoo and story, one way or another.

Go ahead... play it cool hot shot. The choice is yours.