Thursday, September 13, 2007

FAQ About Tattoos

Q: Will it hurt when I get a tattoo?

A: Simply put, yes. There is some degree of pain involved and the amount really depends on your level of tolerance. If you are scared or have a fear of needles, it’s fair to say that some of the pain will come from your fear of the process.

Q: Can the tattoo artist use any type of cream that will numb my skin?

A: Generally speaking, these products are not recommended. You can ask your tattoo artist for specific reasons.

Q: Are tattoos expensive?

A: If it is quality work, yes. Anyone can offer you a deal on a cheap tattoo, but this is going to be a permanent part of your body and you want the work to be something that you are proud of. In a nutshell, you will get what you pay for. When it comes to tattoos, don’t cut any corners when it comes to cost and never ask the artist to lower his/her price.

Q: When should I get a tattoo?

A: Many do not realize this, but the sunny months of summer can reek havoc on a tattoo. Therefore, it is often recommended that individuals get tattooed during the winter months when the sun’s rays are not as powerful and, therefore, not as damaging to the work itself.

Q: If I am sick, is it still OK for me to get a tattoo?

A: If your immune system is not 100%, getting a tattoo is probably not a good idea. You will need the full strength of your immune system to help with the healing process of your skin, so avoid the process if you are under the weather. Instead, call to reschedule your appointment for a later date when you will be feeling better.

Q: If I have tattoos, is it still OK to get a natural suntan or visit the tanning bed?

A: Even though everyone desires the perfect sunkissed tan, especially in the summer, exposing your tattoo to UV rays/light is not a good idea. This can cause the color in your tattoo, or the artwork itself, to fade. When you are outside in the sun, you can wear sunblock to help protect your tattoo from the sun’s damaging rays.

Q: If I have recently gotten a tattoo on my leg, when can I shave again?

A: Because each individual’s healing process is unique, there is no universal answer to this question. Your tattoo is a wound and, like all wounds, it needs to heal before you can safely resume shaving. Otherwise, you will continually aggravate the scab or any raised areas that are present on almost every tattoo. Some can resume shaving within 5-10 days, which is often when the new protective layer of skin has surfaced after the final peeling stage. It is best to ask the tattoo artist about the exact stages of the healing process and what to watch for as an indicator of when you can begin shaving again.

Q: I have a friend who recently purchased a tattoo kit and they promised me a really good deal. Is this safe?

A: Absolutely not. Your friend could very well be endangering your health by ‘practicing’ their skill on you. In order to become a professional tattoo artist, an individual needs to get the proper apprenticeship through a tattoo studio, observe the process and begin practicing on material objects before tattooing people. The apprenticeship usually takes 3-5 years, so there is no way that this type of knowledge can be learned in a kit.

Q: Can I remove the bandage after I get a tattoo so that I can show my friends? A: This is not a good idea. The bandage is there because the tattoo artist realized the potential for infection if the wound were to be exposed to open air. Leave the bandage on according to the instructions from the tattoo artist.

DISCLAIMER: This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.

If you have more questions, please post them on TattooType tattoo forum or read some great tattoo articles and join the tattoo community at http://www.tattootype.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aurel_Radulescu

Tattoo Drawings Are The Foundation Of A Great Tattoo

Tattoo Drawings

When looking at tattoo drawings we must first of all consider the different types of tattoo available so we can make a decision on which design to go for, including the consideration of opting for a custom tattoo or a pre-made design. Here are some suggestions that you may wish to look at tattoo drawings for or even come up with your own: -

Kanji Tattoo

These are originally from China and are made up of pictures ( symbols ) which represent meanings. It can be tricky to find Kanji tattoos that have meanings which make perfect sense. More importantly perhaps is the consideration whether the meaning is best suited to males or females.

Dragon Tattoos

These are popular and are coming back into fashion. These tattoos have many different types of dragon ranging from traditional to mythical dragons.

Custom Tattoo

Rather than choosing a pre-set design, you can get a custom tattoo design or tattoo drawing and have it done by a professional tattoo artist. These tattoos can really reflect the personality of the person that has chosen a custom tattoo that means something to them. Before deciding on the right custom tattoo for you it is highly recommended to look at a lot of tattoo drawings and designs. You can always get these altered for uniqueness. The designer may also be able to assist you in choosing a custom tattoo.

Small Tattoos

These are particularly popular for covering up blemishes and birthmarks. They are also popular with people getting their very first tattoo.

Tribal Tattoos

Tattoos that originate from tribes are classed as or called Tribal Tattoos. They have been around for literally thousands of years and are still popular in modern society despite the fact that most people no longer belong to tribes. They are very much associated with history and culture.

There are many more types of tattoo on the market. The key is to look at lots of tattoo drawings and designs to decide which theme you want to go for. You then want to seek the services of a good tattoo artist to make your chosen design a reality. Bringing along your own tattoo drawings or designs are a great basis for the artist to work with you in implementing the design. You can also find more information on tattoos, henna design and temporary tattoos at http://www.tattooandpiercinginfo.com

Article by Richard Davies. You can also browse through thousands of great Tattoo designs online, print them off and take to your tattoo artist at => Dream Tattoo Designs


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Davies

Tattoo Directory- Are Online Tattoos Directories Worth Spending Time On?

There are a handful of online tattoo directories that show up in most major search engine searches. Are these directories any good and if so, which ones are better? This article compares some of these top tattoo directories to try to answer these questions.

If you do a search today, the day this article was written, of "tattoo directory" without the ""s, you will find a list of the top tattoo directories. Lets take a look at these and compare by taking two cities in the US and seeing what results come up.

1. Number one on the list is aaatattoodirectory. After doing a couple quick searches at this directory these results came up:

a. For San Jose California there are eight results with address and phone numbers all on one huge page with many other cities and parlors. It's basically one long list of tattoo shops. There isn't a way to rate or review a shop or artist.

b. For Dallas Texas we find 17 different tattoo parlors. All on one page again and without any way to review or rate the site.

2. TattooDirectory.com is the second site and here are the results for both cities:

a. For San Jose California, the directory has...well, zero results for San Jose which is the states third largest city and the countries 10th largest city.

b. For Dallas Texas, tattoodirectory has...umm, again zero results! In fact, only one city in Texas seems to be in the directory: Byran.

3. Tattoos.com has the best domain name for sure. But how about the directory?

a. San Jose Cal, has zero results. In fact California as a whole has only fifteen different tattoo parlors listed. One good thing is that each listing has a link to a separate page. Still no way of rating or reviewing the tattoo shops, parlors or artists.

b. Dallas Texas has zero results and only nine total parlors listed for the whole state.

4. JustTattoo.com is lower on the rankings but how are the results for finding tattoo shops?

a. For San Jose Ca, JustTattoo.com has 20 listings. Plus for each listing you not only get the phone number and address, but you have an opportunity to write a review of the shop. Also, each listing has it's own page with a satellite map to help you find it.

b. Dallas Texas has 19 results and again there is a way to review each parlor at the parlors own separate page.

JustTattoo.com also has some other unique advantages such as separate directories for tattoo supplies and equipment, piercing and body art listings, and even tanning salons.

So it seems, not all online directories are equal, but some are definately worth using.

Tim Phelan is a tattoo enthusiast and online marketer.

Tattoo Directory


Tattoo Cost - What Is Your New Tattoo Going To Cost You?

Okay, you’ve decided to get a tattoo. Great! But when considering which tattoo to get, don’t forget tattoo cost. Tattoos have been known to be expensive and you need to make sure your are prepared for the cost of the tattoo you want. There are many factors that figure into the cost of a tattoo such as size, color, complexity, and placement. This article will cover all of these factors so you can choose a tattoo that will fit into your budget or save up the money to get the tattoo that you really want.

Some tattooist charge by the hour; some charge by the design. The cost per hour in smaller cities tends to run around $35 per hour with a one-hour minimum. In larger cities, the average cost is around $50 to $100 per hour also with a one-hour minimum. The one-hour minimum means that if they charge $75 per hour and it only takes thirty minutes to do your tattoo, it will still cost you the full $75. The reason for the “one-hour minimum” rule is that the tattooist has to cover the cost of the “chair”. This covers costs that that tattoo artist has in running their business such as rent, ink, utilities, etc.

Every business has overhead costs and tattoo parlors are no exception. Keep in mind, that these hourly figures are just averages. If you go all out and hire a world-class tattoo artist, you may have to pay up to $275 per hour with a four-month wait. The next factor that contributes to the cost of getting your tattoo is size. Some tattoo parlors will waive the hourly minimum cost if you are just getting one small tattoo. The low-side estimates for this would be $50 for a small heart design and the high-side cost would be $800 for an Oriental Dragon. Many times, tattoos that just include lettering will have a set price. Color is another thing you need to take into consideration when choosing your tattoo design. Black tattoos are going to cost less than a design that has a lot of ink colors with a lot of shading detail.

Obviously, the solid black designs are going to be a lot less expensive than multi-colored tattoos. Another thing that you need to think about is “how complex is the design?” The more intricate and complex a design is, the more the cost is going to be. This is, of course, because a complex design is going to take much longer to tattoo than a plain and simple design. It also takes a tattoo artist with more experience and skill to do a complex design. Experience and skill cost money. Trust me – you don’t want a beginning tattooist to do a complex design for you. If you do choose a beginning tattoo artist for a complex design, make sure you see some actual work done by this tattooist first. Don’t take a chance!

The last two things that will figure into the cost is placement of the tattoo and having custom work done. It goes without saying that if you are getting a tattoo custom drawn and designed; it is going to up the cost a great deal. You have to keep in mind though that you will be getting a one-of-a-kind tattoo that no one else has. Tattoo placement may be something that you didn't think of when considering costs, but it is something that you have to consider. Some places on your body are just easier to get to and work on than other places. Be sure when getting a price from your tattoo artist that you let him know where you want the tattoo.

One last cost to consider is aftercare supplies. Your tattooist may charge you for the supplies or they may just give you a supply list of items you need for caring for your new tattoo. The costs for aftercare supplies is usually minimal. After you have decided which tattoo you really want and have found the tattoo artist you want to do your design, take your choice of tattoo to the artist and let them give you a price. This is the only way you can be sure of the exact cost. Remember, you get what you pay for. Y

our tattoo will be with you for the rest of your life. Don’t rush into getting a tattoo and don’t choose a tattoo artist based simply on cheap cost. Don’t skimp on cost and get a tattoo you will regret because if you think getting a tattoo is expensive, wait until you see the cost of getting one removed!

Go to http://www.squidoo.com/hip-tattoo for more helpful tattoo articles, tattoo designs, and tattoo pictures.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Proctor

Tattoos, Art Or Destruction?

Have you been considering or wanting to get a tattoo put somewhere on your body? It seems like tattoos are becoming the latest craze within the fashion world today and even housewife’s are getting them now a days. Does this mean you should get one or even allow your child to get one? Remember trends fade and change while a tattoo is permanent; therefore there are many things to consider before getting a tattoo.

For the longest time the only people who could be seen with tattoos were sailors and people who had been in prison. Sailors were getting different tattoos from all over the world while convicts were getting tattoos made in prison even though these were illegal.
This was how the norm was for the longest time until tattoos started becoming popular among gang members to tell everybody which gang they belong to.

Because of how popular the gang and rap culture has become among today’s youth we also see an increase in tattoos among this generation. Whether this is right or wrong is up to each individual family to decide before going out to get a tattoo but remember just as times and fashions change so do you. In a couple of years from now you might end up being very sorry for that tattoo on your shoulder and having it removed can be both costly and painful.

If you do decide to get a tattoo you should be happy to know that it is much less dangerous today than what it used to be when they used the same needles over and over again. Regardless you should make sure you are getting a new or at least a sterilized needle before you let the artist work on you. Although it is safer to get a tattoo today it is always a risk in what ever you do.

Another thing to remember before getting a tattoo is that your body ages with time and a tattoo wont look anything like it was supposed to when your skin gets older. Instead of looking like that beautiful flower it was it will look like you just smeared ink all over your arm, not a very pretty sight. The more tattoos you have, the more ink spots you will end up with all over your body as time goes by.

These are all things you need to consider before you go and get a tattoo and unless you are one hundred percent certain that a tattoo is for you, you might want to reconsider. Fortunately there are other avenues you can take instead of getting a permanent tattoo put on. There are temporary tattoos you can get and they are just as awesome as the regular ones the only difference is that you are not stuck with the tattoo for the rest of your life.

A temporary tattoo can last for anywhere from a couple of days to several months and may be an alternative for you who are not certain that a permanent tattoo is the right thing for you. Wanting a tattoo might just be a fashion stage you are going thru and with a permanent tattoo you will be in trouble when this stage in your life passes. Before doing anything impulsive make sure what kind of tattoo you would want, a permanent tattoo or a temporary one.


Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Everything You Need To Know About Tattoos

If you are considering tattoos, keep in mind that they are a permanent part of your skin. Because tattoos are created with permanent ink being placed underneath the skin, they are a lifelong fixture unless you later decide to have them removed. Having a tattoo removed involves surgery, which is very expensive and carries it’s own risks. As with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications. If you are thinking of getting tattoos, it’s best to make sure that you really want them in order to avoid having to later go through surgery just to remove them.

Tattoos can be very expensive depending on the size of the design. They can range from the tiniest of symbol to a large detailed image. Because tattoos can be priced very high, many parlors offer an unconventional, yet practical, way to purchase your design of choice. Many businesses offer a convenient layaway plan with the tattoos being created after the last payment is made. If you have the cash to pay upfront, you may be able to make an appointment and get the design imprinted on the same day as payment. Depending on the design and complexity of the tattoos that you select, the process can be brief or may last for hours.

When considering tattoos, it is important to do some research on the design parlor before hiring them. How long have they been in business? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with the local Better Business Bureau? If you have friends who also have tattoos, who do they recommend and what was their experience? It is very important to follow up with references and as much of a background check as you can possibly get before agreeing to have your tattoos created.

In your research, try to find out which businesses have the best history with make sure their equipment is clean. This is the most important thing to consider about tattoos because, if the business is not licensed or the artist is not a professional, there is no guarantee that their instruments are clean or properly maintained. Your health is your biggest concern so, if you are considering tattoos, be sure to select the best parlor for the job.

Tattoos are colorful and can be an expression of art if done correctly. They often reflect a person’s lifestyle, name of a spouse or other sentiment. At the same time, they can cause a concern of infection.


Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Laser Tattoo Removal

People like to get tattoos when they are younger and sometimes do so for stupid reasons. Often, after ten years of so of having a tattoo, the person may decide they don’t want it any more. There are many reasons that a person may want to have a tattoo removed. Perhaps they have a named of an old lover tattooed on them, or they have a gang tattoo that there are no longer associated with. Some people have tattoos in places that will prevent them from getting a job they want. Some people might also have a tattoo that symbolizes hate or racism, and they no longer feel this way. Whatever the reason is, there are methods of tattoo removal out there.

Laser tattoo removal is one option for people considering the removal of a tattoo which is the most common method of tattoo removal. Laser removal involves targeting the tattooed area with pulses of concentrated light that will in turn break the ink fragments up into tiny particles which are then removed by you’re immune system. This process does not happen after one session, however, and the more treatment you have, the more likely the laser will destroy the ink. However, the more treatments you have also means heightened damage done to your skin. Excess treatments can lead to blistering of the skin, painful sores on your skin, scabs and even scarring.

Since technology has advanced so much, the risks of skin damage have become minimal and many experts say it is very rare for scaring to occur. However, there is always some risk involved. Laser tattoo removal can be quite painful, as some people have described it as feeling like being splattered with hot grease. Laser tattoo removal can also hurt your wallet though. Depending on the size and detail of your tattoo, you might need to have up to ten sessions in order to fully remove all of the ink. Each session costs in the range of $250 to $850.

There are many other options for you to consider before you decide if laser tattoo removal is right for you. No method is 100% effective and guaranteed, but many will get you the results that will satisfy you. Laser removal is one of the best treatments for removing a tattoo, but remember, if you have a large colorful tattoo, you may spend thousands of dollars on treatment and it will not even be fully removed.

About author:

Author Barney Garcia is a proud contributing author and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my web sites @ www.laser-surgery-spot.info and laser surgery spot

Butterfly Tattoos - How To Find The Perfect Design

Butterfly tattoos are growing in popularity all the time and are one of the designs most commonly requested by women. And it’s not surprising. Butterflies are beautiful to look at and these designs carry a rich symbolism due to the short yet amazing life of these creatures. And due to the vast range of colors and species available, there’s no reason why your tattoo shouldn’t be absolutely unique to you.

There are almost 25,000 different types of butterfly and they range in size from an eighth of an inch across to a massive twelve inches in diameter. And then of course there’s the color to consider. Many butterflies display the most beautiful range of bright and vibrant colors imaginable.

There are four main stages in the life of this amazing creature. They begin life as an egg, which turns into a caterpillar. At this stage (the pupa stage) they make a chrysalis or cocoon from which they emerge as an adult butterfly.

It’s this transformation from an unspectacular caterpillar into a graceful and glorious butterfly that inspired the mythical Greek character called Psych who had the wings of a butterfly. Psych is the Greek word for both butterfly and the soul, hence the deep symbolic meaning of the butterfly tattoo. Many ancient people believed that the amazing transformation of the butterfly was similar to the soul’s journey from an earthly body to a spiritual body.

However, despite this long chain of transformations, the final part of their lifespan (as an adult butterfly once it emerges from the pupa state) lasts only two weeks. This brief yet colorful contribution to life has been taken to represent the fragile nature of human life. Perhaps that’s part of the appeal of butterfly tattoos.

But due to the vast number of choices available it can be incredibly difficult to find the right butterfly tattoo design. It’s often said that finding the right design is as much an art in itself as the actual creation of the tattoo. So here are a few things to bear in mind when searching for your butterfly tattoo.

1) Start by working out why you want this tattoo. What do you want it to represent? This knowledge will help to influence and shape the look of the tattoo when it comes to selecting a final design.

2) Work out what type of butterfly design you want. What type of butterfly? What colors? What size? What style? Where will it be located on your body? Once you have a rough idea of what you want, you’ll find it much easier to narrow down your options.

3) Start looking through tattoo designs and pick out a few that you like best. At this stage you don’t have to like the whole design. Just take a note of all the designs that contain an element or a style that you like. These ideas will all contribute to settling on the final tattoo design. The internet is a great tool to help find tattoo designs. It allows you to look at a large number of designs and pictures of completed tattoos in a short space of time. This will help you to narrow down that sort of thing that you want. You may even be able to find a reputable tattoo artist if you don’t already have one.

4) If you can’t find a design that’s exactly what you want, try sketching a picture of the type of design that you want. And if your artwork isn’t that good, do your best and then get an artist or an artistic friend to draw what you describe. These drawings will be useful later on, because even if you find a design that you like, you can use your own drawings to add your own unique touch to the final design.

And finally, don’t proceed with your butterfly tattoo until you’re absolutely 100% sure that you’ve found the right design, because it’s going to be with you for a long time.

About author:

For more information about butterfly tattoos and ideas about a whole range of tattoo designs, visit Gustavo Gomez’s site at SuperTattooDesigns.com

Instantly Removable Tattoo Inks

Instantly Removable Tattoo Inks
Part of the attraction of getting a tattoo for some people has been the permanence of the body art that one chooses to place on their skin. If one tattoos a name on their body, it means that name has permanent meaning for them. Likewise, the designs they choose would be something they would never want to change. New tattoo ink technologies are threatening to change the whole concept of permanency of tattooing. Although there currently exist many methods of tattoo removal, their difficulty and cost make tattoos effectively permanent for most people. Likewise, older methods of removal, such as surgery may be painful and leave significant scarring. Laser tattoo removal, while usually effective, often requires multiple treatments and can be costly.

One company, Freedom-2, is bringing products to market that will change the paradigm of tattooing. Their ink is based on encapsulating bio-absorbable dyes in polymethylmethacrylate microspheres. The dyes in the ink are already FDA-approved for use in food, cosmetics, and medical devices. The ink is injected into the skin by standard tattooing techniques. At any time when removal of the pigment is desired, a single laser treatment disrupts the encapsulation, allowing the ink to flow out into the tissues and be absorbed. The tattoo then quickly fades without the need for further laser treatments. This ink is not yet available for general use, but has been tested in human subjects, according to the company’s website. They indicate that it will be commercially available in early 2007.

They are also developing tattoo inks that will fade away on a predetermined schedule without the need for any laser treatments at all. The technology behind this is not elucidated, and there is no date of availability listed yet for this type of product.

The main difference between these two products is that the former is a permanent ink that can be removed anytime, while the latter will last a long time but then fade away, even if the owner prefers it to stay.

Tattoo artists may not instantly take to the new inks. The ability to remove a tattoo is not necessarily the foremost consideration when choosing tattoo inks. Some artists believe that tattoos should be permanent, or one is better off not getting a tattoo if he or she is unsure about them. However, some tattoo shops may choose to cater to the less-decisive. Also, it may encourage more experimentation and fanciful designs, if the recipient knows that they can get the tattoo quickly lasered off if they don’t like it. The new ink will likely be significantly more expensive that standard ink, so cost will also be a consideration for artists.

Although a tattoo’s ink may be temporary, there is often scarring left behind from the tattoo needle’s penetration of the skin. Thus a textural image of the tattoo may remain permanently. Even so, the concept of tattoos as purely permanent body art may be replaced by tattoos as fashion. If a tattoo could be instantly removed, some people may choose to periodically change their tattoos as they would their style of clothing.


Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Tattoos on Celebrities

Tattoo is a well known symbol of fashion today. It is just not some body and skin modification, it is an art and the tendency of millions to express passion and desires in a non-verbal but effective way.

This is the trend which existed in past, ruling the style of present and will establish itself even in a stronger position in the future. Now, who can be better than a bunch of celebrities to represent, races and describe such an exciting and powerful form of style, beauty and fashion. The interesting thing is that a large number of people find the inspiration of tattooing by watching their favorite stars having one. Well now we are going to get some description of some superstar tattoos.

Anna Kournikova: This famous female tennis star and model has a huge star tattoo designed in her lower back. Famous paparazzi shots were rampantly taken during the matches where this massively 'underperformed' tennis superstar actually participated. Her tattoo activated great deal of buzz in the celebrity world - but Anna seemed to act calm with the new 'graffiti' on her body.

Alyssa Milano: This famous actress of 'charmed' has an unique design which contains a cross, angels, fairies and sacred heart.

Ben Afflek: This Hollywood star has a very popular tattoo on his skin. It is nothing but a barbed wire armband tattoo.

Robert Deniro: Robert, one of the Hollywood's most impressive actors of all time was not spared from this irresistible practice of having a tattoo on the skin. In the movie 'Cape Fear' he had displayed a number of tattoos. Anyway he has only one original tattoo and that is a panther design.

Nicholas Cage: This popular superstar has a unique and outstanding ability of portraying tough characters and has a very unique tattoo as well. The tattoo on Cage's upper back shows a lizard wearing a hat. Somehow, it is felt there is no need to look for the meaning and admire it as a distinctive one.

Drew Barrymore: Like shown on many of her movies Drew is a big fan of tattoos. She has many tattoos on her body. The tattoos include angel, cross and a butterfly.

David Beckham: He's a superstar of football soccer and one of the biggest fashion icons of sports who is also famous for nine different types tattoo all over his body. Rumor has it that the tattoos on his body were primarily indented for mythological reasons - no one could ever be sure.

About author

Learn more about different tattoo designs. From star tattoo designs to angel tattoo designs, get great ideas from StarWest. Visit us at www.starwest.com