tattoo

[willowwind]

Hi everyone, first post here.  I've been reading several others and am completely enjoying the feel of this forum   
OK, well I live in Michigan, Detroit area.  I would like to get a tattoo.  I have check with a few well known artists and lets say they are less then receptive to inking someone with HIV.  This is a very important piece for me and I want it done well.  Does anyone know of somewhere that is good, reliable and will tattoo HIV+?  I don't mind driving to Ohio even    
 
Thanks bunches in advance!

[Ann]

Hi Willow, welcome to the forums.

You don't need to be disclosing your hiv status to tattoo artists. If you're going to a reputable one, they will already have protocol established to prevent onward transmission - and this is important, because not everyone knows their hiv status.

Besides, it's rare for hiv to be transmitted via tattooing. In the context of tattooing, hepatitis C is far more dangerous, transmissible and worrisome - and this is the main reason tattoo artists now take precautions, such as using disposable needles, tubing and pots of ink.

And just like with hiv, not everyone who is hcv positive knows  they're hcv positive. Hcv is actually a lot  more prevalent in the population (world-wide) than hiv - a little known fact. Hcv is bad enough on its own and it can be absolutely devastating when combined with hiv.

If the artist you're going to does not use universal precautions and disposable equipment with everyone,  then don't use them - you don't want hep C.

There are quite a few positive members here who have had tats done since they've been diagnosed and hopefully a few of them will also chime in.

Ann

[richva]

Willowwind -

Just seconding Ann's reply, as I'm sure others will, too.

Rich (who sports a couple of tattoos himself, all received years after diagnosis)

[BT65]

Hey Willow,

I've gotten all eight of my tatts done since testing +.   Like Ann said, the artists I've gone to take precautionary measures such as disposable needles, and they also change the ink with each and every tatt.  Unfortunately, I live in Indiana, so I cannot refer you to someone in your area (however I am from Michigan, and can tell you there is a good tatt shop in Niles). 

I've also had a few body piercings and disclosed with one of them-the piercer didn't mind, since he also used precautions.  I never disclosed with my tatts and if I ever got another one, wouldn't again. It's really unnecessary.  Good luck.
  Luv,
Betty

[MarcoPoz]

Willowwind,

Tattooed and from Detroit too!  I person who I would ALWAYS recommend as an artist and because of his positive treatment and compassion for people with HIV and HEP, is Matt Hessler at XS Tattoo in Rochester.

I fell asleep while he did the piece on my back that took 4-hrs. ;-)

Great art---great guy.

[willowwind]

Thank you all so much for the input.  I would feel much better if I could disclose my status with the artist.  I realize that the risk is slim.  My bf is HIV negative and we have spent a lot of time researching transmission.  Still if my blood will be involved, personally I feel I need to disclose.  I will certainly check out the artist in Rochester.  I'm very excited about having it done.   

[Winiroo]

Be sure to post a picture of your tat.

[willowwind]

I certainly will!  I just sent an email to Matt (xs tattoo)  The work shown on the website is beautiful, exactly what we are looking for! 

[willowwind]

Well, I still haven't had a reply from my email that I sent to Matt.     I guess I will try calling him, or just stopping into the shop.

[rondrond]

Well, I still haven't had a reply from my email that I sent to Matt.     I guess I will try calling him, or just stopping into the shop.

Patience, little grasshopper. 

Aren't y'all having some severe weather up there?

[willowwind]

just wanted to pop in, had the flu last week   .  so YAY he emailed back and told me to set up an appointment, hopefully I can make it for next week!

[AcemanJones]

I have told every tattoo artist about my HIV status before having them work on me.  It just makes me feel more comfortable. 

If you're not getting a favorable response, don't use them! 

After all, a tattoo is something that you're going to have for the rest of your life.  And the memory of getting that tattoo also stays with you for the rest of your life!  Choosing an artist is a highly selective process, so find one that is 100% for you...and, for me at least, that included them being 100% comfortable with my status.

If that means waiting and interviewing more people, so be it, but make it right...you only get one chance!