--- title: About Dan (Wes) Wesley - Tattoos in Columbus since 1997 description: Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions by tattoo customers. Whether it's your first tattoo or one of many, this FAQ by Wes has you covered.. --- [Skip to content](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-faq#main-content) - [Home](https://tatsbywes.com) - [My Work](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-examples) - [FAQ](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-faq) - [Tattoo Styles](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-styles) - [Tattoo Collaborations](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-collaborations-dan-wes-wesley-skotty-dont) - [Blog](https://tatsbywes.com/blog) - [Contact](https://tatsbywes.com/contact) - [Buy Wes Bucks](https://tatsbywes.com/wes-bucks) - [Tattoo Ambassadors](https://tatsbywes.com/tatsbywes-ambassador-program) [![tatsbywes devlil patch logo](https://tatsbywes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tatsbywes%20devlil%20patch%20logo.png?width=100&height=59&name=tatsbywes%20devlil%20patch%20logo.png "tatsbywes devlil patch logo")](https://tatsbywes.com/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://tatsbywes.com) - [My Work](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-examples) - [FAQ](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-faq) - [Tattoo Styles](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-styles) - [Tattoo Collaborations](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-collaborations-dan-wes-wesley-skotty-dont) - [Blog](https://tatsbywes.com/blog) - [Contact](https://tatsbywes.com/contact) - [Buy Wes Bucks](https://tatsbywes.com/wes-bucks) - [Tattoo Ambassadors](https://tatsbywes.com/tatsbywes-ambassador-program) - [Home](https://tatsbywes.com) - [My Work](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-examples) - [FAQ](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-faq) - [Tattoo Styles](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-styles) - [Tattoo Collaborations](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-collaborations-dan-wes-wesley-skotty-dont) - [Blog](https://tatsbywes.com/blog) - [Contact](https://tatsbywes.com/contact) - [Buy Wes Bucks](https://tatsbywes.com/wes-bucks) - [Tattoo Ambassadors](https://tatsbywes.com/tatsbywes-ambassador-program) [Schedule Design Consultation](https://tatsbywes.com/contact?hsLang=en) Hamburger Menu # Tattoo Q&A #### Find the answers to the most frequently asked tattoo questions ## Inking Columbus Natives with Professionally Designed Tattoos Since 1997 Dan Wesley is a top Columbus Tattoo artist who been inking custom tattoo designs since 1997. Dan's art can be seen on thousands of happy clients, most of whom become regular customers. Specializing in bright and bold color tattoos, old school and traditional styles, classic black and gray tattoos, and new school realistic embroidery patches and sticker designs, "Wes" is sure to have experience in a style that will meet your taste. - ![tatsbywes-boxing-gloves-tattoo](https://tatsbywes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image-Files/july-2023-tattoos/tatsbywes-boxing-gloves-tattoo.jpg?width=2679&height=3349&name=tatsbywes-boxing-gloves-tattoo.jpg) - [![tatsbywes-fire-patch-tattoo](https://tatsbywes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image-Files/june-2023-tattoos/tatsbywes-fire-patch-tattoo.jpg?width=1717&height=2146&name=tatsbywes-fire-patch-tattoo.jpg)](https://tatsbywes.com/?hsLang=en) - ![TatsbyWes January 2023 new school gas mazk](https://tatsbywes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TatsbyWes%20January%202023%20new%20school%20gas%20mazk.jpg?width=2306&height=2882&name=TatsbyWes%20January%202023%20new%20school%20gas%20mazk.jpg) - [![TatsbyWes-car-patch-tattoo](https://tatsbywes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image-Files/march-2023-tattoos/TatsbyWes-car-patch-tattoo.jpg?width=1872&height=2340&name=TatsbyWes-car-patch-tattoo.jpg)](https://tatsbywes.com/?hsLang=en) - [![tatsbywes-skeleton-tattoo](https://tatsbywes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image-Files/may-2023-tattoos/tatsbywes-skeleton-tattoo.jpg?width=2083&height=2604&name=tatsbywes-skeleton-tattoo.jpg)](https://tatsbywes.com/?hsLang=en) - ![tatsbywes-beach-vacation-tattoo](https://tatsbywes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Image-Files/april-2023-tattoos/tatsbywes-beach-vacation-tattoo.jpg?width=2067&height=2584&name=tatsbywes-beach-vacation-tattoo.jpg) ## Frequently Asked Questions Use the menus below to find answers to all your Tattoo questions. Have a question that you don't see on the list?  Submit it here and I will get an answer to you as soon as I can. [Submit Question](https://tatsbywes.com/submit-your-tattoo-questions-and-get-answers-dan-wes-wesley?hsLang=en) - How can I Book a Tattoo with You?! How can I Book a Tattoo with You?! Its super easy! Simply go to [Tatsbywes.com/contact](http://Tatsbywes.com/contact) You can also find me on: [www.instagram.com/wes\_tattoos\_columbus](http://www.instagram.com/wes_tattoos_columbus) or [www.facebook.com/wescoreart](http://www.facebook.com/wescoreart)   - Are your Books ever "CLOSED"? Are your Books ever "CLOSED"? How can I Book a Tattoo with You?! Its super easy! Simply go to [Tatsbywes.com/contact](http://Tatsbywes.com/contact) You can also find me on: [www.instagram.com/wes\_tattoos\_columbus](http://www.instagram.com/wes_tattoos_columbus) or [www.facebook.com/wescoreart](http://www.facebook.com/wescoreart)   - Are Glitter Tattoos made with Special Ink? Are Glitter Tattoos made with Special Ink?   - Do you only do embroidery patch tattoos? Do you only do embroidery patch tattoos?   - Can I actually get tattooed at a tattoo convention? Can I actually get tattooed at a tattoo convention?   - Would you ever work in a Private Tattoo Studio? Would you ever work in a Private Tattoo Studio?   - Should I spend my tax return on a tattoo? Should I spend my tax return on a tattoo? You don't need to spend your entire return on a tattoo, but it's the season that you might have a bit of extra budget. The weather is also cool during tax season so it's a good time for a new tattoo to heal. Watch the video to learn more. - Have you ever owned a Tattoo Studio? Have you ever owned a Tattoo Studio?   - Should I get tattooed while I am on Spring break or vacation? This is a popular Tattoo question. Spring break or vacations are popular times for people to want to get tattoos. While getting a tattoo on Spring break or vacation might seem like a fun idea, it's essential to consider the permanence of the decision, the timing, the professional quality of the studio and artist, the risk of impulse decisions, and the aftercare requirements. Tattoos require time to heal, and this healing process might not align well with vacation activities, especially those involving water or sun exposure. Swimming, sunbathing, and even certain types of clothing can irritate a fresh tattoo or impede healing. - What is a "get what you get" tattoo? Could you imagine getting a "get what you get" tattoo? What is this? While the cost is cheap, you are rolling the dice on a design. Wes goes into details on how this type of tattoo work. Watch the video to learn more. - How long does an average Tattoo take? Tattoos have a lot of variables, but in this video, I try and tackle the question on how long the average tattoo takes. Considerations like size, placement, detail, customer pain tolerance can all play a factor. Watch the video to learn more. - Can I still get a tattoo while on antibiotics? It's winter now. With the Tripledemic Season in full swing, this month's Tattoo FAQ question might already be lingering for you if you have a session on the schedule. Watch the video to learn more... - How long will my tattoo take? Tattoo's come in all shapes and sizes ... literally. Watch the video to get some ball park information on how long different types of tattoos take to complete.   - Do I have to have my tattoo design ready for you? The answer can vary depending on artist preferences, but in most cases, you can lean on your artist for design support and ideas. Watch the video to learn more. - How do I care for a new tattoo? In my opinion, the best (and easiest) way to properly care for you fresh tattoo is pretty simple.  If you do these things, the new tat will heal properly and look awesome best for years to come. - How much do Tattoos hurt? In a sense, most tattoos feel like an intense sun burn when you are getting inked.  You can expect sharp or stinging pain can be described as many tiny bee stings. This kind of pain is usually quite intense, and it feels like the needle is poking deep into your skin. It's sometimes enough to make you want to move away from the tattoo needle - but don't!  Sitting as still as possible during your tattoo helps ensure there are no mistakes when the ink is laid into the skin.  Be warned, some areas of the body hurt worse than others when getting a tattoo.  Watch this video for more info... - What can I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment? A lot of my customers email me or hit me on WhatsApp with this question, especially those are are gearing up for their first tattoo session or even larger projects. Here are tips to consider that will make sure your session goes smoothly. - Is it cool if I talk with my Tattooer while I am getting tattooed? The answer can vary depending on artist preferences, but I personally enjoy having conversations with my customers during their tattoo session. Watch the video to learn more. - How long has Wes been a professional tattoo artist? Watch the video to go full circle on my 30-year career as a professional tattoo artist, from my humble beginnings as a tattoo apprentice, to founding BodyLanguage Tattoo Shop in Whitehall, Ohio. - How can I ensure that my tattoo artist will be professional during the tattoo process? When it comes to picking a tattoo artist, one of the most important factors is choosing someone who will be professional and respect you and your privacy. The best way to know if you're choosing the right tattooer is to meet them face-to-face. How do they respond to you? Are they excited about your tattoo? If they don't make you feel awesome and appreciated, find someone else. Bottom line... Trust your gut! - What tattoo ink color fades the most? I get this question all the time and it can be a tough one to answer. Watch the video to learn all the different factors that impact how the ink on your skin will age and what colors tend to be more fade-resistant. - How much should I tip my tattoo artist? Sometimes this can be an uncomfortable and awkward question to answer, but a lot of customers want to know what is the appropriate amount to tip your tattoo artist or if you should even tip at all? Watch the video to hear my take on this question. - How long does a tattoo sleeve take? When it comes to a tattoo sleeve, there are a lot of factors involved. From how big the arm is, how much skin there is to cover, what style, and how much depth or intricacy is involved, all of these details contribute to how long your sleeve will take. To put it simply, the best way to find out how long your tattoo sleeve will take is to [book a consultation.](https://tatsbywes.com/contact?hsLang=en) Watch the video to learn more. - What is Wes's proven approach to applying large Tattoos? Dan "Wes" Wesley has been tattooing since 1997. In that time, he has developed a specific approach to applying large tattoos to ensure a clean application as well as the comfort of his customers. - What designs make for a good cover up Tattoo? Have a tattoo you want to cover up? Watch this video first! Cover Up Tattoos are a bit tricky and require certain elements and tricks to make them work. Columbus Tattoo artist Dan "Wes" Wesley shares what you need to know to plan you cover up tattoo design. - How do decide on what tattoo I want to get? It can be a tough decision. Remember that for the most part, Tattoos are life-long investments. Watch the video and I will walk you through how to decide on what tattoo to get, where to place it and what your options will be? Whether it's your first tattoo or one of many, I can help guide you in making those important decisions the right way. - What do I need to know to get my first tattoo? Watch this video to get some important questions to consider when you are thinking about getting your first tattoo. - Can I use numbing cream when I get a tattoo? The short answers is a resounding "yes".  You can feel free to use numbing cream when you get a tattoo.  Watch the video to get some recommendations on what types are best to use and how to effectively apply them. - What Tattoo styles is Wes best at tattooing? Learn about my favorite tattoo styles and specifically what styles I have mastered over the course of my 30 year career as a professional tattoo artist. - What medical conditions or illness will prevent me from getting a tattoo? When getting a tattoo, you're causing trauma to the skin. For most people, this isn't a big deal and the healing process is simple and easy. For others with certain medical conditions or illnesses, it may require a doctor's note to ensure that your body can handle the trauma and healing process of getting a tattoo. - How did Wes start doing embroidery patch Tattoos? Columbus tattoo artist Dan "Wes" Wesley specializes in applying embroidered patch tattoos. Learn how he got his start in this unique tattoo style.   - How should I prepare for my tattoo session? Wes shares some tips and tricks you need to know to be ready for your next tattoo session. - What were Wes's first Tattoos? In this video, Columbus Tattoo artist Dan "Wes" Wesley talks about the first tattoo he ever got as well as the first professional tattoo he ever applied. - About Wes: How did I get into tattooing, what was my first tattoo, and more Hear the story behind Columbus tattoo artist Dan "Wes" Wesley and how he got into tattoos, the first tattoo he ever did, and more. - How do I prepare to get tattooed at a tattoo convention? Preparing for a tattoo convention means more than simply deciding on the design - it requires some research on the attending artists, proper self-care leading up to the event, and a game plan for the big day.   - What happens to tattoos as the skin ages or when someone gains or loses weight? Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Over time, tattoos may alter with significant weight loss or gain. They may start to droop, become off-kilter, or stretch and fade. Working with the right tattoo artist to guide you on placement and design can give you peace of mind for the longevity of your tattoo.   - What is it like being a tattoo artist? Being a tattoo artist is an awesome job. I love my career! Learn more about what it's like for me to be a tattoo artist.   - Does a tattoo hurt more or less depending on the size of the needle? What hurts more or less, the outline or the shading of a tattoo? Learn the physics of why people think one hurts more than another.   - How long does a micro tattoo last? Not every tattooer has the skill set to do a micro tattoo. Seek out someone who specializes in that. Unfortunately, the aging process is unavoidable for everyone. It is just a matter of time. While they're trendy, they're just not made to last.   ## Schedule a Tattoo Design Consultation Get in touch and tell us more about your idea, inspiration and style. [Schedule Design Consultation](https://tatsbywes.com/contact?hsLang=en) #### Hours Mon.          Off Tues.          Off Weds.        12pm - 8pm Thurs.        12pm - 8pm Fri.              12pm - 8pm Sat.             12pm - 8pm Sunday      Off Contact [+1-614-332-4336](tel:+1-614-332-4336) [tatsbywes97@gmail.com](mailto:tatsbywes97@gmail.com) ##### Fresh ink makes a great gift.  Why not surprise your loved ones with gift certificates for tattoo sessions! [Buy Wes Bucks](https://tatsbywes.com/wes-bucks?hsLang=en) #### Menu - [Home](https://tatsbywes.com) - [My Work](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-examples) - [FAQ](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-faq) - [Tattoo Styles](https://tatsbywes.com/tattoo-styles) - [Blog](https://tatsbywes.com/blog) - [First Responder Special](https://tatsbywes.com/first-responders) - [Contact](https://tatsbywes.com/contact) #### Find Me Here [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wes.athleteforge/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wes_tattoos_columbus/) #### Locations [TatsbyWes @ Sacred Hand Tattoo Society](https://goo.gl/maps/2SayhPsrRVgRo2gE8) [960 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://goo.gl/maps/2SayhPsrRVgRo2gE8) ©2024 All rights reserved.