Friday, November 2, 2007

History Of Gangs And Tattooing - A Symbol Of Belonging

Throughout history, tattoos have often been a symbol for belonging, whether it be to a tribe, biker gang, club, or even in some cases gangs. These of course, aren't the majority any longer as there are many good people getting tattoos these days. There are some huge differences in the way the majority of prison, or "home made" tattoos are preformed, and the sterility involved.

Gangs and clubs uses tattoos for a plethora of reasons, some will have numerous tattoos, while others may only have a couple. Some may have symbols to identify their members, tattoos of things such as a tear drop, or a spider web under the eye represent prison time. It is fairly popular among members to tattoo their names in large letters so that rival gangs will become intimidated. Though gang members get these tattoos to represent their membership, some people will get them just because, this of course can be a VERY dangerous thing. There are records of prison inmates removing un-authorized tattoos from a non-member by skinning the tattoo from a persons flesh.

Though tattoos have obviously become more acceptable in the majority of people, and aren't just for prison inmates or gang members, not too many people are willing to get facial tattoos, or tattoos upon their hands which are practices common among gangs.

One of the key differences between your main-stream tattoos, and prison tattoos are the machines, and as said above the sterility. Most home or "prison" tattoos are done with guitar string, or whatever else they can find that would be sharp enough to penetrate the skin. This, of course is a VERY risky decision on anyone's part. The "needles" are not one-time-use, often times they are used over, and over again without ever seeing a means of sterilization. Often times, the ink for a home tattoo is mere pen ink, again a very risky thing to do. Any person who partakes in this behavior takes the risk of contracting HIV, and hepatitis.

Not only is it a risk to your health, there are many other down sides to these tattoos. They normally at best last a maximum of a few months before bleeding out into the surrounding skin. If the tattoo isn't cared for, or the ink formulated properly the body can reject the tattoo easily.

I can't seem to stress enough, tattoos need to be preformed by a trained professional! The equipment that is used by a professional tattoo artist is meant for tattoos, guitar strings are meant for guitars, not for spreading disease. Tattoo artists will , and should take care in the sterilization process of their one time use items. You stand a much smaller chance of catching anything from even the biggest slum of a tattoo shop, than you would during a home tattoo. Take care in the decisions you make, they will effect your life, not just the here and now.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo autoclaves, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo guns, tattoo products, tubes, tattoo starter set, machines, and power supplies are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Tattoo photo gallery.



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

The Many Faces And Styles Of Modern Tattoo Art

There are several tattoo styles that are gaining popularity in America. Though, in ways they are very similar, the differences can either make or break a tattoo. Understanding the differences can be crucial for a tattoo artist. The continuity and flow of Celtic knots, to the proper look of Bio-Mechanics. There are many different styles, however to go through them all, it would be a bit much. In this series of articles that I like to call "The many faces of tattoos", you will learn the different types, and techniques of tattoos that exist in our country. There will also be some examples of artists which have helped to inspire the style of tattooing.

Bio-Mechanical Tattoos: Bio-Mechanical tattoos, or as most call it Bio-Mech is a style of tattooing which depicts living robotics (human robotics). The most popular artist of whom has made this style of tattooing more popular, is illustrator H.R. Giger, of whom designed the creatures from the Alien movies. Majority of Bio-mechanical tattoos show flesh intermingling with machinery. Often times you will see bio-mechanical tattoos done in Grey wash, as it helps to find a flow between flesh tones, and the ink. However, if done properly, color can give a new intriguing look to bio-mech.

Grey wash (Black and gray tattoos): This style of tattooing was once believed to have been derived from prison tattoos, as getting your hand on colored ink was fairly difficult. It was soon brought fourth into mainstream tattooing, it was refined in the late 1970's, turning grey wash into the next big hit. Grey wash is usually used in a portrait tattoo, or anything that you are wishing to achieve a realistic effect. As said before, most of your Bio-mechanics are preformed with your grey wash technique. You can either purchase pre-made grey wash, or you can make your own by adding drops of water to a small amount of black.

Gothic style tattoos: Though there are many different types of "Goth." tattoos, such as skulls, or pents, or all the way to your more candy coated tattoos filled with bright colors, and ironic designs. Though the two styles are very different, they are one of the most predominant tattoo styles in the US. Chances are, if someone has a body suit, they will have at least one skull in the collection. The designs are endless, and not only "Goths" can get them.

Tribal tattoos: This form of tattoos has been practiced for centuries through a plethora of tattoo styles. Though most tribal tattoos are received by those who do not understand their background, simply for their striking appearance there is a thick history in tribal style tattoos. Historically, getting a tattoo was a right of passage, many girls were required to get facial tattoos before they were able to marry. The boy, would be considered un-fit to become a man if he couldn't handle the pain from the tattoo. Though tribal tattooing is common in America, it is hard to find an artist capable of completing the tattoo in one sitting. Between the need for straight, or flowing lines and the thick solid fill, it is a difficult tattoo to preform. It will take time and practice to get an even distribution of ink. I would suggest Kuro Sumi tribal black ink.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to piercing supplies, jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo tubes, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo guns, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Tattoo pictures.



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

Popular International Tattoo Styles

Though tattoo spans throughout the world some of the most popular styles in the united states, would be:

Celtic tattoos: Celtic tattooing has become by far one of the most popular designs for tattoos. From their complex crosses, an knot-work the early celts displayed them on metal, jewelry, and weapons. Most Celtic designs are taken from Irish manuscripts. Celtic knots, one of the most popular, are usually loops with no end or beginning, which in Celtic traditions symbolizes the never ending cycle of death and rebirth. Zoomorphic (Celtic animal) designs are usually fairly similar , but the lines end in the feet, heads, and tails. Celtic tattoos has become the ideal design for people with Celtic, Irish, Scottish, or Welsh heritage. However, tackling this style of tattoo can be daunting for some tattoo artists, it requires an eye for detail and uniformity.

Chinese Tattoos: Much like Celtic tattoos, Chinese tattoos, particularly dragons and kanji. At one stage in the phase, they were most popular with criminals. However, even celebrities, and your average joe have caught the fever for these eye-catching tattoos. The Chinese characters tend to please aesthetically, which only increases its popularity. The meaning behind Chinese tattoos can be endless, as the client's meaning bears much more sway on the tattoo than a meaning written in a text book. Most people can identify with the strength and power of a dragon, and often times contribute it to change in their

In transition to the Japanese style tattoos, I would like to stop for a moment and discuss Kanji tattoos. Kanjis are oriental inspired tattoos, and are by far one of the more popular walk-in tattoos. However, many kanji tattoos go regretted due to the mis-translation of meaning. Though, most kanji's on flash sheets say words beneath them you aren't able to translate the symbols directly into the English language. It is important to first do some research before getting any tattoo, even spur of the whim tattoos.

Japanese Tattoos: Once again, much like the Chinese dragons, Japanese tattoos are gaining steam in popularity. The more common tattoos would be Koi fish, as they usually help represent rebirth, and change. Dragons, the pheonix, tigers, and many other designs. There are many tattoo artists these days that specialize in the oriental styles of tattoos, of which tend to be more of an elaborate, and vibrant tattoo style.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industy news and new products. Beginning with tattoo kits, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo equipment sterilization, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs. More information: Body piercing pictures.



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