‘It triggers me’ people cry as ‘red flag’ tattoo artist shows lad’s first ink & pros say he ‘should’ve turned him away’
A TATTOIST has been slammed after showing off a young client’s first ever ink – on his face.
Tattoo artist Javi took to his Instagram page to share a video of a young man who had chosen to have his date of birth in Roman numerals, etched on the side of his face.
“Client’s first tattoo – his birthdate on his sideburn,” he wrote over the top of the video.
And he added in the caption: “My guy got his first tattoo on his face...
“Client has since then came back and gotten more tattoo work.”
The video showed Javi applying some clear gel over the design he had just inked, which had a red area around it.
But people in the comments section were quick to slam the tattooist for even agreeing to the etching in the first place.
“Not gonna lie, massive red flag for an artist to tattoo face on someone who has no ink at all,” one wrote.
“A reputable tattoo artist would have denied or turned this kid away,” another said.
As a third person – a fellow tattoo artist – added: “I would never tattoo someone’s face for their first tattoo.”
“Have standards. Don’t ruin people’s lives,” someone else urged.
“Artists need to learn to say no,” another sighed.
While someone else said: “I’ve seen a few tattoo artists who have said they will refuse to tattoo a face unless it’s about the only place left to tattoo.
“Naturally, there are exceptions, but I’ve found even within the industry, some artists deem it a no-go until there are no other places on a client.
“Same concept as tattooing a drunk person.
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should!”
“When I was like 19 I was SO close to getting Japanese writing on my cheekbone as my first tattoo,” another recalled.
“No artist in my area would do it, and I’m so happy for it now looking back!”
Tattoo Do's and Don'ts
1. Think, think and think some more
Tattoos done on a whim are far more likely to lead to regret than a tattoo you thought long and hard about. Think about why you want what you’ve chosen. And if you still want it after a few months, then get it.
2. Age restrictions apply
You must be 18 years old to be tattooed in the UK.
3. Don’t haggle over the price
When you go to a tattoo shop the price is the price. You are paying for an artist’s time and skills, they charge what they believe those things are worth.
4. Don’t get tattooed while you’re hungry
Eat before you go for your tattoo session and make sure you’re hydrated. You’re about to be subjected to a period of sustained physical discomfort, if you’re feeling a little weak from hunger or you’re dehydrated things will not go as smoothly as they should.
5. Don’t drink alcohol before you get tattooed
If you are drunk or under the influence of drugs, don’t go for a tattoo. In fact, if your tattooist has anything at all about them they will turn you away if you are clearly under the influence of any intoxicating substances. I’d also avoid drinking the night before, even a few drinks will thin your blood and make your bleed more.
“Way to make sure you’re never respected in this industry,” someone else blasted.
But other people slammed the man’s design itself, after he chose to have 11/26/2001 inked on his face – making him 22 years old.
“Imagine wanting a face tattoo so badly the only thing you can think to put on there is your birthday,” one giggled.
“People just be getting anything,” another sighed.
“Is he gonna get his social security number on the other side?” someone else questioned.
As another wondered if it was “in case he forgets?”