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INKEDblog takes you beneath the skin of today's tattoo culture. Our mission is to celebrate tattooing as a modern art form which incorporates art, fashion, style, and pop culture. While paying homage and respect to the past, we look to present a contemporary take on the present and future of skin art.
Thursday Jun 30, 2005
Giving it up for Guinness
We’ve all heard stories of people making the disastrous mistake of getting a tattoo after downing one too many pints of lager. But actually getting the logo of your favorite beer tattooed on your arm, that’s a definite first for us. However, people who drink Guinness definately belong to some kind of drinking cult, as they vehemently refuse to try any other beer. And most of them are ridiculously well versed in exactly how the beer is brewed – down to how long each fermentation cycle last. So, I guess we shouldn’t be all that surprised to see that some Guinness fanatic has tattooed the brewery’s logo on himself -- we’ve seen people get tattoos of things (and people) that they love a lot less. In addition, the tattoo is extremely well done.
Photo above nicked from here.
| Thursday Jun 30, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Seth Ciferri
Many feel that Seth Ciferri, brother of world-renowned tattoo artists, Adam Ciferri, is one of the most important figures in tattooing today. Not only is Seth a masterful artist, he also constructs some of the best tattoo equipment available. We had a brief chat with Ciferri about tattooing and his main passion – building tattoo machines.
INKEDblog: Seth, how did you get into tattooing?
Seth: I was talked into it by my older brother, who started tattooing about a year and a half before me. I was reluctant at first, but it seemed to be natural progression for me as I'm fascinated with all things technical and bizarre. Tattooing seemed like a perfect combination of the two.
INKEDblog: Do you have a preference for traditional motifs?
Seth: I really don’t have a preference for traditional design motifs. I just do what the customers asks me for, and I guess I’m just lucky that they make my job somewhat easy, by asking for things that I can draw with minimal preparation.
INKEDblog: When was the turning point in your career?
Seth: I think I felt a definite turn for the better when I began to get asked for tattoos from artists whom I had always admired. The first time you work on another tattooer, especially one of exceptional ability, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Then you realize how terrible a job you've done, and the feeling goes away, and you just want to punch yourself in the face.
INKEDblog: Would you say that you’ve "made it big"?
Seth: I don’t think there's any such thing as a "famous tattooer". I feel fortunate to be well recognized in my field, and to be in a position to share knowledge with my peers, but there's never been a moment when i felt like I made it "big". However, I knew I needed to lose weight a few years ago when Gil Monte told me I had gotten really fat, because he's kinda fat. You know?
INKEDblog: So, we hear you make custom made tattoo machines, can you tell us a little about them?
Seth: Well, I make them several different ways. Some are cast from various brass alloys, some from iron and steel... others are prefabricated steel. That's pretty much my full time job these days. I feel I'm a better machine builder than tattooer, and I enjoy it more, so that’s what I spend my time doing. I tattoo a few days a week usually, and build machines five days a week... my days are kinda nuts.
INKEDblog: What are your tats of?
Seth: Mostly pitbulls and the names of my dead homies. I also have praying hands on my neck, with my baby momma’s name underneath.
Thursday Jun 30, 2005
How Safe Are Tattoos for Pregnant Mothers?
This morning INKEDblog contributor Jessica Lund continues her look into a range of issues and myths related to tattoos. Today's topic: How Safe Are Tattoos for Pregnant Mothers?
The three biggest concerns associated with pregnancy and tattoos are: infection, an inability to receive an epidural, and the disfiguration of an existing tattoo.
Infection: A common fear is that an unclean needle might infect a pregnant woman and pass an infection to the fetus. Though the chances of this happening in a safe tattoo studio are extremely low, doctors advise waiting until after birth to be safe. There has never been a recorded case of tattoo-transmitted HIV infection and the last reported tattoo-related incident of hepatitis was in 1950.
Epidurals: Epidurals are a form of pain relief used during labor, and injected in the lower back. Though there is no evidence that suggests that lower back tattoos could interfere with the procedure, apparently some doctors still recommend against it, thinking that the ink could dislodge and move into the bloodstream. Most doctors dismiss this as a myth.
Stretch marks: Stretch marks just seem to be the luck of the draw. Many women report that they have had no instance of tattoo distortion, others notice the shape of their tattoo has changed. The belly, back and waist are particularly effected in these cases. There are no health problems associated with this sort of issue.
Wednesday Jun 29, 2005
That ONE Tattoo You Haven't Gotten Yet
In the last few weeks we've learned that most people who are into tattoos have in their mind that "one tattoo" that they'd love to get but for one reason or another - guts, money, not having the perfect design - they just haven't gotten yet.
So if you're holding onto a tattoo design or concept that one day you hope to get - perhaps when you get the guts, money, or perfect design - let us know. We'll post the answers we receive on the INKEDblog website.
Cheers,
Marc and the INKEDblog Crew
Wednesday Jun 29, 2005
More Star Wars Tats
After posting a link to a collection of Star Wars themed tattoos this morning, we've received a ton of amazing Star Wars tats. The one below is one of our favorites.
Image nicked from Lower East Side Stories
Wednesday Jun 29, 2005
Killer Tattoo
With all the recent discussion around Living Wills following the Terri Schiavo case, we were reminded that back in March of 2003 the BBC reported that an 85 year old retired English nurse went to the length of having the words “do not resuscitate” tattooed across her chest to ensure that she would not be kept on life support. Frances Pollak paid a mere 25 pounds to get this life-denying lettering tattooed over her heart -- the exact spot that would need to be shocked, should she go into cardiac arrest. Apparently, she was worried that doctors wouldn’t see her ‘do not resuscitate’ card that she carries in her handbag. We’ve heard of people tattooing ‘life-changing’ quotations on their body, but the ‘DNR’ tat takes the cake – Pollak’s instructional ink is literally the difference between life and death. Being that this article was written a couple of years ago, it would be really interesting to know if she is still around, and if medical professional ‘obeyed’ the tattoo. We’re really impressed by this lady’s tenacity and sheer will to do things her own way. We’re giving her a definite big ups for having the balls to go the extra mile.
Wednesday Jun 29, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Justin Slootsky
"My tattoo of the Wild Things is currently in progress. I think I am Max. I go out and act like a wild thing, and do the Wild Rumpus all night, but then want to come back home to my comfortable bed when it is all done. It is wonderful to have art that people recognize and reminds them of their own childhood."
You can follow Justin's Wild Things Tattoo as it goes from start to finish here.
Justin on what makes a tatto sexy:
"I cannot comment on what makes a tatto sexy on a man, but I can talk about sexy tattoos on women. If a tattoo makes me look closer, or attracts me to a particular part of someone's shape, or if it disappears beneath clothing, and makes you wonder what goes on behind the cloth, I find it sexy. Generally, coloured tattoos look better on women than black only tattoos. Men can often pull off a black & white tattoo and it makes them look tough, but that same "tough" look on a woman usually does not (in my opinion) look pretty.
Justin's tips for someone who's getting their first tat:
Think. Think of 2 years from now, 5 years from now, 20 years from now. Are you going to be happy with this? Is this a passing interest, or something that is going to hold your interest for years to come? When you choose your placement, are you going to be able to cover it easily, are you going to need to cover it? Who are you going to want to see it? Don't put it too close to private places if you are going to want to show it off to everybody.
Justin's favorite tattoo of all time?
My wife got a wonderful looking ruby slipper tattooed on her ankle. She is a huge Wizard of Oz fan, and the colours of the tattoo were so bright and vibrant. I think it was one of the first gorgeous tattoos that I'd seen on a woman.
Wednesday Jun 29, 2005
Star Wars Tattoos
All summer Star Wars enthusiasts have been revved up to high voltage with the release of the last episode of the Sci-Fi trilogy – Revenge of the Sith. For those of you that want to take your fandom one step further, and want to remember the Star Wars mania in a forever kind of way – Shane's archive is the website for you. This is undoubtedly the Web’s definitive home for Star Wars fan tattoos. From Darth Vader to R2D2, there are dozens of tattoo artist interpretations of your favorite character. Here you will find the most comprehensive collection of Star Wars tats. And for those of you who are craving a little infantile regression, or never got Demolisher (the coolest Transformer) for Christmas, here’s your chance to make up for it. The website also boasts tattoos of GI Joe, Transformers, comic characters, Anime and toy related tattoos known to mankind. You can check it out here.
Tuesday Jun 28, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Louis da Silva
"I first came across the mark on Boozoo Bajou's Satta album cover. It just spoke to me in a really personal level, as if it was a graphic reflection of my self. Anyway, I contacted the record label to find out what the mark symbolized before getting it done. It was a big commitment for me - it's my first and only one. I also remember seeing the graphic in a different context when traveling through Brazil.. So I new it had to mean something.
The label never got back to me and I was really itching to get it, so I did. I also itched afterwards too. I came up with my own interpretation of it:
It's a symbol of Creation.
The leaf represents Mother Nature as she shelters her three most essential seeds (the dots), which represent: love, guidance and sustenance.
Weeks after getting it done, the record label finally got back to me with an explanation. The graphic is the international symbol for "Brazilian Coffee", and that the band felt that it represented the care-free, easy-going lifestyle of South America.
It could've meant worse..."
Tuesday Jun 28, 2005
Tattoo removal: The Myths Exposed
This morning INKEDblog contributor Jessica Lund continues her look into a range of issues and myths related to tattoos. Today's topic: Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal is painless
Nope, not true. Laser removal, dermabrasion, and excision are a lot more painful than your original tattoo.
Tattoo removal is cheap and easy
Think again. It can end up costing thousands of dollars.
Laser removal will completely remove your tattoo
Sorry, you will most likely have scarring and a bit of color after the procedure.
You need to be fair-skinned for laser surgery to remove a tattoo completely.
Actually, tattoo removal has nothing to do with skin color. Your skin tone does not impact tattoo removal, as long as the correct laser system is being used to remove it. There is a different laser used for each color of ink.
Laser removal is the only option.
No way! Be creative! Not only can a doctor perform an excision and closure; there are also cover-up tattoos in which some studios specialize with wonderful results.
It’s safe to use do it yourself tattoo removal products.
No! There is a current FDA BAN/ALERT against TATEX USA'S DO-IT-YOURSELF REMOVAL KIT. Three complaints of injury have implicated this drug as the source of acute inflammation, cellulitis and secondary infection of the skin.
What to do?
The best advice for tattoo removal is attempting not to get into situations where you might need this service. Over fifty percent of people who receive tattoos are very happy they did for the rest of their life, others tend to fall under a few standard and avoidable categories:
- Names
- Sexist/Racist symbols
- Gang tattoos
- Homemade tattoos
- Bad designs
Plan it out, find a professional, and love your tat forever!
Tuesday Jun 28, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews... Eli Quinters
When the unloved need tattoos, they call upon the talents of Eli Quinters. A bit of an enigma, Eli lets his work do most of the talking for him. I did, however, manage to squeak a few answers out of him for the Inked Blog website.
Eli's beginnings in tattooing are shrouded and subsequent attempts to get the 411 on him were unsuccessful, but here is the full extent of what I do know about him:
1) He went to Pratt Institute
2) He has more talent than anyone can imagine
To see more of Eli's work, check out Tattoos For The Unloved
... Logan Hicks
INKEDblog: Eli, what's the strangest request you've ever had for a tattoo?
Eli: It's always real strange to me when people ask me to put a boyfriend or girlfriend's name on their body. I cover names more than any other tattoo, and it always amazes me when people do get a name. A name seems to almost jinx the relationship. I think its a real sweet and romantic idea, but it's almost always a bad idea.
INKEDblog:So what makes a tattoo "good"?
Eli: Clean and even lines. Solid and saturated color. Dark and smooth black shading. It's nice to see a few healed tattoos in an artists portfolio, so that you can see how their tattoos look weeks or months later.
INKEDblog: What are the best and the worst things about being a tattoo artist?
Eli: Being a tattoo artist is amazing. If you're an outcast, its perfect. That's also the worst thing about being a tattoo artist.
INKEDblog: Describe your favorite tattoo of all time?
Eli: My favorite tattoo of all time is a back peace I did on my friend Henrick. It's an hour glass with a severed woman's head in the top half. There is a snake wrapped around it and apples all around it. It's my first back peace and I'm very proud of it. My favorite tattoo on other people is any tattoo that is about their mom. You never regret getting a tattoo for your mom. It's a classic.
INKEDblog: What's your thoughts on Old School vs. New School styles?
Eli: I prefer to try to make my tattoos look more towards the old school style. But I think that a good tattoo design is a good tattoo design. If the tattoo is still cool looking, and still holding up in the skin in 30 years, than it's a good tattoo.
Tuesday Jun 28, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story.... Liberation Iannillo
"What attracted me to the art of David Wojnarowicz was the political nature of his work. The administration in the 80’s mishandled the AIDS crisis and he called them on it. When he found out that he himself had contracted the AIDS virus, his work became even more politically charged and at times it included rants against homophobes like Jesse Helmes and John Cardinal O’Connor. Through layers of paint, photos collages and his own poetry, he explored topics ranging from his own sexuality to technology and what the human race is doing to the earth.
David’s work exudes passion and I love the fact that I can see it whenever I want to on my body. I have three pieces of his work tattooed on my arm: a pork chop, a voodoo doll and a horse that is on fire. My choice of subject matter amuses the guys in the tattoo parlor as you can imagine.
My favorite piece is the horse on fire because it’s just so violent looking. Wojnarowicz took a poster from a race track and he painted flames down the backs of all the horses on the poster. It sounds completely gruesome but the actual painting is very striking.
Liberation Iannillo is the Publisher of Trigger Magazine
Liberation's tattoos were done by Regino from Inkstop Tattoo
Photos by Evan Sung
Monday Jun 27, 2005
Who Owns Celebrity Tats?
An article in today's Daily Mirror in the U.K. caught our eye, as the paper reported that Louis Molloy, the tattoo artist who's done nine of footballer David Beckham's now famous tats, is now threatening to sue Beckham if and when Beckham shows the tattoos in an ad campaign.
If Molloy does sue, claiming he owns the copyright of the images on Beckham's body, he'd be following the lead of Matthew Reed, the Oregon based tattoo artist who inked NBA star Rasheed Wallace's arm. Reed is also suing for copyright infringement claiming that he's due money now that Rasheed's tattoo is featured prominently in a Nike TV and Internet ad campaign.
Is there a trend here?
Molloy is quoted in the article in the Mirror as saying about Beckham - "They were under the impression that they owned those images but they don't. I was contacted recently and told they wanted to use some of them in a campaign. I said we'd have to draw up a licence agreement but then it got too complicated. So I said 'I own the copyright, they are my intellectual property, I drew them, I didn't copy them from other sources'. They still think they're the owners of the images but if they use them without my permission I'd sue. There's no doubt about it."
The article suggests that Molloy is firm in his assertion that he alone created Beckham's famous guardian angel on his back. He says - "David described a tattoo he'd seen of an upright figure, along the lines of a crucifix. I decided on the image of a diver at the Olympics standing on the high board with his arms outstretched. I couldn't find a relevant picture so I got an book on anatomy and basically pieced it all together. I added a pair of wings, showed the design to him and he loved it."
You can read the article online here.
Monday Jun 27, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Mitch O'Connell
Mitch O'Connell's work is almost ubiquitous in the illustration world, and has appeared everywhere from Newsweek to MTV. He’s down with drawing traditional newspaper comics, but is just as comfortable submitting work to publications like Deadline and Juxtapoz. He published his first graphic novel, ‘The World of Ginger Fox’ in 1986, and followed that with two collections, ‘Good Taste Gone Bad’ in 1993, and ‘Pwease Wuv Me!’ in 1998. He has recently been concentrating on tattoo designs, which have been bolstered with the debut of his Tattoo Flash package, ‘Done While Drunk in 2002’.
INKEDblog: Mitch, how did you first get into tattooing?
Mitch: I always loved and admired tattoo flash. When I look at a sheet of old school flash I can actually feel a tug in my gut. My attraction to tattoos wasn't something I had to think through, it's a physical reaction. So, since I liked 'em so much, I incorporated designs in my commercial (and "fine art") work all the time. Along with that I started to get photos from folks who were having my illustrations tattooed on 'em. It floored me. You can't get a much higher complement that having someone permanently engrave your stuff on their flesh. I draw for a newspaper, it's thrown out the next day. An illustration for a magazine might stay on the coffee table for a couple of weeks (unless it's at the dentist's office where it'll hang on for years) and a gallery show is only up for a month, but a tattoo... that's gonna be the winner for hanging in there! The folks who liked my doodles started pushing me to put out my own flash. They didn't have to push too hard. I went back and studied the masters like Sailor Jerry, Tats Thomas, Owen Jensen, etc. (And again I was knocked out by their skill. Old school tattoos are like, to me, something so solid and classic, like a 100 year old oak tree, a hand sewn Revolutionary war flag, carnival banner or Mount Rushmore). I realized this is a whole different art form where I'd have to adopt to fit the guidelines. Technically I wanted to keep the designs as trouble free as possible for the tattooist. Once I worked up some line drawings I mailed 'em off to tattooists I knew and admired, and also visited local shops to get feedback. I especially wanted to learn the tattooing process and what type of designs moved. I didn't want my sheets just looking pretty but gathering dust on the wall, I wanted 'em to be popular. If some one isn't getting tattooed with my designs I don't think they count as flash. I know that years ago (since the tattoo community has a history of being a closed shop) I might not have been given the time of day. But since many folks had heard of me and could see that I was sincere, I got a lot of very helpful suggestions (O.K. some people did tell me to drop dead, hey, there has to be a little truth to stereotypes!).
INKEDblog: But interestingly, you yourself don't have any tats, do you?
Mitch: I've been working up a design of my wife for my arm for years but still can't get it right. So at the risk of being roundly booed by all your readers...I have no tattoos. But, hell, I'm well groomed... doesn't that count for anything?! We all (Me, my wife Ilsabe and the young 'uns Leo and Kieran) set up at the HellCity Tattoo Convention a couple of years back to unload some flash. I was quite happy it was chilly so I could wear a long sleeved turtleneck so at least people might think I was tattooed. I had visions of being tarred and feathered if I went swimming in the hotel pool and my secret was discovered. Anyway, I didn't fool anyone. They all had tattoo radar and could figure it out pretty easily. No tar and feathers were involved that weekend but I did get many offers to have my first tat.
INKEDblog: So what's your favorite tattoo of all time?
Mitch: Anyone who has been tasteful enough to get one of my doodles inked on 'em. They're all a #1 tie.
INKEDblog: Anyone in the tattoo industry that you're giving props to at the moment?
Mitch: Any tattoo shop that's been good enough to display my flash is, of course tops in my book. Artists I know and/or admire working now include, Daniel Higgs, Seth Ciferri, Marcus Kuhn, Eric Maaske among many, many others. Also, the tattoo magazine editors have been extremely generous in giving me favorable press in their magazines.
INKEDblog: So who;s the most interesting person you've worked with, and whom would you like to work with in the future?
Mitch: Why that would be the lovely Mrs. Ilsabe O'Connell. She helps me figure out how the computer works and puts together my website. You can read all about her and her music career at www.ilsabeoconnell.com
Monday Jun 27, 2005
What’s the scoop on Tattoo Pain?
This morning INKEDblog contributor Jessica Lund continues her look into a range of issues and myths related to tattoos. Today's topic: Tattoos and Pain
What’s the scoop on Tattoo Pain?
Though most artists will tell you that the pain of a tattoo is no greater than that of a sunburn or a bee sting, I’m highly sympathetic to the whiners: sunburns and bee stings hurt!!
After fainting during a lower back tattoo, I was curious- what is the most painful place to be inked?
The most painful places on the body to get a tattoo according to reader polls:
18% Genitalia
13% Ankles
10% Lower Back
9% Feet
7% Lower Legs
5% Chest
5% Ribs (Sides)
5% Upper Legs
5% Hands
5% Face
4% Forearms
3% Upper Arms
3% Wrists
3% Upper Back
3% Rear End
2% Stomach
One artist says that the most painful parts of the body are the neck, thighs, and backs of the arms.
Another source reiterates the sunburn and bee sting motif, but allows that the elbows, knees and armpits are fairly touchy…
A third classifies the pain gradient by gender, saying that the most painful spots for men are the abdomen, spine and chest, while for a woman it’s the ankle, spine and ribcage.
With all these varying opinions, what to believe?
When it comes down to it, all artists agree that being well rested, having a light meal prior to your appointment, taking some Tylenol and knowing how to relax make the only real difference.
The experience of being tattooed will not last long compared to the tattoo itself. Take care of yourself, and you’ll make it. I did, and I still cry at bee stings…
Monday Jun 27, 2005
Tattoo Tees
Want to look like you're punk rawk without jeopardizing your chances at that cushy white-collar job? If you can’t stand the pain, but are willing to do a bit of front’n for the day, Sleeves Clothing has got the T-shirt for you. What started out as a quirk in the movie industry, with guys like Brad Pitt wearing the ‘fake tats garb’ for a photo shoot in People magazine, has now forged its way in the fashion arena. Sleeves Clothing sells translucent clingy shirts that "give you the realistic illusion of tattoos". These Tees are meant to look like your skin, so they’re super tight and thin. They’re covered in artistically painted designs (fake tattoos) that give you the look of full-body tatts without the permanence, pain, sagging or disapprobation.
Sunday Jun 26, 2005
Sleepytime Tat
Saturday Jun 25, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Ira Sperling
"I've known Shotsie Gorman for almost 15 years and have sleeves by him as well as the Hendrix piece. I had been wanting to do a large format back piece for some time (a sort of grand finale since I wasn't interested in inking my lower body) and the Hendrix lithograph the piece is based on caught in my brain and wouldn't let go. I have been a Hendrix fan since 1973 and while I'm not obsessed by him, I do consider him to be the foundation upon which all modern rock sounds have been constructed since. I presented the idea to Shotsie, he was enthusiastic about it and almost a year (and a good amount of pain)later, it was done. It represents everything I always wanted out of a tattoo image - it's unique, it makes a statement about something deeply important to me and it looks amazing."... Ira
Does your body have a story to tell? Email us at getinked@inkedblog.com
Saturday Jun 25, 2005
Submit Your Typographic Tattoos
Earlier this week we received an email from Ina Saltz who last year wrote and article on typographic and textual tattoos for STEP Inside Design Magazine. She's now actively expanding the subject into a book and will be doing a presentation on Typographic Tattoos at a typographic conference next month.
So if you would like to submit your textual tattoos to be included in Enid's work send them to her at ina@saltzdesign.com or isaltz1@nyc.rr.com. She's looking for those which are ideally completely or predominantly typographic (western lettering/characters only, although the language can be other than English) The tattoos can be individual letters, typographic logos, words, phrases or passages of text, or simply a name. SEND JPEGs that are close-up, sharp and as hi-res as possible. Ina will respond to every submission and will call or email to interview you about your typographic tattoo.
Friday Jun 24, 2005
Kick Ass Arabic Tattoos With… Odd Meanings
We love Arabic tattoos. The script has a movement and flow to it that seems made for body art. A famous Iranian artist once compared Arabic script to running horses, a comparison that has never ceased to thrill us.
But what happens when you take an ancient and beautiful language and create really strange phrases? Everyone’s heard horror stories about mistranslated tats, but who’s really going to call you on what they say?
Here are three beautiful tats we want to start seeing!
“I don't know if I’ll succeed in life or not, probably not, but I’ll let you know later.”
“I think I will be happy in my life because my wife does not spend too much money.”
“I am devoted to smoking.”
Friday Jun 24, 2005
Why no tattoos for Jews?
INKEDblog contributor Jessica Lund continues to look into a range of issues and myths related to tattoos. Today's topic: Jews and Tattoos
Why no tattoos for Jews?
The biblical ban is Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.”
The general principal is that in the Jewish faith, the body belongs to god, and a person is simply borrowing it until s/he returns it in heaven. A person violating this law was historically unable to be buried in a Jewish graveyard.
This decree has become more political since WW2. During the holocaust, Nazis tattooed numbers and letters on prisoners, knowingly violating Jewish code.
Since then, tattoos in general have been a painful reminder for many Jews of the hideous atrocities that they suffered at that painful point in history.
The religious law banning the burial of tattooed Jews has since been abolished in the wake of the tattooed holocaust survivors, however. Jews with tattoos may be buried in most Jewish graveyards, though some still request laser surgery.
Currently, even though tattoos are still expressly forbidden by Jewish law, many Jews are both getting tattoos, and finding singular ways to express their Jewish heritage through unique religious tattoos.
Friday Jun 24, 2005
Tattoo Of The Week - Zelda
Each and every day the team here at INKEDblog looks through thousands of tattoos as we prepare these posts. So we thought that on Fridays we'd end each week with a shout out for our favorite tattoo of the week.
The tattoo above of Zelda, found on livejournal.com, definately caught our eye this week. The attention to detail is painstakingly flawless, and the design is both intricate and super sharp. Even if you’re not into video games, Nintendo, or Zelda - and you just don’t have the inclination to ink yourself with characters from the castle of Hyrule - you’ve gotta love this mad tat. We’re not really that familiar with the game, but we do know that it involves an intrepid princess that stands up to her evil ruler – so, in the tradition of bravery, we’re definitely giving props to this guy for being seriously fearless by getting his tat in one sitting. Although we think the tattoo looks beautiful in black and white, we’re looking forward to his next session, where he’s getting it colored in.
Friday Jun 24, 2005
History of the New York Tattoo
If you're interested in learning about the history of tattoos, we definitely recommend reading this piece posted a while back on tattoos.com about the history of the New York tattoo. It aptly describes the “old-school Mecca” for tattoo enthusiasts, which was at the Southern tip of Manhattan, at a place called Chatham Square. Deep-water sailors as well as street-bred rough and tumblers frequented what soon became the most widely recognized and respected tattoo center in the world. The article presents some awesome descriptions of what tattoo parlors were like “back in the day”, and it’s really easy to read, and not too long. You can totally picture the atmosphere – “People congregated there, among the flophouses, gin mills, dime museums and burlesque theaters, looking for entertainment. Sailors caroused away their shore leave in the beer halls and cathouses there. Confidence men and "cut purses" fleeced inexperienced seamen, many of whom drowned their sorrows in the bitter-sweet smoke of the opium dens along Doyers and Pell Streets”.
You can check the article out here.
Friday Jun 24, 2005
Six Questions For... Chris O'Donnell
Recently INKEDblog caught up with the legendary Chris O'Donnell of New York Adorned
INKEDblog: Chris, how'd you get into tattooing?
CHRIS: I lucked into a situation where I could learn to tattoo in a professional shop. I learned more about dealing with customers and autoclaving equipment then i did about doing good tattoos but I am thankful. It was my after school job during my senior year of highschool. I avoided wasting a lot of time trying to find myself I guess.
INKEDblog: What's the strangest request you've ever had?
CHRIS: You hear so many unusual request through the years they just become usual. There isnt anything shocking anymore, sorry. Give it up!!!
INKEDblog: What makes a tattoo "good"?
CHRIS: A strong graphic quality is one of the most important things to me. You should at least be able to make out some intresting shape from a short distance. That and a silly image doesnt help.
INKEDblog: What is the best thing about being a tattoo artist?
CHRIS: The best thing and the worst thing about being a tattoo artist is the people. I enjoy people and I've met some great people thanks to tattooing but I love working in solitude. I enjoy working in the comfort of my home on something that isn't worried if I'm doing a good job or not, or worried that there not making enough small talk. I dont know, I would probably miss the personal connection if suddenly it was gone. It can be alot of pressure though.
INKEDblog: Describe your favorite tattoo of all time?
CHRIS: The big stuff is what I've always liked the most. It just seems to effect me more than the small collector style work. Higgs, Hardy, Deutsche, Horiyoshi 2, etc...
INKEDblog: What's your thoughts on Old School vs. New School styles?
CHRIS: Old school, New school, they have to be the most over used, meaningless terms ever to confuse people in the history of tattooing. There are older people doing new style tattoos and younger guys that fantasize about being Sailor Jerry. Traditional Americana vs. Graffiti vs. Japanese Bodysuits vs. Cubist vs. Acid Trip Space Spirals vs....... who cares. I know what I like and try to do a good, clean, sterile, inspired and responsible job everytime.
Thursday Jun 23, 2005
How Safe are Tattoos for Breastfeeding Mothers?
Recently we asked our friend, and INKEDblog contributor, Jessica Lund to look into a range of issues and myths related to tattoos. Over the next couple of days Jessica will be debunking the myths around a range of topics from pregnancy to breastfeeding to tattoos and the Jewish religion. Here's the first installment....
How Safe are Tattoos for Breastfeeding Mothers?
The Breastfeeding Atlas and Maternal and Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation agree that already present tattoos, on the breast or elsewhere, do not impact breastfeeding.
The largest concern for breastfeeding mothers is whether to receive a new tat while they are currently nursing.
If the mother develops an infection from the tattoo, the vague possibility exists that the baby could be affected. This is particularly a problem if the woman does not follow the aftercare instructions and develops an infection.
The possibility of the ink migrating into the mother’s blood plasma and then into the milk-making cells of the breast is a myth, according to Frank Nice, RPh. It is possible however, to have allergic reactions to the tattoo ink.
According to a survey of tattooed or pierced mothers by Mary Jozwiak, IBCLC, a moderator at HipMama magazine, the risk for blood-borne illnesses is not increased for mothers who were tattooed by a professional who followed the aftercare instructions.
Thursday Jun 23, 2005
Tattoos Catering To the Cooking Industry
Nytimes.com has come out with a killer site on chef’s tattoos. We’re always impressed by people that go the extra mile to show their unwavering passion for a particular craft – and what better way for chefs to remind themselves, and others, of their love for cooking, than to leave a little indelible ink on their skin. The first picture is of an Alice Waters tattoo – Mrs. Waters has been hailed as one of America’s great gastronomical masters. Most of the tattoos illustrate a pure devotion to the trade, like the tat of the four knives, or the words “duck fat” scribed across the skin of one chef’s forearm. Other tattoos are more humorous in their depiction of the mania that manifests in the kitchen – “the spoon is running, the fork is stressed out, the knife is excited, and they're all going after the plate”. Every profession has its rituals and idioms, but there is something especially tribal about the preparation of food. Check it out here.
Thursday Jun 23, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Sarah Terry
"My latest tattoo was done by CHRIS at CUSTOM TATTOO in Meanwood, Leeds, UK. It is based on a drawing by Brian Froud, who did the design for the Dark Crystal movie, and was re-designed by myself. The colour was based on my hair at the time. To tell you the truth I really freaked out when I first had it done, it was so much bigger than my others, but I get complimented on it all the time, and I wouldn't change them for the world. I like to talk to people and its a good way to start a conversation!"... Sarah T
Thursday Jun 23, 2005
Tattoos No Longer Taboo at Work
If you’re afraid that a little exposed permanent ink is going to put back in the unemployment line, think again. CNN.com recently came out with a refreshing article on a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, that indicates a growing tolerance for tattoos in the workplace. It seems that tattoos are no longer only associated with society’s salacious slackers or ne’er-do-wells, but are now making it into the mainstream. The Mayo Clinic found that 23 percent of university students had one to three tattoos, and 51 percent had one or more piercings, other than earlobe piercings. A Harris Interactive poll found that 36 percent of 25 to 29 –year olds have tattoos. Banning tattoos in the workplace could definitely be viewed as a form of discrimination, especially if potential employers are discriminating not the body art itself, but are suggesting that a candidate fits a certain stereotype just because they have a tattoo. We’re really pleased that this attitude is finally beginning to change. It would be interesting to find out the Mayo Clinic’s stance on tats on their employees.
Wednesday Jun 22, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Alicia Nichols
"I do abstract art and after selling some paintings I took a sharpie and drew a design on my arm. When I woke up the next morning, I decided I still liked it so I went and got it tattooed overtop of the sharpie. Since then I sold another painting so I extended it up to my shoulder. Danielle, the girl at Dare Devil Tattoos/Fun City in New York who does the tattoos, laughs now when I show up, knowing that I've got some random marker somewhere on my body.
My second tattoo I just got last week. I have an art website that I started with my friend Jonathan. I got the tattoo because Jonathan died after falling off the roof of a hotel in LA about a week ago. Its so crazy, but that's another story. So while the first tattoo is just my designs, my art, the second is a "j," but I don't think its obvious when you look at it. I think its pretty funny, when people look at the tattoo on my arm, they seem so puzzled, like they're trying to find some concrete meaning, to decode something familiar that they can understand. Just this morning on the train, I saw people staring at my arm with confused looks. then someone will finally ask me what it means, to which I reply its my art, which seems to confuse them even more. I'm definitely a walking advertisement for my stuff and I've actually been getting requests from people to design some tattoos.who knows, maybe someday I'll be a able to quit my day job." ... Alicia
Wednesday Jun 22, 2005
Killer Koi Tattoo
Nootroope.net has a seriously beautiful series of pics of Keith Alexander’s quest to get the perfect Koi tattoo. For us, this is one of the best, and most thoroughly documented, examples of someone who's planned out and then executed his dream tattoo (from blank skin to completed work) with absolute perfection. On the site he's even illustrated each session with text, images and relevant quotes and links.
If you’re thinking of getting a tat, we highly recommend that you check out his well-documented process. And if you’re not, you should check it out just for the super tight images. The design he has chosen is not only beautiful, but has a cornucopia of meaning and tradition behind it. “The Japanese consider the Koi to be the most spirited fish, so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals”.
The tattoo artist who did the Koi: Chris O'Donnell
Wednesday Jun 22, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Darren Barefoot
Darren Barefoot's search for textual tattoos has lead him to create one of the best repositories of permanently penned phrases on the internet. Fascinated by tattoos comprised mostly of English words and sentences, Darren has become the internet's defacto expert on words on skin. Recently we caught up with Darren to chat about the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of textual tats.
INKEDblog: So, how and why did you first become interested in textual tattoos?
Darren: I watched an episode of "Lost", and noticed that Dominic Monaghan (formerly Merry in the Lord of the Rings movies) had some words tattooed on his upper arm. They read "living is easy, with eyes closed". That, of course, is a lyric from the Beatles'"Strawberry Fields Forever". In a world of celtic and Asian characters tattooed on backs everywhere, I thought that was pretty cool.
INKEDblog: So Darren, do you have any tats yourself?
Darren: I don't have any tattoos. I've got a bit of a rant about some tattoo owners here. It may explain why I'm disinclined.
INKEDblog: But, if you did have one, what would it say?
Darren: If I did get a tattoo, it would definitely be of the textual variety. I meditate on what I might print on my body here. It would almost certainly be a song lyric or line from a poem. Two that come immediately to mind are "I have heard the mermaids singing" from Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" or "red means run, son, numbers add up to nothing" from Neil Young's "Powderfinger". Something short and pithy.
INKEDblog: So, what's the coolest and most interesting textual tattoo you've seen?
Darren: My favorite is probably a quote from Ghandi
INKEDblog: Okay, so what's the worst quote you've ever seen on skin?
Darren: Unless you speak the language, or have strong associations with the language (as in, you were born in a given country or spent a long time there), I'm really not crazy about foreign language characters. It seems to me that every time I see a 20-something women lean over I spot a Japanese kanji character on the small of her back. To me, it reeks of a kind of cultural imperialism and a shallowness that I find really distasteful. Often they're terribly done -- and deeply inaccurate in their meaning. There's a whole blog solely dedicated to debunking poor usage of kanji characters. You can check it out here.
Here's a good example of such a tattoo gone horribly wrong:
INKEDblog: Is there a certain kind of characteristic in someone that is associated with getting a textual tat vs a tat of a bird or butterfly etc?
Darren: As I've said, getting a textual tattoo takes more courage, because its meaning is unambiguous. As such, I'd expect textual tattoo owners to be more thoughtful than the average person. As you'll see in my rant (referenced in answer #2), many tattoo owners seem to give very little thought to what image they get.
(Photo of Darren Barefoot by Kris Krug)
Wednesday Jun 22, 2005
Mad Fool’ or ‘Mad Cool’ Tat Site
Let's face it, we all love those ‘hot or not’ websites. They provide hours of procrastination time. We especially like this hot or not tattoo site where you can deem a tattoo bearer “mad cool or a mad fool”. The site also provides a perfect gallery for those of us who need our peeps stamp of approval before we permanently pen our skin – just find the tats with the highest rating and you know they’re a goodie. However, it’s kind of annoying that they give you the rating before you vote, We'd much prefer it when you vote first, then they tell you if everyone loved or hated it – it gives that added drama for those of us that need it. The best category by far is the ‘character tats’, some of them are pretty wack.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2005
Taking It To Another Level
While putting together the INKEDblog site for this week's launch, we sifted through thousands and thousands of photographs of tats. The photo above, taken by the infamous Mark The Cobrasnake at Music Midtown in Atlanta, featured this week on Svedka's Gardenofsweden.com is definately our favorite.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2005
A Sweet Prick for Diabetes Monitoring
We know that tattoos have some serious clout in the art world, but recently the BBC reported that tats could be gaining recognition in the medical arena too. Researchers at Texas A&M have designed a tattoo that responds to blood-sugar levels, replacing pinprick tests for people with diabetes. Once perfected, the tattoo will allow glucose levels to be monitored round the clock, and could allow an alarm system that would warn the diabetic if their glucose levels were to fall dangerously...It is made of polyethylene glycol beads that are coated with fluorescent molecules. Because glucose displaces the fluorescent molecules, the level of fluorescence is high when bodily glucose levels are low.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2005
Artist Profile: Aaron Bell
Although he got his start in Southern California, Aaron Bell has been tucked away tattooing in Seattle for the better part of twelve years. Originally a punk rocker, Aaron acquired his first equipment in 1984. By the time he was 18 years old, he was slinging ink extensively. He gave up tattooing in ‘90 for the stability of creating illustrations and later operating a clothing company that designed punk rock-related T-shirts.
After moving up to Seattle in ‘93 with his wife, a biker named Bill opened up a tattoo shop next to Aaron’s apartment. A quick chat later, Aaron jump started his tattooing by apprenticing at the shop. When Biker Bill decided to move on, he sold the shop to Aaron and ‘Slave to the Needle’ Tattoo Shop was born.
Since then, Aaron has cemented his place in the tattooing world by leading the New School as well as traditional Japanese tattoo styles. Doing close to 10 shows a year worldwide, he has managed to walk the line between creative force and consummate business man with ease.
If you are in Seattle, stop by the ‘Slave to the Needle’ shop and say hello, but don’t expect to saddle up to the booth and get a tattoo same day. Aaron is in high demand these days, so appointments are strongly suggested.
-- Logan Hicks
"I started tattooing in the early 80’s. It was not a main source of income at the time and I struggled throughout the years to enlighten myself about the evasive, secretive world of tattooing. Finally in ’94 I got my big break. I received an apprenticeship. Once I obtained that ‘secret’ knowledge from my boss, and co-workers, I traded in my old addictions for a new one, Tattooing. Since fall of 2003 I’ve managed to win over 60 awards. I have been a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and the National Tattoo association since the start of my ‘professional’ career. I am always striving to further my education in all aspects of tattooing, from the technical to the prevention of disease transmission.
I have many influences and mentors in the business, including the incredibly talented group of artists here at Slave to the Needle. I am learning from each and every one of them daily and it is truly great to be immersed in such a creative environment. I am very happy about what I do. Thanks to all who’ve inspired me and to you the customer, for the trust, and for keeping it interesting for me. As I like to say “This sure beats working.” ... Aaron Bell
Visit www.slavetotheneedle.com for more information.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2005
Create a Tat
If you’re thinking of getting a tribal tattoo with your own unique twist, then CreateATattoo is a good site to get you started. The CreateATattoo program is easy to navigate even for the lamest Luddite. This ace part is that you don’t have to worry about files on your computer, the designs are saved right onto the createatattoo server. If you hate it, they promise to hit you back with a full refund. And, most importantly – you don’t need to know how to draw.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2005
Revenge of the Tattooed Nerds
If you thought getting the Ying and Yang sign was a little geeky, think again. Imagine getting the Mandebrot Set tattooed on you back. Revenge of the Tattooed Nerds is filled with awesome stories of why people chose to get the Apple logo tattooed on their arm, or why they felt inspired to permanently pen the double DNA helix up their back. This is the definitive gallery of pics and rationalizations about nerd tattoos-- from Mac logos to 8-bit Nintendo heroes to DNA, all culled from the submissions at BMEZine, a body-modification zine.
Tuesday Jun 21, 2005
What Does the Location of Your First Tat Tell About Your Personality?
Maybe it’s a personality thing, but we can always spot the people whose first tat was on an ankle, versus an arm or a back.
So, what does your first tat placement mean?
Upper arm/Shoulder: Loyal, brave, and steadfast
Ankle: Flighty, capricious, and friendly
Leg: Serious, shy, and hardworking
Butt: Flirtatious, secretive, and insensitive
Hand: Artistic, sensitive, and aesthetic
Elbow: Rowdy, tough, and social
Back: Serious, artistic, and persevering.
Monday Jun 20, 2005
Six Questions For... Guy Aitchison
Guy Aitchison is one of the names that you constantly hear in the tattooing world. He's credited with being an inspiration, elevating the tattoo profession, and having a unique style.
It wasn't until I saw his work that I understood why: Guy is a powerhouse of talent. His work is peppered with texture, patterns, geometry, religious iconography, and architecture. His work is executed with a precision that is unparalleled.
Guy began by cutting his teeth at Bob Olson's Custom Tattooing in Chicago. Two years later he opened his own shop, Guilty & Innocent Productions. Since then, he has become a staple in the many tattoo magazines. He lectures and shows his tattoo and paintings regularly.
--- Logan Hicks
INKEDblog: So first, how'd you originally get into the tattooing field?
Guy: I was a young commercial illustrator, doing album covers for low budget hardcore and heavy metal records. My sister one day suggested we go get tattooed, which had never really occurred to me before that. Watching the process, I couldn't shake the idea that I'd enjoy doing it. Four years and many complications later, I landed an apprenticeship with Chicago's Bob Oslon. I had gone in to get a tattoo, and had brought my own drawing for the piece. We hit it off, and he was at that critical moment when his new shop was really picking up for the first time and he needed a second artist in the shop. It was a quick, straightforward, very educational apprenticeship. I stayed at his shop for two years.
INKEDblog: What's the strangest request you've ever had for a tattoo?
Guy: I had a guy ask for an inkless tattoo on a sensitive area. Being new in the field and emboldened by Bob Oslon's stories of working in a sleazy Hollywood Boulevard shop, I made the appointment with the guy, figuring it was nothing compared the the wierdness that went on in some shops. Well, the day came, I did the piece, but he didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I think he had hoped, and it was a short session.
INKEDblog: In your mind, what makes a tattoo "good"?
Guy: If the wearer loves their tattoo, it's a winner. This can be from a combination of good design, strong execution, and the right personal treatment during the session. If any of these elements are lacking, they won't love their piece as much as they should.
INKEDblog: What are the best and worst things about being a tattoo artist?
Guy: The best things are the worst things, and vice versa. This is a profession that really takes over your life. On the one hand, this
intensity can be attractive, highly motivating, high status, all that
stuff... but on the other hand, this can burn a person out if they don't find the right lifestyle balance. It is also a great medium for a painter to work in, since tattooing will force the artist to problem solve in new ways and break old habits. On the flip side of this, it is sometimes hard for a tattooist to find time to paint, and if this is something they want to seriously pursue it is a frustrating thing to find that happy medium.
INKEDblog: So, describe your favorite tattoo of all time?
Guy: That's a tough question; I don't like to play favorites. One of my very favorites is my left arm, which was a collaboration between Aaron Cain and Grime. It covers a bunch of old tattooing that I had lasered off. I was involved in the design aspect of the piece. It was a thrilling event for me artistically and is a powerful sleeve. I like it even more knowing what used to be there before I started lasering.
INKEDblog: Any thoughts about Old School vs. New School styles?
Guy: I think all styles are valid, and each can inform the other. I don'tvunderstand these young tattooers who choose the nonconformist route of becoming heavily tattooed, then taking on the highly conformist attitude that only the style they personally work in is valid. Get over it, people. Tattooing is most successful as an art movement when it acts as a great artistic melting pot. I don't understand closed minded artists; it seems like a contradiction to me.
To book an appointment, or for more information about Guy, visit www.hyperspacestudios.com
Monday Jun 20, 2005
"Ten Things to Do After You Get Your First Tat"
You did it! You got inked, you survived the needle, you feel like the biggest rock star ever… Now what?
1. Thank the artist and leave a tip. Don’t let your euphoria get in the way of forging a sweet relationship. Shoot, they may do it cheaper next time!
2. Get a drink with your friends. Some might argue me on this point, but after the buzz buzz stops; you’re okay to party.
3. Look at your tat obsessively all night long. Yep. It’s permanent. That’s an oddly hard concept to grasp until it happens to you…
4. Enjoy the glow. It feels good to get a tattoo. That’s something no one can really explain to you unless you understand from experience. It’s your very own little inky high.
5. Listen really carefully to the instructions from the artist. They know what they’re doing. If they say leave the bandage on for an hour, leave it on for an hour. Christ, you’re a rock star, but you don’t want to screw it up…
6. Don’t pull off the bandage and go swimming. No, I’m serious. I bet you think that you wouldn’t but I know this chick who partied a little too hard, forgot she had just gotten a tat, and now the thorny rose on her hip looks more like a bruise. Yikes.
7. Put the recommended ointment on your tat every day. It makes it look good, but also keeps it from peeling which can make the lines less even.
8. Show everyone you know: your boss, your mom, your girlfriend… Just don’t do it obviously. It’s a lot cooler. Trust me, you’ll start to know which clothes show it off and which don’t. Peek-a-boo…
9. As it heals, check and make sure your tattoo is filled in correctly. If it needs a touch up, which is not uncommon, the artist will probably do it for free or for a very reasonable rate. (Particularly if you tipped them!)
10. Start planning your next one. This kind of fun don’t never have to end…
Monday Jun 20, 2005
The Horror of Paul Booth
If you can make it past the freakish animation and deathly morose soundtrack on Paul Booth's Last Rites website, then you’re doing better than we did on our first attempt. But it’s hard to ignore the talent of what Rolling Stones Magazine called the “the new king of rock tattoos”. Paul Booth has done some pretty amazing work, and can boast a number of bands that he’s inked – Slayer, Slipknot, and Pantera to name a few. Paul is widely considered a master of the art form, and has earned international acclaim with innumerable tattoo awards, heavy industry press and a global cult following. There are some amazing pictures of his work on the site, and his attention to detail is flawless. Check it out here.
Monday Jun 20, 2005
Mr. Cartoon
Undoubtedly the pantheon of cool in the world of tattoos, Mr. Cartoon has left his indelible mark on all the masters of hip-hop, and the rest of the rock genre. This kid is undeniably a staple in today’s art world, and has a client roster that would make the execs at Shady Records jealous – 50, Eminem, Travis Barker, Method Man, Nas, and Pharell Williams. A true modern master, his work is culturally inspired -- his lettering is clean and slick, and his roots are hedged heavily in hip hop. Aside from his famous ink plots and big name affiliations, Mr. Cartoon is also co-owner of the very successful street garment known as Joker Brand. Last month he found the time to exhibit his work with five other LA artists at Ironeye Gallery. He is also working on a tattoo documentary called Ink, which is sure to make its mark on the big screen some time soon.
Friday Jun 17, 2005
INKED Premieres July 20 on A&E at 9pm EST/ 8C
Premiering July 20th at 9pm EST/8C, INKED follows the stories of an unconventional and intriguing band of tattoo-cutlure characters at the pioneering Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company, the first parlor to open inside a Vegas casino.
Each week, INKED goes behind-the-scenes and follows H&H's founder and freestyle motocross champ, Carey Hart, as he caters to high-profile clients, while also managing his staff of temperamental artists.
Every body has a story and INKED gives you a personal look into the tales behind the tats - from the touching the bizarre. From names of lovers and loved ones, to animals, insects, cobwebs, religious symbols, and Asian imagery, the designs inked by the shop's artists span the range of human imagination.
Here's a preview of the first episode which debuts on July 20th:
THE DIVORCE
Wednesday JULY 20th @ 9:00PM/8C
It’s been several months since the hoopla of the Hart & Huntington grand opening and the tattoo parlor's founding owners are getting on each other’s nerves. Hart wants to build the shop into a Vegas hot spot. Huntington has other plans. If the duo can't settle their differences, the shop will be closed.
Monday Jun 13, 2005
"Ten Things to Check For When You Walk Into A Tattoo Parlor"
So you want to get a tat, you’ve seen a million studios around - where do you go? How do you know if it’s the right place for you?
But fear not! Follow the guide below and trust yourself! You’ll end up happy that you did.
1. Safety. All states set cleanliness and hygiene standards as part of the licensing process for tattoo parlors. All artists should use a new needle and a new ink container for each customer. Do not get a tattoo anywhere in which these basic practices are not followed. A professional tattoo artist is proud of his or her safety training. Often, good artists will take extra classes in order to have the best possible awareness of tattoo safety. Always feel free to ask about this!
2. Portfolios. A tattoo, as I’m sure you realize, is a permanent image on your skin. Sometimes it’s surprisingly easy to forget this. Don’t make the mistake of imagining that the experience of getting a tattoo is somehow more important than the tat itself. If you see a tattoo that you like, ask the person where they had it done. Then, check out the artist’s sketches, ask to see his or her portfolio and find out definitively if this is an artist that you can live with the rest of your life!
3. Artist Vibe. After checking out all the drawings this artist has made since kindergarten, you’ve decided that you love her work. But it’s also important for you to feel comfortable with this person. You don’t need to be best friends, but when someone gives you a tattoo, you ought to feel safe. Even if you love the artist’s work, if you don’t feel relaxed, skip it. You’ll find someone who is right for you.
4. Studio Vibe. This goes for the tattoo studio as well. So maybe the place is following all the health codes, but that isn’t always enough. You should feel good there. People ought to make you feel welcome, the place should feel right, and you should definitely not feel pressured in anyway.
5. Flash. Flash is the pre-designed artwork that every tattoo parlor has on the walls. Sometimes you can tell from these samples (as well as the individual portfolios) which styles the artists are particularly interested in. I would tend for example to skip a place with openly posted hate symbols …
6. Availability. It sounds strange, but if you walk up to the counter at a tattoo studio and they tell you they don’t have time for you for a week or so- wait a week! Many of the best places do not take a lot of people right off of the street. If they’re good enough to be booked, they’re most likely good enough for you.
7. Price. There is huge variation when it comes to pricing tattoos. Many tat veterans get spectacular deals on their work, but don’t expect this. When you ask the price on your tat in the studio, a large price tag is not necessarily a bad thing.
8. Yourself. Have you been drinking? Are you hungover? Don’t get a tattoo! Your blood is thinner when you drink, and it’s not nessecary to get inked right this second. Give yourself and your body a break. Make sure you’ve had a good meal, and party when you’re finished!
9. Friends. You probably brought a friend- I always do… Just check to make sure that the person you brought is there because they want to support you, not because they’re pressuring you into matching name tats...
10. Trust. Bottom line- do you trust this place? If so, you’re probably right! You are the one who best knows what’s going to work for you. Although the hard-liners probably won’t admit to it, there are few feelings as sweet as walking out of a great studio with that new shiny tat. Enjoy it!
Monday Jun 13, 2005
Opinions: Please Don’t Ask What My Tattoo Means…
By Jessica Lund
Maybe I’m just difficult, but there are few things that annoy me more than when somebody sidles up to me, and asks (like it’s the most original question they ever thought of) “What does your tattoo mean?”
I realize that it shouldn’t bother me, obviously it’s there to be looked at, but still… It drives me crazy.
I was in the Mexico City airport a few weeks ago, buying some cheap, duty-free liquor, when the perfectly nice man at the counter popped the question. His friend sat next to him, waiting for the answer.
I took a deep breath, smiled sweetly, and said, “Well, if I tell you, I’m going to have to kill you.”
They both inhaled suddenly, and pointed at each other. “It was him that wanted to know!” they both said in unison.
Not particularly nice of me, I realize. But what is that impulse for privacy with my tat?
For one thing, I have the same tattoo on both arms. This is partially because I like symmetry, but tends to give the impression that the symbol I wear has a distinct and calculable meaning.
The fact is that the tattoo does have meaning for me. I’m willing to bet that most people’s tats have meaning for them either in their memory of the experience of the tattoo, or the image itself. This meaning feels personal.
For me, my tattoo is a symbol I started drawing when I was a kid, a sort of bastardized version of the Egyptian sun god symbol. That doesn’t feel like what people want to know, however. It feels like they want a piece of me.
Please don’t take this personally, but now I gotta kill you…
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