Below are some of the most commonly asked questions we tattoo artists are asked, especially from first timers. It's a big commitment a tattoo is, and we feel you should be fully informed and know as much as possible before taking the leap of getting your masterpiece. 


If you see your question below, click to revel answer. If we haven't addressed your question on this page, please contact us and we'll do our best to help you.

Are Tattoos/Piercings Safe?

The most-asked questions that a tattoo parlor gets is, "is it safe?". The answer? YES! Professional tattoo artists take pride in not only their work and artistry, but also their own personal safety and the safety of their customers. All tattoo parlors must be licensed by the Department of Health. The Department of Health has a great hand in the safety of your tattooing, but the rules and regulations vary depending on your state and country. Vantage Point Tattoos is located in Milwaukee County WI. - here, you must take a class given by the Health Department, followed by a written test. The material on the test includes sterilization procedures, blood-bourne pathogens, universal precautions, and how to keep tattooing completely safe. Upon passing this exam, you are then licensed by the Board of Health, and you are thereby allowed to work in Milwaukee County. If you fail, you are not allowed to work. The Health Department also conducts random spot checks to all studios. If you are found in violation, you can lose your license! The most important thing to do is go to a reputable shop, and do not get tattooed by an unlicensed person working out of a house or at a party. The Board of Health states that this is illegal.

How old do I have to be?

Wisconsin State law states that you must be at least 18 years old to be tattooed! No, there is no bending this! It's the law! And no, sorry, your parents may not sign for you! You must have a photo ID. Come back when you're 18 and we'll give you the tattoo you've been dying for! As far as piercings go, Wisconsin State law states you also have to be 18 to be pierced! Or you may bring in a notarized letter from your parent or legal guardian, and only your parent or legal guardian, stating that you can get pierced. You parent or guardian must also be with you at the time of piercing. You must have this letter and a photo ID and your parent! No exceptions! These are the laws! We don't make them - we just follow them. Please don't ask us to do any different!

How much will it cost?

The price of a tattoo depends on the size of the tattoo, the detail involved, and the location of the tattoo on the body. It is very difficult to give an accurate price over the web, so please do NOT send e-mails with pricing questions You may stop by Vantage Point Tattoos for a free consultation and pricing on any tattoo, picture, or even an idea that you would like us to draw for you. Remember - a tattoo is a piece of artwork that will be with you forever. Great quality in a tattoo is priceless!

Does it hurt?

It's usually not as bad as you may think. We're not saying it feels good, but if it did, the experience of getting a tattoo wouldn't be so GREAT! Ever hear the expression, "no pain, no gain?" Quit being a baby, and go get some INK!"

Do I need an appointment?

You don't need an appointment to stop in to talk to our artists, look at our flash, watching other people getting work done, or even to bring us lunch. (Turkey on rye, mayo, please) However, it is recommended that you do make an appointment to get your tattoo done, especially if you would like a specific artist.

How long does it take to get tattooed?

Every tattoo is different, and every artist is different. An important thing to remember is this: have you ever tried drawing on a piece of paper that moves and shakes around on the table? It ain't easy. The more still you sit, the faster your tattoo will be finished. Size and complexity play a BIG part of it as well.

I just got a tattoo. How long will it take to heal and what should I do to keep it clean?

After your tattoo is complete, we will affix a bandage to the tattooed area. In approximately two hours, you are to remove the bandage and wash gently. It is best to use an anti-microbial soap. Be sure to clean the surface of the tattoo with your hand only - not a washcloth. Use lukewarm water, in order to melt off any blood that is starting to dry on the tattoo. Pat the tattoo dry, and apply Bacatracin oinment in a thin later, massaging it into the tattoo. Do not glob the ointment on. At this point, it is okay to leave the bandage off unless you have tight clothing over the area of the tattoo or you are doing something that will dirty the tattoo. Then, it is required to cover your tattoo with a non-stick bandage. Please be sure that it is non-stick - they have a clear plastic coating over it to avoid the bandage getting stuck on the tattoo! You may also use Saran Wrap - this will keep moisture in and your clothes from rubbing against the tattoo.

How long should I wait before I expose my tattoo to sun?

Two weeks is a good general rule. However, UV rays not only harm your skin and cause cancer, they fade your tattoos! Always, use proper sun protection when exposing yourself to the sun, tattoos or not. We also sell specific tattoo sun block. Don't forget to grab some for the summer!

Can I cover up a tattoo with another one?

Yes, but covering up a tattoo and not making it look like a huge mess is not always an easy task. Consult your tattoo artist for his or her profession opinion before shopping for tattoos.

Will I ever have to get my tattoo touched up?

If you take care of your tattoos, you shouldn't ever have to get them touched up. We use only the highest quality tattoo inks to ensure your tattoo lasts longer than you will! If you feel like you would like your tattoo touched up or added to, you know who to call...

Can I shave over a new Tattoo?

You can shave over a tattoo once it's healed - just shave like you normally would. But the key is knowing when the tattoo is healed enough to be shaved over.

Can I get tattooed over a scar?

In most cases, no. However, it doesn't hurt to ask one of our professionals.

My tattoo itches like hell. What should I do?

Itching is part of the healing process and is normal. It is important to keep a new tattoo covered so you don't accidentally scratch dirt or bacteria into the tender skin.

How can I tell if my Tattoo/Piercing is infected?

If you think your tattoo (or piercing) might be infected, don't sit around waiting for it to get worse! Signs of infection are severe pain, hot redness, swelling, a pus discharge (with or without the presence of blood), and/or a foul odor emanating from the area. Infection that is not properly tended to can result in serious health consequences, so it is not something to be taken lightly. Please see your doctor and artist immediately. We are all susceptible to Staph infections - the bacteria that causes it resides on our bodies and just waits for an opportunity to take hold, like in a fresh new tattoo or piercing wound. Most tattoo/piercing infections are caused by not taking proper care during the healing process. All of our artists will be happy to go over the tattoo care process with you, and you may also purchase any tattoo care products at our location.

Can I donate blood if I have a Tattoo?

You may not donate blood for one full year after getting a tattoo/piercing. After the one year mark as passed, donate away!

Why is my Tattoo peeling and flaking Off?

The peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. Before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it's covered with a whitish, cracking film. Then you'll see white or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off and some of the flakes may even contain some ink. Sometimes you can actually see a duplicate image of part of your tattoo peeling off - it's rather disconcerting, but it is also perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. It's a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a little lotion (a little) to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do not scratch, pick or peel the scabs. It will all be over with in a few days, and the color of your tattoo will start to return to normal.

How should I care for my new tattoo? (Aftercare Instructions)

After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home. Leave the bandage on for one to three hours. When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr. Bronner’s, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes). Pat it dry gently with a paper towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize. Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible. If you are using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days.
DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo. Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight. Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo. After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower one day. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scabs will all fall off by themselves in about two weeks. Picking any of the scabs off will cause faded color and damage to the skin. During healing do NOT: Re-bandage the tattoo (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. Bandaging will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there.) Submerge the tattoo in water. This means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine. Expose it to strong sunlight Shave over the tattoo (ouch!) When all the scabs fall off and the skin feels smooth again to the touch, it is all healed and you can shave over it again, and swim and everything else. Sometimes after the scab falls off there is a secondary shiny, raised or waxy coat over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Continue to moisturize it and it will smooth out by itself over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out. While we deal with the healing of tattoos often, we are not doctors, and can only give guidelines on tattoo care, not medical advice. If your tattoo develops any type of rash during healing, do not hesitate to see a doctor.

view and print our tattoo aftercare form below

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