Urban Primitive emphasizes 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 supports permanent body art as a vehicle for personal transformation. 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 change an appointment. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to another person. If Daemon has done drawings in preparation for an appointment and the client decides to cancel, the deposit then pays for the drawings. To change your appointment date or time within the 72 hour limit, you will forfeit your deposit, unless there are extenuating circumstances that we are informed of.
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 hygiene, 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?
The Tattoo Process
Photos
After Care
Touchups
Infection
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 anesthetic such as EMLA (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%). It can be obtained at a pharmacy by asking behind the counter. We do not recommend EMLA as it is expensive, and in some cases can interfere with the process.
If you are feeling nervous about your tattoo, consider 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. Also, some clients find that homeopathic gelsemium can support the nervous system during a tattoo.
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.
Once the tattoo (or session) is completed, photographs (including 'before' shots in the case of coverups) will be taken with the explicit intention to be posted online and/or in promotional materials such as brochures, news/magazine articles, etc. If a client does not wish for their tattoo photos to be used, they must inform the artist that they do not want a photo taken and we will honour that wish.
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 call us and we will happily answer your questions.
Daily Procedures to Minimize Scabbing
Remove bandage after artist recommended period. This will vary with the amount of work done.
Wash your tattoo carefully with a mild, hypoallergenic soap twice a day. Gently pat dry. Do not soak.
Apply the Recovery Balm recommended by the artist as directed and only as much as your skin will readily absorb. Our Recovery Balm is 100% natural and may be used to condition the skin long after the tattoo is healed.
Keep the tattoo uncovered as much as possible. Tattoos need oxygen to heal properly.
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.
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.
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 your doctor immediately.
