The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting a Tattoo [Paperback]

John Reardon (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 4, 2008 | Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide

Got ink?

Having a tattoo is now thoroughly mainstream-but getting it done is still scary for most regular folks. Does it hurt? Is it safe? How much does it cost? Written for the novice and aficionado alike, this book walks the reader through every step of the process: making the big decision, handling the physical event, and finally, taking proper care of your own personal work of art.
• Expert advice from a high-profile professional
• Includes 30 original designs, exclusive to this book
• Includes 8-page full-color insert
• Millions of people of all ages get inked each year
• Tattoo shops have sprung up everywhere to meet this growing demand, and cable shows such as "Miami Ink" and "Inked" draw huge audiences

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Reardon is a professional tattoo artist who has worked at the yearly gala tatt event at New York's Roseland Ballroom and judged various international contests throughout Europe. He is also a featured artist at Merlin's Tattoos, the shop showcased in the popular cable show "Miami Ink."

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: ALPHA (March 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592577253
• ISBN-13: 978-1592577255
• Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #705,996 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Get this book if you're thinking about getting tattoed November 13, 2009

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

This is a great starter book if you're thinking about getting a tattoo, either for the first time or even if you've already gotten one. It goes over the science of tattooing, the different styles, ways to look for a skilled tattooist, and suggestions on how to choose your design.

Now that the tattoo has lost a great deal of its taboo (their not just for sailors and criminals anymore!), the information in this book will help you ease into the chair at the tattoo parlor for your first tattoo. Knowing what this book teaches will take away some of the mystery of tattoos, and will help you learn what a professional would tell you before you get a tattoo.

I don't necessarily agree with everything in this book. For example, in the section on design the author advises against getting tattoos with perfect circles or parallel lines. I'm glad I didn't know that before getting my first tattoo, as it was a design of almost nothing but parallel lines and perfect circles! The tattoo still turned out beautifully. Also, the author talks about using plastic wrap to "bandage" a tattoo. Now I'm not an expert, but I have heard from people who are tattoo experts that using plastic wrap to bandage a tattoo is a good way to turn it septic, and that it is something to be avoided.

Despite these minor criticisms, I highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about getting a tattoo, or for anyone thinking about getting another tattoo.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource March 19, 2008

By Queequeg

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a very thorough and well-researched introduction to tattoos. If you are considering your first tattoo or want to be a little better educated before you choose your next tattoo, I highly recommend this book.