This was the first year that OklahomaInk.com had the opportunity to attend the OKC Tattoo Convention although it was the second year for the event. We loaded into the OklaInk mobile and headed north to downtown Oklahoma City to enjoy the festivities.
The convention was again held in the Farmers Market in Oklahoma City. If you have never visited this location it is an amazing building. It is reminiscent of a bygone era and filled with architectural wonder. The convention was held on the second and third floors of the building and did not prove conducive to those of us that are aging. By the time our shaky knees brought us to the second landing it took a few moments to recover before proceeding into the exhibit hall.
The hall was large and the layout created for the show was well done. There was plenty of maneuverability room through the aisles and the food and bar area were easily located at the front of the room. In addition to all of the various tattoo professionals on hand there were vendors like H2Ocean, Eternal Ink, various jewelry vendors, “tobacco” bong vendors and even medical/tattoo supply companies. The Art Intensity Network was also on hand providing video coverage of the event for their Tattoo DVD series. I even caught a glimpse of some local OETA reporters lugging their camera and tripod around.
The fantastic crew of H2Ocean ran the first booth that I approached, Chris gave me a thorough walk-through of the product and even some great samples to take home to play with. I continued doing a quick round of all the booths in the exhibit area, stopping to shake hands and greet those artists and shop owners that I knew. My second trip around the hall was taken at a much more leisurely pace, stopping to take photos of booths, people and tattoos and visiting with many of the various booth staff. I also stopped and visited with the fine gentleman that were at the Eternal Ink booth and got the low-down on their amazing product.
The day held much of my talking to various artists, viewing portfolios, running up and down the stairs to the upper portion of the venue and even sitting on the floor as I got tired. The later part of the afternoon picked up when Lizardman showed up and we spent some time together doing an interview. During the interview I missed the Corset show and it was something I was really looking forward to but my conversation with the Lizardman proved to be quite enlightening. I arrived back upstairs just in time to see Spunn take the stage and rock out followed by the tattoo contest. Tracie Brady was one of the co-MCs of the contest and provided quite a bit of humor throughout. Many photos were taken of the contest until finally I had to make my way outside for a breath of fresh air and then finally deciding to call it a day.
It was unfortunate that I missed the remainder of the tattoo contest as well as Lizardman’s performance and the suspension later in the evening. But, my old bones were weary and the battery on the camera was drained. From what Chris Brady told us it was a bit slower than last years event but I found the size of the show manageable for my needs and I was pleased to meet all of the people that I did.
I want to extend a big thank you to Chris and Tracie Brady and all of their crew who worked tirelessly over the last year to bring this event together. Putting on a show of this size is never easy and often thankless. So, Thank You! Also, to all of the artists and vendors who traveled from far and wide to attend. You are the ones that make up the core of this show and without you there would be no need for the public to show up. Lizardman, you are an amazing man and I cannot wait to get your interview written to share with others. The music provided by Spunn was top notch and hopefully one day we will see them headlining around the world.
http://oklahomaink.com/articles/okc_tattoo_convention_comes_to_a_close.php
Monday, August 20, 2007
A Look Inside the 2nd Annual OKC Tattoo Convention
A new beginning for tattoo shops occurred in 2006 with the legalization of tattoos and the ability for shops and artists to operate without fear of repercussions from legal authorities. However, one shop owner was ahead of the legal date in both opening his shops and creating a venue for tattoo artists, shop owners and enthusiasts to gather and enjoy the beautiful artwork that we all admire.
Chris and Tracie Brady, owners of First Amendment Tattoo Company, took a big step in creating the OKC Tattoo Convention. It is the first licensed and regulated convention to occur since tattooing became legal in Oklahoma. His first convention actually took place in the spring of 2006 but the law had yet to take effect.
The idea for the convention was implemented and executed to bring Oklahomans up to speed on tattooing. Tattooing had been illegal in Oklahoma for over 46 years and carried a certain stigma upon its newly broadening shoulders. There is still a stigma attached to it but with conventions like the OKC Tattoo Convention that involves the public as well as professionals it is rapidly growing in popularity and the tolerance and acceptance level seems to be rising as well.
picture of the crowd at the 1st annual okc tattoo convention
Tracie and Chris handle almost 100% of the convention planning and overseeing but do have help from their trusted employees with David Foster of NeedleGruv.com handling the music end of the show. Chris also gives huge props to Misty who he endearingly refers to as “The Shit”. This is the core crew behind the OKC Tattoo Convention and when you attend this year you will see what an enormous task this bunch has undertaken and successfully brought to reality.
In 2006 there were approximately 4,500 attendees at the OKC Tattoo Convention with almost 95% of those being consumers and fans of tattooing. This years convention has a wide array of vendors that will be on hand including: jewelry vendors, clothing vendors, tattooing supplies, tattoo ink suppliers, tattoo after-care merchandisers and even the Oklahoma State Department of Health. For a complete list of vendors attending please visit: http://www.okctattooconvention.com/vendors.html
visitors at the 1st annual okc tattoo convention
Chris told OklahomaInk.com that the number of days and man-hours that he has spent organizing this event has been immeasurable especially with the regulations and permits that need to be followed and issued. All vendors, artists and piercers that are exhibiting this year are licensed and regulated to operate within the State of Oklahoma.
There will be tattooing competitions on the lineup and special plaques will be given out to both the artist and collector in the following categories: Best black and gray large, best color small, best color large, best of the day, best traditional, best portrait and worst tattoo. If you are an artist or collector interested in participating in the contests more information can be obtained from firstamendmenttattoo@gmail.com or 405-245-8787. If you are interested in receiving a tattoo or piercing at the show the most efficient way to secure an appointment is to also contact Chris or Tracie using the above contact information.
There are a few booths still available and each exhibitor is given 3 passes for the entire show. To inquire about booth availability please contact firstamendmenttattoo@gmail.com.
Chris requested that a few convention etiquette points be passed along as well. Be cool and if you are taking pictures of an artist or their work ask permission first. Many artists are sensitive to reproductions being made of their artwork and it is unfair to snap photos or record them without permission. Do not bother an artist that is working. It could be detrimental to the individual being tattooed and it will make them less than hospitable toward those seeking photos or autographs. If you have a fresh or unhealed tattoo please keep it covered. It is unsanitary and unsavory to have your tattoo oozing all over people that you brush up against.
okc tattoo convention
If you wish to not risk upsetting an artist or missing those great photo ops you will have alternate avenues for obtaining both video and photos from the convention. Scott from the Art Intensity Network (http://www.artintensitynetwork.com) will be filming the convention for his DVD series. Those DVD’s will be available for purchase through the Art Intensity Network website. OklahomaInk.com will also be on hand taking photographs of the event, artists, contests and attendees. The photos will be available for viewing, saving and sharing through InkedPhotos.com (http://www.inkedphotos.com). All photos taken by OklahomaInk.com will be provided to all interested parties at no charge.
If you are in the market for a tattoo, a tattoo or piercing enthusiast or are just bored come out and spend the day enjoying great people and beautiful artwork. Tickets are just $15 per day or $35 for the weekend. The convention will run from May 2nd - 4th and will be held at the Farmer's Market in Oklahoma City. Click here for directions and a map.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/a_look_inside_2nd_annual_okc_tattoo_convention.php
Chris and Tracie Brady, owners of First Amendment Tattoo Company, took a big step in creating the OKC Tattoo Convention. It is the first licensed and regulated convention to occur since tattooing became legal in Oklahoma. His first convention actually took place in the spring of 2006 but the law had yet to take effect.
The idea for the convention was implemented and executed to bring Oklahomans up to speed on tattooing. Tattooing had been illegal in Oklahoma for over 46 years and carried a certain stigma upon its newly broadening shoulders. There is still a stigma attached to it but with conventions like the OKC Tattoo Convention that involves the public as well as professionals it is rapidly growing in popularity and the tolerance and acceptance level seems to be rising as well.
picture of the crowd at the 1st annual okc tattoo convention
Tracie and Chris handle almost 100% of the convention planning and overseeing but do have help from their trusted employees with David Foster of NeedleGruv.com handling the music end of the show. Chris also gives huge props to Misty who he endearingly refers to as “The Shit”. This is the core crew behind the OKC Tattoo Convention and when you attend this year you will see what an enormous task this bunch has undertaken and successfully brought to reality.
In 2006 there were approximately 4,500 attendees at the OKC Tattoo Convention with almost 95% of those being consumers and fans of tattooing. This years convention has a wide array of vendors that will be on hand including: jewelry vendors, clothing vendors, tattooing supplies, tattoo ink suppliers, tattoo after-care merchandisers and even the Oklahoma State Department of Health. For a complete list of vendors attending please visit: http://www.okctattooconvention.com/vendors.html
visitors at the 1st annual okc tattoo convention
Chris told OklahomaInk.com that the number of days and man-hours that he has spent organizing this event has been immeasurable especially with the regulations and permits that need to be followed and issued. All vendors, artists and piercers that are exhibiting this year are licensed and regulated to operate within the State of Oklahoma.
There will be tattooing competitions on the lineup and special plaques will be given out to both the artist and collector in the following categories: Best black and gray large, best color small, best color large, best of the day, best traditional, best portrait and worst tattoo. If you are an artist or collector interested in participating in the contests more information can be obtained from firstamendmenttattoo@gmail.com or 405-245-8787. If you are interested in receiving a tattoo or piercing at the show the most efficient way to secure an appointment is to also contact Chris or Tracie using the above contact information.
There are a few booths still available and each exhibitor is given 3 passes for the entire show. To inquire about booth availability please contact firstamendmenttattoo@gmail.com.
Chris requested that a few convention etiquette points be passed along as well. Be cool and if you are taking pictures of an artist or their work ask permission first. Many artists are sensitive to reproductions being made of their artwork and it is unfair to snap photos or record them without permission. Do not bother an artist that is working. It could be detrimental to the individual being tattooed and it will make them less than hospitable toward those seeking photos or autographs. If you have a fresh or unhealed tattoo please keep it covered. It is unsanitary and unsavory to have your tattoo oozing all over people that you brush up against.
okc tattoo convention
If you wish to not risk upsetting an artist or missing those great photo ops you will have alternate avenues for obtaining both video and photos from the convention. Scott from the Art Intensity Network (http://www.artintensitynetwork.com) will be filming the convention for his DVD series. Those DVD’s will be available for purchase through the Art Intensity Network website. OklahomaInk.com will also be on hand taking photographs of the event, artists, contests and attendees. The photos will be available for viewing, saving and sharing through InkedPhotos.com (http://www.inkedphotos.com). All photos taken by OklahomaInk.com will be provided to all interested parties at no charge.
If you are in the market for a tattoo, a tattoo or piercing enthusiast or are just bored come out and spend the day enjoying great people and beautiful artwork. Tickets are just $15 per day or $35 for the weekend. The convention will run from May 2nd - 4th and will be held at the Farmer's Market in Oklahoma City. Click here for directions and a map.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/a_look_inside_2nd_annual_okc_tattoo_convention.php
Do's and Don'ts of getting a tattoo
Getting a tattoo is a big decision for most people. It is something that they will potentially have for the rest of their lives. If you are about to begin this journey for the first time ever there are several things you should know prior to the first drop of ink being applied to your body. There are many of these questions that can be answered by your tattoo artist and/or the shop staff, however, there are some questions you may want to discuss with family, healthcare professionals and even your employers.
The most important question you can ask your tattoo artist is what kind of licensing and certifications they have. According to Oklahoma law they must have their certifications and licensing paperwork on display so that the public can see. However, if a shop does not currently have a license they may be in the process of obtaining one. So, do not rule out a shop because their license is not on display. The most important certification would be the one that proves they have had all the safety and health training associated with tattooing. This includes blood borne pathogens, CPR, sterilization and disposal practices. If a shop cannot prove that they have had this training it may be time to get up and walk out immediately.
The next question that any person wanting to have a tattoo done should ask is about their sterilization and safety procedures. The shop should use disposable equipment in the ideal situation. There are some shops that may not use disposable needles and reuse needles that have been sterilized or even artists that make their own needles. If you are comfortable with reused needles or homemade needles you should see them in a sterilized bag that has an indicator on the bag that has an expiration date as well as showing that it has been sterilized according to State guidelines. All other equipment that is reused like the gun, tubes, clamps, etc. should be sterilized each time and you should again be able to see your tattoo artist remove it from the sterilization bags. If the stand is already setup when you get there and you do not feel comfortable that you were unable to see them open the sterilized package feel free to ask them to open newly sterilized equipment. They should have no problem doing this and you should not feel like it is an imposition to ask for this. Another piece of equipment that is often not thought of by the client is the ink well. The ink well is the small, generally plastic cup that is used to hold the various inks for the artist. Make sure that new inkwells are utilized and in the rare instance that you may find a shop that reuses inkwells make sure that they are made of a material that can and has been sterilized. If your preparation involves shaving the area of your body that you’re getting your tattoo on the artist must use either a single-use disposable razor or a razor that has disposable blades and the razor itself must be sterilized between uses and the blade disposed of in a Sharps container.
The above two questions obviously deal with health but the next question deals with the artistic side of the tattoo process. Don’t be afraid to ask to see the artist’s portfolio of artwork and tattoos and even if there are any people in the shop currently that they have tattooed. Remember when looking at a tattoo that has been done by an artist that you may not necessarily like the design that has been done on someone else but you’re looking at the overall quality of the work. Pay attention to things like scale, placement, lines, coloring, and shading and just to see if the tattoo is well balanced.
You also should ask about the process prior to getting a tattoo. Some of those questions would be how long the expected sitting time would be, what the total cost of the tattoo is and about aftercare instructions including how to best avoid any infections and how to promote the best and quickest healing process.
There are other factors to consider when getting a tattoo though and not all of those deal with safety. You should talk to your immediate family like your spouse, children, parents, etc. about your decision to get a tattoo. Although tattooing is an artistic expression there may be certain tattoos or locations of tattoos that may not be appropriate for all lifestyles. Weigh these thoughts heavily before deciding you want something really racy or explicit on an area of your body that is exposed. You should also discreetly check with your employer about any company policy regarding a tattoo. Some people feel that visible tattoos are not appropriate in the workplace and if you value your job it is a valid concern.
If you have any other questions about tattooing health concerns you should contact your healthcare professional. They can help alleviate any additional health concerns you may have and also have a better understanding of your current medical condition and whether a tattoo is advisable.
It is also not advisable to get a tattoo while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Not only is a tattoo something you may regret when you sober up but you also could be putting yourself at risk for severe complications. Alcohol and many drugs are a natural blood thinner and you could be prone to bleeding excessively when under the influence of these substances. The other risk for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is that you are putting the tattoo artist under potential fire. The medical forms that you need to sign prior to getting a tattoo will ask if you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol and you need to be honest. It is not worth risking medical complications or the career of a tattoo artist just to get your ink done immediately.
There are a few rules of etiquette you should follow when getting a tattoo. First, DO NOT haggle over the price with the artist or shop. It is a slap in the face and an insult to their professional abilities. They are earning a living just like your doctor or dry cleaner. You don’t haggle with your doctor over the cost of your health care checkup so why would you haggle over the price of your tattoo. Second, DO NOT ask the artist to draw a sample drawing just to see if they are capable of producing quality artwork. If you are having artwork done and the artist completes the sketch and you do not approve they will willingly make adjustments to ensure that you are happy with what they have drawn. You as a client will be involved in every step of the process and a tattoo artist will never put ink in your skin prior to having a completely happy client.
Just remember when getting a tattoo that you as the paying client have a right to be informed and you as a paying client have the ability to cancel any work prior to it beginning. Be courteous of the tattoo artist and shop and enjoy your new artwork.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/dos-and-donts.php
The most important question you can ask your tattoo artist is what kind of licensing and certifications they have. According to Oklahoma law they must have their certifications and licensing paperwork on display so that the public can see. However, if a shop does not currently have a license they may be in the process of obtaining one. So, do not rule out a shop because their license is not on display. The most important certification would be the one that proves they have had all the safety and health training associated with tattooing. This includes blood borne pathogens, CPR, sterilization and disposal practices. If a shop cannot prove that they have had this training it may be time to get up and walk out immediately.
The next question that any person wanting to have a tattoo done should ask is about their sterilization and safety procedures. The shop should use disposable equipment in the ideal situation. There are some shops that may not use disposable needles and reuse needles that have been sterilized or even artists that make their own needles. If you are comfortable with reused needles or homemade needles you should see them in a sterilized bag that has an indicator on the bag that has an expiration date as well as showing that it has been sterilized according to State guidelines. All other equipment that is reused like the gun, tubes, clamps, etc. should be sterilized each time and you should again be able to see your tattoo artist remove it from the sterilization bags. If the stand is already setup when you get there and you do not feel comfortable that you were unable to see them open the sterilized package feel free to ask them to open newly sterilized equipment. They should have no problem doing this and you should not feel like it is an imposition to ask for this. Another piece of equipment that is often not thought of by the client is the ink well. The ink well is the small, generally plastic cup that is used to hold the various inks for the artist. Make sure that new inkwells are utilized and in the rare instance that you may find a shop that reuses inkwells make sure that they are made of a material that can and has been sterilized. If your preparation involves shaving the area of your body that you’re getting your tattoo on the artist must use either a single-use disposable razor or a razor that has disposable blades and the razor itself must be sterilized between uses and the blade disposed of in a Sharps container.
The above two questions obviously deal with health but the next question deals with the artistic side of the tattoo process. Don’t be afraid to ask to see the artist’s portfolio of artwork and tattoos and even if there are any people in the shop currently that they have tattooed. Remember when looking at a tattoo that has been done by an artist that you may not necessarily like the design that has been done on someone else but you’re looking at the overall quality of the work. Pay attention to things like scale, placement, lines, coloring, and shading and just to see if the tattoo is well balanced.
You also should ask about the process prior to getting a tattoo. Some of those questions would be how long the expected sitting time would be, what the total cost of the tattoo is and about aftercare instructions including how to best avoid any infections and how to promote the best and quickest healing process.
There are other factors to consider when getting a tattoo though and not all of those deal with safety. You should talk to your immediate family like your spouse, children, parents, etc. about your decision to get a tattoo. Although tattooing is an artistic expression there may be certain tattoos or locations of tattoos that may not be appropriate for all lifestyles. Weigh these thoughts heavily before deciding you want something really racy or explicit on an area of your body that is exposed. You should also discreetly check with your employer about any company policy regarding a tattoo. Some people feel that visible tattoos are not appropriate in the workplace and if you value your job it is a valid concern.
If you have any other questions about tattooing health concerns you should contact your healthcare professional. They can help alleviate any additional health concerns you may have and also have a better understanding of your current medical condition and whether a tattoo is advisable.
It is also not advisable to get a tattoo while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Not only is a tattoo something you may regret when you sober up but you also could be putting yourself at risk for severe complications. Alcohol and many drugs are a natural blood thinner and you could be prone to bleeding excessively when under the influence of these substances. The other risk for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is that you are putting the tattoo artist under potential fire. The medical forms that you need to sign prior to getting a tattoo will ask if you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol and you need to be honest. It is not worth risking medical complications or the career of a tattoo artist just to get your ink done immediately.
There are a few rules of etiquette you should follow when getting a tattoo. First, DO NOT haggle over the price with the artist or shop. It is a slap in the face and an insult to their professional abilities. They are earning a living just like your doctor or dry cleaner. You don’t haggle with your doctor over the cost of your health care checkup so why would you haggle over the price of your tattoo. Second, DO NOT ask the artist to draw a sample drawing just to see if they are capable of producing quality artwork. If you are having artwork done and the artist completes the sketch and you do not approve they will willingly make adjustments to ensure that you are happy with what they have drawn. You as a client will be involved in every step of the process and a tattoo artist will never put ink in your skin prior to having a completely happy client.
Just remember when getting a tattoo that you as the paying client have a right to be informed and you as a paying client have the ability to cancel any work prior to it beginning. Be courteous of the tattoo artist and shop and enjoy your new artwork.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/dos-and-donts.php
Tattoos No Longer Permanent
One way that Oklahoma tattoo artists skirted huge fines and jail time in the months leading up to the passage of the new tattoo bill that legalized the art of tattooing is by showing that tattoos are no longer considered a permanent mark. I’m sure that many would disagree because of the pain and costs involved in removing tattoos but mark my words, most tattoos are removable.
Just like tattooing, tattoo removal has been around for a very long time. Many years ago removal of a tattoo was a horrific experience that involved surgical excision of the area including and around the tattoo and a more humane method was the use of abrasives. Both of these methods created a lot of pain and usually a lot of scarring. Thankfully, the world of medicine and technology has evolved to give us easier ways to remove tattoos that are no longer wanted.
With almost 57% of people that have received a tattoo becoming unhappy with a piece of their artwork at some point in their lives it became a must to create a way to effectively and safely remove these tattoos while minimizing pain and scarring. No method is 100% effective but there are two very popular methods that can produce near perfect results depending on the size, coloration and location of your tattoo.
The most commonly known method is laser removal. This involves “zapping” the tattoo repeatedly with a burst of laser light. The current laser technology favored by tattoo artists is the Q-switched laser. There are three different types of Q-switched lasers that are used. There are varying degrees of success for each for different colored inks. Each of the lasers has strengths and weaknesses. Some of them can cause burns for various skin tones and others are much safer but less effective on the different colors of ink. Multiple types of the Q-switched laser may be necessary if your tattoo is heavily colored. Be sure to check references for anyone that you have selected to do a tattoo removal as any kind of procedure of this nature can cause permanent injury.
The other popular removal method is known as the “fade-away method”. It involves rubbing various creams and ointment into the tattoo for a period of time until it has faded to your satisfaction. This is the cheapest and least painful of any method to remove a tattoo. Most tattoo shops now offer the various removal creams for you to purchase. As with anything you do to your body you should check with your doctor prior to using any of these methods to ensure that no harm will come to you.
There are a few other options available but the most popular of the remaining solutions is dermabrasion. It sounds harsh because it is. A doctor will use a sanding instrument to remove layers of your skin until the tattoo is no longer visible. It can cause bleeding, irritation to surrounding skin and scarring.
When getting a tattoo you should assume that it’s going to be a permanent mark on your body. Even with today’s technology it is not always a guarantee that the tattoo can be removed. Choose your tattoo wisely and listen to your tattoo artist if they refuse to tattoo your girlfriend or boyfriend’s name on your knuckles. If you do have a tattoo you want removed be sure to talk to your tattoo professional and get their opinions and recommendations on the most effective and safest way to remove unwanted ink.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/tattoos-no-longer-permanent.php
Just like tattooing, tattoo removal has been around for a very long time. Many years ago removal of a tattoo was a horrific experience that involved surgical excision of the area including and around the tattoo and a more humane method was the use of abrasives. Both of these methods created a lot of pain and usually a lot of scarring. Thankfully, the world of medicine and technology has evolved to give us easier ways to remove tattoos that are no longer wanted.
With almost 57% of people that have received a tattoo becoming unhappy with a piece of their artwork at some point in their lives it became a must to create a way to effectively and safely remove these tattoos while minimizing pain and scarring. No method is 100% effective but there are two very popular methods that can produce near perfect results depending on the size, coloration and location of your tattoo.
The most commonly known method is laser removal. This involves “zapping” the tattoo repeatedly with a burst of laser light. The current laser technology favored by tattoo artists is the Q-switched laser. There are three different types of Q-switched lasers that are used. There are varying degrees of success for each for different colored inks. Each of the lasers has strengths and weaknesses. Some of them can cause burns for various skin tones and others are much safer but less effective on the different colors of ink. Multiple types of the Q-switched laser may be necessary if your tattoo is heavily colored. Be sure to check references for anyone that you have selected to do a tattoo removal as any kind of procedure of this nature can cause permanent injury.
The other popular removal method is known as the “fade-away method”. It involves rubbing various creams and ointment into the tattoo for a period of time until it has faded to your satisfaction. This is the cheapest and least painful of any method to remove a tattoo. Most tattoo shops now offer the various removal creams for you to purchase. As with anything you do to your body you should check with your doctor prior to using any of these methods to ensure that no harm will come to you.
There are a few other options available but the most popular of the remaining solutions is dermabrasion. It sounds harsh because it is. A doctor will use a sanding instrument to remove layers of your skin until the tattoo is no longer visible. It can cause bleeding, irritation to surrounding skin and scarring.
When getting a tattoo you should assume that it’s going to be a permanent mark on your body. Even with today’s technology it is not always a guarantee that the tattoo can be removed. Choose your tattoo wisely and listen to your tattoo artist if they refuse to tattoo your girlfriend or boyfriend’s name on your knuckles. If you do have a tattoo you want removed be sure to talk to your tattoo professional and get their opinions and recommendations on the most effective and safest way to remove unwanted ink.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/tattoos-no-longer-permanent.php
Victory or defeat for tattoo shops
What seemed like a victory at the end of a huge battle has proven to only be the beginning of a major roadblock for many tattoo artists and shop owners. I’m referring to the stringent rules and regulations set forth in the current bill that legalized tattooing in the State of Oklahoma on November 1, 2006.
Representative Al Lindley, a democrat from Oklahoma City is the primary reason that Oklahoma finally became the last state in the Union to legalize tattooing. However, the harsh and slightly misguided language of the bill has prohibited many of the tattoo artists and shops in the state from becoming licensed. Many of the measures included in the bill are necessary to ensure that the public is protected and the highest safety standards are kept but there are a few of the stipulations that seem downright ridiculous.
The most alarming measure of the bill requires all shops to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $100,000. The initial reasoning for including this requirement in the new law was to protect consumers in the event of necessary medical treatment. However, surety bonds do not cover medical costs. A typical surety bond will cover loss or damage of physical property and/or theft by an employee. Every business in Oklahoma is required to carry liability insurance in the event that someone has any form of bodily harm or illness as a result of his or her patronage. Liability insurance should be the only requirement that the tattoo shops should need. The bonding industry does not really have a surety bond that fits the category required by the State of Oklahoma and as a result the cost for these bonds is exorbitant. Along with the large premium required for the bonds the purchaser typically will have to have a very high credit score and/or a large amount of credit. The difficulty in obtaining a surety bond has made it virtually impossible for many tattoo shop owners to obtain these bonds and thus fulfill the requirements to obtain their state licenses.
There are other issues that make the victory of tattoo legalization bittersweet as well. One of the other major issues for tattoo shop owners is the location issue that they face. According to the regulations the State of Oklahoma is not allowed to issue a license to any shop that is located within 1,000 feet of a school, church or playground. That may not sound like a tough requirement to deal with but it is regardless of the size city that the tattoo shops are located in. Tattoo shops that are located in larger cities and towns have to deal with a large populace of schools, churches and playgrounds. Some large cities seem to have a church on every corner. Shops that are located in smaller towns have limited choices for location and often the only commercially zoned areas do fall within the 1,000-foot buffer zone established by state law. The main goal of the tattoo bill is to ensure the safety of patrons but it is unclear as to how these zoning requirements ensure that consumers or even the general public is safer by not having a tattoo shop within 1,000 feet.
There is hope on the way though. Several tattoo shops have collaborated and are initiating legal proceedings against the State of Oklahoma concerning the unfair location issues. Representative Lindley is also drafting a revision on the current wording of his original bill that is now the current law. The two most important revisions being the surety bond requirements and the issue concerning the buffer zone. Those shops that are unable to become licensed due to either one of these issues should contact Representative Lindley’s office at the State Capitol as well as speak to an attorney regarding options they may have.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/victory-or-defeat.php
Representative Al Lindley, a democrat from Oklahoma City is the primary reason that Oklahoma finally became the last state in the Union to legalize tattooing. However, the harsh and slightly misguided language of the bill has prohibited many of the tattoo artists and shops in the state from becoming licensed. Many of the measures included in the bill are necessary to ensure that the public is protected and the highest safety standards are kept but there are a few of the stipulations that seem downright ridiculous.
The most alarming measure of the bill requires all shops to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $100,000. The initial reasoning for including this requirement in the new law was to protect consumers in the event of necessary medical treatment. However, surety bonds do not cover medical costs. A typical surety bond will cover loss or damage of physical property and/or theft by an employee. Every business in Oklahoma is required to carry liability insurance in the event that someone has any form of bodily harm or illness as a result of his or her patronage. Liability insurance should be the only requirement that the tattoo shops should need. The bonding industry does not really have a surety bond that fits the category required by the State of Oklahoma and as a result the cost for these bonds is exorbitant. Along with the large premium required for the bonds the purchaser typically will have to have a very high credit score and/or a large amount of credit. The difficulty in obtaining a surety bond has made it virtually impossible for many tattoo shop owners to obtain these bonds and thus fulfill the requirements to obtain their state licenses.
There are other issues that make the victory of tattoo legalization bittersweet as well. One of the other major issues for tattoo shop owners is the location issue that they face. According to the regulations the State of Oklahoma is not allowed to issue a license to any shop that is located within 1,000 feet of a school, church or playground. That may not sound like a tough requirement to deal with but it is regardless of the size city that the tattoo shops are located in. Tattoo shops that are located in larger cities and towns have to deal with a large populace of schools, churches and playgrounds. Some large cities seem to have a church on every corner. Shops that are located in smaller towns have limited choices for location and often the only commercially zoned areas do fall within the 1,000-foot buffer zone established by state law. The main goal of the tattoo bill is to ensure the safety of patrons but it is unclear as to how these zoning requirements ensure that consumers or even the general public is safer by not having a tattoo shop within 1,000 feet.
There is hope on the way though. Several tattoo shops have collaborated and are initiating legal proceedings against the State of Oklahoma concerning the unfair location issues. Representative Lindley is also drafting a revision on the current wording of his original bill that is now the current law. The two most important revisions being the surety bond requirements and the issue concerning the buffer zone. Those shops that are unable to become licensed due to either one of these issues should contact Representative Lindley’s office at the State Capitol as well as speak to an attorney regarding options they may have.
http://www.oklahomaink.com/articles/victory-or-defeat.php
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