SIGHTS
Neon signage out front, a seating area for waiting guests, coat racks, tattoo portfolios in binders, tattoo drawings on the walls, eclectic artwork for sale (paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculptures and knickknacks), promotional merchandise (T-shirts, mugs, key chains, bumper stickers), hanging mirrors, a TV, a drawing area with sketching supplies (tables, sketchpads, pens and pencils, markers), a reception counter, curtained-off rooms that reflect each tattoo artist’s personality (via décor, memorabilia, pictures, artwork, the choice of music that’s playing), licenses posted on the wall, clients reclining in chairs or beds, tattoo sketches tacked to the wall, boxes of disposable gloves, tattoo machines, inks and ink caps, needles, stacks of towels, a discolored towel that is being used to wipe away ink, thermal papers with tattoo stencils on them, ointments and bandages, headband magnifiers that allow the artist to better see the tattoo he’s working on, adjustable lights, biohazard and sharps containers, autoclaves for sterilizing tools, sinks, aftercare products for sale, a break room area
SOUNDS
Music playing from a sound system, voices coming from the television, the buzz of the tattoo machine, background chatter, the receptionist welcoming clients, a client’s footsteps as she is taken to a back room, clients shifting on a chair or bed, a rolling chair skating closer to a reclining client, sanitary wrappers being removed from equipment, water splashing in a sink while an employee washes his or her hands, pages turning as a customer flips through portfolios, the crumple of paper unfolding as a client produces original artwork for a potential tattoo, clothes being removed, a receipt machine printing a receipt, the crackle of paper as one sits on a covered chair, a client’s indrawn hiss of pain when the process begins, exclamations of excitement and happiness as the client sees the finished product
SMELLS
Disinfectant, stale cigarette smoke, paint, microwaved or delivery food from the break area
TASTES
Some settings have no specific tastes associated with them beyond what the character might bring into the scene (chewing gum, mints, lipstick, etc.). For scenes like these, where specific tastes are sparse, it would be best to stick to descriptors from the other four senses.
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
Flipping and touching pages as one browses potential designs, sinking into a cushioned chair or bed, tense muscles and apprehension over the oncoming pain, feeling one’s legs or head raising or lowering as the chair is adjusted, gloved hands touching one’s skin, the press of a razor and the coolness of shaving foam, holding one’s clothing out of the way as a tattoo is applied, lying or sitting in an unusual position, pain, deep breaths being drawn in and out, a towel swiping the tattoo site, tacky ointment, twisting one’s body to catch sight of a finished tattoo, the pull of a taped-on bandage
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
A client passing out from fear or nerves
Underage customers trying to obtain a tattoo
A parlor coming under fire for unsanitary practices
Tattoo artists stealing each other’s designs
Getting a tattoo that doesn’t look like what one requested
Being assigned to a surly or uncommunicative artist
Trying to work on a client with a low pain threshold
Indecisive clients
Running out of supplies in the middle of an application
Clients who come in drunk or high in a preemptive attempt to manage their pain
Customers lying about medical conditions that could create complications (pregnancy, the use of blood thinners, drugs recently taken)
A customer wanting a tattoo that is taboo (a swastika or racial slur, etc.)
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
Apprentices, customers, guests accompanying those getting tattoos, health inspectors, local artists hoping to sell goods on consignment, parlor owners, tattoo artists
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Big city street, shopping mall, waiting room
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Tattooing has become an art form for many who engage in the practice. Individual shops will reflect the owner’s philosophy and personal preferences. Some parlors will be artsy, while others might have a gritty and dark atmosphere. Regardless of the environment, licensed parlors must adhere to standard health regulations and are subject to regular inspections to ensure they’re following sanitary procedures. Unfortunately, many unlicensed artists still find work by lowering their rates, targeting underage clients, and giving tattoos out of their own homes or at parties. These artists put people at risk by not adhering to proper sanitary procedures.
Tattoos are usually highly personal, and will have special meaning to the client. If your character is visiting a parlor, use this as an opportunity to shine a light on their beliefs, passions, past wounds, or even foreshadow something you are not quite ready to reveal of the character’s backstory. Think of a symbol that perfectly fits the message or reminder the character wishes to display (or keep private) through this medium.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
Macy perched on the edge of the couch and tried not to crumple the paper in her hand. Her boyfriend had designed the hummingbird himself—small, delicate, the perfect choice for her first tattoo. Her stomach cramped and she mashed a fist against it. Zeke had promised the pain wasn’t too bad, but the thought of all those needles . . . she closed her eyes and breathed through her nose, noting the antiseptic smell of the air. It was clean. Safe. People got tattoos all the time. She could do this.
Techniques and Devices Used: Multisensory descriptions, symbolism
Resulting Effects: Characterization, reinforcing emotion