Tattoo Artist

So, you have made the big decision. You are going to take the leap and get a tattoo. You have thought carefully about the design you want to get, and have set aside enough money to get the job done right.

Now, it's time to choose the artist who will do your tattoo.

Taking the time to choose the right tattoo artist is an important step. It might seem like more trouble and bother than you want to deal with. But it won't matter how great the design you chose is if the artist doesn't do a good job creating a tattoo of that design. And, if the tattoo artist doesn't do it right, there's really no going back to fix it.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a tattoo artist.

Experience Counts

How long have the tattoo parlors in your area been in business? And how long have the tattoo artists in those parlors been doing tattoos?

It might be worth your while to visit some local tattoo shops. While there, feel free to ask how long the artists have been doing tattoos. You can also ask what kind of experience and training they have. Most will be more than happy to answer your questions.

You should also take a look around the tattoo parlor. The condition of a shop can tell you a lot about the competence and professionalism of the people working there. If a parlor is a total mess, and things seem hectic and chaotic, this might not be where you want to get your tattoo done.

Let Past Customers Be Your Guide

Do you have friends or acquaintances that have gotten tattoos and were happy with the results? If so, ask them where they got them done.

Many tattoo studios keep portfolios of the work they've done on past clients. So, ask to look at it, and study the quality of the work yourself.

During your visit to a tattoo parlor, you might even find some former clients in the shop, who are back to get another tattoo done. Don't hesitate to ask to take a closer look at their tattoos. And the fact that the shop has repeat customers can be taken as a good sign.

Professional Organizations

While there aren't as many regulations governing the tattoo industry as people would like, there are professional organizations that tattoo artists can belong too. These organizations take the principles of quality, safety, and professionalism seriously. And tattoo artists that belong to such organization probably feel just as strongly about the same principles.

Many of these organizations also require their members to meet certain training and experience requirements, which should help put you at ease.

Consider calling one of these organizations, and asking about members who work in your area. You can also ask for recommendations on which local parlors and artists they consider the best.

Hit the Road

Sometimes, you might not be able to find a tattoo artist you feel comfortable using nearby. In fact, the best tattoo shop you might have heard about might be a one or two hour drive away.

If that is the case, don't hesitate to make that trip. A one or two hour drive is worth it if it means getting the best tattoo possible.

Remember, choosing a good tattoo artist isn't like choosing a good hairstylist. If you get a bad hair cut, or a bad coloring job, you know your hair will grow out and it will be like the mistake never happened. But, if you get a bad tattoo, it will take a lot of pain, time and money to fix.

It is worth your while to take your time when choosing the tattoo artist who will do your tattoo. The good results will be well worth the effort.

Sun Tattoo designs

Sun Tattoo designs

Sun Tattoo designs

Sun Tattoo designs

Sun Tattoo designs

Temporary Tattoos

Why They Became Popular

Temporary tattoos or fake tattoos are gaining more preference nowadays. Before, making temporary tattoos was unheard of. There was simply no market for it because wearing one would make you a "poser". If you wanted to get "inked", your only option was a permanent tattoo.

But not a lot of us can handle the pain. Tattoos were usually equated to toughness because let's face it. You need to be really tough in order to handle the pain. There's also the question of choosing tattoo designs. Being permanent, you really have to choose the design wisely. A wrong choice can lead to a lifetime of regret or an expensive tattoo cover up.

It's a different story nowadays. Wearing temporary tattoos is becoming an option for everyone. It's a good way to express yourself, minus the pain and the hassle of getting a permanent one. You don't need to be tough in order to get one. Even kids can have them. Not to mention the fact that it's way cheaper than permanent ones.

Besides, kids were the first market for it. There's nothing like colorful temporary tattoos to liven up the kids and the party. It's a great source of entertainment. You just need to give them away during a party and the kids will surely have a blast. It's also a great gift for kids.

Adults then joined the fun. Adults realized that it's a good alternative to permanent tattoos. But before, you had to be content with the available designs. Yes, you can easily get them from tattoo parlors but the tattoo designs back then were limited. If you wanted one, your choice would be among roses, butterflies or angels.

Temporary Tattoos

Thankfully, a lot of people recognized the potential of making temporary tattoos. It opened a gateway for more custom temporary tattoo designs. If you have a custom design in mind that you want to wear on your body, you don't have to go to a tattoo artist and get a permanent tattoo. You can easily have your design made into a temporary tattoo. You don't even have to go out of your house, you can easily order it online.

Tattoo Supplies

What Are Tattoo Supplies?
Tattoos were, at one point, strictly the domain of drunken sailors and indigenous "savages" from far away, exotic locales. However, in recent decades the art of tattooing has become an acceptable, relatively mainstream method of body ornamentation. Tattoo parlors can be found in nearly every city, and every country in the world.

For the modern tattoo artist, quality tattoo supplies are essential. Without the proper ink, needles, medical and sterilization equipment a tattoo parlor doesn't stand much of a chance of survival. Many cities require that these parlors also maintain an environment akin to a hospital when it comes to cleanliness.


The tattoo machine is often referred to as a tattoo artist's "shootin' iron". They are by far the most essential item on any list of tattoo supplies. The tattoo gun uses multiple needles to inject the ink into the skin, which is how tattoos are created. Traditional techniques, before the invention of the tattoo machine, were much more invasive than they are today. Some cultures would rub ink or other coloring agents into carvings made in the skin, while others would use inject the ink using sharpened sticks or animal bone.

Ink is another important part of tattoo supplies. Many traditionally applied tattoos are limited in color to just a few pigments. However, most reputable modern tattoo parlors will have a rainbow of colors from which to choose. Many of today's top tattoo artists are renowned for their brilliantly colored body art. Tattoo magazines are filled with examples of bright, colorfully decorated arms, legs and torsos.

Any list of tattoo supplies is incomplete without the inclusion of a range of different types of needles. A tattoo needle is actually a configuration of several needles, with different configurations being used for different purposes. "Rounds" refer to a specific configuration in which the needles are combined in a circular pattern. Tight circles are most often used for drawing lines, while looser circles are used for shading. "Flats" are assemblies in which the needles are put together side by side. They are most commonly used for shading, but can also be used for writing in a calligraphy style.

Tattoo Lettering

Tattoo Lettering

How to Tattoo

How Tattoos Change Over Time

In fact, nearly 10% of the US people have a minimum of one tattoo on some desired body part. By definition, a tattoo is a permanent mark on the body. The pigments of the tattoo are inserted below our epidermis through a needle into the dermis part so that the body retains that color always.

The tattoos change as time passes since our skin sheds off its dead cells and regenerates new cells. Besides, our skin changes owing to the climatic conditions and other assaults. Hence the tattoo's appearance changes along with the skin which shrinks and ages. The pigment turns light over time. We are prone to get age spots, wrinkles and tanned skin as we age. This can have a great effect on the color and the clarity of the tattoo.

So the vibrant color and the tattoo remaining intact depends upon the way how we maintain and care for it. There are some aftercare guidelines to be followed but the thumb rule is to prevent the tattoo area from any infection and assist the healing process so as to retain as much vibrant color as possible. Usually the time needed for a tattoo to heal is two-three weeks, provided that the area should be kept moistened always to prevent scabbing, a process that removes off color.

The chief enemy of a tattoo is the sun. The pigments tend to fade similar to all other colors when exposed to direct sunlight continually. Among the colors, red and yellow colors are the most complex and black and blue are the most stable and easier ones to maintain. The best preventive method is to stay away from sun and cover the area with clothing. If this is not possible, apply a good sunscreen.

Tattoos tend to remain in the dermis part but visible through epidermis. Some simple common sense preventive measure is to keep our epidermis layers clean, smooth and healthy by hydrating the area to enhance optimal clarity of the tattoo. Employ a gentle cleanser every week to eliminate the accumulation of dirt, body-oils and grime. A moisturizer, when applied daily, will still enhance the clarity of the color.

An expertly obtained, properly healed and protected tattoo will stay vibrant for many decades, though there is no escapade from the fade in color due to time.

Celtic Tattoo

Celtic Tattoo

Celtic tattoos are all the rage right now, and for good reason - these highly-detailed images look good and carry a highly symbolic weight. The following are some of the most popular Celtic tattoo designs.

Celtic Knot - The Celtic knot is a series of interwoven lines that interact together like a puzzle to form a pleasing design or zoomorphic form. Although their origin is still debated and may include a Norse influence, the key feature of the design is that none of the lines in the knot ever end - they all continue on to connect with one another throughout the design. This is said to represent continuity in life, the cycle of the seasons and the vast complexity of nature.

Celtic Cross - Celtic cross tattoos carry the same weaving line structure as the Celtic knot, but instead of forming a simple pattern, the strands of the design come together to outline the shape of a Christian cross. This design is highly religious in nature, and is often used by different groups of Celtic people to proclaim their ethnicity as well.

Celtic cross Tattoo

Claddagh - The Claddagh is a recognizable symbol of Celtic and Irish origins. The design traditionally features two hands clasping a heart that is covered by a crown. Although this design is most widely seen in the form of a ring that's given to symbolize the intent to wed, it's also popular as a tattoo for its graphic representation of everlasting love, loyalty and fidelity.

Celtic Tree of Life - The Celtic tree of life tattoo is fairly self-explanatory. In the same style as the Celtic knot and the Celtic cross, the Celtic tree of life tattoo is composed of interweaving lines that form branches around a central tree trunk. Again, no ends of the lines are exposed, so the design takes on a feeling of continuity and permanence. In addition, the Celtic tree of life tattoo is said to represent the beginning and end of life, as well as the eternal nature of the world.

Tattoo Machine

How Tattoo Machine works and what Tattoo Techniques are used by tattooist? Read below to find out.

Most people think tattoo machines just like sewing machines - rotating needles up and down with hollow needles, but it is not true.

Actually, tattoo machine is essentially an electromagnet powered by a variable power supply. The artist dips the needs into a small cap which has been filled with pigment (ink) from a squeeze bottle. There are from one for some outlines and fine work to many bunched needles tight together for shading in a given tattoo machine. The needles are soldered to a bar which is attached to the electromagnet.

Whenpower is applied to the handheldmagnet/bar combination, the pigment-coated needles vibrate together up and down thousands of times per minute.

As the needles pierce the skin, the colored pigments are injected under the skin, between the permanent bottom layer and the surface layer which is constantly dying off and being replaced by fresh skin cells.

The tattooing technique of placing the pigment at the right depth is very important to the quality of the tattoo. If the needles penetratetoo deeply, the pigment will mix with body fluid and cause the color to spread. If the pigment is not placed deep enough, the tattoo will fade and come out prematurely as new skin emerges from the lower layers.

The Butterfly Tattoo Design

The Butterfly Tattoo Design

The butterfly tattoo design has become one of the most popular forms of tattoo art among women. Statistics show that over 50% of the female population adorn the butterfly in some form or fashion on their ankle, upper or lower back, or chest.

The butterfly is an amazingly beautiful creature that holds profound meaning of mystery and freedom, and is unmatched in it's design and color. No wonder then, the popularity of the butterfly tattoo design.

The butterfly is symbolic of many things, but the main reason women tend to choose the butterfly design is because it symbolizes change and transformation - and this lovely creature, also stands for love and joy.

Butterfly tattoo designs are very safe choices, especially if you are getting tattooed for the first time. The reason being, is because the meaning behind the butterfly is one that is quite easy to treasure forever. Surely, we can all relate to love, joy, and freedom - and also to the beauty of the it's form, and exquisite colors.

To get inspiration for your designs, you can visit a good online tattoo gallery. You'll find large displays in several different styles. For instance, you can choose Celtic or tribal butterfly, and much more.

Not only will you find the butterfly pattern in different styles, but also in many splendid colors and sizes. Good galleries always use expert artists who can create the butterfly tattoo on any part of the body. However, the post popular areas requested, are the lower backs, arms, shoulders and even the ankle.

If you are having trouble deciding on tattoo ideas, keep in mind the butterfly tattoo design. Also, remember the smaller the design, the better - it will be less expensive and less intrusive, and will give you time if you decide on additional tattoos in the future. Remember to never compromise on who does the tattooing for you - make sure he/she are true professionals.

Tattoo Pictures

Tattoo Pictures

Tattoo Pictures

Tattoo Pictures

Tattoo Pictures

Tattoo Art Gallery

Tattoo Gallery

Tattoo Ink Controversy - Risks & Dangers

There has been an outburst of controversy in the past few months. Where in the state of California, two major manufacturers of Tattoo ink have been accused of exposing people to dangerous levels of lead and other metals.

Major concerns of high levels of lead in tattoo pigment include:

*Increase in blood pressure

*Fertility problems

*Nerve disorders

*Muscle and joint pain

*Irritability

*Memory or concentration problems

Both Huck Spaulding Enterprises, and Superior Tattoo Equipment, must comply in the state of California, labeling their inks with hazard warnings (Prizm, and VooDoo Brand color series).

I have had personal experience with Prizm tattoo ink, and I have found that the pigment doesn't stay vibrant in the skin. The lighter colors such as white, golden yellow, and sky blue seem to stain gloves faster than penetrating the skin.

If you are looking for a well rounded, and trustworthy tattoo ink, I would highly suggest the following.

*Mom's Milennium inks.

*Starbright Ink.

*Intenz pigment tattoo ink.

I have found, that all of the above pigments tend to go in vibrant, and stay lush and colorful throughout the life of the tattoo. It reduces the need for touch-ups, and the frustration of clients. If you use inks that you can be proud of, your clients will be happier, and more likely to return.

Tattoo Gallery

Tattoo Gallery

Tattoo

Tattoo

You'd been cerebration about accepting a tattoo for a connected time, and now that you've taken the attempt you're aflame about what you're seeing. You apperceive that the affliction you went through accepting the tattoo was annihilation now that you see the results. Don't accomplish the mistake, though, of cerebration your job is complete. Without the able care, your admirable fresh tattoo can end up actuality your affliction nightmare.

A fresh tattoo is fragile. It is decumbent to infection, it could lose some of its admirable color, or you ability lose the architecture absolutely unless you booty the able precautions to booty affliction of it. Afterwards finishing your architecture your tattoo artisan took assertive accomplish to assure it. And afore you left, he gave you instructions for its care. If you're smart, you'll chase his instructions to the letter in adjustment to abstain accessible problems.

You apperceive you didn't go through all of that affliction and amount aloof to acquiesce your fresh tattoo to self-destruct. By afterward the techniques in this commodity you'll be abiding you're accomplishing your best to assure the advance you fabricated in your tattoo.

Step One - Leave the Cast on Overnight

Right afore you larboard the tattoo parlor, your artisan best acceptable bandaged your fresh tattoo. He did this for your protection. The tattoo was created by dabbling a aggravate into your flesh. It bankrupt through your bark and drew claret with every poke. Therefore, at this point in time, your fresh tattoo is added of an accessible anguish that a accomplished assignment of art.

While some artists may acquaint you that you can abolish the cast afterwards a minimum of two hours, best will admonish abrogation the cast on overnight. That way you abide to accumulate your anguish chargeless from dirt, lint, and air-borne bacteria.

Step Two - Removing the Bandage

In the morning, it'll be time to abolish the bandage. Prior to accepting the tattoo you should accept purchased a liquid-based antimicrobial or antibacterial soap that is additionally actual mild. Afterwards removing the cast you will appetite to acclaim ablution the tattoo and the breadth about it with the soap and blood-warm water. Booty affliction to ablution abroad any actual broiled claret or balm activated by the artist.

The best way to ablution the tattoo at this point is with your duke alone. If you use a washcloth, it ability accident the tattoo. Afterwards anxiously abrasion the absolute area, dry it absolutely application close pats and a cardboard anhydrate or a apple-pie ablution towel.

Step Three - Taking Affliction of the Tattoo

After your still-vulnerable anguish has been bankrupt and dried, you charge to awning it with a careful antibacterial medication. Either Bacitracin or A&D Balm will do the trick, and both can be begin at your bounded drugstore.

Instead of advising antibacterial ointments, your tattoo artisan will apparently advance affairs that were advised accurately to amusement fresh tattoos such as H2Ocean or tattoo Goo. You can accept to chase his admonition or use the ointment. Both will work, and the best is up to you.

The analysis you accept needs to be connected for the abutting three to bristles days. At that point you can abdicate application the medications, but you will still charge to accumulate the breadth actual apple-pie until your tattoo has had a adventitious to alleviate completely. If you'd like you can alter the balm with a balmy balm which is perfume- and dye-free. This will accumulate your bark bendable and adaptable while continuing to assure the breakable bark of the tattoo.

The Scoop About Caring for Your Fresh Tattoo

Its accept to get your fresh tattoo wet, but you'll appetite to abstain absolution it soak. It is best if you battery for the three weeks anon afterward your tattoo procedure, because tub baths acquiesce too abundant assimilation to booty place. Assimilation the tattoo could aftereffect in it actuality damaged. Swimming should be abhorred for at atomic two weeks afterwards you've gotten a fresh tattoo.

You can apprehend your tattoo to anatomy scabs or blast slightly. It's a accustomed allotment of healing process. If your tattoo seems to be scabbing added than you anticipate it should, that could be a assurance that your tattoo artisan didn't do his job right. You never appetite to aces or blemish your scabs. That could accident your tattoo. Instead, you can put balmy washcloths over the breadth and delay for the scabs to abatement off by themselves.