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“Your Definitive Guide to Finding the Right Tattoo Studio in Tucson: A Comprehensive Roadmap”

by David Meek 1-3-2024

Are you on the hunt for the perfect tattoo studio in Tucson but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available? Choosing the right tattoo artist and studio is a crucial step towards ensuring a positive and memorable tattooing experience. With numerous factors to consider, navigating the search process can be daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with essential tips and considerations to find the ideal tattoo studio in Tucson that aligns with your vision.

Inside Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona
  1. Thorough Research: Kickstart your quest by conducting in-depth research. Take advantage of search engines and social media platforms to compile a list of tattoo studios in Tucson. Explore their websites, peruse their portfolios, read customer reviews, and note their areas of specialization.
  2. Portfolio Evaluation: A tattoo artist’s portfolio serves as a window to their skills and style. Look for diverse portfolios showcasing a range of tattoo designs and styles. Ensure the artist’s style resonates with the type of tattoo you envision.
  3. Cleanliness and Hygiene: Prioritize cleanliness and hygiene standards. Reputable tattoo studios maintain strict hygiene practices, utilizing disposable needles, sterilized equipment, and maintaining a clean working environment. Consider visiting the studio in person to assess its cleanliness.
  4. Credentials and Licensing: Verify the studio’s credentials and the artists’ licenses. Certified studios and artists adhere to health regulations, ensuring professionalism and safety.
  5. Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or acquaintances who have had positive experiences at tattoo studios in Tucson. Personal referrals often offer valuable insights and firsthand experiences.
  6. Consultation and Communication: Schedule a consultation with the tattoo artist before finalizing your decision. Use this opportunity to discuss your ideas, concerns, and expectations. Effective communication is key to ensuring alignment between your vision and the artist’s capabilities.
  7. Pricing Structure: While cost shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, understanding the pricing structure is essential. Quality work often comes at a reasonable price. Avoid compromising on quality for a cheaper option.
  8. Studio Visit: A physical visit to the studio enables you to gauge its ambiance, professionalism, and overall atmosphere. Trust your instincts and choose a studio where you feel comfortable and welcome.
  9. Online Presence: A strong online presence often reflects a studio’s commitment to engaging with its audience. Active social media accounts typically feature recent works, client testimonials, and updates about the studio’s activities.
  10. Aftercare Services: Inquire about aftercare instructions and services provided by the studio. Proper aftercare significantly impacts the healing process of your tattoo.

By following these steps, you can navigate the abundance of tattoo studios in Tucson and find the perfect match for your tattoo needs. Remember, a tattoo is a lifelong commitment, so investing time and effort into finding the right studio is invaluable.

Tucson boasts a diverse array of talented tattoo artists and studios catering to various styles and preferences, whether you seek vibrant colors, intricate designs, or minimalist art. Embrace this exciting journey of self-expression and creativity while ensuring a safe and satisfying tattoo experience in Tucson!

I own Art and Sol Tattoo in Tucson Az.

You can book a consultation to meet with our artists by clicking here!

You can also view or Instagram page as well as our current reviews on google

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What to bring to your first tattoo!

Every week, it seems I get the pleasure of making a persons first tattoo.

Me tattooing my dear friend with fun Mickey Mouse tattoo

Its completely normal to be  bit nervous about the whole process. So I thought maybe I’d help out all the future first timers with a short blog about what to do to prepare and what to bring with you to your first tattoo.

1. A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

Start the whole process by getting some good rest. And this goes for life in general!

2. SOME WATER AND SNACKS

Tattoos take a lot out of you. You have to be ready to put some good stuff back in. Bring and drink plenty of water and a few power bars.

3.COMFY CLOTHING

Youre gonna be twisting around a bit, best wear some comfy clothes that you dont mind getting dirty. ( some ink and fluids may get on them)

4. PHONE CHARGER

Years ago you just sat there and stared at the wall. Nowadays you stare at your phone. Its great idea to make sure youve got the juice for your phone!

5. ACCESSIBLE CLOTHING

I mentioned comfort but access is important too. Dont wear jeans if youre getting something on your thigh. zip up hoodies are great for back tattoos as well as outdated bathing suits for ribs hips backs and such.

6. PMA

sometimes its unavoidable to be grouchy but youre getting tattooed! this should be a great day.

Theres probably many more things Im forgetting, but this is a great start!

What are your thoughts? What did I forget? Stress balls? Chewing tobacco?

Let me know in the comments or tweet me @davidmeekart

If you want to set up an appointment with me, text my shop Art and Sol Tattoo at 520-324-7358

David Meek

Tucson Tattoo Artist

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Is it safe to get a tattoo during Covid-19?

Is it safe to get tattooed?

Are tattoo shops a safe place?


Well it all depends on where you go I suppose. As it is with any business. 


So, is it safe to get a tattoo during a pandemic? 


I for one think yes! But there are some things you need to consider.


I’ve heard stories of some shops here in Tucson cramming artists and clients into a shared space… while that doesn’t sound too bad, it totally increases the chances of a small blood borne pathogen transmission, or in times like today a viral airborne or contact spread incident. 


That’s a risk I’d rather avoid. My personal clientele and that of my shop are higher end folks that are accustomed to a personal experience where their health is the highest priority. I charge premium prices compared to most tattoo artists in Tucson and so, the experience we offer, reflects how serious we take health and safety. 


I’ve had a few clients think we are a bit over the top with our sterilizing practices, but that’s ok with me. The majority value what we offer for them! And that, in my opinion, is how all successful businesses run!

Masks are at the center of every conversation lately.  And it seems like no one can agree on the usefulness.

I have been around some folks early on that were asymptomatic, and we followed CDC guidelines very strictly.

I put the health and safety of everyone that works at my shop or visits my shop as the highest priority on our list!

We require all of our artists and support staff and even my daughter to be current on blood borne pathogen training as well as covid training!

When you visit our shop, we require everyone to wear a face covering that covers both your nose and mouth, we have put in place a designated area for your non essential items during the tattoo. Purses, keys, backpacks, coats , basically anything you dont need while sitting for a few hours.

Then we ask you to sterilize your necessary items. Phones, chargers, waterbottles etc at our stainless steel station at the entrance.

We follow that up with a trip to the restroom to wash hands, so that you can come back to your clean things, with clean hands.

A quick temperature check and you are ready to get tattooed.

Everyone that comes in, follows this procedure. And it is the best feeling to k me that everyone is safe.

Throughout the day all of the entrance handles, light switches and any high traffic areas are routinely sterilized!

So if you are wondering if it’s safe to get tattooed during the coronavirus pandemic. I assure you that there are places that are putting in the extra effort to lessen your chances of exposure.

My feeling is that, it’s easier to tone down our efforts if we can agree that it isnt that bad, but I sure as hell dont want to be caught off guard if they raise safety protocols.

I for one, do not want to close my business again.

DAVID

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Hiring Tattoo Artists isnt easy

Its me doing what I do best.

Its seems to me that every single tattoo shop is experiencing unprecedented boom times. So much so that Im seeing post after post on multiple tattoo shop social media pages announcing that they are hiring. I admit, even I have put out the help wanted call for my shop Art and Sol.

As of this writing, Im currently booking for spring of 2021 which is a bit hectic when trying to consider birthdays, holidays, weekend getaways with the family, school breaks etc etc.

Im beyond grateful for the trust when it comes to making tattoos for my clients. In fact, the work Ive been asked to do is really starting to line up with the work that lights me up. The large realistic black and grey work!

The problem for me is, the more of that large realistic black and grey tattoo work I get asked to do, the less time I have for the work that got me to where I am today.

Its quite a new dilemma for me. Which is why I was looking to bring in someone that could use a change. Someone that needed a place to feel like they could grow as an artist and a person with our culture.

My clients deserve the best I have for them, but thats coming at a 5 month wait in some cases for a smaller tattoo.

The best I can come up with is bringing in an artist that shares the same values and moral compass as the shop artistically, and as a business in the Tucson community.

Someone that my clients will feel just as comfortable with as they would with me.

Its less of a financial thing for our shop and more for my clients. I feel a responsibility to make sure they get great tattoos. And not have to wait half a year lol. Or settle for a tattoo artist that they are unsure about.

So I guess the point of this post is to let everyone know that I am actively trying to address my new demand and still take care of everyone that wants to get tattooed.

I do have 3 shop helpers that hope to begin a tattoo apprenticeship with me and that will be a great boost of energy for the shop and to the tucson tattoo community. But til then, Ill practice patience and continue working very hard to make things better for the shop, the artists present and future, and our shop helpers.

Im taking appointments for large black and grey realistic tattoos almost exclusively and my rates have increased to counter the new demand. If you are interested in booking with me text Art and Sol at 520-314-7358 to start the process.

Dave

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Art and Sol Tattoo is Turning 1

Holy freakin moly, what a year its been. We opened up Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in October 2019. With stars in our eyes, and hope in our hearts that this was going to be something special. Well… who could have predicted one of the craziest events in modern history.. you know the whole Covid 19 thing. Well, despite the obstacles, we have pushed on and leaned into the wind as it were. While it hasnt been easy for anyone of us, it sure will be memorable.

My personal philosophy was that this was the best thing for small businesses. It created an opportunity to grow and innovate in new ways. The playing field has been leveled and while others wait for a return to normal, Im playing offense and pushing harder than ever before.

Our shop is growing with new energy from our shop helpers (soon to be tattoo apprentices) and new clients!

We are working on making everything we do the best it can be…. which reminds me of a quote… How you do anything is how you do everything. And we are setting the bar higher for ourselves in everything.

October will be 1 year of many. That isnt even a question. But our first year is a testament to our resolve.

Im working on figuring out how we can celebrate the shops birthday together and really make it special. Which, given the circumstances, it will undoubtably be.

If you would like to participate shoot the shop an email artandsoltattoo@gmail.com

If you want to be featured in our birthday video, send us a happy birthday video to artandsoltattoo@gmail.com

Stay tuned for more!!

Dave

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Best Tucson Tattoo Artist

Hey all, great news, for the 3rd year in a row, I’ve been included as a finalist in The Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson. Its something that truly makes me proud. I love Tucson. And to be included with really amazing tattoo artists is quite an honor. I love to make Tucson a better place by making tattoos for the people of this community.

Tucson Weeklys Best of Tucson

HERES THE LINK TO VOTE FOR ME ! and your other favorite Tucson businesses!

If youre looking to collect some work from me, you can shoot the shop a text to book a consultation. 520-314-7358

Right now Im booked about 4-5 months out but theres always random opportunities to get in!

its me

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Best of Tucson is back!!

Its that wonderful time of year! The Tucson Weekly is accepting nominations for the best of Tucson. Ive been fortunate to be nominated in the top 5 for Best Tattoo Artist the last couple years and would love to keep the streak alive! If youve been lucky enough to have been tattooed in my new shop Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery, then you know all to well that it is the best place to get tattooed in Tucson. If you haven’t, well, we eagerly await you coming down. Not only is the shop super clean and inviting, we also host amazing local artists every month (pandemic permitting) in our gallery space.

Click hereto begin nominating now

Nominations for Best Tattoo Shop and Best Tattoo Artist in Tucson: Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery and David Meek

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Art and Sol Tattoo CoVid Closure

Well, here I am, finally writing about the current situation for us at the shop. Its not my favorite thing, but thats ok. 

As per Mayor Romero, non-essential businesses are to be closed by 8am this morning. 

Molly has been home isolating for a few days now and we are happy to join you and her in isolation. 

Johnna and I have been talking about this for days on end. Each morning we wake up and check what we call the “damage report”

Its not an ideal way to start the day, but it eliminated alot of confusion that can occur with social media and media outlets. 

our favorites are the

World Health Organization
CDC
Pima County
City of Tucson
https://www.azdhs.gov/
the office of Governor Ducey

So as of today we are officially closed for appointments until at least the 17th of April.

Johnna and I plan to shoot some texts to everyone that will be affected between now and then. 

Our plan as of now is to get all of our drawings and design work done, so when this is leveled out and we can have you back in the shop, we will fit you in however and wherever we can!

I am still doing  virtual consultations for tattoos, but am booking for august as of now. we can use skype ,google hangouts, messenger, or IG as of now.

So thats the main news here. Im hoping that you are doing well and are able to stay safe if you have to work or stay sane if you are stuck at home.

Our little family just discovered how much we love rock climbing and its killing us not to get over to the rock gym. But we arent sick so we have to be grateful for the right things instead of bummed about the things we cant do.

You have to know that I am a chronic optimist. I try to find the opportunity and  drive  in most instances…. and this no different. My wheels have been turning for weeks now. 

Ill be bringing back The Tattooers Podcast next week, so stay tuned for that…( send me questions youd like to have answered or tattoo artists youd like to know more about)

We want to do everything we can to stay open after all of this. 

What kinds of things can we do for you?
Limited run T-shirts?
Hats?
live drawing?
Drawing tutorials?

Send me any and all suggestions. I am game to work on things that will make you happy!!

Johnna will be teaching online yoga classes out of the shop too! you can find her on Instagram for now but a youtube channel is in the near future. 

Ill wrap this thing up for now, but just know that we are so grateful for you. Art and Sol is a big part of my life, and it wouldnt exist if people like you didnt support it. 

So for now, on behalf of Johnna, Molly and Myself, Thank you for everything, and we will see you soon.. online or in person!

Dave

L-R: Johnna Warren, David Meek, Molly Jaffee in front of Tucsons best tattoo shop Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery

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Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson is open

Hi Tucson, how are ya? have you been well? thats great… me too. 2019 has been one heck of a ride. Ive been able to do some really fun things this year. One of which was planning and marrying my sweetheart of the last 11 years. Hard to think we could squeeze any more into a 12 month period but I’m trying hahaha.

No signs yet but heres the building and home of Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona

In fact, its already happened. We made the decision to expand our private studio and create a bigger environment that many artists could use to cultivate their artistic and personal dreams.

Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery is just that. Our little utopian tattoo studio. But not only that. We will also host new local artists each month.

Heres the inside view of Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery. So comfy and cozy…. Check out those floors!

Tucson is filled with 2 of my favorite things. Art and Sunshine ( and tacos)… hence the spelling of sun in our name. So maybe its like 3 things but it doesnt roll of the tongue the same way.

We’ve also added a new website, instagram, Facebook blah blah blah your favorite social media. Ill link to them so you can follow the ones you love.

what else? oh, i almost forgot… We are now offering permanent makeup and paramedical tattooing by appointment. In my opinion she is one of the best cosmetic tattooers in the tucson and you know how picky I am. or if you don’t, just know that i am.

Our first gallery artist is a dear friend that I happen to have 3 paintings in my personal collection Wallace Book… so it was a no brainer to have him show in our gallery first. You need to come down to the gallery to see his work, or if you cant make it, check him out on social media.

  • view from the entrance of Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona
  • Painting by Wallace book the 1st artist displayed at Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery
  • painting by wallace book
  • paintings by wallace book
  • Painting with the Surly Wench and The Rocky Horror Picture Show by Wallace Book

Ill keep you posted here but you can also check out our new shop site to get to know the other artists and all the activities we have planned each month. Ill let you know when thats ready. Til then you can follow all the news @artandsoltattoo on Instagram and Wallace Book @wbookart as well as our new artists @off_tatt_molly and @raemorgan315

Hope we see you soon… like real soon. like October 25th at 6pm soon.

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Back from the Honeymoon and its the last day to vote for Best Tattoo Artist in Tucson.

Im Back. Wow, what a trip. The whole month of July has just flown by. In fact this whole year is cruisin.

The honeymoon was a huge success. We started with a day trip to Disneyland which is probably no surprise to some of you. After all, we did get engaged in the elusive Club 33 and got married on Walt and Lillians wedding anniversary, so why not start the honeymoon with a guided tour in Walts footsteps ending in Walts famed apartment above the firehouse.

It was incredible. To be able to share that space with other Walt enthusiasts was pure Disney Magic. We also checked out Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which left me vibrating after my smugglers run adventure. The whole area is a must see.

Great shot of the Carnival Splendor with Lee your Cruise Director somewhere aboard

We followed it up with a 7 day Mexican Riviera Carnival Cruise. Its both relaxing and quite demanding. Im still trying to recover from a small cold I had on the honeymoon, while my wife feels like shes still on the boat….

Once I get more pictures from both of our phones Ill post a bit more.

David Meek best tucson tattoo artist nominee for the Tucson Weekly's Best of Tucson 2019
The Tucson Weekly Best of Tucson 2019 Best Tattoo Artist Nominee David Meek

But alas, the rest of this post is a reminder that today is the last day to vote for Best Tattoo Artist in the Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson. Im lucky to have been nominated to the top 5 for 2 years in a row but c’mon, winning would be so cool hahaha.

You can cast your votes by clicking here or you can click the button below.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE BEST TATTOO ARTIST

No matter the outcome Im so happy to be home, Im so happy to have so many wonderful clients that trust me to make fun tattoo memories, and Im so happy to be married.

Now its time to get back to work!

Did you take any trips this summer? Im thinking maybe a mountain getaway next? any recomendations?

Dave