Tattoos and BBQ at SXSW

This is my third year going to SXSW. This year I am staying through music, which means I have a long time to spend in Austin.

So what am I to do?

Tattoos and BBQ.

Its what SXSW is all about.

And, since there will be plenty of guides to BBQ, let me hand down a bit of tattoo wisdom. Especially if you are planning on getting your first tattoo during SXSW.

The Rules of Your First Tattoo:

1) Whether you are getting a shamrock on your ankle or an intricate custom piece across your back, allot yourself 4 hours for the first sitting.

2) If its going to be highly custom, be ready for two appointments. The first is about the drawing and the art, the second is to actually get tattoo’d.

3) If the piece is big, you might not get it done in a single sitting. You might actually not get it done during SXSW, so dont feel bad if your tattoo is 1/2 done by the time you leave.

It is a general rule that one tattoo artist will not finish another’s tattoo. So, if you are planning something big, also plan another trip to Austin.’

4) Dont get tattoo’d drunk. Beside the stupid decision you will probably make in design selection, your blood will be thin, you will bleed like crazy, and it will be both difficult to care for the tattoo, and the likelihood of mistakes grows.

5) Dont just go to a shop with you friends. Do some research. There are a few shops in Austin that are well known. Ive been tattoo’d at Southside Tattoo, and its a great shop. Golden Apple is supposed to be great, as is Diablo Rojo and True Blue. Do your research.

6) Trust your artist. If s/he says that the tattoo you want needs to be bigger, or will look like a snot rocket on your skin, listen.

7) If its your first tattoo, go with someone who has tattoos that you like. If the only tattoo they have is a yin-yang on their lower back, they are probably not a good choice.  Even if their tattoos are badly designed, look like crap and are cliche images, at least they have been through the process and can give you an idea of what to expect.

8) Tattoo artists are like barbers. They gossip, argue and chat all day long. The only difference is often the death metal being blasted over the speakers. Engage in conversation, become friendly and connected to your artist. The design will be better as will the final product.

9) Make sure to care for your tattoo. There is nothing worse that spending $500 on a tattoo only to see it get ruined because you decided to go on a three day partying binge. Not that I would know anything about that. But, care for your tattoo.

10) Read number 9 carefully. Wash the tattoo several times over the first few days. Get some A&D ointment. Carry it with you. At SXSW, you will find that the tattoo will get dirty fast, especially if you go to the over-packed parties. Here is a great collection of post-tattoo care information.

The golden rule of tattoos: You are getting it for you. If you like it, and its something you are comfortable with having for the rest of your life, then get it. If you have any doubts or you feel pressured into doing it, dont.

I cant wait for SXSW10. Im staying through music and am super excited.

If you are going to be at SXSW, and want to get in touch, just text “micah” to 50500 or use the new contxts iphone app!

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