The Tat's It blog
Tips, trends and news for tattoo enthusiasts.
In the spotlight
Featured article Tattoo healing: the stages, week by week
Oozing, scabbing, itching, a milky appearance: what’s normal week by week as a tattoo heals, and the warning signs to look out for.
Featured article How to choose your first tattoo (and get it right)
Design, style, placement, budget, tattoo artist: a guide to choosing your first tattoo, written by three founders who all got theirs wrong.
Latest articles
7 warning signs to look out for before choosing a tattoo artist
Equipment left out in the open, no hygiene certification to be found, rock-bottom prices, pressure to book: the 7 warning signs that should make you walk out of a tattoo parlour.
Reducing missed appointments (no-shows)
Deposits, written confirmation, reminders, a clear cancellation policy: practical ways for a freelance tattoo artist to stop being stood up.
ARS tattoo artist accreditation: the procedure to follow
A 21-hour hygiene certification course, online registration with the ARS, renewal every 5 years, with renewal dates in 2027 and 2028: everything you need to ensure you’re fully compliant as a tattoo artist.
How to fill your tattoo artist’s bookings
Slow periods, portfolios, visibility, customer loyalty, flash days, guest spots: practical ways to keep your tattoo artist’s bookings full all year round, without having to slash your prices.
Self-employed tattoo artist: getting off to a good start
Micro-business, hygiene certification, ARS registration, social security contributions, VAT, studio or premises: everything you need to get your tattoo business off to a solid start.
Tattoos: which areas hurt the most?
Ribs, feet, forearms, calves: a guide to the most and least painful areas to get a tattoo, plus practical advice on how to get through a long session.
Tattoos by body part: arm, ankle, ribs, nape of the neck
Arm, forearm, ankle, ribs, nape of the neck, hands: how to choose where to get a tattoo based on pain, visibility, style and how it will age.
Try out a temporary tattoo before getting a permanent one
Size, placement, how it looks on the skin: how to try out a temporary tattoo before going under the needle, and why you should steer clear of black henna.
12 tattoo styles to choose from
Old school, Japanese, blackwork, fineline, realism, watercolour: the 12 main tattoo styles explained simply, to help you find the one that suits you best.
Irezumi, the traditional Japanese tattoo
Koi carp, dragons, cherry blossoms, waves: Japanese irezumi explained, from its turbulent history to its symbolism and how to choose a specialist tattoo artist.
Blackwork tattoos: origins, technique and styles
Dense blocks of black, maximum contrast, long-lasting results: everything you need to know about blackwork, from its tribal roots to its modern variations.
How to find a tattoo artist in Paris: the complete guide
Style, qualifications, portfolio, turnaround times, budget: a five-step guide to finding the right tattoo artist in Paris, from a team based in Paris.
The cost of a tattoo in France: a budget guide
Minimum charge, hourly rate, deposit or down payment, prices that are too low: everything that goes into the cost of a tattoo in France, so you can plan your budget without any nasty surprises.