“HOW TO GET TATTOOED”
by Isreal Caine
(note about author… Caine is a professional tattooist of 7 years with 10 years of experience with the industry, working at Inu Tattoo in San Diego, California. Online portfolio and FAQ can be viewed at WWW.BONEDEEP.NET)
So… You want to get tattooed. Great! This can be a rewarding and life-enriching experience... IF done right. Knowing HOW to get tattooed is key to being happy with this decision. I hope in the following paragraphs to help you, as a potential client, learn the skills necessary to get a good tattoo, one you can live with.
People get tattooed for a number of reasons… some good, some not so good. Tattoos can be a scrapbook of a person’s life. They tell us about the wearer’s loves, hates, hopes, fears, accomplishments, and regrets. They can be purely decorative. They can tell where a person is from or where they want to be. . It may be done as a way of being “different” or “rebellious”, or fitting into a larger group identity..
Ideally, they are applied in an attractive way, by a knowledgeable artist, fitting the body and personality of the wearer, with an enduring personal significance and a timeless style that will not go out with the current trend. Tattoos of this type are seldom regretted and can be empowering points of pride for their owners. I don’t know one person with a good quality, appropriately sized, and personally significant tattoo they wish they hadn’t gotten.
For many, however, this is an impulsive act, one eventually regretted for that very reason. Often, not much thought is put into the design’s significance or its overall effect on one’s self-image. Too many times, tattoos are gotten because they are fashionable. The problem is, fashions change, and unlike other fashion accessories, you have to keep your tattoo.
This is why it’s important to know HOW to get tattooed. For many, this is a daunting and confusing endeavor, especially the first time. After all, it’s permanent. This idea alone can be nerve-racking enough. Most people never do anything permanent. Half of marriages nowadays are far less than that, and the idea of committing to an aesthetic seems far tougher than committing to a soul mate.
The first step is to know your self. What are you into? What do you hold dear? What do you desire? What do you believe? What types of imagery do you find pleasing, and what part of your body would you like to accentuate with a tattoo? These are good places to start.
Placement, scale, and flow, are paramount in importance. Good tattoos, in my opinion, should look like clothing or jewelry from a respectable viewing distance. A prime example is traditional Japanese tattooing. Another would be Pacific islander. Optimally, they should read well from across the street. If so, they will age well. Badgy, small, isolated tattoos look like melanomas and only get worse with time. These should be avoided.
Then you need to decide on the imagery. Good design reference can be found anywhere; the internet, library, magazines, comic books, greeting cards, even wallpaper. This part is subjective. Look for TYPES of imagery you like, not necessarily specific tattoo designs. A good tattooist can then help you develop a basic idea in a beautiful finished piece, but he or she needs direction from you.
Next you need to find that artist… the one who can do the mental math for you, adding up your expectations and ideas to give you exactly what you never knew you wanted. Word of mouth is invaluable. If you see a tattoo you like on someone, ask who did it. Look a tattoo magazines and on the internet to find out about local tattooists. Once you’ve found a few prospects and located their studios, take some time to visit them and view their studios and portfolios.
The portfolio is key. How artists present their work speaks volumes about them professionally. Look for HEALED pictures of quality work a style that speaks to you. Look for consistent line work, smooth shading, and solid color. A tattooist will most often put their favorite work in their book, so you can see what they prefer to do or specialize in. Do not bypass this step. If you neglect to look at a portfolio, you deserve what you get. If you ask and they say “Portfolio?”… run like hell!
So there you are. You've brainstormed for weeks, gone into all the local tattoo shops, perused portfolios, chosen the "perfect" artist, AND decided on a design (WHEW!). Now you're ready to sign the waiver form and have your skin art dreams come true...right? Not just yet, there, Turbo! One very necessary part of the overall picture should be looked at before you should have ANY kind of invasive procedure done. It's always a good idea to look at the practices of your chosen artist to make sure that this isn't a decision you'll regret. If you'd be so kind as to read on, I'll tell you what you should know and look for to insure you're getting a safe tattoo.
First of all, let's discuss the risks inherent to this kind of procedure. Like any other activity that involves needles and blood, there is always the possibility of transmitting disease if proper standards are not met. Blood borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis are of greatest popular concern, with most people believing their biggest risk is "getting AIDS". In fact, HIV is hardly a concern in tattooing, mostly because of the sheer volume of blood that has to be transmitted to infect someone with the virus. HIV is also relatively weak and survives for only short time when exposed to the environment. Hepatitis, a desease that attacks the liver, is of a lot more concern, being a much heartier pathogen that requires a much smaller amount of body fluid transfer, though it should be mentioned that , according to the Centers for Disease Control, there has NEVER been a documented case of Hepatitis OR AIDS caused by a tattoo. However, there's always a first time for everything, and nobody wants to be it, so it's always a good idea to take universal precautions. Remember, too, that there are many other diseases out there that you can receive through contact with infected blood, such as tuberculosis. That's not all, though. We also have to take into account the plethora of different bacterial and fungal infections that that are just waiting for the opportunity to fester inside your brand new tattoo. So be careful...the hide you save could be your own.
The first step in this process is to ask about the studio's universal precautions...a set of practices used with each and every client to prevent infection and disease transmission (hence the term "universal"). Do they use new needles? Do they wear latex or comparable exam gloves while working? Do they use an acceptable hard surface disinfectant on all their tools and work surface in between tattoos after doing away with all disposable items (razor blades, ink, ink cups, Vaseline, plastic barriers, rubber bands, etc)? How do they sterilize their non-disposable equipment? These are the questions that you should have answered BEFORE getting tattooed or pierced...as well as any others that come to mind. Remember, it's YOUR health, and it's your responsibility. Do it for yourself as well as for your friends and loved ones. You don't want to end up an amputee Typhoid Mary, do you?
As far as sterilization goes, their are three commonly used methods... cold chemical, dry heat, and autoclave sterilization. An autoclave is a device that uses steam, heat, and pressure to kill all known microorganisms and the spores with which they reproduce and is the preferred method of sterilization, especially for equipment that has come into contact with possibly infectious body fluids. Chemical and dry heat sterilization are considered adequate for non-contaminated items (those that have not come into contact with body fluids) or items that cannot be sterilized in an autoclave, but aren't the most effective practices because the steam pressure of an autoclave (what these two methods lack) is what kills reproductive spores and gets into all the little nooks and crannies of the equipment. Autoclave sterilization takes place when clean, dry, individually packaged items are processed at 15 pounds per square inch and 250 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes at temp and pressure (though this is the most common standard, these figures vary… more heat or pressure can decrease necessary exposure time).
The next thing you should try to do is watch the tattooist work. Usually this isn't a problem and most good tattooists will actually appreciate the fact that you care enough to ask. Things that you should look for include, "Is the work area clean, organized, and well lit", "Does he wash his hands between clients", "Does he refrain from touching things like doorknobs, lights, the telephone, or radio with dirty gloves?” Increased confidence can be had with an artist who also uses plastic barriers on their power supply, tattoo machines, spray bottles, and work surface, because they cut down on gross contamination with blood and ink, therefore making clean-up between clients easier and more thorough. Great care should be taken to prevent cross contamination, which occurs when possibly infectious material from one client comes in contact with a surface and the tattooist touches that surface while working on the next, thus “cross-contaminating” from one client to another. Keep in mind that the care the artist takes with his cleanliness is a good indication of the level of care he'll take in the execution of your tattoo. There's no such thing as a good, dirty, tattooist.
If you bear these things in mind and keep you eyes peeled, asking any and all questions that come to mind, you should be fully capable of deciding whether or not your decision to get tattooed will be a good one. There are few things in this world more satisfying than having a brand-new, beautiful tattoo... except not having to worry about getting sick from it. If you need any other reason to go through all this hassle, just close your eyes (I'm waiting...) and imagine an oozing, festering, two week old fungal infection in that same tattoo and the resulting scar that will be there once it FINALLY heals. All it takes is a little time and common sense to avoid making a decision you'll regret. Isn't it worth it to insure your health and that of your loved ones?
About the Author
Caine is a professional tattooist of 7 years with 10 years of experience with the industry, working at Inu Tattoo in San Diego, California. Online portfolio and FAQ can be viewed at http://WWW.BONEDEEP.NET)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Restrict disfigurement
In the cover story of our teen section the other day, a local young man regaled readers with stories about the deep meaning of his tattoos as he received his 17th such piece of ``body art'' and displayed his pierced tongue for a reporter.
No longer the province of sailors, bikers and convicts, tattoos are one of those fads with great attraction to teens, who by nature are drawn to skate close to the edge of propriety while approaching the limits of adulthood.
Fortunately, there are limits. Tattoo parlors are outlawed in South Carolina altogether; and teens in Georgia must wait until age 18 to have their skins injected with ink. For something that literally lasts a lifetime, it's not too much to ask for such a decision to be postponed until legal (if not actual) adulthood.
But tattoos aren't the limit to bodily disfigurement: body piercing is a fashion rage, with branding and ``ritual scarring'' on the rise. These procedures are largely unregulated - with no sanitary safeguards or minimum-age rules.
It's just about impossible to convince a teen that appearance, particularly on first impression, can have an immediate, detrimental effect on his or her ability to earn a living. Bizarre personal ornamentation sends a rebellious message that most businesses want no part of.
With no law in place requiring parental consent, there's little to prevent misguided kids from making momentously ruinous decisions (which mom and dad may find out about only when they have to pay for a trip to the doctor to treat subsequent infections).
The Peach and Palmetto state legislatures next year should look into expanding the tattoo laws to cover these new forms of destructive ornamentation, at least requiring the human canvas to reach legal adulthood before subjecting him- or herself to some iron-wielding ``artist.''
Some kid's productive future may depend on it.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/120996/tattoo.html
No longer the province of sailors, bikers and convicts, tattoos are one of those fads with great attraction to teens, who by nature are drawn to skate close to the edge of propriety while approaching the limits of adulthood.
Fortunately, there are limits. Tattoo parlors are outlawed in South Carolina altogether; and teens in Georgia must wait until age 18 to have their skins injected with ink. For something that literally lasts a lifetime, it's not too much to ask for such a decision to be postponed until legal (if not actual) adulthood.
But tattoos aren't the limit to bodily disfigurement: body piercing is a fashion rage, with branding and ``ritual scarring'' on the rise. These procedures are largely unregulated - with no sanitary safeguards or minimum-age rules.
It's just about impossible to convince a teen that appearance, particularly on first impression, can have an immediate, detrimental effect on his or her ability to earn a living. Bizarre personal ornamentation sends a rebellious message that most businesses want no part of.
With no law in place requiring parental consent, there's little to prevent misguided kids from making momentously ruinous decisions (which mom and dad may find out about only when they have to pay for a trip to the doctor to treat subsequent infections).
The Peach and Palmetto state legislatures next year should look into expanding the tattoo laws to cover these new forms of destructive ornamentation, at least requiring the human canvas to reach legal adulthood before subjecting him- or herself to some iron-wielding ``artist.''
Some kid's productive future may depend on it.
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/120996/tattoo.html
Tattoos leave mark
The number of middle- and upper-class professionals who are getting tattoos these days is turning the once "shady" business into a booming and reputable industry. While negative stereotypes still abound, the tattoo industry is quickly dispelling the past beliefs that only "tough guys" have tattoos.
Celebrity Tattoo in Lakewood is one tattoo shop that is leading the way. "I want to change the way people view tattooing," said owner Zeke Pusateri, who started his first tattoo shop in 1978 and has since seen tattoos gain acceptance with a much wider audience. "It's becoming mainstream. We have clients from all walks of life."
When visiting Celebrity Tattoo, patrons are greeted by a fish pond and hanging plants; artwork adorns the waiting room, furnished with comfortable couches -- the setting more like a dental office than tattoo parlors of old.
The tattooists themselves are indeed professionals, all having completed apprenticeships, and many have studied graphic arts.
"We have created a serious, professional business for tattoo connoisseurs, as well as first-timers. People feel comfortable here," said Pusateri, who hopes to expand his tattoo business from the metro area into Breckenridge, taking the tattoo industry to the tourist trade.
Vicki Weskamp, a buyer's assistant for the Jefferson County School District, has two angel tattoos, one on each shoulder, representing her daughters. "A tattoo should be something that has meaning to you," she said. "It's a piece of art that you display on yourself. It should reflect who you are."
Some of Celebrity Tattoo's other clients include a computer professional who had a computer chip tattooed on his back and a bicycle racer who had a bike tire tattooed on his back.
"In the past, rebels got tattoos. Now it's an art form," said Debbie Kennington, creative services manager.
The professionalism of the people giving the tattoos is helping to change the industry's image as well. To become a bona fide tattoo artist, an apprenticeship is required with an experienced tattoo artist. "Apprenticeships can last a few years, depending on how hard you work," said Sheri Matlack, a local tattoo artist. Apprentices must maintain cleanliness standards, have a good attitude and possess a background in art.
"Anyone can tattoo, but to become a tattoo artist you must have talent and training," she said.
With 1,000 members, the National Tattoo Association is dedicated to upgrading the profession and ensuring quality standards.
"We only sell to people who are referred to us. We don't want our equipment in the hands of disreputable tattooists," said Donna Grau, manager of an equipment supplier for the tattoo industry and a member of NTA. "We only sell to artists who work out of a storefront studio, and who have done apprenticeships."
The embodiment of art
Traditionally, tattoo clientele has consisted of truckers, bikers and other "bad-boy" personalities, but that's changing. "There's still that tough guy, image to contend with. It's mostly just with older people. Some are actually scared of us," said Chris Weskamp, who sports nature, animal and American Indian tattoos.
"Tattoos are a lot more common than you might think. Many people get them in places they can conceal," said his wife, Vicki Weskamp. The couple got their first tattoos a few months ago and are adding to their collections regularly.
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/1998/11/02/smallb2.html/
Celebrity Tattoo in Lakewood is one tattoo shop that is leading the way. "I want to change the way people view tattooing," said owner Zeke Pusateri, who started his first tattoo shop in 1978 and has since seen tattoos gain acceptance with a much wider audience. "It's becoming mainstream. We have clients from all walks of life."
When visiting Celebrity Tattoo, patrons are greeted by a fish pond and hanging plants; artwork adorns the waiting room, furnished with comfortable couches -- the setting more like a dental office than tattoo parlors of old.
The tattooists themselves are indeed professionals, all having completed apprenticeships, and many have studied graphic arts.
"We have created a serious, professional business for tattoo connoisseurs, as well as first-timers. People feel comfortable here," said Pusateri, who hopes to expand his tattoo business from the metro area into Breckenridge, taking the tattoo industry to the tourist trade.
Vicki Weskamp, a buyer's assistant for the Jefferson County School District, has two angel tattoos, one on each shoulder, representing her daughters. "A tattoo should be something that has meaning to you," she said. "It's a piece of art that you display on yourself. It should reflect who you are."
Some of Celebrity Tattoo's other clients include a computer professional who had a computer chip tattooed on his back and a bicycle racer who had a bike tire tattooed on his back.
"In the past, rebels got tattoos. Now it's an art form," said Debbie Kennington, creative services manager.
The professionalism of the people giving the tattoos is helping to change the industry's image as well. To become a bona fide tattoo artist, an apprenticeship is required with an experienced tattoo artist. "Apprenticeships can last a few years, depending on how hard you work," said Sheri Matlack, a local tattoo artist. Apprentices must maintain cleanliness standards, have a good attitude and possess a background in art.
"Anyone can tattoo, but to become a tattoo artist you must have talent and training," she said.
With 1,000 members, the National Tattoo Association is dedicated to upgrading the profession and ensuring quality standards.
"We only sell to people who are referred to us. We don't want our equipment in the hands of disreputable tattooists," said Donna Grau, manager of an equipment supplier for the tattoo industry and a member of NTA. "We only sell to artists who work out of a storefront studio, and who have done apprenticeships."
The embodiment of art
Traditionally, tattoo clientele has consisted of truckers, bikers and other "bad-boy" personalities, but that's changing. "There's still that tough guy, image to contend with. It's mostly just with older people. Some are actually scared of us," said Chris Weskamp, who sports nature, animal and American Indian tattoos.
"Tattoos are a lot more common than you might think. Many people get them in places they can conceal," said his wife, Vicki Weskamp. The couple got their first tattoos a few months ago and are adding to their collections regularly.
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/1998/11/02/smallb2.html/
Top 11 Paying and Most Searched Keywords on Google and Yahoo
If you have a website, write articles, or want to profit through an affiliate program than this is gold to you! These keywords are the actual top 11 on the internet. Use them and you are on your way to increased traffic, profits and results. Here they are and a little about each to help you on your way.
1) Paris Hilton. Whether we like it or not Paris and her wild lifestyle are here to stay as she is now considered one of the biggest stars. She is sought after by almost every fashion designer and her keywords will do well with any fashion or clothing content.
2) Google. Well, this one is obvious as Google is the largest search engine (regardless what Yahoo says). Being that Google is a search engine it can be used in any content, but works best with relation to websites, search engines, computers and software.
3) Yahoo. The second largest search engine and distant second on Pay per Click campaigns - very, very distant at that. The same will work for Yahoo. Stick with computer related material and you will do well.
4) Ebay. The worlds largest marketplace and auction. Ebay, for the most part is a wholesale marketplace. It is ruled by feedback and can give you a good idea as to the real value of a car (check Ebay motors). On Ebay anything goes including people selling tattoo advertising on themselves. In other words, anything can be linked to Ebay in one way or another. Yes, there is even porn on Ebay.
5)Eminem. Yes, the real slim shady is back. According to R and B and rap he never left as he is the number one rapper currently. If you need content on current music or teen and young adult topics Eminem is sure to bring you visitors.
6) Britney Spears. She was the hottest pinup for teens and preteens, but now she is probably pregnant again. I wonder why Kevin Federline didn't make the list - is it that he isn't a good singer? Britney is great for adolescent or music related content.
7) mapquest. Want to know where something is or how to get there. Being that we are getting closer to summer people are plotting out there vacations. Or, maybe, due to increasing gas prices thanks to George Bush, maybe they are figuring that its too far and will cost too much in gas. I bet if Hillary Clinton were President these gas prices wouldn't be any higher than $1.60 per gallon. These high gas prices have to do with the Bush family and their ties to big oil and energy. See, Mapquest can be linked to just about any content you want if you just try a little.
8) Tsunami. Even though the big one is over. Relief efforts are still in effect and so are the relief efforts for Katrina. Hint - these people still need lots of help. Tsunami is probably a big keyword due to the recent specials on TV about the next possible tsunami that might hit America. People are concerned and interested over these large scale natural disasters. When is the next earthquake going to hit California, will atsunami hit New York, and what will this hurricane season bring?
9) Girls. Yes, of course. There are millions of perverts and closet perverts out there that are a little over-fascinated with girls. As Donald Trump once said, "sex sells." Yes it does and nothing sells better than women or girls. They can sell anything including the worst items in infomercials and complete scams. A beautiful girl just needs to show a little cleavage and TV ratings soar. Just think what girls can do for your content.
10) American Idol. This is the top rated TV show and its in its 5th or 6th season. It has launched one star - Kelly Clarkson and a bunch of duds. Randy, Paula and simon have now become household names along with Ryan Seacrest. Any content you can tie into the current cast will do well. The previous casts should be avoided as they will soon go back to karaoke and such at local bars.
11) Skin care and skin treatment. This has always been a big one with women. It has been rumored that women will go without food before they will go without makeup and such. Just ask any department store how important skin care and skin treatment products are to their bottem line. Watch Shop NBC - almost every product on there has something to do with skin care and skin treatment for women. There are a wide variety of topics you can easily talk about here from the latest in laser therapy at dermatology offices and at home TCA skin peels for treating acne and wrinkles. Acne is and always will be a big topic as will wrinkles and their respective treatments.
There you have it the top 11 keywords on the internet from Paris Hilton to skin care and skin treatment to Google and American Idol. All with tips on how to use them to make your content have more impact and drive more traffic.
About the Author
1) Paris Hilton. Whether we like it or not Paris and her wild lifestyle are here to stay as she is now considered one of the biggest stars. She is sought after by almost every fashion designer and her keywords will do well with any fashion or clothing content.
2) Google. Well, this one is obvious as Google is the largest search engine (regardless what Yahoo says). Being that Google is a search engine it can be used in any content, but works best with relation to websites, search engines, computers and software.
3) Yahoo. The second largest search engine and distant second on Pay per Click campaigns - very, very distant at that. The same will work for Yahoo. Stick with computer related material and you will do well.
4) Ebay. The worlds largest marketplace and auction. Ebay, for the most part is a wholesale marketplace. It is ruled by feedback and can give you a good idea as to the real value of a car (check Ebay motors). On Ebay anything goes including people selling tattoo advertising on themselves. In other words, anything can be linked to Ebay in one way or another. Yes, there is even porn on Ebay.
5)Eminem. Yes, the real slim shady is back. According to R and B and rap he never left as he is the number one rapper currently. If you need content on current music or teen and young adult topics Eminem is sure to bring you visitors.
6) Britney Spears. She was the hottest pinup for teens and preteens, but now she is probably pregnant again. I wonder why Kevin Federline didn't make the list - is it that he isn't a good singer? Britney is great for adolescent or music related content.
7) mapquest. Want to know where something is or how to get there. Being that we are getting closer to summer people are plotting out there vacations. Or, maybe, due to increasing gas prices thanks to George Bush, maybe they are figuring that its too far and will cost too much in gas. I bet if Hillary Clinton were President these gas prices wouldn't be any higher than $1.60 per gallon. These high gas prices have to do with the Bush family and their ties to big oil and energy. See, Mapquest can be linked to just about any content you want if you just try a little.
8) Tsunami. Even though the big one is over. Relief efforts are still in effect and so are the relief efforts for Katrina. Hint - these people still need lots of help. Tsunami is probably a big keyword due to the recent specials on TV about the next possible tsunami that might hit America. People are concerned and interested over these large scale natural disasters. When is the next earthquake going to hit California, will atsunami hit New York, and what will this hurricane season bring?
9) Girls. Yes, of course. There are millions of perverts and closet perverts out there that are a little over-fascinated with girls. As Donald Trump once said, "sex sells." Yes it does and nothing sells better than women or girls. They can sell anything including the worst items in infomercials and complete scams. A beautiful girl just needs to show a little cleavage and TV ratings soar. Just think what girls can do for your content.
10) American Idol. This is the top rated TV show and its in its 5th or 6th season. It has launched one star - Kelly Clarkson and a bunch of duds. Randy, Paula and simon have now become household names along with Ryan Seacrest. Any content you can tie into the current cast will do well. The previous casts should be avoided as they will soon go back to karaoke and such at local bars.
11) Skin care and skin treatment. This has always been a big one with women. It has been rumored that women will go without food before they will go without makeup and such. Just ask any department store how important skin care and skin treatment products are to their bottem line. Watch Shop NBC - almost every product on there has something to do with skin care and skin treatment for women. There are a wide variety of topics you can easily talk about here from the latest in laser therapy at dermatology offices and at home TCA skin peels for treating acne and wrinkles. Acne is and always will be a big topic as will wrinkles and their respective treatments.
There you have it the top 11 keywords on the internet from Paris Hilton to skin care and skin treatment to Google and American Idol. All with tips on how to use them to make your content have more impact and drive more traffic.
About the Author
David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels and other for doctors offices and medispas. He can be reached at: Bestskinpeel.com
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