If you’re already in or plan on visiting Florence and you have always wanted a tattoo, Sweaty Betty’s is the place to go. When is there a better time for a tattoo than on vacation in Italy? They design custom tattoos, from large and intricate pieces to small, single-needle pieces. The thing that I found the most special about this shop in particular is how much time and effort the tattoo artists put into each and every customer. They are extremely talented and humble artists’ that want you to have the best experience possible.
Tattoos in Italy
The modern tattoo arrived in Europe in the late 18th century. By the mid-nineteenth century, tattoo fever had touched at least 15% of the population. A lot of groups that consisted of factory workers, artisans, political associations and cults got tattoos and used them to create cohesion and enhance their recognition. This is around the time that the first tattoo shops were born, according to The Tattoo Shop. http://www.thetattooshop.it/en/history
The acceptance of tattooing as a form of art and expression began to grow and has continued to climb the social hierarchy. The acceptance was started through the use of movies, news, cartoons, rock music and fashion. These platforms allowed tattoos to be seen as a real form of art. Today, tattooing is more popular and accepted than it has ever been. The rise in popularity has placed tattoo artists in the category of “fine artist,” according to Power Verbs. http://www.powerverbs.com/tattooyou/history.htm
From around 1980 on, tattoo techniques and materials have been refined due to the arrival of diverse tattoo artists.
History of the shop
The shop opened in April of 2017 and has been successful ever since. They get a good mixture of both tourists and locals.
I am in Florence for a month and I decided to that I wanted to get a tattoo in Italian to remember my trip by. If you have the same idea than Sweaty Betty’s is the way to go. I found this shop on yelp and decided to check it out because it was rated number one in Florence. If you look it up you will find nothing but good reviews and comments discussing how great the service is.
How the process works once you step inside
Right when you walk in you are greeted by one of the artists. They ask if you want to make an appointment or if they have time they offer to do the tattoo right then and there. If you do decide to make an appointment its simple. You just pick a date and time that fits into their schedule. You write down what it is that you want and you give them your information. You also have to leave a 10 euro deposit in case you miss or cancel the appointment at the last minute. You can email, direct message on Instagram, or text them on WhatsApp to discuss your tattoo before the appointment to ensure that everything is in order.
The owners name is Paul and he is very fluent in English and Italian. He is really helpful at translating exactly what you want to the other artists that aren’t quite as fluent as him. If you have never gotten a tattoo before Sweaty Betty’s does an incredible job at making you feel comfortable and excited throughout your session.
On the day you get your tattoo plan on wearing something that will keep the area to be tattooed exposed. If that is not possible try wearing something that you can easily take on and off. It is a good idea to show up to your appointment early and to ensure that you have cash to tip your tattoo artist with. Before beginning, they disinfect and remove any hair that covers the area. Next, they place the tattoo stencil on your skin. Don’t be afraid to move the stencil around as much as you want until you are satisfied with the placement. Remember, it’s going to be on your body forever! Once you decide you are happy with the placement, it’s time to get tattooed. After they have finished, they clean the area, wrap it up and instruct you on how to take care of it properly. It is important that you leave a tip for them when you pay at the end to thank them for their amazing service.
I was talking to another customer while I was waiting to set up my appointment and he told me he is from Florence and has already gotten three tattoos from Sweaty Betty’s. He assured me that it is a good tattoo shop and that the artists are very talented.
I talked to another study abroad student, Drew, that got a tattoo from Sweaty Betty's. He was extremely satisfied with the whole process and with the way the tattoo turned out.
The starting base price of a tattoo is 80 euro and then gets more expensive the more intricate the tattoo gets.
It is located in the center of Florence, near Ponte Vecchio in Piazza della Passera. It can be a little tricky to locate at first but if you call the shop they are willing to walk to the bar in the piazza to show you the way.
Their Instagram handle is @sweatybettystattoo and their website is www.sweatybettystattoo.com/ Here you can find all the information you need about the shop. They provide you with more information on how to locate their shop, contact information and a gallery full of tattoos they have done.
Getting a tattoo can be scary, it’s important to find a place that you feel comfortable in with tattoo artists that understand your vision. Sweaty Betty’s is an amazing place with great employees. You will completely understand why they are rated number one on yelp if you stop by for a consultation.
What is a better souvenir then a great tattoo that you’ll cherish forever?
Tip: It is better to call and make an appointment first to ensure that all of the artists aren’t already busy. Although they are very accommodating, sometimes it is impossible to fit in last minute walk-ins.
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