Summer Guide 2013: Hot ink

Tattoos used to be rare, even taboo. They were strictly for pirates, outlaws and whatever religious sect Madonna belongs to. But now it seems like everyone has a lifelong ink scar.

Since summer is when we all see a lot more of each other’s skin, we’re pleading with you not to mark it up with uninspired, eyesore ink. After all, those Chinese characters on your shoulder probably don’t mean what you think they mean, Yoga Lotus. And, hey, bro, nice tribal tat and all, but what tribe did you ever belong to?

With so many potential permanent pitfalls out there, who better to offer expert advice than some of the area’s busiest inkers? Reclamare Gallery & Custom Tattoo owner Corey Bernhardt, Zach Charchuk of Old Sacramento staple River City Tattoo, and Alice-Ann Gilbert of Monroe Tattoo Parlor all put down their buzzing needles long enough to weigh in.

We may not have been able to help that tribal bro, but the rest of you will thank us later.

Reclamare Gallery & Custom Tattoo, 2737 Riverside Boulevard; (916) 760-7461; www.reclamareart.com

Is there a difference between a “summer” and a “fall” tattoo?

The demographic slightly changes to more of the “first-time” tattoos and a younger crowd of people wanting them in the summer. People tend to have more disposable income during the summer, too. In the fall, it seems like there are more serious collectors wanting pieces and people planning out larger pieces.

What makes for a great summer tattoo?

If your intention is to show off your tattoo at the beach or something, then the ideal summer tattoo, in my opinion, would be one that could be completed in one to three sessions. I don’t think people want to show off half-finished work.

What body part should never be tattooed?

Probably that area between your balls and asshole.

When a tattoo is bad, is it typically because of the concept or the execution?

Definitely execution. You can still make a bad concept work if it’s tattooed well. Most times, what seems to make for the worst tattoos are tattoo artists that try something that they don’t understand fundamentally.

What’s the biggest tattoo cliché?

For me, personally, I’d have to say the whole paragraph of script somewhere (mostly on their side). Tattoos are so organic in nature, they’re not meant to be as perfect as a font would be. I think people are just giving up real estate on their body that could have otherwise been something amazing.

River City Tattoo, 1028 Second Street; (916) 448-1212; www.rivercitytattoo.net

Is there a difference between a “summer” and a “fall” tattoo?

Um, I don’t think there are tattoos for the seasons. Except maybe like a sweet pumpkin tattoo for Halloween.

What makes for a terrible summer tattoo?

A terrible one? An infinity symbol with any lettering makes for a terrible summer tattoo. Actually, they’re bad in all seasons.

Describe the worst tattoo you’ve ever seen.

The most recent bad tattoo was some kid who had what he said were three skulls with flames. But it really looked like three kinda-circles with random squiggly lines.

Summer is also wedding season. White wedding gowns and big shoulder and back tattoos: Do they go together?

If the tattoo’s done well, it goes with anything.

What’s the biggest tattoo cliché?

Little lettering on the inside of the fingers on nontattooed people. Bad idea.

What’s the best tattoo you’ve done?

Recently, I got to make a nice fallen-soldier-memorial tattoo with a wavy flag in the background. All black and gray. That was fun to do. I always appreciate getting to do something cool on military folks. I also did a sweet little broken compass and flowers on a foot recently. Straight-forward traditional design—my favorite.

Alice-Ann Gilbert

Monroe Tattoo Parlor, 9312 Greenback Lane in Orangevale; (916) 989-1408; www.monroetattoo.com

Is it ever OK to give someone a tramp stamp?

Some people really like that tattoo. Still, although it’s not commonly requested, if someone really wants that area tattooed, and it’s well-designed, sure! Everybody over 18 is welcome to get tattooed. Even tramps.

I knew a guy who lost a bet and got “Daddy’s little cutie” tatted along his lower back. Was that brave or insane?

Ha-ha! Joke or bet tattoos—I try not to take them too seriously.

What makes for a great summer tattoo?

Sunblock.

What’s the worst tattoo you’ve ever seen?

I’ve seen them all. Usually, the worst ones are stories that happened during a wasted night. It’s always best to have a sober, clear mind when getting a tattoo.

When a tattoo is bad, is it typically because of the concept or the execution?

It’s a little of both. It’s good to think ahead, how it’s going to look over time and to make sure you’re still going to love it in your lifetime. Go somewhere you trust.

What’s the biggest tattoo cliché?

It really depends on the year. Every summer season there’s a new cliché. But if you truly love the idea, then who cares?