CHECKING IN WITH...KAREEM MASARANI:

Getting a tattoo is an important decision. We thought those of you on the fence on this one should know the basics. For those who already have one, or more, we figured offering tips on maintaining it through the heat would be helpful. This week, we are checking in with someone who has been in the business for 20 years. Kareem Masarani, owner of Newport Tattoo at 2611 Newport Blvd., shares his advice and some funny experiences.

What is the best advice for preventing a tattoo from fading during the summer months?

Stay out of direct sunlight, and always remember to wear your sunscreen!

On a scale of one to 10, 10 being unbearable and one being mild, how painful is it to get a tattoo?

There are many factors involved in determining the pain of a tattoo. Such as, where you are getting the tattoo and the person giving the tattoo. For example, the forearm is a very easy area to get a tattoo, and the stomach a painful place for one. Simple rule of thumb is if the area is sensitive to touch, then it will be painful.

What’s the most outrageous or funny tattoo you have given someone?

A dancing chicken with a top hat, cane and monocle.

What’s one design that you wish would go out of style?

The only popular design that I really wanted to go away were iron crosses, and they did.

Have you ever tattooed a famous person? If so, who?

There have been a number of professional athletes, Dennis Rodman being one of them.

What was your first tattoo?

A squiggle. Just wanted to see what it felt like.

What are some tips for a first-timer?

Make sure you look through artists’ portfolios. Find an artist you are comfortable with. Don’t overwhelm the artist with too many details, as not to jeopardize the integrity of the tattoo. A common mistake for a first-timer is to pack too much into one tattoo. The artist will often let you know when that is happening. That is when it is important to communicate with your artist and listen to their ideas to help you get a better tattoo.

Tell us a memorable tattoo story.

Honestly, I have so many I wasn’t sure which one to tell. But here is a quick one.

A man came in and wanted to get his daughter’s name on his wrist. I had him write the name on a piece of paper to ensure correct spelling. After drawing the name out in the font he wanted, we began the tattoo.

The tattoo didn’t take long, and as I was adding the finishing touches he stopped me and said in a concerned voice, “You misspelled the name!”

I continued to tattoo him, thinking he was joking. Sometimes people think it’s a funny joke to do this. But when he said his wife was going to kill him, I realized it wasn’t a joke. My heart sank, and I felt really bad. I quickly referred back to the piece of paper he wrote the name on to show him he misspelled the name, not me.

He was upset with himself and wanted to get the tattoo lasered, but I was able to save the tattoo by incorporating a small design with it to correct the misspelled name.

When the tattoo was done, he was happier with the new design and thanked me. He couldn’t wait to go home and show his wife and daughter his new tattoo.