2008 Woodie Awards
Thinking Before Inking
These guidelines apply to tattoo artists in New York State
Maureen Duffy
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Getting a tattoo is a big decision to make. Will you still like it in ten years? Does it look good? Will you have trouble finding a job in the future because of the snake on your arm? All of these are questions one must think about before getting inked. Another issue that you may want to consider is safety. Where should you go? How do you choose a tattoo artist? Finally, is the tattoo parlor licensed?
The answer to the third question is, probably not. According to the New York State Department of Health, the agency that regulates the industry, tattoo artists are licensed not individual tattoo parlors. That means you should not assume the parlor is licensed. Before you get a tattoo, ask to see your artist's certification.
The certification is valid for two years, and then must be renewed. In order to obtain a tattoo license applicants must pass an exam, and participate in an infection control class. According to the Department of Health, more than 600 tattoo licenses were given out in 2002.
The New York State penal code states, persons under 18 years of age cannot legally obtain a tattoo. So, if you want a tattoo and you can't yet vote, you're out of luck.
Tattooing has long been an issue, and governments have responded to concerns about the safety of it. In 1961 New York City banned tattooing because they feared it would increase the rate of hepatitis C infection. The Center for Disease Control says that this is no longer a risk that people should fear.
Terisa Greene, author of "Ink: The Not-Just-Skin-Deep Guide to Getting a Tattoo." said in a New York Times article that while tattoo parlors should adhere to cleanliness standards, individuals seeking tattoos should be aware of sterilization procedures and what is and is not acceptable.
One other little thought of concern among people getting tattoos is making sure that they are indeed getting what they want. A popular blog, Hanzimatter, documents tattoos gone wrong. Often the tattoos are Asian characters that have been translated incorrectly. This can lead to an embarrassing situation when one finds out that what they thought their tattoo means is actually incorrect.
If you get a tattoo and are unhappy with the service; complain to the Department of Health. They do not routinely inspect tattoo parlors, but rather inspect them on a complaint basis only.