Almost one year ago I decided it was time to get my second tattoo. I did not know exactly what I wanted, but I knew that it was to be placed on the inside of my right bicep. There was only one person who could give me the quality that I wanted, Jon Pitcher. Jon had done my first piece on my back and I was very happy with it so I was ready for more.
At A Glance Author Jason Vorheez Contact Jason Vorheez@bme.anon IAM jasonthe29th When A year ago Artist Jon Pitcher Location Augusta, GA Not being one to pick something off the wall, I began to draw. A few ideas came and went but I finally created the perfect design, a pencil with angel wings. It was perfect since I am an artist. I made copies so I could practice coloring it but I got it perfect the first try. It was time.
I went to the shop where Jon worked and was ready to go. When I walked in a feeling of horror came over me. Jon's booth was empty. No chair. No gun. No Jon. Apparently Jon had been fired the night before after a conflict with the owner. Another artist offered me the tattoo at a lower price, I refused. When it comes to my body I do not make exceptions and I don't settle for anything but the best. Lucky for me Jon's apprentice Zack was still there. He gave me Jon's home phone number so I could find out his plans. I called Jon and he said he would be glad to do the tattoo at his house. Well that was out of the question. My first thought was, "I'm not gonna get some ghetto tat at someone's dirty table."
I did some research and decided that if he took the proper precautions that his kitchen could be just as good as any shop booth. After all, the shop he worked at before was an old Pizza Hutt, and it was clean.
I got my money and my picture and headed over to his house, which was actually an apartment, ready for my new tattoo. Nothing was going to stop me now. When I went in, his wife and his apprentice were on the couch watching TV and he was already setting up at his dining room table. His house was very clean. He still had sterile needles, and all of his equipment was immaculate. I was no longer worried about my "At-Home-Tattoo."
It took him a while to set up the art work since he had to transfer it with carbon paper. I was getting antsy. Finally he called me over and asked if I was ready. I had been ready for weeks. I showed him the location and he applied the stencil. It was in the perfect spot. It was time.
He started with the black outline closest to my hand and worked hi way back. He has such a great touch that there was almost no pain. That is until he got into my armpit. Ouch! I could not say anything though because Jon and Zack are both covered with tattoos and they have felt real pain. So I sucked it up.
After the outline was done we took a break to smoke a cigarette. Then it was time for the color. I don't know why but it hurt more than the black. I guess because he used different needles. After another hour of working the color in, I was done. Jon bandaged it up properly and even had aftercare sheets. It was no different than a real shop.
When it came time to pay Jon refused any money. He said he didn't want to get in trouble for running a business out of his home. So I laid down a hundred bucks and gave him a poster that I had originally made him as a tip. Business or not a guy has to eat, and nothing as good as what I got should be free.
The healing process went very well, no blowouts, no surprises. The color is still great and I get compliments all he time. A picture of my arm is in the new school section in the user gallery. My tat is almost a year old in the picture.
For those of you that may read this and think that it is okay to get tattoos or piercings at home, you are wrong. The key is a professional, clean environment. Also, just because a shop has a sign out front does not mean that it is a clean environment. Do your own investigating and don't settle for anything less than what is best for you. I only did what I did because I was comfortable that I was going to be okay. Do not do anything that you are not comfortable with and take care of your bodies. You only get one.