3065 Rt 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
JOE WOOD
I have been tattooing since 2002. I specialize in custom large scale Polynesian, geometric and black work designs. I also enjoy working on Tibetan, Buddhist, Japanese and black & grey realism designs.
Portfolio
Artist code of conduct
Over the last 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients from all walks of life. These tattoos range from quick 30 minute sessions up to multiple several hours long sessions for larger projects. Depending on the tattoo you choose to get, it can sometimes put people in very close or awkward situations. My clients sense of safety, comfort, and overall well-being is of the upmost importance to me. I feel that it’s important to help educate anyone who is curious about getting a tattoo, what you should expect as far as professional conduct while receiving your tattoo. Whether you come to our shop or not, these guidelines are meant to be a useful tool to help anyone navigate their body modification experience.
AFterCare
1) In 1-2 hours after receiving your tattoo, thoroughly wash hands then remove the bandage covering the tattoo. DO NOT BANDAGE THE TATTOO AGAIN.
2) Using clean hands, gently wash the tattoo with a mild, liquid, unscented antibacterial soap such as Dial gold. Do Not use washcloths, or sponges or loofahs on your new tattoo, as they can harbor bacteria and be to abrasive on your tattoo.
When your finished cleaning your tattoo, pat the area dry with a clean, fresh paper towel or let air dry.
3) Apply a THIN layer of ointment such as Hustle butter, Redemption ointment or Aquaphor after each cleaning.
4) Repeat steps 2-4 minimum four times a day. The cleaner you keep your tattoo the better it will heal. Oxygen is essential to the healing process, so only use a thin layer of ointment.
*If you are using Redemption ointment or Hustle butter - continue using that and following the above steps until the tattoo is fully healed.
*If you are using Aquaphor - stop using ointment after four days and switch to non-scented hand lotion. Such as Aveeno or Eucerin. Continue washing and moisturizing your tattoo for one more week or until it no longer looks dry on its own.
Absolutely no tanning, swimming, hot tubs or baths for two weeks starting the date you received your tattoo (showering without the use of washcloths or loofahs is fine.)
AVOID direct contact of your new tattoo with pets or unclean surfaces such as, but not limited to gym equipment, raw foods, hospital surfaces, dirty work conditions such as garages or construction sites.
What to expect:
- Your tattoo may feel like a sunburn for the first day or two. Your tattoo may also peel like a sunburn, this is normal.
- For the first night after your tattoo we recommend putting clean dark colored sheets on your bed, as the tattoo may bleed and stain lighter colored sheets.
- After about a week, your tattoo will start to itch. This is a good thing, it means it’s healing. However, it will be annoying, the best thing you can do is wash it and re-moisturize the tattoo. This will help tremendously with the itching as will lightly patting the tattoo with your hand. Avoid scratching your tattoo.
- Once your tattoo is healed, applying sunblock over the tattoo when it’s exposed to the sun will greatly increase the life and vibrancy of your tattoo.
The better you take care of your tattoo, the better the tattoo will look. Following these aftercare instructions will help insure the longevity and quality of your tattoo and result in fewer touch ups.
FAQS
What do I need to do to prepare for my tattoo?
Make sure you get a good night of sleep before you get tattooed, and eat a good meal before you come in. Getting tattooed while sleep deprived, hung over or hungry is not a great idea. Comfortable clothes are a plus! Make sure you wear clothes that leave the area you're getting tattooed easily accessible. There's also a chance some ink may get on your clothing so don't pick anything you're overly attached to.
What should I bring with me?
Mostly importantly A GOVERNMENT ISSUED VALID ID. Licenses, State ID's, Passports, and Military ID's are all good. Paper ID's are not a valid form of identification. No exceptions. The second most important thing, a method of payment. We are a cash only shop. No personal checks. We also recommend you bring things to keep you busy, happy and distracted. Laptops, Nooks, iPods, iPads, books, etc are great ideas. Lastly, if you're sitting for a long session, snacks are good to have handy. There are plenty of local restaurants that deliver, but it's good to have something to quickly eat.
