The tattoo starter kit has been a top seller for many years now.

• Are you an emo teenager who is into dark art? Get yourself a tattoo kit!
• Do you want a lot of small tattoos with out those ridiculously high shop minimums? Get yourself a tattoo kit!
• Do you feel like you could do a better job than any professional tattooer in your area? Get yourself a kit!!!!!!!!!!

Guam is no exception to this craze. Considering shipping terms and the scarcity of companies willing to ship to the area, a lot of time and effort goes into putting your friends and family at risk of getting a bad tattoo, or even worse, infection.

There are a few common misconceptions that contribute to this phenomenon:

First, prices are too high. It’s understandable that people shop around for a better deal. While that may work for a car to get you from point a to point b, or maybe a dvd player, it isn’t the only consideration when looking for a tattoo artist. Like many other things, you usually get what you pay for, and while there may be exceptions, that car that gets you from point a to point b might not help you get laid. Same goes for tattoos. I have run into countless people over the years who are afraid to take their shirts off at the beach because of their bad tattoos. Guam has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You’d miss out on some of the best parts of island life if this were to happen to you.

Secondly, a tattoo is a tattoo. Mathematically this is true. Once ink is stuck in your skin, technically it is a tattoo. However, sometimes you don’t realize the difference in quality until it’s too late. You may be more comfortable on a living room couch or in an outside kitchen so you can smoke while you get your tattoo. These are good indicators that you may be getting a tattoo you won’t be happy with.

Third, if you can draw, you can tattoo. The ability to draw and the ability to tattoo aren’t mutually exclusive. Drawing is only one aspect of tattooing, and considering that many tattooers have been successful in their endeavors despite not being able to draw, it isn’t even a necessary skill. Likewise, there are many people who draw who don’t do tattoos.

The list goes on…

The worst part is that this is permanent. Sure there are removal options, but the reality is, you don’t want to have to experience that. LAser treatment and dermabrasion are painful to say the least, and very often you are left with scarring that may look worse than what you had in the beginning. When it comes to fixing or covering a bad tattoo, we are limited in what can do, and in many cases, it can’t be done at all.

Tattooing has come a long way over the years. The internet has allowed us exposure to many different styles and opened our eyes to the achievements of all those who continue to push the possibilities of the craft. Guam has it own unique tattoo culture, and because of our diversity of visitors, there are several subcultures included in the mix.

Anyone who has spent some years collecting tattoos probably has a tribal tattoo of sorts. Especially on Guam, the tribal tattoo was a necessary accessory to complete the island image. Times change though.

Sometimes you want to leave the past behind and either cover or update that tattoo you got with your friends after graduation. Completely understandable, and most likely possible. Tattoos that were done professionally are less likely to have glaring mistakes and scarring. This makes it a lot easier on us, and we would definitely talk less shit than if you had some backyard junk.

If any of this applies to you, we would be happy to help in whatever way we can. It isn’t always possible and your options are limited, but Eli’s Ink has an experienced staff that may be able to cover and/or jazz up your existing tattoo. We hope to see you soon!