Tattoos. They’re not for every man.
But every man, interested or not, should be aware of tattoo etiquette and options, if only to be a more engaging conversationalist.
So we’ve curated nine of NYC’s premier needlesmiths to give you an idea of what’s available.
If you’re in the market, let this be your jumping-off point.
If not, consider it your voyeur’s pass to the current state of skin art.
But before you look, some advice:
Your correspondent — who has his share of ink — was recently discussing the brand new tattoo shop on the Bowery by celebrity artist Bang Bang.
And the inevitable question arose: “I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo. Where should I go?”
The answer to this question is simple: depends.
You wouldn’t ask Picasso to paint in Rembrandt’s style.
Tattoos are no different; the right artist for the job depends on what kind of art you want.
And remember, there are a few rules of tattoo etiquette by which all men should abide:
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Always book in advance. Don’t just walk in expecting to get a tattoo on the spot.
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Good artists are worth waiting for.
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Good tattoos are always a negotiation.
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Trust your artist knows what he or she is doing.
If they says it’s not going to work, it’s not going to work.
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