What should a tattoo artist do before starting a tattoo on a client?

Before beginning a tattoo on a client, it is crucial for the tattoo artist to wash their hands, put on gloves, and prepare a sterile working area. This practice ensures that the environment is clean and reduces the risk of infection, which is paramount in any procedure that involves breaking the skin.

By washing hands, the tattoo artist removes any potential contaminants that could lead to complications. Gloves provide an additional barrier between the artist and the skin, which helps to maintain both the artist's hygiene and the safety of the procedure. Preparing a sterile working area involves ensuring that all equipment—needles, ink, and tools—are sanitary and organized, minimizing any chance of cross-contamination during the tattoo process.

This foundational step is critical to uphold health and safety standards in the tattooing industry and to promote the well-being of clients receiving tattoos. Selecting this option emphasizes the importance of infection control and the proper procedures that should be followed in a professional tattoo setting.