Z Spot Body Art Studio Inc. - Tattoo Studios-Pittsburgh, PA

Z Spot Body Art Studio Inc.

1443 Potomac Ave..
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 344-1314

Got ink?

Tattooing has come a long way since the dim blue inkings of yesteryear. Modern technology and highly developed skills have elevated tattooing to a fine art. The crew at Z Spot are dedicated to giving you the best possible work in the safest possible environment. We have had the same artists for years so when you come back, we'll all be there. There is no revolving door on this place. You will never have to deal with intoxicated or hung-over artists, we simply don't live that way. That's a promise...

At Z Spot, we believe in having a personal interaction with you, not just some annonymous procedure. We work to give you what you want and encourage you to research your options, enabling you to make an informed decision about body art that will be with you for the rest of your life. We don't just want your money, we want you to be happy and proud about your choices.

* 1000's of designs
* Modern vibrant colors
* Safe/sterile facility
* Great selection of "Flash" and idea books.
* Bring your own drawings or ideas for custom art!

So, you want a tattoo but you're not sure what to look for or what to ask. Then let us help you.....

A reputable studio will welcome your questions and have no problem SHOWING you the lengths that they go to for everybody's protection. If an artist becomes defensive and irritated, thank them and leave. You have EVERY right to know their procedures, your health depends on it.

There is NO REGULATION in PA. Did you hear that? NO REGULATION IN THE STATE OF PA. It is solely up to you to check out your studio of choice. ANYONE, qualified or not, can tattoo and pierce in PA. There is only a restriction on the age of the client.

The MOST important issue should be YOUR health and welfare. Is the shop clean? Do they use single use, sterile needles for each customer? Sterile needle and tube packs should be opened in front of you by an artist wearing gloves. If that doesn't happen... RUN! DO NOT LET ANYONE TATTOO OR PIERCE YOU WHO DOES NOT DO THIS! Some shops bulk sterilize, this is not very good. Some put a variety of instruments in one package and some don't package instruments at all. Not good enough. Multiple instruments can be put in one package ONLY if the set is to be used on ONE client. As soon as the package is opened and the instruments are exposed to the air, they are not considered sterile. As long as your body is the only one coming in contact with the instruments, it's all good.

Ask if they have and use either a steam or a chemical AUTOCLAVE. Dry heat and liquid sterilizing solutions are not sufficient for the level of penetration that tattooing and piercing achieve. Only an autoclave can kill EVERYTHING. Some bacteria and viruses are killed by heat, some by pressure and an autoclave does both, heat AND pressure. Also make sure that the autoclave is spore tested a minimum of 1X per month and ask to see verification of spore testing. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Having and using an autoclave is not enough because an autoclave can harbor spores which render it ineffective. Autoclaves MUST be spore tested by an independent testing lab to insure that they are functioning at optimum levels. Not asking these questions could cost you quality of life. You might just leave with *more* than a tattoo.

Is the artist covering machines, bottles, lights, power supplys and the like with a protective barrier like plastic? Do they decontaminate work areas between EVERY client? Do they use single use ink caps and razors etc.? If not, you could pick up what the last guy left behind. YUK!

Once an artist has *gloved-up*, they should not touch ANYTHING except YOU and the wrapped items used in YOUR tattoo. If they do, ask them to change gloves before they touch you again. A knowledgeable professional will not violate this rule.

Other issues of the utmost importance are artists skill, style and experience. Ask how long someone has been tattooing professionally. LOOK at their portfolio. Look for clean, solid, stable line work. Look for sharp points not sloppy overlaps or blobs at the beginning or end of a line. If the line work is a mess, they aren't very good. Look for smooth shading, nice gradations, not abrupt jumps in degree or color fades. Look for good consistent smooth color, no one wants a patchy tattoo. If you see enlarged pores in a pic of a fresh tattoo, that's good. The skin has not been damaged. The lack of enlarged pores, however, does not mean it's bad. The skin should appear smooth, with or without visible pores. If you see churned up spots just say "Thanks" and leave.

Does the artist possess the ability to perform multiple styles successfully or does everything look the same? That's not necessarily bad, however. Some artists specialize in a specific style and might do it better than others. Some possess a wide range of skills and can accommodate a variety of tastes. Pick an artist that can give you what you want.

Portraiture and photo realism are HIGHLY specialized skills and not all tattoo artists possess them. If that is what you are looking for PLEASE research and find the artist that can perform these skills. Not much is worse than a portrait with heavy line work. SCREAM!

Price should be your LAST concern. You are not comparing an iPhone to an iPhone at two different stores. If a studio measures up to the sterilization standards and skill levels, pay their price. You will not regret it. The bitterness of poor quality lingers much longer than the sweetness of low price. You get what pay for...