Tattoos: What Every Man Should Know

Don’t make the newbie mistakes.

By The Editors
November 7, 2014 9:00 am

Tattoos. They’re not for every man.

But every man, interested or not, should be aware of tattoo etiquette and options, if only to be a more engaging conversationalist.

So we’ve curated nine of NYC’s premier needlesmiths to give you an idea of what’s available.

If you’re in the market, let this be your jumping-off point.

If not, consider it your voyeur’s pass to the current state of skin art.

Check it out.

But before you look, some advice:

Your correspondent — who has his share of ink — was recently discussing the brand new tattoo shop on the Bowery by celebrity artist Bang Bang.

And the inevitable question arose: “I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo. Where should I go?”

The answer to this question is simple: depends.

You wouldn’t ask Picasso to paint in Rembrandt’s style.

Tattoos are no different; the right artist for the job depends on what kind of art you want.

And remember, there are a few rules of tattoo etiquette by which all men should abide:

  1. Always book in advance. Don’t just walk in expecting to get a tattoo on the spot.

  2. Good artists are worth waiting for.

  3. Good tattoos are always a negotiation.

  4. Trust your artist knows what he or she is doing.

If they says it’s not going to work, it’s not going to work.

Enjoy the guide.

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