Jennifer Boehlke: Juicing Clients in Tattoo World

I really enjoyed the conversation and emphasis put on body art as a form of communication in class. Boehlke's article/ethnography highlighting the "juicing" seen in today's tattoo and piercing shops made me take a look back at my own experiences. She was absolutely correct in outlining the six major worries that prospective clients have about body art. Of course I worried about the permanence of the tattoo, cost, possible infection, quality, pain, and my privacy in the shop (considering I had to go without a shirt for the entire 7 hour ordeal), but my tattoo artist found ways to get me through all of the above. It didn't take "flirt juice" to reel me in, but the "I'll take care of you" juice is what kept me in the swing of things. I'll admit that money was not a big part of our discussion when deciding on my tattoo, but my personal opinion is that I refuse to bargain with someone that is permanently altering my appearance. Honestly, the price was just a range until the piece was finished then we settled on a final payment. Reading about this shop made me rethink my experience and the "This shit is dope" phrase used to explain the "during tattoo juice" definitely rang a bell. I couldn't count how many times I was told by numerous workers that the tattoo was definitely "one of a kind," "amazing," and "the shit." I have referred countless friends, family members, and coworkers to the tiny shop I went to so I'd say that the employees there were professional "juicers!"