RESPONSIBILITIES - You as the customer have rights as well as responsibilities. You have the right to a great tattoo. You have the responsibility to ensure that your are getting tattooed in a safe and sanitary environment, by a licensed professional tattoo artist.

DESIGN PROCESS - Once you are in the caring arms of a professional tattoo artist, you will need to express exactly what you are thinking for your new tattooed piece of art. Let them know what your design idea is, what it means to you, where you want it; and ask your artist what they think about it. Some artists prefer a consultation prior to your appointment. Some projects require a lot more thought, research and drawing time to prepare for your appointment. If for any reason you cannot make your consultation or appointment with your artist, you must call in at least 24-48 hours before your appointment time. This show of respect will be greatly appreciated by your artist, for this is how they plan their day and how they make their living.

PREPARATION - Before your tattoo session, eat a good meal for body strength and endurance. No alcohol for at least 12 hours prior. No aspirin that day. Ibuprofen helps keep swelling minimal during long tattoo sessions. Have a bowl of jello that morning (Vitamin K) and a banana for potassium! Personal hygiene is a must; nice breath is a bonus too. Don't try and shave your tattoo area yourself; the artist will take care of that at the time of your session. Drink water, hydrate your body and bring water with you to drink during your tattoo process.

YOUR SESSION - During your session, make sure you sit quiet and very still. It is difficult for the artist to do their best job on a moving target. If you need a break, just let the artist know. Relax! Although this may be your first tattoo, your artist has illustrated many, they are professional and will take good care of you. Empire Ink's artists are trained in first aid, CPR and blood pathogen classes. The artist may strike up a conversation when it is okay for them to talk. If you feel light headed, let your artist know as soon as you feel clammy-handed and dizzy. These feelings are no big deal; it's usually from low blood sugar due to not eating right beforehand. If you feel a little dizzy, just eat some candy (which our artists have on hand) and drink some water. If you get sick, aim for the floor - not the artist. If you need some extra time to re-group, let your artist know.

AFTERCARE - Listen closely to your artist when they instruct you about the care of your new tattoo. Written aftercare instructions will also be provided for future reference. A beautiful tattoo has two main parts: The Application, handled by your artist. This is important information! Read it, hang on to it. Read it after you leave and tape it to your bathroom mirror and read it again the next day. Follow the aftercare instructions carefully. DO NOT listen to your friends' advice on healing tattoos; they are not knowledgeable professionals and besides they won't be the ones touching up the tattoo if it is not cared for properly. Take three weeks practicing good care of your new tattoo and it will show great for years. Bad care will also show for years to come. For brilliant color keep your tattoos lotioned regularly and always use sunscreen (on a healed tattoo) when outdoors.

Finally, enjoy your tattoo!