The main focus of the tattoo application today is safety. Any puncture wound, this is what a tattoo machine is doing to your skin, bares the potential for an infection or disease.
The best and only acceptable method to sterilize tattoo equipment today is an Autoclave. An autoclave is a heat, steam and pressure unit, also used in hospitals, achieving and maintaining up to 132 degrees Celsius (270 degrees Fahrenheit) under 7 Kilograms (15 pounds) of pressure for 15 minutes. Others maintain 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) under 5 Kilograms (10 Pounds) of pressure for 30 minutes. Most autoclave are running 55 minutes from a cold start to ensure a complete sterilization. To eliminate the possibility of contamination almost all tattooing materials like ink cubs, needles, ink, gloves etc. are just used only once but there are some reusable materials as the tube or the needle bar which must be sterilized. They are put into special pouches with indicator strips on them and then left in the autoclave for a complete circle. The indicator strips change the color once the sterilization is completed. Sterilizing with an autoclave ensures killing every living microorganism. The sterilization usually takes place before the customer comes into the parlor and will probably not be seen by him. The only thing you will see is the pouch the needle bars were sterilized in, but this will be explained more exactly later on.
Other tattooing equipment like spray bottles, clip cords and the tattoo machine itself is supposed to be covered by plastic bags to prevent contamination.
Before beginning the actual procedure of tattooing itself the artist will wash his hands and disinfect his working area with an EPA approved disinfective, put on new gloves and follows this guidelines:
* He puts new plastic bags over the spay bottles, the tattoo machine and the other equipment described above.
* Takes out new ink caps and puts tattoo ink in them.
* Opens up a sealed pouch autoclave sterilized equipment and clamps it onto the tattoo machine.
* Disinfects and shaves the area to be tattooed.
* Moistens the area and places a stencil with the outlines of the tattoo on it.
After taking of the stencil again he will let it dry for a couple of minutes and the start the actual tattooing procedure.
Depending on the width of the outlines the artist uses different tipped needles and starts going over the stencil with the machine. Right handed artists usually start at the bottom of the right hand side and work up, while left handed artists usually start from the left side so the stencil of the outlines won't be lost when cleaning a permanent line. For outline work a thinner ink is usually used than the ink for shading and coloring because it can be easier wiped away from the skin without smearing. As he is going over the stencil and is working the ink into the skin, the tattoo machine is buzzing and smooth clear lines should be appearing where the needle pierces the skin.
Once the outlines are done the tattooed area is cleaned with antiseptic soap and water. If needed the artist will go over some outlines again to make sure the outlines are the way they are supposed to be.
After that and possibly a little break the shading is added. For the shading he will use a different needle and probably a different machine than he used for the outlines. Each artist works differently and using a different machine is up to the artist depending on her or his experience and preference.
When the shading is done the tattooed area is cleaned again and is now ready for color. When applying the color, the artists usually goes twice over each colored line to ensure a solid and even coloration with no "Holidays". On uneven looking areas the color has either faded during the healing process or the artist missed an area of the skin. This does not mean he or she did a bad job, it's just that you can't really see those spots during the application.
After the coloration the tattoo is sprayed and cleaned again. The artist will then use a disposable towel to remove any blood and plasma excreted during the tattooing procedure. Bleeding always occurs during tattooing even under normal circumstances, but most of it stops after a few minutes. If alcohol or illegal drugs have been used prior or during the process the bleeding could hold on longer and there could be other complications. No tattoo artist will tattoo a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs anyway.
When done cleaning the tattooed area for the last time, the artist will then apply a bandage over the tattoo to prevent it from bleeding any more, getting blood and still excreting tattoo ink on your clothes. This bandage is supposed to be taken off about 2 hours after completion.
http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/applying_a_tattoo.htm
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Risks Of Tattooing
This is a list of the primary complications that could result from tattooing:
Infection
Infectious diseases such as hepatitis could be transmitted when using unsterile tattooing equipment and needles. It is extremely important that all the tattooing equipment is sterilized properly. Proper sterilization will always be the case when choosing a professional tattoo parlor. In addition it also very important that the person who receives the tattoo must take proper care of the tattooed area for the first two weeks to avoid any complications.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to tattoo ink and tattoo pigments are really rare. If they happen though, it could be particularly troublesome because the pigments can hardly be removed. Even if the person who developed an allergic reaction to the pigments undergoes laser surgery, he or she could have them for months. The reason why this takes so long is the immune system, which "flushes" the rest of the pigments out of the body after the laser surgery, takes several months to finish this process.
Removal Problems
Regardless of the advances in modern laser technology, tattoo removal is still a painstaking process. It usually take several treatments and involves considerable expenses. Still, complete removal is possible without leaving any scars due to the always enhancing laser techniques.
Keloid Formation
In case you don't know, keloids are scars that grow beyond normal boundaries. If you are prone to developing keloids you are at risk of developing keloids when getting a tattoo. Keloids can form anytime you injure or traumatize your skin. According to the Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC), tattooing or micropigmentation is a form of trauma, but in recent studies dermatologists state that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.
Granulomas
Granulomas are nodules that form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
MRI Complications
There have been some reports of people with tattoos and permanent makeup having problems involving swelling or burning in the tattooed areas when undergoing MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This occurs very rarely and without any lasting effects.
The cause of this complications is still uncertain but some dermatologists say this could be the result of an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments. However, the risk of avoiding an MRI is much higher than the possible risk of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Inform the radiologist or technician of the fact that you have a tattoo in order to avoid complications, and assure the best results.
http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/risks_of_tattooing.htm
Infection
Infectious diseases such as hepatitis could be transmitted when using unsterile tattooing equipment and needles. It is extremely important that all the tattooing equipment is sterilized properly. Proper sterilization will always be the case when choosing a professional tattoo parlor. In addition it also very important that the person who receives the tattoo must take proper care of the tattooed area for the first two weeks to avoid any complications.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to tattoo ink and tattoo pigments are really rare. If they happen though, it could be particularly troublesome because the pigments can hardly be removed. Even if the person who developed an allergic reaction to the pigments undergoes laser surgery, he or she could have them for months. The reason why this takes so long is the immune system, which "flushes" the rest of the pigments out of the body after the laser surgery, takes several months to finish this process.
Removal Problems
Regardless of the advances in modern laser technology, tattoo removal is still a painstaking process. It usually take several treatments and involves considerable expenses. Still, complete removal is possible without leaving any scars due to the always enhancing laser techniques.
Keloid Formation
In case you don't know, keloids are scars that grow beyond normal boundaries. If you are prone to developing keloids you are at risk of developing keloids when getting a tattoo. Keloids can form anytime you injure or traumatize your skin. According to the Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC), tattooing or micropigmentation is a form of trauma, but in recent studies dermatologists state that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal.
Granulomas
Granulomas are nodules that form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
MRI Complications
There have been some reports of people with tattoos and permanent makeup having problems involving swelling or burning in the tattooed areas when undergoing MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This occurs very rarely and without any lasting effects.
The cause of this complications is still uncertain but some dermatologists say this could be the result of an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments. However, the risk of avoiding an MRI is much higher than the possible risk of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Inform the radiologist or technician of the fact that you have a tattoo in order to avoid complications, and assure the best results.
http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/risks_of_tattooing.htm
The Meaning Of Tattoos
The practice of tattoos and tattooing means different things in different cultures. In early years the most common reason for getting tattooed seems be Decoration, which is still the most common reason today.
In some cultures tattoos where used as an Identification of the wearer's status in a group. This is still done today by most tribes in Africa, Australia and the South Seas. In certain cultures you can't get a tattoo just because you want one. You will have to earn it. Boys reaching manhood receive one to mark this special occasion, different styles are applied when men get married and so on. Mokos, Polynesian and Maori facial tattoos, are just applied on Warriors after they did something brave and heroic for the tribe.
The ancient romans for example used to tattoo their slaves and criminals to recognize them easier and it was the same with most of the Jews in WWII. Tahitian tattoos were used to tell the story of the wearer's life and served as Rites Of Passage.
The tattoo culture we have now in the western hemisphere began with sailors traveling to exotic foreign lands collecting tattoos in every harbor they were stationed. The different motives they were carrying showed the different places they were stationed. A dragon, for instance, meant the wearer served on a station in China or Japan. Tattoo parlors started to shoot out of the ground in every port city around the globe.
http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/the_meaning_of_tattoos.htm
In some cultures tattoos where used as an Identification of the wearer's status in a group. This is still done today by most tribes in Africa, Australia and the South Seas. In certain cultures you can't get a tattoo just because you want one. You will have to earn it. Boys reaching manhood receive one to mark this special occasion, different styles are applied when men get married and so on. Mokos, Polynesian and Maori facial tattoos, are just applied on Warriors after they did something brave and heroic for the tribe.
The ancient romans for example used to tattoo their slaves and criminals to recognize them easier and it was the same with most of the Jews in WWII. Tahitian tattoos were used to tell the story of the wearer's life and served as Rites Of Passage.
The tattoo culture we have now in the western hemisphere began with sailors traveling to exotic foreign lands collecting tattoos in every harbor they were stationed. The different motives they were carrying showed the different places they were stationed. A dragon, for instance, meant the wearer served on a station in China or Japan. Tattoo parlors started to shoot out of the ground in every port city around the globe.
http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/the_meaning_of_tattoos.htm
Tips on How To Get Started As An Tattoo Artist.
Tattooing is traditionally an apprenticeship based art.
Apprenticeships last approximately three years before they are considered professional artists. You are making permanent, often visible changes to another human being and if proper procedure isn't followed, you could be jeopardizing that client's health and emotional well-being. By taking advantage of the knowledge of experienced, professional artists, you will avoid many costly mistakes. Unfortunately it is very hard to get one because very few proffesional tattoo artists wil give away their "Sectrets" to anybody.
Still, there is a chance of getting into one of those apprenticeships and here are a couple of tips what to do:
First of all you should put together a kick ass portfolio, anything reflecting your skills with composition, color and line work. Take your time with creating the flash and have at least two sets of flash ready when you walk into a studio. One set, about 5 pages, in black & white and another set, another 5 pages, in color. The sheets should not be smaller than 14x11 inches. As i said take your time with drawing the flash and be as creative as you can be. Tattoo artists always like to check out new flashes and if you did a good job and impressed him you might have a better chance of getting the apprenticeship. A good artist will see right away if you have the potential to become an artist yourself.
After you're done drawing the flashes start visiting local studios and talk to the shopowners. Here is a little tip for what to say and what to do, too.
Make sure you check out the studio a couple of days before you walk in there asking for an apprenticeship. Check out if the artists are friendly, if the shop is a professional one, if they have any pics hanging on the walls of recently done work so you can get an idea of how the quality of the studio all together is. If somebody asks you if you need some help just say you are looking around. When walking into the shop asking for the apprenticeship make sure the shop is not to crowded. If it is just wait and go there another day cause they might say "We don't need anybody" to you, just because they are to busy at the moment and don't have time to talk to you.
Make a bunch of copies of your flashes and walk into the studio of your choice. Ask for the person in charge and let them know you have some tattoo flash for sale. As I said above, atrists always like to check out new flash so make sure they accidently see them already when you walk into the studio. Don't throw the sheets on the counter or right into his face, just carry them around in your hand, not covered by anything like an envelope so everybody in the shop can see it. But remember, you are there to get an apprenticeship not to make money of tattoo flash, so if they are interested in the flash, keep the price low. If you already got into talking about your flash, mention that you are looking for an apprenticeship and if they are looking for somebody to work in the studio. Your attidude is also important when talking to the artist. Don't be a smart ass and tell him "You Know" when he is talking to you because you don't know, otherwise you wouldn't be there asking for an apprenticeship. Just be friendly, confident and show interest. The rest is up to the artist and your work.
Don't be dissapointed if it doesen't work in the first studio you walk into. Make sure you leave your name and number at the studio and tell them to give you a call if they ever needed somebody.
As I said above it will not be easy to get an apprenticeship at a tattoo parlor but it's not impossible. Still, you will get a lot of "no's" but keep trying and be persistent. The hardest part is to get the artist looking at your artwork and the tips above might help you out. But the most important part is your work, so make sure you do the best you can
http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/tips_on_how_to_get_started_as_an_tattoo_artist.htm
Apprenticeships last approximately three years before they are considered professional artists. You are making permanent, often visible changes to another human being and if proper procedure isn't followed, you could be jeopardizing that client's health and emotional well-being. By taking advantage of the knowledge of experienced, professional artists, you will avoid many costly mistakes. Unfortunately it is very hard to get one because very few proffesional tattoo artists wil give away their "Sectrets" to anybody.
Still, there is a chance of getting into one of those apprenticeships and here are a couple of tips what to do:
First of all you should put together a kick ass portfolio, anything reflecting your skills with composition, color and line work. Take your time with creating the flash and have at least two sets of flash ready when you walk into a studio. One set, about 5 pages, in black & white and another set, another 5 pages, in color. The sheets should not be smaller than 14x11 inches. As i said take your time with drawing the flash and be as creative as you can be. Tattoo artists always like to check out new flashes and if you did a good job and impressed him you might have a better chance of getting the apprenticeship. A good artist will see right away if you have the potential to become an artist yourself.
After you're done drawing the flashes start visiting local studios and talk to the shopowners. Here is a little tip for what to say and what to do, too.
Make sure you check out the studio a couple of days before you walk in there asking for an apprenticeship. Check out if the artists are friendly, if the shop is a professional one, if they have any pics hanging on the walls of recently done work so you can get an idea of how the quality of the studio all together is. If somebody asks you if you need some help just say you are looking around. When walking into the shop asking for the apprenticeship make sure the shop is not to crowded. If it is just wait and go there another day cause they might say "We don't need anybody" to you, just because they are to busy at the moment and don't have time to talk to you.
Make a bunch of copies of your flashes and walk into the studio of your choice. Ask for the person in charge and let them know you have some tattoo flash for sale. As I said above, atrists always like to check out new flash so make sure they accidently see them already when you walk into the studio. Don't throw the sheets on the counter or right into his face, just carry them around in your hand, not covered by anything like an envelope so everybody in the shop can see it. But remember, you are there to get an apprenticeship not to make money of tattoo flash, so if they are interested in the flash, keep the price low. If you already got into talking about your flash, mention that you are looking for an apprenticeship and if they are looking for somebody to work in the studio. Your attidude is also important when talking to the artist. Don't be a smart ass and tell him "You Know" when he is talking to you because you don't know, otherwise you wouldn't be there asking for an apprenticeship. Just be friendly, confident and show interest. The rest is up to the artist and your work.
Don't be dissapointed if it doesen't work in the first studio you walk into. Make sure you leave your name and number at the studio and tell them to give you a call if they ever needed somebody.
As I said above it will not be easy to get an apprenticeship at a tattoo parlor but it's not impossible. Still, you will get a lot of "no's" but keep trying and be persistent. The hardest part is to get the artist looking at your artwork and the tips above might help you out. But the most important part is your work, so make sure you do the best you can
http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/tips_on_how_to_get_started_as_an_tattoo_artist.htm
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