Urban Primitive has always emphasized a philosophy which recognizes the symbolic, expressive, healing and transformative aspects of permanent body design. Many of our clients have used their body modifications to symbolically mark personal transformations and significant events in their lives. Others emphasize their tattoos as markers of personal and social identity.
Urban Primitive actively supported permanent body art as a vehicle for personal transformation years before we formally introduced the concept in 1993 as The Art of Transformation. To facilitate this process, Urban Primitive offers the latest, most advanced body art techniques and a safe, hygienic environment. In addition to sterile procedures, our warm and knowledgeable staff and our professional and aesthetically pleasing studio atmosphere ease potential anxiety over the process and raise client comfort and trust.
Preparing for your tattoo
What to do BEFORE you get to the Studio...
Please note that we require a minimum of 72 hours to cancel or change an appointment. If you hange your appointment date or time within that 72 hour limit, you will forfeit your deposit and be required to leave an new deposit to rebook.
An important factor to consider is the current status of your health. The potential for healing problems increases when your immune system is stressed by illness, drugs, alcohol, excessive tobacco consumption, lack of proper hygeine, or lack of restorative sleep.
- Get a good night's sleep prior to your appointment.
- Eat a good meal that includes protein in order to maintain safe blood sugar levels.
- Abstain from alcohol, drugs and caffeine, and aspirin consumption for 24 hours prior to and several hours following your appointment. Caffeine, aspirin, codeine and alcohol increase the rate of bleeding and may cause dizziness and vomiting.
It is up to you to make special arrangements with the artist of your choice if you require a ritual setting.
Pain - Is this going to hurt?
Most clients report some discomfort, but never as much as they anticipate. People who are especially
anxious about the "pain" of tattooing may opt to use a topical anaesthetic such as EMLA (lidocaine 2.5%
and prilocaine 2.5%). It can be obtained at our studio. Ask your artist.
If you are feeling nervous about your tattoo ask about Rescue Remedy. Rescue Remedy can help ease stress and
stabilize the emotions during times of upset. It can have a calming effect in a wide range of
stress-inducing situations.
The Tattoo Process
After the artist has properly set up the tattoo environment with barrier controls and
pre-sterilized equipment the tattoo procedure begins.
If the area to be tattooed requires hair removal, the artist will shave the body hair using a disposable razor. However to save time, the clients should shave 24 hours before to avoid nicks and cuts. For clients who prefer waxing, you should book an appointment with an aesthetician at least 72 hours prior to your tattoo appointment.
The artist disinfects the prepared area with an antiseptic spray followed by pharmaceutical
grade green soap.
If there is a stencil of the design, the artist applies it with the antiseptic spray as a
transfer base. Otherwise, the artist draws freehand on the body. Once the stencil or basic
lines are drawn on the body, the client may suggest any last minute changes. Now the actual
tattooing begins.
After Care
In order to keep your new tattoo looking sharp we recommend that you follow the guidelines
listed below. Use common sense. Do not substitute or overcompensate. If in doubt phone us
and we will happily answer your questions.
Daily Procedures to Minimize Scabbing
During Healing Avoid:
The tattoo pigment bonds to the skin cells in between the permanent basal layer and the constantly
exfoliating epidermis. It is normal to have small pieces of inked skin flake off during the healing
process. In approximately 4-8 days any flaking will be gone and your tattoo will be healed, but
still very sensitive. Regular and frequent applications of the hydrosol spray and the healing
balm will condition the skin, provide protection, and remove any milk scale (a translucent
milky scale of skin that is visible on a new tattoo for a few weeks). After a few months you
may sunbathe in moderation using a total (SPF 30 - 50) sunblock that provides both UVA and
UVB protection. Apply frequently. If you must swim in chlorinated water, spread a thick layer
of Recovery Balm or beeswax (organic only) over your tattoo. Some people find that a daily
ingestion of echinacea in a glycerin base or a zinc supplement speeds healing.
Touchups
Touchups may be necessary to get rich, dense coverage on heavy black work. One touchup is included in the cost of your tattoo. Ideally touchups may be booked 8 weeks after healing. Failure to show up without 72 hour cancellation notice will result in the forfeiture of your free touch-up session. There will be a $100 fee to rebook a missed appointment.
Infection
We take every precaution to avoid healing problems that can result in infection. Any infection
is usually the result of negligence in aftercare. Signs of infection include: excessive redness
and heat, prolonged swelling and soreness and/or yellowish discharge. At the first sign of
infection call us immediately.
If you follow our guidelines you should have no problems with your new tattoo. In the event
an infection persists more than two days, see a doctor immediately. We have previously
recommended Dr. D'Arcy Gagnon at (416) 929-1530 (Toronto). Dr. Gagnon is tattoo and piercing
positive. You may also contact Dr. Peter Iracleous at p.iracleous@utoronto.ca.
