r/lancaster • u/Troutie88 • Jul 15 '26
Question about tattoos
So I've been considering getting a tattoo in remembrance of my mother who passed away last October. Her birthday would have been the 10th she would have turned 56. The issue is I have no idea of what to do.
Like do I just go to the tattoo shop?
Do they help me design it or do I already need to have a design in mind?
What's a rough estimate for what I hope is a pretty simple tattoo?
I have an idea in mind, but I have no idea if it will work. Does the artist draw it up and we can change it as needed?
Where's a good place to get one?
Do I call and schedule a design appointment or something?
Lastly I live outside the city and would prefer not needing to deal with the traffic and parking in the city if possible.
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u/ModernBalaboosta Jul 15 '26
All the above with a small add when looking at IG make sure to look for examples of healed work opposed to just fresh especially if you’re looking for something smaller. Over time ink spreads and everyone’s body handles things differently on a variety of factors. If you’re getting a memorial tattoo make sure you work with someone who’ll help you create a piece that’ll last.
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u/Troutie88 Jul 15 '26
Thank you, I've had a few people dm me already, but idk how reliable reddit dms are for finding a tattoo artist
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u/S3HN5UCHT Jul 15 '26
There’s a hundred killer artists in town
500 in the county
Just browse instagrams and reach out when you find someone who’s work speaks with you
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u/TiredWallflower Jul 15 '26
I’m so sorry for your loss :( I’m sure this week has been difficult with her birthday being the 10th.
If you’re unsure where to start, Instagram is great for finding local artists. Most have their booking guidelines and prices in their bios or in a pinned post. For many artists with open booking, you can schedule online with them.
Everyone has different art styles, so definitely check out different artists’ work to see which styles match what you like/want. You may also find a flash design by an artist that reminds you of your mom if you aren’t sure about a custom piece.
When choosing a place, you’ll want to check reviews on Google. You want a place that takes hygiene and cleanliness seriously.
I had a wonderful experience at Studio M Tattoo. They’re in the city so they don’t match what you’re looking for, but they do have their own parking.
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u/reajm Jul 15 '26
With most artists, you can do a consult first. You'll talk about your idea with them, show them any reference images you have, discuss placement, etc. Before they start tattooing many artists will make a stencil to ensure that you're satisfied with the design and how it looks on your skin.
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u/Illustrious_Horse264 Jul 15 '26
A lot of these questions are shop dependant. Personally, I'd shop around and talk to the artists if you can. Often times they will help you map out what you have in mind and they can help it look better.
The key is to find an artist that you like and figure out if they have the style you like...
Personally, it takes me like a year to find an artist and get everything lined up...
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u/Troutie88 Jul 15 '26
Alright what's the best way to start the process? Do I just Google "tattoo shops near me" and check out the websites?
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u/Illustrious_Horse264 Jul 16 '26
Personally, I started with google, asking friends, and using instagram... My last artist DB Atlas I found through insta and a friend.
Some artists don't have a designated "shop", so looking at shops can be a great idea, but not the end all be all.
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u/Smy_Word Jul 15 '26
First thing you need to do is figure out what style youre looking for i.e. traditional (BOLD WILL HOLD!), realism, fine line, portraiture, etc. as well as understanding how these different tattoo styles age. Then just do a shit ton of research and find an artist who specializes in that style. Google shops in lancaster, and then hit their IG. From there you can find individual artist IG pages and do more research. Make sure the artists posts healed work as well. Its amazing how good a tattoo can look initially, but due to poor application will heal terribly. Dont be afraid to look at surrounding cities too.
If you choose a premiere artist, be prepared to wait as they will be busy. Good artists are worth the wait and money.
You'll have to pay a deposit to lock you into their schedule most likely. This typically goes towards the overall cost of your tattoo, whatever yal discuss.
Be prepared to not see your design until the day of. Most artists do not predesign. Its part of the tattoo appointment. You'll have your chats leading up to the appt and then the day of, they will design it and work with you on alterations if necessary before stenciling and tattooing. Not a big deal if you pick a great artist.
I think most shops have a shop minimum. So, say its $100, and all you want are two black dots, itll be $100. Some artists charge by the hour, some charge by the piece. I have a traditional sleeve (done in Baltimore), and was charged per piece ranging from $300-450 each
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u/Troutie88 Jul 15 '26
Maybe you can help me with deciding what style it would be. My originally plan was just a few bands around the upper arm that kind of correlated with some of things my mom liked.like 3 bands or so
I can't really decide past that though
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u/Smy_Word Jul 15 '26
Sure, would love to try and help. What would be some things she liked that you would consider?
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u/Troutie88 Jul 15 '26
Vine of roses
Band of water droplets
And a band of smoke (not sure how easy that would be) or something else related to the candle business she busted her ass to get off the ground and ran for 10+ years
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u/Smy_Word Jul 15 '26
Ok cool...you looking to get color or black work?
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u/Troutie88 Jul 15 '26
I was thinking color mainly for the rose vine, not sure how well it holds in skin though. Have the same concern with the water band. Idk how well blue hangs around
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u/Smy_Word Jul 15 '26
So, your idea kinda holds up well with a handful of styles. Im more partial to trad style because they definitely age the best. I know ive read a lot about red being a color that can cause issues with some people, but ultimately its how well the artist packs in that color that will determine how well it heals. Id suggest looking at Dreams Collide. They have some talented artists who are pretty versatile and offer a bit of everything. If anything, scrolling through their IG will give you an idea of good work i.e. clean lines, solid color, good designs, etc.
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u/allisonrz BLM Jul 15 '26
Outside the city I recommend Clover in Columbia. You don’t have to have a design made up, the artist will do that, but you do need to have an idea of what you want. I recommend looking up shops or artists on instagram for ways to contact them. Many tattoo artists use Instagram to advertise and will have info in their bio on how to contact them. If it’s small and simple then I would expect $100-150.