Tattoo FAQ
By continuing to browse this web site you are certifying your agreement to its terms of use; please read them if you have not done so already.
Message-ID: <REPOST-26417.1937866211.9411315918.2492675781.6ojovk$b2e@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-1928.9411315918.2492675781.6ojovk$b2e@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-24599.2492675781.6ojovk$b2e@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
From: stan@moe-ppp.caltech.edu (Stan)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,rec.answers,news.answers
Subject: REPOST: rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 1/9--Introduction
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: 16 Jul 1998 02:36:36 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Expires: August 15, 1998
X-Original-Message-ID: <6ojovk$b2e@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
Reply-To: stan@cco.caltech.edu
Summary: This posting contains a bibliography of various sources
available on the topic of tattoos. Anyone who wishes to read/post
to the RAB newsgroup, or obtain tattoos should read this first.
X-Comments: DtR Repost: The following Usenet article was cancelled,
X-Comments: more than likely by someone other than the original poster.
X-Comments: Please see the end of this posting for a copy of the cancel.
X-Comments: Dave the Resurrector can be contacted at dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part1
Last-modified: May 26, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
__________
| * * * * |
| MAGELLAN |
| 4 STAR |
| SITE! |
|__________|
This FAQ is maintained by Stan Schwarz <stan@cco.caltech.edu>
If you are reading this file using a web browser, and the file you are
looking at is from www.cis.ohio-state.edu, click on the other archive
sites to access the FAQs instead. Ohio State's site is no longer
maintained, and continues to provide outdated versions of FAQs.
You can retrieve a copy of the FAQ via anonymous ftp from the MIT FTP
server: <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/bodyart>.
The FAQs are also available on thw World Wide Web at
<http://www.eskimo.com/~rab>.
This is Part 1 of the rec.arts.bodyart non-piercing FAQ file that is
posted on a monthly basis (in the latter half of the month) and includes
information about everything but piercing that might concern bodyart. If
you would like to know what rec.arts.bodyart is as a newsgroup, read the
separate posting entitled: "What is rec.arts.bodyart?", posted twice a
month.
All of the Tattoo FAQs and Alternative Bodyart FAQ are formatted to be
html-friendly. That means that most news readers will allow you to jump
to the next subject by pressing ^G (control-g).
The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
1/9--Introduction <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
2/9--Getting a tattoo
3/9--Sanitation
4/9--Conventions
5/9--Artist list
6/9--Care of new tattoos
7/9--General care/removal
8/9--Misc. info
9/9--Bibliography
There is also a short, separate FAQ on alternative bodyart, which
includes brandings and cuttings.
PURPOSE OF THIS FAQ:
This FAQ serves to disseminate information on the most frequently asked
questions about the basics of tattoos and tattooing. If you are
interested in learning more about the rec.arts.bodyart newsgroup itself,
read the "What is rec.arts.bodyart" file that I post twice a month.
While bodyart has been around for thousands of years, it is currently
experiencing an almost unprecedented popularity in the US and in Europe.
However, the general population of developed countries still regard it
with some disdain, especially against those who have *A LOT* of any type
bodyart. The purpose of this FAQ is *not* to raise these issues or to
change such views, but to educate those who are interested in learning
more about tattoos. Regardless of motive, tattooing is a very personal
choice. Information in this FAQ should help you make a wiser decision
about getting inked, since the reversing process is not easy.
I have tried to include the contributor's name and email address where
possible, both for accountability reasons and for obtaining further
information. Contributions, while welcome, may not always be added
depending on whether they fit into the purpose of this FAQ.
COPYRIGHT AND DISSEMINATION
Under the Berne Convention, this document is Copyright (c) 1997 by Lani
Teshima-Miller, all rights reserved. Permission is granted for it to be
reproduced electronically on any system connected to the various
networks which make up the Internet, Usenet, and FidoNet so long as it
is reproduced in its entirety, unedited, and with this copyright notice
intact. Web sites are included. Individual copies may also be printed
for personal use.
This document was produced for free redistribution. If you paid money
for it, not only did you do so unnecessarily, but none of the money went
to the person who did the work of producing the documents.
Sharing the files on an individual basis: You may copy, archive (ftp and
web pages) and disseminate the entire set of FAQs electronically and in
print on an individual, non-commercial basis. If you must break up the
sections, break them up in the format already separated for you. Do not
create your own sections. Do not add your own information in the FAQ.
Sharing the files through a BBS: If you maintain a BBS and wish to have
these files available, please include a notice of how to obtain the most
recent copy of the FAQs.
Creating your own html pages for WWW: Add whatever you want to your
pages, as long as you leave my FAQs intact. Note that the "official" web
page I list in the FAQ is: http://www.eskimo.com/~rab/.
Which is the RABbit Hole URL. Individuals who wish only to link to the
FAQs may select http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bodyart/.
While you are allowed individual copies of the FAQ, that does NOT mean
my FAQ is in the public domain. To quote Jeffrey Knapp, "Lately,
spaghetti publishers have taken to exploiting FAQs and lists, often
publishing them without obtaining written permission. This is an abuse
of copyright laws, and threatens the continued viability of the FAQ
system which benefits us all."
All of my FAQs may be cited as: Teshima-Miller, Lani (1997)
"rec.arts.bodyart _______* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)" Usenet
rec.arts.bodyart, available via World Wide Web: www.faqs.org/faqs/bodyart/,
~180 pages *I maintain all of the tattoo files, "Alternate Bodyart"
file, "Welcome & Netiquette" file, and the Purple Pages Directory.
You *MUST* obtain prior permission from me before you make the FAQs
available commercially, including reproducing/distribution in any
electronic or print format that is not a pointer to the archives (e.g.
CD-ROM, diskettes). I usually give permission as long as I get a copy of
your product.
You need not obtain special permission to quote parts of this FAQ for
academic research purposes (although you must cite this FAQ).
If you are not sure how to cite electronic information, a must-have is
_Electronic Style: A Guide to Citing Electronic Information_ by Xia Li
and Nancy B. Crane (Westport, 1993). It will tell you how to properly
cite FAQs, posts, private email as well as FTPs, etc.
*IF YOU ARE A MEDIA REPORTER OR JOURNALIST, you are explicitly requested
to email me prior to using material in, or quoting from this FAQ. I will
respond to you personally and will often provide you with additional
quotable sound bites if you wish.*
I will gladly accept submissions from artists interested in discussing
technique, style, or the reasons they got into the field.
This FAQ was originally compiled by Paul Davies (Synthetic Man) at
pdavies@alchemy.chem.utoronto.ca, with contributions from various
people. The rights and responsibilities to maintain this FAQ was passed
on to Lani Teshima-Miller in Summer 1993, and has since grown in size
by at least 350%. It was passed to Stan Schwarz in 1998.
If you would like to offer suggestions, ideas or submissions, please
email me at <stan@cco.caltech.edu>
If I have *any* advice for those who decide to get inked, it is: To shop
around, to ask a lot of questions, to not fret about the cost too much,
to always ask to look at the artists' sample photos, and to get
something that's custom, significant and meaningful. That thing's gonna
be with you for a looong time. Oh--and "Think Ink!"
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The 9 parts of the Tattoo FAQ files of rec.arts.bodyart, and the
information provided in each:
1/9--Introduction
2/9--Getting a tattoo: Does it hurt? Should I get one at all?
*WHY* do I want one? Religious (Christian) arguments A
temporary alternative? Where do I find a good artist, and what should
I look for in a tattoo artist? How to look around in the shop
Asking to see their portfolio What to look for in their portfolio
What kinds of questions to ask What sorts of things to look
for in a shop How much does it cost to get a tattoo? How should I
act once I get in that chair? Where on my body should I get a tattoo?
3/9--Sanitation: Can I get infectious diseases from tattoo needles?
What to look for in a sanitary shop environment. Can I get AIDS from
tattooing? Can my tattoos get infected? How to look for
sterilization Are there any medical conditions that will preclude me
from getting a tattoo? What is the Alliance of Professional
Tattooists?
4/9--Conventions: When and where are upcoming conventions? Tattoo
Conventions: What are they all about? What types of conventions are
available? Why would I want to attend? What's the format?
What's the atmosphere? What kind of tattoo contests are there? Can
I actually get a tattoo at a convention? What else can I find at
these conventions?
5/9--Artist list Who is a good/bad tattoo artist near me? US West
Coas. US Midwest. US Southeast. US East Coast. Canada.
EUROPE/UK. EUROPE/POLAND. ASIA/Japan
6/9--Care of new tattoos: General advice from a medical doctor. What
are some bad things for my new tattoo? Sauna or steamroom.
Sunlight. Preparation-H. How do I care for my new tattoo?.
Suggested Method #1: The Minimal Moisturizer Method. Suggested Method
#2: The Pat-with-Listerine Method. Suggested Method #3: The
Wait-24-Hours-to-Take-Off-Dressing Method. Suggested Method #4: The
Coconut-Oil-Itch-Relief Method. Suggested Method #5: The Huck
Spalding Method. Suggested Method #6: The Noxzema Method
7/9--General care/removal
How does weight gain/loss affect a tattoo?How does lifting
weights affect a tattoo? How does pregnancy affect a tattoo near the
abdomen? Can a tattoo be removed? Get it reworked--cover-up.
Get it reworked--touch-up. Get it removed--Tissue Expansion. Get
it removed--Sal Abration. Get it removed--Staged Excision. Get
it removed--medical lasers. Innovative Government Incentive Program
for Tattoo Removal. One person's decision toward tattoo removal
8/9--Misc. info: Are there glow-in-the-dark tattoos? Where can I
get a Japanese "irezumi" tattoo? When did tattooing start? How
does a modern tattoo gun work? How long do I have to wait before I
can donate blood? Tattoos and allergies. How do I become a tattoo
artist?
9/9--Bibliography: Are there references about tattoos I could look up?
Tattoos in movies and videos. Newspaper articles about tattoos/bodyart.
Magazine and journal articles about tattoos/bodyart. Books about
tattoos/bodyart (reviews where available). Tattoo organizations.
Resource material for custom tattoo design ideas. Current tattoo
magazines in print
The one-part Alternative Bodyart FAQ has the following: What is
branding and how is it done? What is scarring? What are cuttings?
WHAT TO EXPECT IN UPCOMING REVISIONS
--List of artists (ongoing)
--What kind of colors are available? What are the inks made of? What is
it about red ink that causes allergic reactions in some?
--Where can I get good ideas for designs? Part of a
bibliography. [Note: As of 9/95 there is an extensive bibliography on
Celtic design resources by tattooist Pat Fish in this section!]
--How is"traditional" tattooing done without the tattoo gun?
--What is the history behind Japanese tattoos? How is it done?
--What Polynesian islands were into tattooing?
--What tat magazines can I look at for examples of artists' works?
--Are there any tattoo museums I could visit?
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 1/9--Introduction." This should
be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 2/9--Getting a tattoo." --
Message-ID: <REPOST-28137.1412963867.1961669922.90991210938.6ojp0u$b3c@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-26339.1961669922.90991210938.6ojp0u$b3c@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-2951.90991210938.6ojp0u$b3c@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
From: stan@moe-ppp.caltech.edu (Stan)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: REPOST: rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 2/9--Getting a tattoo
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: 16 Jul 1998 02:37:18 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Expires: August 15, 1998
X-Original-Message-ID: <6ojp0u$b3c@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
Reply-To: stan@cco.caltech.edu
Summary: This posting contains a bibliography of various sources
available on the topic of tattoos. Anyone who wishes to read/post to the
RAB newsgroup, or obtain tattoos should read this first.
X-Comments: DtR Repost: The following Usenet article was cancelled,
X-Comments: more than likely by someone other than the original poster.
X-Comments: Please see the end of this posting for a copy of the cancel.
X-Comments: Dave the Resurrector can be contacted at dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part2
Last-modified: May 26, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
__________
| * * * * |
| MAGELLAN |
| 4 STAR |
| SITE! |
|__________|
This FAQ is maintained by Stan Schwarz <stan@cco.caltech.edu>
If you are reading this file using a web browser, and the file you are
looking at is from www.cis.ohio-state.edu, click on the other archive
sites to access the FAQs instead. Ohio State's site is no longer
maintained, and continues to provide outdated versions of FAQs.
You can retrieve a copy of the FAQ via anonymous ftp from the MIT FTP
server: <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/bodyart>.
The FAQs are also available on thw World Wide Web at
<http://www.eskimo.com/~rab>.
The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
1/9--Introduction
2/9--Getting a tattoo <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
3/9--Sanitation
4/9--Conventions
5/9--Artist list
6/9--Care of new tattoos
7/9--General care/removal
8/9--Misc. info
9/9--Bibliography
WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS
This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions
and answers. Questions answered in this file:
Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 2/9: Getting a tattoo
Does it hurt?
Should I get one at all?
*WHY* do I want one?
Where do I find a good artist, and what should I look for in a
tattoo artist?
How to look around in the shop
Asking to see their portfolio
What to look for in their portfolio
What kinds of questions to ask
What sorts of things to look for in a shop
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: What to ask from artists
How much does it cost to get a tattoo?
How should I act once I get in that chair?
Where on my body should I get a tattoo?
Under the Berne Convention, this document is Copyright (c) 1997 by Lani
Teshima-Miller, all rights reserved. Permission is granted for it to be
reproduced electronically on any system connected to the various
networks which make up the Internet, Usenet, and FidoNet so long as it
is reproduced in its entirety, unedited, and with this copyright notice
intact. Web sites are included. Individual copies may also be printed
for personal use.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: GETTING A TATTOO
DOES IT HURT?
This is the first question in this FAQ because it's usually the first
question that people ask. The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your
skin *does* hurt. But what you *really* want to know is, "How MUCH does
it hurt, and can I handle it?"
It's not nearly as bad as what you might imagine. The pain comes from
the cluster of needles on the tattooing machine piercing your skin very
rapidly. This sensation, however, doesn't feel like the poking pain of
an injection--it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at
how quickly your body releases endorphins, (pain killers), which dullens
the pain significantly.
The pain will also vary according to where on your body you get worked
on. Skin right above bones (collarbone, anklebone, etc.) tend to be more
painful than other areas. In addition, certain types of needles seem to
hurt more than others. I personally think the needles used for outlining
produce a sharper, more noticeable pain, while the needles used for
shading seem to be much more like an electrical buzz (nearly painless).
Remember, you are volunteering for the experience. The amount of pain
will depend on your psychological attitude.
NOTE: Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain relief
purposes prior to your tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin
your blood and promote excessive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the
clotting of blood, which will slow down your healing as well. In
addition, artists do not appreciate dealing with drunks and is illegal
in many states.
SHOULD I GET A TATTOO IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Your reading this may mean you're already interested in getting a
tattoo, or may know someone who is. In a survey of 163 tattooed men and
women, a third of them had regretted their tattoos! While most of this
FAQ discusses the process once you've decided to get one, let's pause
for a moment.
*WHY* DO I WANT ONE?
People get tattoos for different reasons. Is it to please your partner?
Is it because you want to belong to a group that has tattoos? Do you
identify with a certain subculture known for tattoos? Do you want to
show your independence, individuality or uniqueness?
These are all valid reasons, and why many people get tattooed. However,
because of the permanency of your tattoo, try to look at yourself in
five, 10, or even 20 years. What will you be doing at that time? You
might be a free-spirited college student now, and a web of vines on your
wrist would look really lovely. However, are you planning to work in a
very conservative field after you graduate? Will others look at your
tattoo in a bad way? Will you have to hide it with long sleeve shirts?
Are you *willing* to wear long sleeve shirts if the environment is
negative?
Do you want a tattoo of a tiger because your partner's nickname is
"Tiger," and you love the way s/he scratches your skin? Do you think
you'll be with this person in five years? If not, how will you look at
that tattoo? With fond memories, symbolizing a special period in your
life? Or a shameful or painful reminder of somebody who hurt you and
didn't care for you?
You're a headbanger (or a nose-smasher, ear-bopper or whatever) and you
*REALLY* want a tattoo all over your arms just like Axl Rose, but you
can't afford a professional artist so you get your friend with the
mail-order tattooing machine to do those designs for you? Or perhaps you
get spider webs tattooed all over your hands (or your face, which has
happened) because you want to be "different" in school. What if you
decide to "straighten out" and get a real job; train as a chef or
something, and then no restaurant hires you?
*GETTING IT REMOVED* is *NOT* easy, and is *NOT* cheap. Expect to pay
$1,000 to remove even a fairly small-sized tattoo if you're looking at
laser surgery. Expect to have a noticeable ugly scar if you go with a
non-laser technique. Expect to pay for every penny out of your own
pocket because health insurance companies will not pay for tattoo
removal. There may not be a laser surgery specialist in your area. Then
think of all those laser-surgery doctors who are going to get rich off
of a person's foolishness or lack of careful thinking.
...Maybe tattooing isn't for you.
...Maybe you shouldn't get that $10 tattoo your friend's been telling
you he'll give you, in his garage.
...Maybe you shouldn't let your buddies tattoo your hand with India Ink
and a needle at this weekend's party.
...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your back instead of on your hand.
...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your left wrist so it can be covered
by your watch if you have to...
...And maybe after reading this FAQ and reading RAB, you'll think
carefully about it, and make some informed, wise decisions about what to
do with your body.
*Tattooing can be beautiful.*
*Tattooing can be exhilarating.*
*Tattooing can open a whole new world for you.*
...but make sure to do it *RIGHT*.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: RELIGIOUS (CHRISTIAN) ARGUMENTS
Written by: Chris Wayne (cwayne@unm.edu), originator of RAB and a
self-professed Christian.
A word to the religious: In Leviticus 19:28, it says not to tattoo "I am
the Lord" on you (i.e. don't take the name of the Lord in vain). It does
NOT say you can't mark yourself at all, and it does NOT say there's
anything wrong about piercing. What it DOES say is that it prohibits
mutilating yourself for the dead, which was a senseless practice at that
time. But for Christians, they are no longer bound by the Law. Remember
that it's not what you do; it's what's in your heart when you do it. The
Talmud even mentions that it's not the tattooing that is wrong, but what
the tattoo is of (i.e. if the tattoo is an image of a 'false god' as
opposed to just a 'design').
There are probably many 'prim & proper' Christians out there that have
had the urge to be tattooed, but have repressed it because they believed
it was a sin. Well, if you really believe that it is a sin, then it is.
But is getting tattooed really a sin? If it draws you away from Christ
or causes someone else to stumble, then yes. But tattooing isn't any
more special than anything else we distract ourselves with.
Take things in moderation at your speed. We are to deny ourselves of
things if they cause us to lose sight of Jesus (for some, it could be
driving a car, getting married, having children, going to work, smoking,
abusing drugs & alcohol, disrespect, etc.). If you have good
discernment, you know what distracts you from Christ and what doesn't.
Tattooing isn't inherently evil; it got it's 'evil' status because
GOD-less heathens from places like the South Pacific were tattooed. Do
what pleases GOD; and one thing that pleases GOD is to be confident in
oneself (not overly prideful, but confidence tempered with discernment,
almost bordering on arrogance). Tattooing can bring out that confidence,
because to be tattooed requires commitment. And that's a conquering
power over fear and old ruts. GOD wants mature dynamic individuals that
fear him to fellowship with, not people cowering in fear from some rigid
set of laws. Note: fear of GOD is totally different from cowering in
fear.
Some Christians will claim that drinking any amount of alcohol is
sinful, but the medical community is saying that 2-3 drinks a day is
good for the heart. Drink responsibly. So, for those that have repressed
getting a tattoo because of family or religious upbringing, just do it.
If it's not for you, fine--but don't ruin it for the others.
Tattooing in no way marks who's saved and who's not. If you've seen the
trilogy "A Distant Thunder," the Mark of the Beast was tattooed on your
right hand or forehead. The tattoo was 666 in binary '6's (i.e. 1 0 11 0
11 0 1 Sort of like a UPC code), but this doesn't mean that every tattoo
is a Mark of the Beast.
People have stated that the credit card and the computer were tools of
the Devil. So what? Everybody depends on both today, even if the
Anti-Christ is to use the computer to control the population, it doesn't
mean that if you use a computer, you're a follower of the Devil.
I believe that religion, when improperly used, is a dangerous thing.
Christianity has wasted a lot of valuable time trying to influence
people in believing that unimportant things are evil instead of
spreading the word of GOD. Christianity (or those prideful, arrogant,
self righteous leaders) has looked down on tattooing far too long.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE?
A) For those who might not be ready for the plunge, but are seriously
considering what it would look/feel like to have a tattoo, Julian
(an54349@anon.penet.fi) recommends a particular type of temporary
tattoo that uses very light Japanese rice paper. He says these are of
very high quality, and last about two weeks WITH CARE. I have had the
phone number confirmed recently so they are still in business. Note:
This will the only time I'll discuss *temporary* tattoos. :)
Don Ling's Removable Tattoos & Fantoos, 507/956-2024
P.O.Box 309 Butterfield, MN 56120
or 102 2nd ST. South Butterfield, MN 56120
*FLASH NEWS* This is a new update as of 2/96: It turns out Don Ling
actually only began carrying these rice paper tattoos this year. The bulk
of his merchandise are "decal tattoos." This according to Roy of Temptu
<snootzy@usa.pipeline.com>, the company that owns the rights to the rice
paper tattoos. The following is from Roy himself:
"The rice paper temporary tattoo you...mention is made in New York by
Temptu studios. It is a cosmetic ink printed on an archival
cigarette-like tissue paper. Special cosmetic inks are then used to
paint in the 'tattoo.' The result is totally realistic, waterproof,
and longlasting (yep, up to 2 weeks!)
"This process was used in _Cape Fear_ on Robert de Niro, _Once Were
Warriors_, and currently on Sean Penn at the end of _Dead Man
Walking_. Also see Bruce Willis' Head in _The 12 Monkeys_. It was
invented by Dr. S. Zuckerman for the film _Tattoo_ (Bruce Dern/Maude
Adams in 1981.
"Often we are asked to create at temporary tattoo for someone who wants
to 'test drive a tattoo,' so they can decide on position, color,
before deciding what and where.
"Temptu primarily develops semi-permanent body art. Current interests
include working on a 'safe' and legal line of tattoo inks, airbrush
body art, and Indian Mehandi (henna). I work closely with the New York
Body Archive, a strange and wonderful place!"
Roy adds one of comment: "I'm frequently asked about the six-month
tattoo you mention in FAQ. East Coast people say it's available in
California. But this is bullsh*t. No such animal!"
B) For some, the easiest thing to do is to simply draw on the skin with
a non-toxic marker. In fact, many people who already have tattoos do
this to figure out placement and design. If you want it to wash off
right away, use something temporary. Crayola's washable markers work
well. I you wanna see if you can live with a design for a couple of
days, try a permanent marker such as the Sharpies. They come in basic
colors.
C) MEHENDI: In some countries such as India, brides are covered from head to
toe with intricate bridalwear (including the face). To try to show off as
much of what skin they can show, they paint their hands and forearms
with something called henna. Henna, when applied correctly, stains
the skin and can last several weeks. Mehendi has become popular with
the mainstream, with a number of mehendi tattoo shops cropping up in some
cities such as Berkeley and Los Angeles.
Part of the process of getting a tattoo is coming to terms with its
permanency. It's like losing your virginity. You lose it once, and you
can't get it back. You can neck and make out, but it's not intercourse.
If you're afraid of losing your virginity, you have to come to terms
with THAT before you can have sex.
But once you lose your virginity, you forget all about how you feared
its loss, and simply enjoy having sex! :)
*Debunking of urban folklore*
Someone asked to confirm a rumour about the possibility of temporary
tattoos obtainable by using a tattooing machine very shallowly on the
skin, to have the tattoo last only six months or so.
Several professional tattoo artists replied with a very strong *NO*.
There is no way to be able to prevent the needles from entering the
second layer of skin (the dermis), where tattoo inks normally go.
Further, even if the tattoo machine only enters the top layer of skin
(the epidermis), you will end up with too much scarring that the tattoo
will never really go away.
Considering the time, cost and pain factors, this is not an option--and
no professional tattoo artist will want to experiment on you.
A proprietor posted on RAB about a "new! discovery!" of a temporary
tattoo that was removable after a couple of years. All efforts by
various reviewers and professionals to confirm the validity of this
product have been unsuccessful--this product, whatever it is being
touted as, is *not* endorsable.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: THE DECISION PROCESS--MAKING THE BIG PLUNGE: WHERE CAN I FIND
A GOOD ARTIST, AND WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A TATTOO ARTIST?
The bane of the tattoo world is the shadowy, unprofessional person
called the "scratcher." A scratcher is somebody who:
--Does not have the proper training in either tattoo art or of running
a professional operation;
--Does not know and/or care to use responsible sterilization methods;
--Promises to provide tattooing services for an incredibly low fee, for
free, or in exchange for drugs (ack!);
--Chooses not to apprentice through a legitimate tattoo shop because of
one excuse or another (but lacks the knowledge one needs to work in or
run a professional shop);
--Will hurt you because they don't know what they're doing;
--Will give you a permanent tattoo you will regret for the rest of your
life;
--You should stay away with a ten-foot pole.
Never, never, never get work from a scratcher unless you are willing to
accept all the hazards listed above.
Of those in a study by Clinton Sanders who regretted their tattoos, more
than two-thirds of them regretted their tattoo because of poor quality!
Looking for an artist can be as easy as checking the Yellow Pages, or as
complex as checking references, magazine photos, and reading RAB. There
are a number of ways to find good artists, including (but certainly not
limited to):
--Perusing tattoo magazines. While not all tattoo magazines are of the
National Geographic quality, the photos will speak for themselves. Some
issues highlight specific artists' works; a good way see the type of
work someone does. Use the photos in the magazines to compare with those
of the artist you are interested in. These magazines have done a lot to
show what is *possible*.
Some things to look for in magazines:
-Style (realistic, black & grey work, tribal, etc.)
-Placement on your body
-Ideas for images
-Size in proportion to your body
-Artists whose work you like.
--Reading RAB and this FAQ. It'll give you a base in which to start. If
you live in an area where an artist is not listed in the FAQ, you might
want to post a query. If you saw an artist whose work you liked in a
magazine, see if they're listed in the FAQ. If not, post a query.
Remember--the artist list FAQ is limited because we only take first-hand
recommendations from people who read RAB There are many artists who are
excellent, who have not worked on RAB participants.
--Attending a tattoo convention. Read the FAQ section on tattoo
conventions for more information.
You can approach this one of two ways. You can either go to a shop
because someone recommended the artist to you, or you can go in cold.
For obvious reasons, you will have a little more information with you if
you already know something about the artist. This may make you feel more
at ease when going into a shop for the first time.
Many of the top-notch artists recommended in this FAQ are very busy and
work on an appointment-only basis. Visit their shop anyway--you will
still learn about them even if it doesn't mean getting work done right
then and there.
Bodyart enthusiast Dr. Kai Kristensen <tattoodoc@aol.com>, a pathologist
and a recently retired lab director of an internationally prestigious
medical center in La Jolla (California), says the most important aspects
of a good result are to:
o Choose an experienced, knowledgeable performer who knows about
sterilization and avoidance of infection.
o Avoid infection during the healing process.
With both of those bases covered, healing of either should be
non-eventful and the desired appearance should be guaranteed.
WHAT KIND OF DESIGN SHOULD I GET?
What images do you think of when you think of a tattoo? Do you think of
anchors, of roses or of skulls? While these traditional images are still
available, you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety you will find
today.
There are two basic types of tattoos: Flash, and custom. As you can
imagine, "custom" means you have a design you like that you take in with
you. "Flash" is the stock designs you see on the walls of the shop.
The main thing to remember is that you're not required to choose from
the selection of flash in a shop--You're NOT limited to just an anchor,
a rose or a skull. Remember however, that these smaller pieces of
pre-priced flash are the bread & butter of many shops, since they are
proportionately expensive ($75 for 20 minutes' work, for example where
an artist might charge $100 an hour for custom work). Also, the number
of customers who lay out the big bucks for large, elaborate custom
pieces is too small to keep a regular shop in business.
A few of the major styles of tattooing:
BIO-MECHANICAL: A style popularized by illustrator H.R. Giger, who
designed the creature from the _Alien_ movies. Bio-mechanical work
usually involves an anatomical flesh intertwined with some technical
drawings of machines. A close relative of this style involves just the
biological look of flesh without the mechanical parts.
BLACK & GREY: Refers to the colors used, this style requires the artist
to have advanced shading techniques for subtlety.
Celtic: Beautiful, intricate knotwork of the Celts (a hard "k", NOT a
soft "c" like the basketball team). These are much harder for artists
to do, and is best done by someone who specializes in it. Also usually
done in just black ink.
Oriental: Big, bold pieces of Oriental images (carp, clouds, dragons,
etc.) based on the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of 18th Century Edo-period
Japan. Note: It is fine to call this "Oriental" and not "Asian,"
because it references an object and not a person.
PORTRAIT: Images taken from photos, best done by someone who can render
realistic photographic images. Usually done in black and grey ink.
Sailor Jerry: Traditional sailor tattoo style made famous by Jerry
Collins in Honolulu.
Tribal: Usually bold simple lines, simple patterns. Almost always done
with just black ink.
With a good artist working for you, you can get practically any image
you'd like. Accomplished artists can render portraits, wildlife,
psychedelic and biomechanical styles with impressive results. Your main
challenge is to find the artist who can best do the design YOU want.
WHAT KIND OF COLORS CAN I GET?
Concerned that you'll end up with a greenish tattoo with little bits of
red or yellow? Worry no more! Today's inks run the entire gamut--and it
would not be terribly sarcastic to take a Pantone color chart with you!
Most tattoo inks are metal salt-based pigments that are not made
specifically to be used under the skin, and have not been approved by
the FDA for this purpose. The idea is that for most people, these
pigments are inert and cause no problems. Some people have been known to
have allergic reactions; any reputable artist should be willing to
provide you with a small "patch test" of the colors you desire. This is
required in the state of Arkansas.
Tattooist Uncle Bud Yates (Pikes Peak Tattooing) says some artists use
acrylic-based pigments, which he feels may be more troublesome than the
metal-based pigments for some with sensitive skin. Best to ask your
artist first.
HOW TO LOOK AROUND IN THE SHOP
Don't let the shop intimidate you when you first walk in. For the
uninked, a tattoo shop is intimidating enough. Strange smells, strange
sounds. Some shops even try to look intimidating to create a tough-guy
feel. Just keep in mind that you're a potential customer. Consider it
window shopping.
The first thing you should do is to take a minute to look around.
Chances are, you'll encounter some flash (stock illustrations) stapled
on the walls. These will most likely lean toward the traditional. Skull
and crossbones, roses and the like.
You might also see some signs ("No minors; we ID," "We have sanitary
conditions" etc.). These signs will also be indicators of the
personality of the shop owner. If the signs seem overly intimidating,
patronizing or snobbish, they can be tip-offs of the shop's attitude.
Some are very friendly, with plants, aquarium fish, and signs like
"Tattooed people come in all colors."
Note: There is no national law regarding the legal age for tattooing.
Check with the shop to find out what the local statute regulates.
ASKING TO SEE THEIR PORTFOLIO
Do NOT be impressed by the flash on the wall. These illustrations are
usually purchased from other artists and do not represent the work of
your artist. Frankly, anyone with some experience can easily trace the
outlines of these illustrations and fill in the colors. What you really
need to look at is a book that contains a collection of photos of the
artist's work. Go to the counter and ask to see one. If they tell you
they don't have one, walk out immediately. You're visiting the shop to
commission a piece of art to be permanently illustrated on your skin;
for the artist to tell you s/he doesn't have samples in a portfolio is
insulting.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THEIR PORTFOLIO
When you do look in their portfolio, there are a few things to keep in
mind. Do you see any photos of pieces that you recognize in the flash
(on the wall, or in a flash book)? If so, how is it rendered in tattoo
format? Before anything else, check to see that the lines are clean. Are
they well-defined? Straight where they should be; not shaky or blurry?
Are the borders all uniform in width? Do the colors seem true? Are they
bright? Proportionately correct?
Look at the people in the book. This can be an indicator of the
clientele in the shop (besides looking at the ambiance of the shop). Is
there a fair mix of women and men in the book? Are they all sporting
"biker" tats, or any one particular genre/style?
Again, keep in mind that anyone can stencil an outline of an
illustration onto your skin. The skill in the artistry comes in the
shading, use of colors and other subtle things that set an artist apart
from a simple tattooist.
Do you see anything in the portfolio that is not in the flash? These are
the custom pieces that the artists have done, and they should be their
crowning glory. How do they look? Do you like what you see? If there is
more than one artist working in the shop, and you see some photos you
like, make sure to find out which artist did the work.
WHAT KINDS OF QUESTIONS TO ASK
Whenever you ask to see their collection of photos, the person in the
shop will hopefully immediately recognize you as someone who knows a
little more about tattoos--at least enough not to be satisfied by
looking at just the flash. If the shop is not too busy or if the artist
is not in the middle of working, they might stand on the other side of
the counter to have a conversation with you. This is a wonderful
opportunity to ask questions of the artist.
Some reasonable questions to ask in your conversation that shouldn't
take too much time for the artist to answer:
What is their favorite style?
If what *you* are looking to get done happens to be their specialty you
are in luck; be it tribal, wildlife or whatever.
Is there any one particular subject they like to do?
One artist, without hesitation, told me his favorite was skulls. I
would've jumped for joy had that been what I wanted.
How long has the shop been here?
This may be an indicator of the stability of their business. The tat
industry in itself fluctuates, but continuity implies business acumen,
responsible practices and that they are not a fly-by-night operation.
How long have they been at the shop?
The shop may have been there for 20 years, but the artist may only have
been there for a couple of months. If they have been there for what you
consider a short period, ask them where they were before.
How long have they been tattooing?
It might not matter so much that the artist has only been there for a
short while, if they've been tattooing for several years. They might
come from various backgrounds--anywhere from working on friends to
having a fine arts degree. This type of information will give you more
insight into the artist's attitude as well as aptitude.
Do they get to do much custom work?
This may depend on where the shop is located, but it also depends on
how good of an artist they are, and whether they have their own style
for which they are known for.
Do they use apprentices at the shop?
It is often difficult for new artists to break into the business, and
an apprenticeship is often a very good way to learn not only about
tattooing itself, but also about the day-to-day operation of a small
business. For artists to take apprenticeships means they're interested
in expanding the artform, in giving a new person a break (so to speak)
and feeling confident enough about their own skills that they feel they
can offer some insight and experience for the new person. This again
goes back to the attitude of the artist and the shop.
Don't let the looks of the artist intimidate you. Tattoo artists usually
have a lot of tattoos themselves. In fact, I would be somewhat leery of
an artist who has *NO* tattoos at all. The main thing is that you need
to talk with them and get a feel for what they are like. As you talk
with the artist and build a rapport, if you feel comfortable you may
want to broach the subject of what you're interested in getting done.
Bounce your idea off with the artist and see what they are willing to
help you with.
Remember however, that the artist is running a professional business! Be
polite--don't linger and overspend your welcome if you don't plan on
getting any work done at all.
[Note: Don't base your decision according to what tattoos you see on the
artist--they were not done by that person!]
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A SHOP
Looking critically at the shop is as important as choosing your artist.
Make sure the place is very clean, make sure the artist uses disposable,
single-use needles (that are not re-used after one client), and uses an
autoclave for all other equipment. Don't be afraid to ask them, either.
A legitimate artist will be glad to show you.
What does the shop look like? What is its ambiance? Does it look like a
barber shop, a hair salon, dental office or an art gallery? If you are a
nonsmoker, will cigarette smoke bother you? Look for used ashtrays as
signs. Do the work areas offer you any privacy? Do they use shower
curtains, private booths or shoulder-high room dividers?
Try to go and visit and then come back another day. Don't feel pressured
into having to get one right then and there. Try and talk to some people
that have experience with the artist (and not the groupies that you'll
find hanging around the shop). You should feel comfortable with the
artist and you should like him/her. If you don't, then don't get a
tattoo.
Make sure the artist is willing to listen to you and respects what you
want. Don't go to an artist that has an agenda of what he/she wants to
do. The artist may make suggestions, but the final word is always yours.
Finally, make sure you take their business card with you. If the artist
you talk to does not have his/her own card, jot down the name on the
back, and perhaps some notes to yourself about the shop and the artist.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: WHAT TO ASK FROM ARTISTS?
It has been brought to my attention that some tattooists have an
attitude problem when it comes to potential customers. Tattooists (and
piercers!) need to realize that not every person who walks in has to
look like a grunged-out leather-wearing biker, or a raven-haired
cleopatra-eyed septum-pierced zombie. People from all walks of life may
be interested in bodyart.
A potential customer should *NOT* be made to feel out-of-place or
ashamed for walking in wearing a business suit, or an LL Bean dress. It
is amazing to think that someone with purple hair and eyebrow rings
could actually discriminate against someone, but apparently, this seems
to be happening.
Just as a customer should expect certain sanitation standards, they
should also expect an inviting atmosphere.
RE TATTOO SHOPS INSURED?
Most reputable tattoo shops are insured. The problem is, they're usually
insured against premises liability. This means that they have insurance
coverage if you fall and hit your head on their floor, but *NOT* if
you're unhappy with their work. In the past, the only insurer who would
cover the latter was Lloyd's of London, and their rates were apparently
very high.
This has changed recently, with the availability of a comprehensive
insurance package available from one agent based on the West Coast. Many
shops do have some form of insurance (this may be a requirement in their
rental lease). Just keep in mind that the insurance does not necessarily
cover QUALITY.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET A TATTOO?
This is an age-old debate, so the following is just a very basic
ballpark. You usually pay for work either by the piece, or by the hour.
The smaller pieces in the artist's flash book are "standard stock"
material that usually don't take the artist too long to do. For these,
you might find prices listed right next to the artwork. The artist may
have a "minimum" charge that might vary with each artist.
Larger (or custom) pieces will usually be charged by the hour (unless
you and the artist decide beforehand on the total price). If you get a
"stock" piece (probably about 2" x 2" in size), you will probably not
pay more than $100 and sit no longer than an hour in the chair. Your
mileage may vary.
If you bring your own design, the artist may charge anywhere from $50 to
a few hundred dollars an hour, depending on the artist. However, you may
want to work with someone who charges $100 or so an hour; after all, you
DO get what you pay for. Also, some artists charge for illustration time
prior to beginning tattoo work. If they do, this might increase your
price by an extra hour. If they tell you that your piece will be charged
by the hour, ask them how many hours they think it'll take. If you are
on a limited budget, tell them how much you can afford.
Price negotiation should be up front and straightforward, a part of your
initial discussion before work begins. Some shops take credit cards;
most don't. Out-of-towners may be asked to put down a deposit. Be
particularly wary of people willing to work "for cheap" or "for free."
They are often artists just starting out, who are still developing their
skills. Caveat emptor.
Warning: Once the artist quotes you a price, *DON'T DICKER WITH IT!* The
best way to get on the artist's bad side is to try to bargain with the
price. If you think the price is too high, renegotiate the scope of the
artwork--NOT the price. I usually do it this way: "Hi, I have X amount I
can spend on this design. What can we work out for that price?"
If you are very pleased with their work and service, you are strongly
encouraged to tip the artist, even if they own the shop. Even shop
owners don't pocket 100% of what they make (remember--it's a business!).
Tips can range from 10% to 20% of the piece, so be prepared with cash on
hand.
I personally recommend a tip for any work which you are pleased with, or
any custom work where the artist spent time drawing up your illustration
(since drawing time is usually not included in your price). Nothing
brightens up a day for the artist, or helps to build a friendly
relationship with your artist more than a generous tip. If you're very
happy with the artist and you think you might get more work from them
later, TIP!!
There have been heated discussions on rec.arts.bodyart in the past
regarding the appropriateness of tipping a shop OWNER. If you feel that
an owner does not deserve a tip on top of the price s/he charges you,
then A) do not give a tip at all, or B) bring some sort of offering, be
it food, flowers or whatever.
Many tattoo artists have told me that the BEST TIP is good word of
mouth. If you are happy with your tattoo, show it off to your friends
and tell them where you got it done!
HOW SHOULD I ACT WHEN I GET IN THAT CHAIR?
Once you have settled on a design and a price that you and your artist
agree on, the work will either begin right then, or you will be asked to
come back for a later appointment (e.g. if the artist has another client
coming in in 15 minutes).
Once you're in that chair, what can you expect? Most likely, the artist
will begin the long process of preparing for your work. This is
especially true if the artist is going to do a custom design that you
brought in. First, the design will have to be worked on. Most artists
will play around with the design on paper first, although some artists
will do it freehand. "Freehand" means the artist takes an ink pen to
hand and begins drawing a design on your skin without the use of a
stencil (NOT where the artist begins work with the tattooing machine
immediately--the artist, no matter how good, still needs to envision how
the work will look on your skin--proportion, placement, etc.).
When you and the artist are happy with the design, the artist might
outline the design with a piece of carbon paper, or use an old-fashioned
copy machine to get a working copy of it. This would be when the artist
would properly size the design. The artist will then clean your skin
where the work will be done (probably an alcohol or antiseptic rub), and
will swipe your skin with an "adhesive," which is usually Speed Stick
deodorant (for some reason *I* haven't seen any other brands). The
artist will then put the carbon side of the design directly on your
skin. When the paper is lifted, ta-da! A carbon line drawing of the
design should appear on your skin!
The artist will probably let you look in a mirror to make sure you are
happy with the design and the placement. Once this is agreed upon, the
artist will then begin putting the supplies out.
At this point, your artist should be doing things like dispensing
various colors of ink into little disposable wells, and rigging a new
set of needles into the tattoo machine. At this time, you will probably
try to look cool by looking around the studio walls or occasionally
looking to see what your artist is doing. Your artist might have a radio
playing, which will help distract you a little.
At this point, it is best for you to try and relax. You can ask the
artists about some things, like the colors of the ink. Depending on the
work you are getting, the artist will need to mix some colors, for
example. You're probably somewhat nervous, but excited at the same time
because you're actually gonna get a real tattoo! Whether you realize it
or not, your body is going through quite an adrenalin rush. Try to
remain calm and not too anxious. Your hyped-up condition and your
anxiety about the anticipated pain of your experience by themselves may
trigger a fainting spell. It will help if you are not there on an empty
stomach. Get a bite to eat about an hour or two before you go in for
your session. Having hard candy or some juice on hand during the session
is also recommended.
Just relax and try to stay calm. For women, the experience of anxious
anticipation is similar to a pelvic exam at an OB/GYN, where you are
more nervous about it while waiting for the doctor as you lie prone on
the examining table, feet in the stirrups. Just as most exams aren't
painful or really all that bad, neither is tattooing.
Bzzzzzttttt....The artist starts up the machine, dips the needle into
the ink and starts to work toward your skin! Aaaaaahhhhh!!! Will it
hurt? Will it hurt? Grit your teeth! Hang tight!...
Ooohhhhhhh! It *does* hurt! Ow! Ow! Ow! I'm okay, I'm okay, this is
fine, it's not that bad. I can grit my teeth. Grit, grit, grit. Try to
smile a bit. My teeth are gritting, anyway. Oh, I hope this pain doesn't
stay like this!! Breathe. Don't forget to breathe. Relax. Relax. Relax.
Okay there, that's better. Not so painful. I can handle it. Yeah--look
at all the tattoos HE's got on his arms. I can handle it, too. Yeah.
...The most painful part of the process will pass in a couple of
minutes, after which the area will feel abuzz with electricity and
warmth. Just try to relax and breathe deeply--enjoy the one-of-a-kind
experience that you're feeling. Oftentimes, you end up clenching your
jaws, grinding your teeth or grasping the chair with your white-knuckled
hands. But once you pass the first couple of minutes, you'll feel silly
for having worried about it so much. If you still feel uncomfortable
after a few minutes, it may be because you're sitting in an
uncomfortable position. See if you can get into a more comfortable,
reclining position--but make sure to ask the artist first before you try
to move.
Some people try to distract themselves by trying to talk with the
artist. This is kind of like with hair stylists--some stylists just love
to gab and gab (just ask them an open-ended question), while some
stylists would rather concentrate and not screw up your hairdo. Same
with tattoo artists. While some will like to "talk story" with you,
others would rather concentrate on the work you're paying them to do.
After all, their job, income, and reputation are on the line when they
have the tattooing machine to your skin. Often, they'll talk during easy
parts, and less during complex work. Just go with the flow and not worry
about it.
The only thing I don't particularly prefer is if there's a lot of
traffic walking around in the studio and the artist has to keep talking
to them (either potential clients or tattoo groupies). For this reason,
a cubicle or dividing partition is a nice option for privacy.
Most people can sit through over an hour of work, but if you get
uncomfortable, just ask your artist if you can take a break. If you feel
woozy, you might consider bringing some candy with you to give you a
little lift, or some water to drink.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: WHERE ON MY BODY SHOULD I GET A TATTOO?
This may seem VERY trivial, since the answer can be "anywhere you
please!" The ONLY places you cannot technically get permanent tattoos
are your hair, teeth and nails (even the cornea used to be tattooed
years ago for medical purposes). Interestingly, women and men tend to
get tattoos in different locations. This, according to sociologist
Clinton Sanders, is because men and women get tattoos for different
reasons. Men, he says, get them to show others, while women get them for
the sake of decorating their body--and often place them where they can't
normally be seen, so that it doesn't prompt comments about her
"reputation." However for the sake of this FAQ, the following is a short
list of areas to get inked. I am included the statistics from Clinton
Sanders' study on the body location of the first tattoo for men and
women as well (there were 111 men in his survey group and 52 women).
Head: The "head" here refers mostly to the area where your hair grows.
You'll need to shave the area for the tat to be most visible. If you
need to hide your tat, you can grow your hair out. Areas more commonly
inked are the sides of the head (above the ears), and above the nape of
the neck in the back. There are people who have their entire heads
inked. I am told that the tattooing process vibrates your skull!
Sides of neck (nape).
Back of neck: I've seen some tribal pieces, and bats done on the back of
the neck. You'll need to keep your hair short or tied up to keep it
visible.
Face: Various areas possible. Facial tattoos could fall into the
cosmetic, prison, or standard categories. Cosmetic would include
darkening of eyebrows, eyelining, liplining, etc. Prison tattoos (which
are actually in their own category) often include tat of a single tear
near the eye to signify time served. Getting a tat on the face is
serious business and crosses a portal because people will never look at
you the same way. Can we say "Circus," boys & girls?
Upper chest: One of the standard areas for tattoos for both men and
women. Allows lots of flat area in which to get a fairly large piece.
One of the areas where you can choose to get symmetrically inked on
both sides. (Men: 5%, women: 35%--chest & breast combined)
Breasts (women): Used to be trendy to get a tiny tat on the breast.
Women (particularly larger breasted ones) need to be careful about
eventual sagging of the skin in the area. Don't get a tat that will
look silly when it starts to stretch (like a round smiley face that'll
turn into an oblong frown).
Nipples: Usually the artist leaves the nipples alone--the omission of
ink tends not to be so noticeable. There HAS been work done with
tattooing a facsimile of a nipple onto a breast in reconstructive
surgery for those who have lost their nipples, tho--for aesthetic and
self-esteem purposes.
Rib cage: Can be rather painful because of all the ribs you work over.
However it offers a fairly large area, and can be incorporated into a
major back piece, wrapping around toward the front.
Stomach/Abdomen: Some people choose not to get work done on their
stomachs for a couple of reasons. Area is difficult to work on because
there's no solid backing to hold the skin down. It is a sensitive area
that may feel uncomfortable. The tat may look horrible after your
metabolism slows down and you develop a - er-- "beer gut." (Men: Less
than 5%, women: 14% Women concerned about the effect of pregnancy on a
stomach tattoo can read the section specifically devoted to this in the
Tattoo FAQ section 7.
Genitals: The matron nurse: "Did you see the patient in #409? His penis
has a tattoo that says 'SWAN' on it!" "Oh no it didn't," says the
younger nurse. "It said "SASKACHEWAN'!" All kidding aside, people DO
get inked in their genital area. The idea may sound very painful, but a
friend of mine said it wasn't any worse than any other spot. However,
do consider that there *will* probably be some blurring in the area
because of --er-- shall we say, the amount of movement the skin
experiences (kind of like hands)? A thread in RAB discussed whether
penises are flaccid or erect during tattooing--some are, some aren't
(how one can *maintain* one during the process is a wonder to me). The
only female genital tattoo I've seen (inner labia, I think) was in
_Modern Primitives_, and it looked rather blurry. Note: Many artists
refuse to do genitals. (Men: 0%; women: 5 %)
Thighs/hips: A popular area for women to get larger pieces (often
extending from the hip area). Shows well with a bathing suit but easily
concealable in modest shorts. The entire area of skin around your
thighs is bigger than your back, so you can get quite a bit of work
done. (Men: 3%; women: 10%)
Calves: Nice area to get a standard size (2" x 2"). However if you have
very hairy legs, it may cut down on the visibility somewhat. (Men: 7%;
women: 8%. Category simply listed as leg/foot)
Ankles: Currently trendy. I think you have to have an ankle tat before
you can go to the Eileen Ford Agency with your modeling portfolio. :)
You can either get a spot piece on the inner or outer ankle, or get
something that goes around in a band. Vines and other vegetation seem
popular (pumpkins, anyone?)
Feet: I've seen some incredible footwork (pun intended) in some of the
tat magazines. Concealable with shoes. Probably don't have as much wear
and tear as hands so you might get less blurring and color loss. This
however, is the TOPS of your feet. You will have trouble retaining a
tattoo on the bottom of your feet.
Armpits: Usually reserved for those who want to get full coverage around
the arm and chest area, & need the armpits filled. Probably not
strongly recommended for the highly ticklish.
Upper arms: One of the most common areas for men, although I have seen
some nice work on women as well. If you decide to get a piece done on
your upper arm, consider how much sun it's going to get. Will you be
able to put sunblock on it regularly? Otherwise, expect some color loss
and blurring. If you want some serious work done and you wanna show it
off, you may want to consider getting a "half sleeve"--full tat
coverage throughout your upper arm. (Men: 70%; women: 18%. Category
simply states arm/hand)
Inner arms: A more unusual location than the outer upper arm area, this
area is often not easily visible. Be careful if your genes are prone to
"bat wing" flab, however.
Forearms: Popeye sported his anchor on his forearm. Probably not as
popular as the upper arm but common just the same. You can have your
upper arm "sleeve" extend down for a full sleeve. For an example, check
out the heavy metal veejay on MTV (who has a nose pierce, BTW).
Wrists: Janis Joplin had a dainty tat on her wrist...easily concealable
with a watch.
Hands (fingers and palms): RAB receives frequent queries about fingers,
palms and hands in general. Some artists don't do hands because the ink
will have a tendency to blur or fade easily. Consider that you probably
move your hands the most out of your entire body. A friend of mine had
a multi-colored tat on his finger by Ed Hardy (who cringed upon hearing
about where my friend wanted it), that is only several years old and is
now barely noticeable. Some people want to substitute their wedding
bands with tat bands. Your palm doesn't retain ink well--if you can
find an artist who will do it, you can expect it to be a rather basic
line, and that it will not last too long. Perhaps just matching tats
someplace else would be okay? There *IS* a photo of a tattoo on a palm
in Sandi Feldman's book on Japanese tattooing. This seems to be an
exception.
Shoulder blades: The back shoulder blade area is another popular spot
for women, who can show off the work with a bathing suit or tank top,
but cover it up with regular clothes. If this is the case, be
particularly careful with sun because you're not gonna be wearing that
unless it's warm & sunny. It's a "safe" place--but may get in the way
if you decide to commit yourself to a large back piece. (Men: 15%,
women: 15%. Category listed as backs/shoulder)
Back: You can get any part of your back done, or find yourself an artist
you really like, and save your money for a "back piece" that
encompasses your entire back. Expect to pay several thousand dollars
for a full back piece (not to mention many tat sessions).
--Buttocks: Again, beware of potential sagging in the area.
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 2/9--Getting a tattoo." This
should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 3/9--Sanitation."
Message-ID: <REPOST-14596.5545349121.0192260742.198638916.6ojp3g$b5a@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-32137.0192260742.198638916.6ojp3g$b5a@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-26258.198638916.6ojp3g$b5a@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
From: stan@moe-ppp.caltech.edu (Stan)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: REPOST: rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 3/9--Sanitation
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: 16 Jul 1998 02:38:40 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Expires: August 15, 1998
X-Original-Message-ID: <6ojp3g$b5a@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
Reply-To: stan@cco.caltech.edu
Summary: This posting contains a bibliography of various sources
available on the topic of tattoos. Anyone who wishes to read/post to the
RAB newsgroup, or obtain tattoos should read this first.
X-Comments: DtR Repost: The following Usenet article was cancelled,
X-Comments: more than likely by someone other than the original poster.
X-Comments: Please see the end of this posting for a copy of the cancel.
X-Comments: Dave the Resurrector can be contacted at dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part3
Last-modified: May 26, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
__________
| * * * * |
| MAGELLAN |
| 4 STAR |
| SITE! |
|__________|
This FAQ is maintained by Stan Schwarz <stan@cco.caltech.edu>
If you are reading this file using a web browser, and the file you are
looking at is from www.cis.ohio-state.edu, click on the other archive
sites to access the FAQs instead. Ohio State's site is no longer
maintained, and continues to provide outdated versions of FAQs.
You can retrieve a copy of the FAQ via anonymous ftp from the MIT FTP
server: <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/bodyart>.
The FAQs are also available on thw World Wide Web at
<http://www.eskimo.com/~rab>.
The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
1/9--Introduction
2/9--Getting a tattoo
3/9--Sanitation <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
4/9--Conventions
5/9--Artist list
6/9--Care of new tattoos
7/9--General care/removal
8/9--Misc. info
9/9--Bibliography
WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS
This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions
and answers. Questions answered in this file:
Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 3/9: Sanitation
- Can I get infectious diseases from tattoo needles?
- What to look for in a sanitary shop environment.
- Can I get AIDS from tattooing?
- Can my tattoos get infected?
- How to look for sterilization
- Are there any medical conditions that will preclude me from getting
a tattoo?
- What is the Alliance of Professional Tattooists?
- Should I get a vaccination shot against hepatitis?
COPYRIGHT AND DISSEMINATION
Under the Berne Convention, this document is Copyright (c) 1997 by Lani
Teshima-Miller, all rights reserved. Permission is granted for it to be
reproduced electronically on any system connected to the various
networks which make up the Internet, Usenet, and FidoNet so long as it
is reproduced in its entirety, unedited, and with this copyright notice
intact. Web sites are included. Individual copies may also be printed
for personal use.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: CAN I GET INFECTIOUS DISEASES FROM TATTOO NEEDLES?
There has been some concern recently regarding transmittable diseases
(particularly Hepatitis-B and AIDS [HIV]) and tattoo shops. Just as in a
dentist's office, as long as the area is strictly sanitized, your
chances for infection will be greatly reduced.
Note: If you plan on getting lots of bodyart (pierces or tattoos), you
should seriously consider getting immunized against Hepatitis-B. Hep-B
is a much more serious concern than HIV as the virus is much more
virulent and easier to catch.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SANITARY SHOP ENVIRONMENT
The current popularity of tattooing and body piercing has also brought
on an increase in potentially hazardous conditions. RAB regulars have
begun posting information on unsanitary practices. For this reason, I am
posting the following guideline of what to look out for (in this
situation, "artist" refers to both tattooists and piercers):
-Lighting: The area must be well-lit so the artist can see what s/he is
doing.
-Counter and floor space should be lightly colored, preferably white so
dirt shows up easier.
-The spray bottle the artist uses on your skin should be disinfected
between customers, or some kind of protective film such as Saran Wrap
should be used.
-Disposing needles: All needles must be either discarded after EACH use
(or at least with each new customer), or autoclaved. Many body piercers
operate out of small booths and may not have spent money for an
autoclaver, in which they MUST dispose of each needle. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Reusing piercing needles is equivalent to sharing IV drugs with
strangers.
-Needles touching other things: The needles, once open from their
sanitary packages, must not be placed on unsanitized surfaces. The
piercer should NOT set the needle down on the table, or, heaven forbid,
DROP THE NEEDLE ON THE FLOOR!!! If this happens, insist they open a new
needle.
-Gloves: The artist must wash their hands prior to putting on their
gloves, preferably with an antibacterial/antiseptic solution. Once they
put their gloves on, they should not touch anything other than your
skin, the needle, and the jewelry. They should not be filling out
receipts beforehand, or answering the phone--unless these have been
wiped clean beforehand.
-Is there a sink separate from the bathroom sink?
-Does the artist use a disposable razor when shaving skin?
-The Speed Stick used as an ahesive for the tattoo pattern should not be
directly applied to the skin, but applied first to a tissue which can
then be used on the skin.
-Autoclaves should be inspected regularly.
-Sterile materials should be stored in sealed containers away from
things that could cause body fluids or ink to splash on them
-The palate that holds the ink caps should be covered with Saran Wrap
-After tattooing, the ink caps should be discarded and the ink not
reused or poured back into the bottles
Be particularly wary of "outdoor fair booths." While many are run by
caring, experienced artists, these booths allow fly-by-night operators
to make some fast money and disappear. If you don't know the artist,
spend time watching them work on others first. Are they reusing needles?
Do they use needles that have dropped on the ground?
If you see any unsanitary conditions that are particularly alarming,
post them to RAB (better yet--email me or Ardvark for the Piercing FAQ)!
If you feel uncomfortable "naming names," then withhold the specifics
for private email. It is each customer's right to guard against getting
a contamination. Worse, If you have had more than one tattoo or pierce
within several months, it will be difficult for you to prove WHICH
artist was responsible!
CAN I GET AIDS FROM TATTOOING?
IMPORTANT NOTE: This section refers to tattooing specifically, and not
to other forms of bodyart. Some, such as piercing and cutting, require
the breaking of the client's skin to a deeper level than what is
achieved with a modern tattoo gun.
This section on AIDS & Tattooing has been contributed by Nick
"Buccaneer" Baban <pirate@netcom.com>, who studied at the Univ. of
Michigan School of Public Health, Dept. of Epidemiology. He spent the
summer researching AIDS and IV drug use in NYC. "I'm not an expert, but
I consider myself knowledgable. Any furthur questions about AIDS can be
e-mailed to me."
Obviously there is some concern about AIDS and tattooing because when
you get a tattoo, you bleed. But the mechanism of transmission needs to
be better understood.
AIDS is transmitted by intimate contact with bodily fluids, blood and
semen being the most comon. Intimate contact means that the fluid
carrying the AIDS virus (HIV) enters into your system.
Injection drug users (IDUs) use hollow medical syringes and needles to
inject drugs directly into their bloodstream. It is common practice to
withdraw a little blood back into the syringe to delay the onset of the
high. When needles are passed from IDU to IDU and reused without
sterilization, some of that blood remains in the syringe and is passed
on to the next user. If infected blood is passed, the recipient can
become infected with HIV, which leads to AIDS.
Tattooing is VERY different from injecting drugs. The needles used in
tattooing are not hollow. They do, however, travel back and forth
through a hollow tube that acts as an ink reservoir. The tip of the tube
is dipped into the ink, which draws a little into the tube. As the
needle withdraws into the tube, it gets coated with ink. When it comes
forward, it pierces your skin and deposits the ink. You then bleed a
little through the needle hole. This happens several hundred times a
second.
You are only at risk of infection if you come in contact with infected
blood. Since it is only *your* skin that is being pierced during the
tattooing process, only *your* blood is being exposed. This means that
the only person at greater risk is the artist, because s/he is the only
one coming in contact with someone else's (potentially infected) blood.
This is why reputable (and sane) tattoo artist wears surgical gloves
while working.
Another source of infection is through the use of infected tools. *This
is why it is IMPERATIVE that you make sure your tattoo artist uses
sterile equipment.* Needles and tubes need to be autoclaved before EACH
AND EVERY time they are used. Ink should come from separate cups and not
directly from the bottle. Any leftover ink should be disposed of and not
reused under ANY circumstances.
The key to HIV transmission is *transfer of bodily fluids.* Evidence
indicates that infection may require a (relatively) substantial ammount
of fluid to be passed. A pin prick almost certainly won't do it. HIV is
also a very fragile virus that cannot survive long outside the human
body, and is very easy to kill via autoclaving. (I have heard of using
bleach to sterilize needles. While bleach is an effective HIV killer,
I'm not sure of the procedures for cleaning the equipment after bleach
cleaning. As I personally have no desire to have bleach put under my
skin, I go with autoclaving as the proper way to sterilize).
If your tattooer maintains sterile conditions and proceedures, there is
almost no risk of infection. I say "almost" because any risk, no matter
how miniscule, is still a risk and must be recognized. That said, I am
the proud owner of a Jolly Roger tattoo on my right shoulder because I
knew my tattooist and knew he had sterile conditions.
HOW TO LOOK FOR STERILIZATION
Check out the shop thoroughly. Don't be lulled into a false sense of
security by a clean look. If the needles are not disposed of after each
person, then it MUST be "autoclaved." Autoclaving is a process that
pressurizes the instruments and kills any virus or bacteria that might
transmit viruses or bacteria. My dentist has two autoclavers--one gas
and one steam--both pressurizing down to 250fsw. He also has spore
samples that he autoclaves and sends to a pathology lab to make sure the
machines are working.
Ask the artist how they clean their needles. If they don't say they
autoclave, you are taking your risks. If they say they do, ask to see
their machine. Note that in some states, autoclaving is required by law.
Other common-sense types of things include throwing out the ink after
each customer. Make sure the artists have small wells for each ink color
that they dispense from a larger container, and that these are thrown
out after work on you is done. Compare the conditions of the shop to
that of your dentist--does the artist wear gloves? Are the areas sprayed
clean?
According to the Navy Environmental Health Center Medical Corps in
Norfolk, Virginia, each year, a few cases of Hep-B are reported in
people who've gotten tattoos within the last two months, but they have
not been able to trace the disease back to its source, nor attribute it
directly to the tattoo.
Becky Fenton <AS.RAF@forsythe.stanford.edu> says: "I spoke with a
disease infection specialist at Kaiser [Permanente--US West Coast health
care system], and there have not been any incidents (as of 1990) of HIV
being spread *to* a recipient of a tattoo. If you think about it, the
tattooist is much more at risk, as s/he has to touch the customer's
blood.
David Zinner <dzinner@desire.wright.edu> notes that a blanket statement
regarding the use of autoclaves could be misleading. While an autoclave
will kill the HIV virus, it is not because of the efficacy of the
'clave, but because of the weakness of that particular virus. Far more
insidious is Hepatitis, which is more tenacious, and which a 'clave does
not always kill. He has gotten all of his info from CDC, by the way.
The irony, he says, is that now virtually anyone can afford a 'clave,
because many hospitals are selling them secondhand for a very good
price, and switching either to disposables, or purchasing dry-heat or
chemical sterilizers. Chemical is the best rated, and he says that his
friend's business has increased because of the precautions he takes.
In response to David's well-founded concern, Dr. Milton Diamond
<diamond@hawaii.edu> from the UH School of Medicine who has been
researching sexuality for 30 years, says: Hepatitis is easier to
transmit than HIV but all the bugs will be killed IF the autoclave is
run properly (i.e., set hot enough & long enough). Some instruments can
not, however, be autoclaved since they cant take the heat. These have to
be sterilized with viracides, "bug"acides and so forth. In any case,
here in the States, EVERYONE should be using disposable needles.
The chemical bath is only as effective as how fresh is it, how
concentrated, what chemicals, how "dirty" or contaminated the
instruments, how long in the bath, which particular bug is under attack,
etc. It is not the device, autoclave or chemical bath, that is as
important as the operator. There are many different bugs out there. HIV
may be one of the most deadly and Hep among the more easily transmitted
but many others have to be considered (including Chlamydia, the
infection rate of which is 20%!) and "he who aims at one, hits one." "Mo
betta aim fo dem all." If the artist or piercer is conscientious,
reliable and knowledgeable, either device could serve. Again my general
rule still stands: "EVERYONE should be using disposable needles."
Dr. Kai Kristensen <tattoodoc@aol.com> says: The needles that push the
ink into the skin (below the epidermis or outer covering and into the
mid-dermis or support structure under the epidermis) can transmit
disease UNLESS STERILE TO BEGIN WITH. When they have been used on you,
whatever bugs you carry in your blood can be transmitted to the next
person. The most commonly transmitted disease by needlestick is
Hepatitis B (and C). Clearly AIDS could be transmitted even though not
documented yet to my knowledge.
The skin should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and water and
scrubbing before the procedure to lessen the normal population of germs
on the hide. Alcohol doesn't do much but tends to degrease and cool, so
no harm but no substitute.
USE OF DISPOSABLE GLOVES: A conscientious, professional tattooist or
piercer will often go through A DOZEN DISPOSABLE GLOVES on one client.
Gloves SHOULD be changed every time they touch unsanitized items with
their gloves. If you see that the artist does not change gloves after
answering the phone, they are not being sanitary. Marginally acceptable
is if they pick up the phone (or other objects, such as pencil) with a
tissue. Optimally, they should use a new pair of gloves after each
potential contamination.
AUTOCLAVING TO STERILIZE
Autoclaving is accepted in the industry as the way to sterilize
nondisposable equipment. Autoclave machines look like small metal
washing machines--usually with the door in the front. They are usually
no larger than the computer with which you are reading this.
Uncle Bud <uncbud@rmii.com> recommends that autoclaves should be run at
273 degrees F for 55 minutes (from a cold start) at 15 lbs per square
inch pressure (PSI); the *minimum* standard is 20 minutes at full
temperature and pressure.
Further, he suggests that the solid stainless steel needles and tubes be
ultrasonically cleaned to remove particulate debris before being
packaged into individual autoclaving bags. Even *new* needles need to go
through this cleaning process, to remove any leftover flux from the
soldering process.
Equipment that IS supposed to be autoclaved should be torn out of their
sterile packaging in plain view of the customer.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: CAN MY TATTOOS GET INFECTED?
Not as long as you take care of your new tat. There is a section in the
FAQ that covers healing methods in depth. Some people have trouble
healing tattoos with colors they are allergic to. If it gets infected
and refuses to heal after a few days of using a topical antibiotic, you
may want to check with a doctor. Keep in mind this assumes you are a healthy
individual without any condition that suppresses your immune system.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT WILL PRECLUDE ME FROM
GETTING A TATTOO?
If you have hemophilia. There is even a case of a man who was HIV
positive who got a tattoo--if you are HIV+ however, you will want to
inform the artist, since it's the artist that is at more risk than you.
[In the case of the HIV+ man, he was John Baldetta, a former nursing
assistant at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, who got a tat on his
forearm that said "HIV Positive." He was suspended for three days
without pay and told he could return if he covered up the tat. He
refused and was subsequently fired, although he was not an RN and was
not doing anything that would put patients at risk.]
However, it is best to let the artist know if you have ANY medical
condition, such as diabetes or epilepsy, in case of an emergency.
If you have multiple allergies, you can always have the artist do a
"patch test" on you with the colors you want prior to returning for a
regular tattoo. This is similar to patch tests done for perms and hair
coloring, and will help you determine if your body will react to some of
the pigments.
Also, it is generally not considered a good idea to tattoo pregnant
women.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: WHAT IS THE ALLIANCE OF PROFESSIONAL TATTOOISTS?
This section was contributed by Pat Sinatra <patstats@aol.com>, a
professional tattoo artist and vice president of the organization:
The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT), Inc. is a professional
standards organization that was established in March 1992 and officially
incorporated in June '92 as a non-profit organization (contributions,
fees and educational materials are tax deductible.
Their activities:
-Continuing education to artists
-Offers accurate, up-to-date information about communicable diseases
through seminars
-Is interested in preserving tattooing as an artform
-Monitors legislative activity to prevent over-regulation (controlled
or banned)
-Believes in keeping the art of tattooing safe and legal through
education, knowledge and awareness
-Offers reliable information to tattoo lovers about safe tattoo
practices to ensure your health.
Headquartered in Maryland, its international membership has expanded
from the US to Canada, Europe and other countries. They are currently
establishing state chapters with state directors.
Their nine-hour seminar entitled, "Preventing Disease Transmission in
Tattooing," is taught by APT secretary, Dr. Kris Sperry (Fulton County
Medical Examiner, involved with tattooing for over 10 years). Designed
in 1988 to educate health care workers (including tattooists) in the
prevention of infection and the implementation of professional
standards,the program was specifically redesigned in 1991-1992 for the
needs of the tattooist and is the standard for APT members. Since the
1991 Bloodborne Pathogens Rule, APT, Inc. has designed this manual for
tattooists.
PDTT is presented in various locations throughout the country at a one
time fee of $125.00 (APT members) or $300.00 (non-members). This course
is open to the Professional and Associate levels only. Members are
required to complete this seminar within two years after initial
application.
While we have noted that many individuals are promoting videos on this
subject, OSHA (the US Occupational Safety & Health Association that
regulates work-environment safety) says that an infection control
program cannot be taught by video, but by an on-site knowledgable
individual on site.
OSHA believes that the in-person interaction between instructor and
student is vital to the education of this serious subject, and that
individual questions regarding infection control, universal precautions,
disease transmission, pathology, etc., must be answered by a
knowledgeable, credible instructor such as Dr. Sperry.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: SHOULD I GET A VACCINATION SHOT AGAINST HEPATITIS?
Without everyone worried about HIV transmission, it is easy to forget
that hepatitis (specifically hep-B) is a much stronger and virulent
virus to worry about. Fortunately, you *can* get protection against both
hepatitis A and B! Check with your health insurance to see if it's
covered--otherwise, you might have to shell out $200 or so for both.
There are two shots (injected a month apart) for hep-A, and three shots
(injected over the course of six months) for hep-B. You are strongly
urged to get protected if you are planning to get tattoos *OR* pierces
on a regular basis.
As a warning however, note that a very small percentage of individuals
react negatively to Hepatitis B vaccines, and could actually become
ill from the vaccines themselves. If you are contemplating getting
vaccinated for Hep B, talk to your health care professional to weigh the
risks against the benefits. Note: Not all health care professionals are
apprised of the most current statistics on the adverse effects of Hep B
vaccines.
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 3/10--Sanitation." This should
be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 4/10--Conventions."
Message-ID: <REPOST-25447.2233886719.5311889648.1994934082.6ojp4v$b6g@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-15361.5311889648.1994934082.6ojp4v$b6g@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-26230.1994934082.6ojp4v$b6g@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
From: stan@moe-ppp.caltech.edu (Stan)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: REPOST: rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 4/9--Conventions
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: 16 Jul 1998 02:39:27 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Expires: August 15, 1998
X-Original-Message-ID: <6ojp4v$b6g@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
Reply-To: stan@cco.caltech.edu
Summary: This posting contains a bibliography of various sources
available on the topic of tattoos. Anyone who wishes to read/post to the
RAB newsgroup, or obtain tattoos should read this first.
X-Comments: DtR Repost: The following Usenet article was cancelled,
X-Comments: more than likely by someone other than the original poster.
X-Comments: Please see the end of this posting for a copy of the cancel.
X-Comments: Dave the Resurrector can be contacted at dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part4
Last-modified: May 26, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
__________
| * * * * |
| MAGELLAN |
| 4 STAR |
| SITE! |
|__________|
This FAQ is maintained by Stan Schwarz <stan@cco.caltech.edu>
If you are reading this file using a web browser, and the file you are
looking at is from www.cis.ohio-state.edu, click on the other archive
sites to access the FAQs instead. Ohio State's site is no longer
maintained, and continues to provide outdated versions of FAQs.
You can retrieve a copy of the FAQ via anonymous ftp from the MIT FTP
server: <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/bodyart>.
The FAQs are also available on thw World Wide Web at
<http://www.eskimo.com/~rab>.
The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
1/9--Introduction
2/9--Getting a tattoo
3/9--Sanitation
4/9--Conventions <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
5/9--Artist list
6/9--Care of new tattoos
7/9--General care/removal
8/9--Misc. info
9/9--Bibliography
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS
This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions
and answers. Questions answered in this file:
Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 4/9: Tattoo conventions
- When and where are upcoming conventions?
- Tattoo Conventions: What are they all about?
- What types of conventions are available?
- Why would I want to attend?
- What's the atmosphere?
- What kind of tattoo contests are there?
- Can I actually get a tattoo at a convention?
- What else can I find at these conventions?
- Tattooing and traveling
COPYRIGHT AND DISSEMINATION
Under the Berne Convention, this document is Copyright (c) 1997 by Lani
Teshima-Miller, all rights reserved. Permission is granted for it to be
reproduced electronically on any system connected to the various
networks which make up the Internet, Usenet, and FidoNet so long as it
is reproduced in its entirety, unedited, and with this copyright notice
intact. Web sites are included. Individual copies may also be printed
for personal use.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: WHEN AND WHERE ARE UPCOMING CONVENTIONS?
I have moved upcoming conventions to the top of this file so you can
peruse this section for information quickly without having to scroll to
the bottom of the page.
A fairly up-to-date listing is also available from Ken Dykes
<kgdykes@thinkage.on.cs> at his web site:
http://www.thinkage.on.ca/~hoglist/cgibin/doevents
I always accept information on upcoming tattoo conventions. Please email
me at <lani@lava.net> with the name of the convention, place, date,
time, registration fee and registration contact phone number.
JANUARY 1998
------------
AM-JAM TATTOO EXPO 1998, Schenectady, New York
January 10 & 11, 1998
Info: AMJAMtat2@aol.com, (518) 346-0521. Sponsored by Am-Jam.
OLD SAN JUAN 1ST TATTOO EXTRAVAGANZA, San Juan, Puerto Rico
January 15-18, 1998
Info: lyletutt@pacific.net, (415) 775-4991. Sponsored by Lyle Tuttle.
MARKED FOR LIFE: FEMALE TATTOO ARTIST EXPO, Orlando, Florida
January 15-19, 1998
Info: queries@tattoos.com, (417) 281-1228. Coordinated by Deana's Skin
Art Studio
FOURTH ANNUAL ROYAL CITY TATTOO EXPO, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
January 16-18, 1998
Info: (519) 836-8680.
OLD SCHOOL TATTOO EXPO, Knoxville, TN
January 28 - February 1, 1998
Info: (423) 523-2300. Sponsored by Lyle Tuttle, Lifestyle Expressions
and Southern Comfort Prod.
JUNE 1998
---------
NORTHERN INK EXPOSURE 1998, Ontario, Canada
June 18 - 21, 1998
Info: queries@tattoos.com. Sponsored by tattoos.com and Tattoocan Products.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: TATTOO CONVENTIONS: WHAT ARE THEY ALL ABOUT?
People go to tattoo conventions for various reasons. Enthusiasts may go
to visit with or meet out-of-town artists, get new tattoos, look at
other people's tattoos or show off their own. Artists may go to purchase
flash work from other artists, visit with old friends or to gain more
visibility in the field.
If you are interested in finding out what's going on in the tattoo
world, the convention is the way to go.
The one thing that I find marvelous, wonderful and so exciting about
tattoo conventions, is that you can meet excellent and well-known
artists "in the flesh" and see many of them work! What other kind of
convention can you go to, where fans can openly admire the artists? The
only one I can think of off-hand is Fan Fair in Nashville, for country
music fans (and then it's the STAR versus the FANS--still not quite the
same).
WHAT TYPES OF CONVENTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Conventions range in size and length, from very small shop-sponsored
conventions that last a day or two, to international
organization-sponsored events that span four days.
Conventions are usually held over a weekend, and usually include
contests (closed to official registrants only) and exhibit floors, where
artists may be selling their merchandise or tattooing. The exhibit floor
is usually open to the public on a one-day admission fee, for those who
don't want to pay the extra fee of registering.
Most of the larger conventions are fairly well organized. While not in
the same caliber as an academic conference (that might have many
workshops, board meetings, poster sessions), convention organizers
usually have arrangements with travel agencies and hotels, to provide a
good deal for participants. This allows attendees to obtain a lower
"convention rate" for both hotel and airfare.
Convention rates vary: Registration for a national four-day convention
may run around $30-$40, less for a shorter convention. Daily admission
passes usually sell for about $10 per person and are only good for the
day.
Official registrants are usually given a color-coded hospital-style
wristband, while those paying for just the day may get their hand
stamped.
WHY WOULD I WANT TO ATTEND?
Have you ever wanted to get a tattoo from a certain artist who lives in
another country, or another part of the country? Have you ever wanted to
feel a sense of belonging with a group of people who understand your
desire for tattoos?
People attend conventions for different reasons--the main thing to
remember is that these conventions allow you the unique opportunity to
be immersed in the tattooing world, where staring at other people's
tattoos, or people staring at yours aren't meant as an insult or an
offense.
You might have read and perused through tattoo magazines and thought "No
way! These guys are way too radical for me!" Just remember that
everybody was born naked with no tattoos or extra holes in their body.
We're all the same, and there is no reason to feel intimidated by others
who have bodmods. Also, remember that the magazines will often publish
the most outlandish subjects. Otherwise, it's boring and not newsworthy!
So sure, you'll see somebody with very bizarro tattoos or with 100
pierces on their body. So what? This is your opportunity to chat with
them or otherwise find out what drives them!
You think bikers are too rough? Sure, they might be tough-looking; but
they are some of the sweetest, friendliest people I've ever met! Word
is, a lot of the convention and hotel staff come into these tattoo
conventions with some trepidation, then discover, much to their delight,
that the attendees are some of the most polite, fun-loving, nicest
people around! If you have an appreciation for motorcycles, you'll find
some fine examples in the parking lot. However, you'll discover that
convention attendees run an entire gamut and that you can't pigeonhole
them into any one classification.
IS A CONVENTION FOR *EVERYBODY*?
A kind word of warning here. If you love tattoos or are very intrigued
by them, and you want to meet others of your ilk, the conventions are
very good places to go. However, these conventions are not for
everybody. For one thing, these conventions are mostly geared toward
adults. Unless you are a tattoo artist and your toddler has lived her
entire life among the heavily tattooed and pierced, this may be a very
upsetting place to go.
Those who are sensitive to smoke or asthmatic should know that the
convention floor often becomes one big ashtray.
Finally, if you are trying to convince your partner to accept tattooing,
and your partner gets very upset about the topic in the first place, the
convention may be a very shocking and frightening experience that causes
the opposite of what you want.
WHAT'S THE ATMOSPHERE?
Conventions are always pretty congenial and relaxed during the sessions
that are open only to registrants. Welcome receptions usually allow time
for a lot of socializing, where friends can catch up on old news and
share their new tattoos with others. Quite a few people take their
cameras along, snapping shots of tattoos and people. This period is also
the time to see the real serious tattoo enthusiasts and artists, since
these are the ones who usually register for the entire convention. This
means that you are likely to see people with very serious pieces of
custom work on their bodies.
The exhibit floor, when it is still closed to the public (usually on
Fridays during a four-day convention) are not too crowded. If you want
to get some work done from an artist who has rented a booth, Fridays are
a good time to get it done. This would be a good opportunity to visit
various booths and actually talk to people.
Once the weekend hits and the doors are opened to the public, the
atmosphere will change greatly. You will see a lot of "gawkers" and
various curiosity-seekers, who may or may not have any tattoos (or if
they do, they might be some mediocre flash). The convention floor takes
on somewhat of a carnival environment.
Attendance seems to depend largely on where the convention is being
held. No tattoo convention is so large as to take up a city's major
convention center--most conventions occur in hotel ballrooms. Thus if
the hotel is in a rural section of town, or the convention is not
appropriately advertised, you will not get a very high local turnout. On
the other hand, well-advertised events will be so popular that they will
have to limit the number of bodies in the room.
Note that the National Tattoo Association has a policy (which some
regard as archaic) that bans facial and visible body piercings (outside
of the ears) because it believes that these promote the side-show-freak
atmosphere, which is not condusive to the mainstreaming of tattooing.
While I will not condone the purposeful breaking of any policy, I can
state that I have seen enough various body piercings at NTA conventions,
that it seems if you keep it low key they will not bother you. With the
current popularity of body piercing, I would like to counter that some
pierces (eyebrows, navel, nipple) have entered into the mainstream, and
are now actually used in advertisements. I don't know why NTA still
maintains this policy, when many tattooists have their own in-house
piercers and the tattooists themselves often sport body pierces
themselves.
WHAT KIND OF TATTOO CONTESTS ARE THERE?
Contests are limited to registrants during the larger conventions, while
they may be open to everyone at the smaller ones.
Categories seem to differ greatly, however some of the more standard
ones you can expect include: best black & gray, most unusual, best
tribal, best portrait, best overall.
Judging is done either by popular vote, or by a panel of experts
(usually composed of veteran artists). Obviously those by popular vote
are often judged by the contestant's looks or personality, and not
necessarily just by their tattoo.
If you plan to attend a contest, I suggest you bring a pair of
binoculars. The contestants are usually herded around on stage, and it
is often difficult to see the tattoos well. This is especially pertinent
if the contest is audience-judged.
Some contests are better organized than others; however I have yet to
see a contest where everything runs on time. Many contests do not limit
the number of entrants in a category, or limit entrants to one category.
This can cause long waits and long lines.
If you wish to take photos of these contests, plan to bring a telephoto
lens. A tripod would not be a bad idea either.
CAN I ACTUALLY GET A TATTOO AT A CONVENTION?
One of the biggest advantages of attending a convention is that you can
book an appointment with a well-known artist who does not live near you.
One of the biggest *disadvantages* of booking an appointment for the
convention with a well-known artist who does not live near you is that
you might not get as good a deal as you would if you were to visit the
artist's studio. That is, the exhibit floor is noisy, full of smoke,
crowded, and generally hard for anyone to concentrate in.
In addition, some artists try to pay for their trips and booth fees by
the appointments they do during the convention--so the more tattoos they
do, the more money they make. It is possible that you may be overcharged
for a tattoo that is not up to the regular standards of the artist.
How to avoid this pitfall? Phone the artist WELL in advance. Explain
your interests and reserve your time for the convention beforehand--the
earlier the better. Give your artist enough time to do some rough
sketches as well, that can be drawn up before the convention.
If you have been dying to get a tattoo from someone great and famous,
why take the risks that the artist fills up that appointment book before
you can get to that booth? Reserve in advance and avoid the headache.
Should you decide to "wing it" and hope to find someone you like once
you're there, you will have a much better chance of securing a time slot
if you visit before the public is admitted (which means you have to
register for the convention). Chances are, they will want to get a
deposit from you immediately (some people make appointments during
conventions then fail to show without notifying the artist--very
uncool).
You have been warned, though. Caveat emptor.
WHAT ELSE CAN I FIND AT THESE CONVENTIONS?
Even if you don't plan on getting any tattoos, there is still plenty to
do on the exhibit floor. Most booths sell merchandise; many booths give
away stickers, business cards, etc.
Chuck Eldridge from the Tattoo Archive in California usually has a booth
at the larger conventions. If you've ever wanted to pick up an
out-of-print publication on tattooing, visit his booth!
Ever wonder how people get their pictures into the tattoo magazines? In
addition to photos submitted by the artists themselves, many of the
photos are taken at the conventions! Keep an eye out for signs that
identify tattoo magazines. Most of them set up portable studios in
nearby rooms. You will be required to sign a standard model release
form, and will have to inform them who your artist was (that's actually
more important to them than your own name). How to tell if the photos
were taken at a convention? Take a look at the wrists of the models in
the magazines. Do you see a color-coded hospital wristband? Does the
background look like a professional backdrop, versus the inside of a
tattoo shop?
Unfortunately, the magazine people won't be able to tell you if or when
your photo will appear in publication. Most of the time, you just have
to look at the issues that appear about three to four months after the
convention. The only time they will phone you is when you get a major
spread/feature, or if you've made the cover. If this is the case,
payment usually comes in the form of extra copies. Ask for as many as
you feel comfortable asking for (a couple dozen would not be out of
line, although I wouldn't ask for 500 copies unless you had an
incredibly large family).
Sometimes, the magazines will issue a special issue dedicated to the
specific convention you were at. These often include candids and photos
of contestants, and may include a photo of you!
Many convention organizers also contract a video production group to
tape the show. These are usually sold at an on-site booth.
In recent years, seminars geared towards artists have been added at
larger conventions, with topics such as "Creative Coloring", Care and
Tuning your Machine", "Spit-Shading - Watercolor", "Tribal Tattooing",
"Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing." Unfortunately, these are
usually open only to professional artists. I would personally like to
one day see sessions geared towards tattoo enthusiasts. Sessions
focusing on disease transmission prevention from the customer's point of
view, or the history of Polynesian tattooing, are two such examples.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: TATTOOING AND TRAVELING
Getting a tattoo at a convention poses a number of potential problems,
especially if you are used to getting tattooed near your hometown. Of
primary importance is the need to decrease your level of stress during
your travel. Thanks go to "convention trooper" Michele DeLio, formerly
of _Tattoo_ magazine for some of these pointers.
VITAMINS: Begin taking vitamin supplements a few days prior to traveling
to the convention. A multi-vitamin supplement is fine, although in
particular, you are recommended to take vitamins B and C, and Zinc. Some
people cannot tolerate zinc supplements alone--in which case a
multi-vitamin supplement containing zinc would suffice. Pack enough
tablets to last the duration of the trip.
NUTRITION: Without sounding too motherly, eat yer vegetables! Vegetables
and fruits are particularly healthy and help cleanse your system prior
to your trip. Your digestive system tends to go haywire on the road, so
eating fiber (bran cereal, etc.) will also help. Stay away from
particularly spicy or greasy foods while you are traveling as well.
WATER: Most importantly, you should drink what you might consider
*excessive* amounts of water during your travel. Airplane cabins are
notorious for their aridity (sometimes as low as 10% humidity), and most
experienced travelers recommend that you drink eight ounces of water for
every hour you are flying. This will help your body flush out toxins,
and keep your skin fresh and hydrated for your new tattoo.
CLOTHING: Regardless of your mode of travel, if you are going to be on
the road for many hours, try to bring clothing that will let your new
tattoo breathe.
LEATHER: While a tattoo convention is a great place to look cool in your
heavy duty black leather clothing, these do not pack well. Try to limit
your heavy duty leather to just your jacket. If you must bring more,
choose those which are lighter weight. Bring an extra large diaper pin
(or a kilt pin), and use it to hang your jacket label up on the seat
back in front of you on the plane. This way, you will have arm room in
your seat, and will not have to risk having someone squash it with their
vanity case in the overhead. Remember also that leather does not breathe
well--if you are getting a tattoo, keep in mind that you will not want
to wear leather over it.
MOISTURIZER: The air in the cabin is EXTRA dry--pack a moisturizer in
your carry-on bag.
FRESH AIR: If you are a cigarette smoker, try to cut down on the amount
you smoke while you travel. At the convention, try to get outdoors as
often as possible--to get some natural light on your skin, as well as to
breathe some fresh air. Unless the building is zoned as non-smoking, the
convention floor will be a mass of ashtrays and smoke.
POOLS & HOT TUBS: If you are staying at a nice hotel for the convention,
you'll notice the swimming pools and hot tubs. Enjoy them before, but
not after your new tattoo. Your tattoo is simply too fresh to risk
immersing in public water.
STRESS: Excitement and tension often accompany long-distance travel. Did
you remember your airline ticket? Is your hotel room confirmed? Did you
forget anything? Just remember that most things can be fixed in a pinch.
Some stress-reducing suggestions:
o Try to pack as little as possible, and take all your essentials with
you in your carry-on (I always travel with one carry-on only).
o Make sure to leave your complete itinerary, as well as photocopies of
your tickets, with a trusted friend or relative.
o Most artists will accept traveler's checks as cash. Convert your cash
to these handy checks prior to traveling. Record the check numbers,
keep them separate from the checks themselves.
o Don't forget to confirm your flight 24 hours ahead, both before you
leave, as well as a day before you go home.
o Make sure to jot down your hotel confirmation number. With this you
should be guaranteed a room.
o Special meals on airplanes are HIGHLY recommended. These are
available at no extra charge, and include things like ovo-lacto
vegetarian (dairy/eggs), vegan (no dairy/eggs), Kosher, seafood,
Hindu, low fat, low sodium. Airlines will differ on some things
(United offers McDonald's Happy Meals with a toy for the kids or
kiddies-at-heart; American offers a Weight Watchers entree). My
favorite is the fruit platter. Guaranteed to be the freshest meal,
these usually include sliced melon, pineapple, grapes, strawberries.
Requests for special meals must be made 24 hours in advance. Special
meals are served before all regular meals (remind your flight
attendant prior to meal service).
o Wear ear plugs on the airplane to reduce engine noise. I prefer the
squishy spongy ones that snuggle right into your ear canal. Remember
that listening to your walkman will only mask the engine noise, not
reduce it.
o Many travel stores carry inflatable neck pillows shaped like the
letter "C" that crook your neck for napping. These will prevent your
neck from getting stiff and sore.
o Always ask for a glass of water along with your drink. Or bring your
own bottled water.
o Stay away from caffeine and alcohol during the flight. These will
dehydrate your body and potentially give you a headache (which, if you
remedy with an aspirin, would be a bad idea for getting your new
tattoo).
TATTOO CARE KIT: If you get a new tattoo during the convention, it may
be a few days before you get back to the tranquility of your home. Take
along a "tattoo care kit" with you to begin caring for your new tattoo
while you are still at the convention. I have outlined what I personally
use when I travel (Johnson's baby products travel pack) in the "healing
a new tattoo" section in the FAQ. I particularly recommend products that
are very mild and/or hypoallergenic, so you have less chance of skin
problems. Many pharmacies and mega-marts sell one- or two-ounce travel
bottles of soap, lotion, etc. I suggest you try some of them for a while
on a test patch on your skin to make sure you are not allergic. Red,
itchy swollen rashes due to an allergic reaction to skin lotion is not a
nice way to be traveling with a new tattoo.
If you are going to be flying for many hours, you might want to find a
way to cover your tattoo so it doesn't stick to your clothes. Any
barrier is fine (tissue, handkerchief), but put this on before you fall
asleep on your flight.
The author of this FAQ is not only knowledgeable about tattoos; she is a
veteran of packing, and is recognized "expert packer" for the
www.flifo.com travel reservation web site. Read her Travelite FAQ at the
rec.travel library at
http://www.solutions.net/rec-travel/general/travelite-faq.html.
If you return home with your new tattoo and find that it is not healing
as quickly, dab a little bit of antibiotic cream on it for a couple of
days to see if it settles down. Whatever problems you're having with
your tattoo are probably attributable to travel stress.
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ Part 4/9: Tattoo Conventions."
This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 5/9--Artist List."
Message-ID: <REPOST-15966.5127258301.133026123.88195800781.6ojp7g$b7d@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-28408.133026123.88195800781.6ojp7g$b7d@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
X-Original-Message-ID: <REPOST-3867.88195800781.6ojp7g$b7d@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
X-Reposted-By: dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
From: stan@moe-ppp.caltech.edu (Stan)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: REPOST: rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 5/9--Artist List
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: 16 Jul 1998 02:40:48 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Expires: August 15, 1998
X-Original-Message-ID: <6ojp7g$b7d@gap.cco.caltech.edu>
Reply-To: stan@cco.caltech.edu
Summary: This posting contains a bibliography of various sources
available on the topic of tattoos. Anyone who wishes to read/post
to the RAB newsgroup, or obtain tattoos should read this first.
X-Comments: DtR Repost: The following Usenet article was cancelled,
X-Comments: more than likely by someone other than the original poster.
X-Comments: Please see the end of this posting for a copy of the cancel.
X-Comments: Dave the Resurrector can be contacted at dave@ferret.ocunix.on.ca
Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part5
Last-modified: June 13, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--==*-< >-*==--
__________
| * * * * |
| MAGELLAN |
| 4 STAR |
| SITE! |
|__________|
This FAQ is maintained by Stan Schwarz <stan@cco.caltech.edu>
If you are reading this file using a web browser, and the file you are
looking at is from www.cis.ohio-state.edu, click on the other archive
sites to access the FAQs instead. Ohio State's site is no longer
maintained, and continues to provide outdated versions of FAQs.
You can retrieve a copy of the FAQ via anonymous ftp from the MIT FTP
server: <ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/bodyart>.
The FAQs are also available on thw World Wide Web at
<http://www.eskimo.com/~rab>.
The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
1/9--Introduction
2/9--Getting a tattoo
3/9--Sanitation
4/9--Conventions
5/9--Artist list <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
6/9--Care of new tattoos
7/9--General care/removal
8/9--Misc. info
9/9--Bibliography
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS
This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions
and answers. Questions answered in this file:
Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 5/9: Tattoo artist list
- Who is a good/bad tattoo artist near me?
o Laws on tattooing (primarily in the US)
US West Coast/Pacific
US Southwest
US Midwest
US Southeast
US East Coast
Canada: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec
EUROPE/UK: London
EUROPE/POLAND
EUROPE/AUSTRIA
ASIA/Japan
- Where on my body should I get a tattoo?
COPYRIGHT AND DISSEMINATION: Under the Berne Convention, this document
is Copyright (c) 1997 by Lani Teshima-Miller, all rights reserved.
Permission is granted for it to be reproduced electronically on any
system connected to the various networks which make up the Internet,
Usenet, and FidoNet so long as it is reproduced in its entirety,
unedited, and with this copyright notice intact. Web sites are included.
Individual copies may also be printed for personal use.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: WHO IS A GOOD/BAD TATTOO ARTIST NEAR ME?
The following is a list of artists who are personally reviewed by RAB
readers. I've now pulled all unattributed reviews that were in the FAQ
prior to my taking over the maintenance of. What unattributed reviews
there are left are from people who submitted reviews to me long before I
got my act together.
A posting on this FAQ does *not* constitute approval, and is the
personal opinion of the reviewer. For liability purposes, it is YOUR
responsibility to check out the artist. Because I only accept personal
recommendations, this list is limited to those who are known to people
who read RAB There are many excellent artists who have not made it on
this list yet. Just because an artist is not on this list doesn't mean
they're not recommendable. Consider the reviews in this list along the
lines of a restaurant or movie review--YMMV.
If you do not see any artists from your area, I suggest you read the
previous section of this FAQ on HOW to check out a shop yourself.
Another way to is to ask a person with a nice tattoo, which artist did
the work. This by the way, is always a very nice question to ask and
will often elicit a totally different response from the tattooed person
(since comments usually tend to be things like "Is that real?" "Did it
hurt?"). Asking who the artist was that did the work is a compliment
both to the person and his/her artist.
To submit a review, contact <stan@cco.caltech.edu> for an artist
review form via email. ANYONE can review an artist for this
section. If you like your artist, get his name out on the Internet by
writing a review!
*RIGHT OF REPLY*
Anyone mentioned here in the artist review who feels they have been
misrepresented or who wish a "right of reply" are invited to send email
to me at <stan@cco.caltech.edu>. The contents of that email will be
posted in its entirety in its first appearance, and a condensed
version included permanently along with the artist's review.
US WEST COAST & PACIFIC
CALIFORNIA
California law states professional tattoo artists are not allowed to
tattoo minors who are under the age of 18. Otherwise unregulated.
Bay Area
========
222 TATTOO, 222 Eighth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415 255-8222
Rates: $120/hr, $50 min; $25-$50 cash deposit required when making
appt. Cash, credit cards.
Reviewed 11/97 by Art Richards <arichar@silcon.com>
SHOP REVIEW: 2.5 blocks south of Market in industrial neighborhood.
Newly remodeled, spacious, bright, airy, clean, pleasant, a lot of
artwork & plants. Excellent sound system and good CD collection. Makes
every other shop I've been to look like a hole in the wall.
ARTIST REVIEW--EDDIE DEUTSCH: World-class custom artist, formerly of Ed
Hardy's Tattoo City. Honed his art by working with many well-known
names. Easy chairside manner. Works mainly freehand, fantastic color
sense; very fast, takes few breaks hence probably less expensive than
artists charging less. Tattooing for 10 years. Booked at least a month
ahead.
BLUE BUDDHA, 1959 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94703, 510-549-9860
Priced by piece; ongoing, such as back pieces, $120/hr. Cash only.
Work featured at <http://www.grin.net/~holden94/tattoo/>.
Reviewed 7/97, updated 7/98 by Art Richards <arichar@silcon.com>.
SHOP REVIEW: Across the street from the BART station in a row of small
shops. The studio is small and a little cluttered. John works in an
alcove at the back, Will out front. Usual sanitary precautions observed
(gloves, ink cups, sterilization, etc.). A large selection of flash in
the waiting area. Alcove can be blocked off for privacy.
ARTIST REVIEW--JOHN DOUGHERTY: Hell of an artist! I picked out a small
flash phoenix; he used basic orientation, but completely redrew it and
did a full color rendering before we started. Got a lot of attention at
a recent convention. Easy to talk to. Has been tattooing 10 years,
apprenticed with Kev Heath. Heavily tattooed himself, full sleeves.
Many of his excellent custom sketches mounted on the walls.
ARTIST REVIEW--Will Burgess: Very crisp outlining, beautiful detailed
work. Foo dog has intense, evenly applied color. Has been tattooing
for five years. Apprenticed with Bert Rodriguez.
DIVERSITY, 1419 Broadway, Walnut Creek, 94596. Ph: 925-939-7901
$100/hr, $40 minimum, Cash, major credit and debit cards
Reviewed 6/98 by Art Richards <arichar@silcon.com>
SHOP REVIEW: Downtown across from the library. Diversity is a head
shop (clothes, posters, incense, smoke shop, bongs, etc. About a
fourth of the main area is partioned off for two tattooists and one
piercer. Fairly private and additional screens can be put up for the
shy. Usual sanitary precaustions observed, new needle for each
client. No smoking. Good parking in city garage across the street
for $2 max.
ARTIST REVIEW--Benja Burlingame: Benja is very congenial and easy to
talk to. He has been tattooing for 4 1/2 years. Trained at Academy
of Art College, San Francisco. Does good clean work, nice light
touch. About half of his work is flash. Very good artist, I've seen
some of his custom work on others and it is excellent. I plan on
getting a larger piece from him soon.
TATTOO ARCHIVE, 2804 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley 94702. Ph: 510/548-5895
$100/hour, $45 minimum. Cash and major credit cards.
Reviewed 5/96 by Ann Duveneck <duveneck@a