But the content of your tattoo isn’t the only personal thing. The tattoo process itself is extremely personal. You’re allowing an artist to touch your skin and insert needles and ink into you over and over and over. And for ladies especially, the process can become uncomfortable when your tattoo is being placed in a more private area.

However, don’t think that you should accept that gross feeling in your gut. Because no matter who you are or what you’re getting tattooed, you should never feel uncomfortable. (Well, except for that gentle pricking. Hahaha…) If you do, get moving.

Don’t trust these words that we so carefully crafted? Maybe you will when they come from the mouth of Misti Cross with Ink Works Tattoo & Body Piercing Studios.

Oh, a tattoo. And you’re wondering what to do to get ready for your time with the fellas (and fellette) at Ink Works I or II. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Because not only does our sweetheart of an honor, John Cross, tell you what to do to get ready for a tattoo appointment, but he does it with a smile on his face.

At the end, he even dispels a myth about a certain medical condition and tattoos.

So whether you’re ready to get your next tattoo or just want the fine folks in Cleveland, Tennessee, to give your brain a little more knowledge, hit the play button on the video. You’ll be glad you did. We will, too, because when you’re happy, we’re happy.

Have a question you’d like answered by the Ink Works crew? Toss it in the comments section below, post it on our Facebook page, or email it to john@thisisinkworks.com.

Ink Works I: 718 Willow Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 423.790.7474

Ink Works II: Colony Square, 2520 Keith Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 423.476.9334

Why do you need a poker chip?

Because if you have one, you’ll be a winner.

Don’t have one or forget it when you’re out of town, and you’ll wind up losing.

What’s with the chip?

Every person who gets a tattoo or piercing is able to get an Ink Works poker chip. Whether you take the chip or not, you’re in the game. Here are the rules.

1. You’re out with a family member or friend who also has a tattoo or piercing from Ink Works.

2. After ordering drinks (it could be a beer, Diet Coke, lemonade, strawberry milkshake, etc.), you have an opportunity to pull your poker chip out.

3. If the other person doesn’t pull his or her chip out, he or she has to pay for the drinks.

4. If the other person pulls out his or her chip, you’ve gotta buy.

So, there’s obviously a high amount of risk involved in pulling out the chip, but if you hand out with your forgetful friend more often, you should come out on top pretty easily.

And if you got a tattoo or piercing and didn’t get your chip, you best get on it!

It’s one of the most common comments untattooed people say to those with tattoos.

For the most part, those folks are wrong. Because the great majority of those who get tattooed realize the permanence of their actions and are invested in keeping the tattoo until death. Occasionally, however, someone who gets a tattoo will wind up not wanting it later in life for one reason or another.

While some go with laser removal, the staff at Ink Works Tattoo & Body Piercing Studios regularly serve those with tattoos they want covered up.

But don’t you dare think all cover-ups are created equally! And don’t give into the hype that the only cover-up for your tattoo is a huge black square.

With the right artist, your cover-up can be as beautiful as the tattoo you wanted originally. There can even be colors. Yes, colors! (Please note that this is not true for all cover-ups. They must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.)

Hungry for more info on cover-ups? Watch the flick above, which features Ink Works Tattoo’s very own Jason Beavers (a.k.a. The Beave).
Time to cover up the tattoo you’ve regretted since the needle first touched your skin? Drop by the shop to talk over your options.

What else could there be to the question?

No more questions. Just answers. (Watch the video for the answers.)

And if you’re interested in a second opinion on the best way to care for your new tattoo, watch the video below to find out what Jason Beavers (aka The Beave) suggests to his clients. Why would we post more than one option? Because here at Ink Works Tattoo & Body Piercing Studios in Cleveland, TN, we realize that one size does not fit all.

Without further ado, The Beave.

You spend hours at a time doing nothing but staring at your new bundle of joy. Your voice softens as you talk nonsensical phrases on a regular basis. (Example: A goo-goo, poo-poo!) Sleep? You can forget about it.

And of course, there is the financial craziness that sets in overnight. While you used to worry about supporting two folks (you and your significant other), you now have a new sheriff in town, and this little one is rather demanding.

Suddenly, you have to buy a never-ending supply of diapers, you wonder how infant formula can cost more than oil, you’re stuck hanging out in the pediatrician’s office every other day, and your baby grows so quickly that the awesome outfit you bought two weeks ago doesn’t fit him/her any longer.

With this immediate financial burden, it can seem impossible to commemorate the birth of your sweet little one with some fresh ink. Unless you come to Ink Works Tattoo & Body Piercing Studios in good ol’ Cleveland, Tennessee.

“I’ve got kids,” says John Cross, owner of Ink Works, “and I know how difficult it can be those first few months to adjust to the new expenses that are part of being a parent. Since we can’t be at every baby shower, all of us at Ink Works say congrats the best way we can.”

How does the Ink Works crew say congrats? With a free footprint tattoo for new parents. Yeah, you’re looking for the fine print right about now. We don’t blame you. This time, however, something that sounds too good to be true actually is true.

But here’s the fine print you’re looking for if you don’t believe us.

FINE PRINT: Within 60 days after your new baby’s birth, either mom or dad can get a single footprint tattoo and the baby’s name—for free. No Cost. Nada. If both parents want the tattoo, one will have to pay. But hey, two for one ain’t bad, now is it?

In case you’re wondering, that’s all there is to it.

Not exactly the fine print you were expecting? We’re not the tattoo shop most people expect either.

So when you become a parent for the first, second, third, fourth, or twelfth time, drop into Ink Works to let us give you the only gift you’ll still have around when you become a grandparent.

How to Choose Your Tattoo Artist
We here at Ink Works have often been asked, “What makes your artists different than other tattoo artists?”

Well here is my reply, which applies whether or not you come to Ink Works for your next tattoo.

1. Is the tattoo artist an artist or is he or she someone who just picked up some machines and figured it would be cool to sling some ink. Check out the artist’s portfolio. Anybody can trace lines and color between the lines. Artists can sit down and draw without turning to the Internet for design help on every piece.

2. Is the shop what you want it to be? A tattoo is for life, and the tattoo experience is as well. Getting needles stuck in you over and over should be all the pain you experience as you receive your tattoo. Remember—tattooing is an art form that relies on good customer service. Expect and accept nothing but the highest level of professionalism.

3. What about the price? In some industries, you get what you pay for. In a visual industry like tattooing, you can easily see the quality of work you can expect before booking your appointment. So don’t rely on price alone to determine whether your artist has the talent to turn your tattoo dream into reality.

4. Do you feel good about the whole package? The best way to find your artist is to follow your gut. Something seem fishy? Is the artist rude? Does the artist not seem concerned about fitting you into his or her schedule? Walk away.

At Ink Works, we want every client to feel at ease and leave knowing that they got the best for their money. With some time and a pencil and tattoo machine in hand, any one of our artists is ready and able to give you the one-of-a-kind tattoo you want. The tattoo that will have all your friends wishing they’d done it first.

Got a question you’d like answered? Send it our way at contact@thisisinkworks.com.

To the Pool Hall! Cleveland, TN Tattoo Shop + CBC

Since opening the doors to Ink Works Tattoo & Body Piercing Studio in Cleveland, TN, we’ve busted our backsides to make this place the best tattoo and body piercing establishment possible. We’ve done it through blood, sweat, and tears, and none of it would have been possible without you fine folks who trust us with your skin each and every day.

Now that we’ve got a solid foundation built under Ink Works, we’ve decided it’s time to take a little time to relax. ‘Cause everybody needs a vacation now and then—right? But don’t worry. We’re not changing anything about the shop. We’ll still be here Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. We are just going to take a few hours each week to just hang out and make ourselves available to hang out with you. Yes, we do love you that much!

The Ink Works break is going to happen every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the new CBC in Cleveland. (It’s across from the Museum Center at 5ive Points on Inman Street). While there, we’ll play a little pool, drink a little beer, smoke a cigar or two, and just chill.

So if you’ve been yearning to hug Jr., see David in his boxers (okay, this may not happen), watch Jason take a cue ball to the cue balls, or find out how Lalo Jones got the name Lalo Jones, head to CBC each Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. While you’re there, be sure to tip your waiter, waitress, or cigar guy. Why? Because it’s what you do and because we said so!

Don’t think you can make it to CBC but still want some Ink Works love on a Thursday afternoon? We got you covered. Each week, while most of the crew will be at CBC shooting pool and looking cool, there will be at least one person manning the shop, ready to meet your tattoo or piercing need. That way, when you have a long, late lunch break to get that tattoo or piercing you’ve been wanting, you won’t drive up to an empty shop.

Now who’s in for some Ink Works fun this Thursday? You better raise that hand!