Cool tattoo ideas

The tattoo has come into fashion. Two out of ten people have tattoos and that is just a conservative estimate. The tattoo design can range from the dragon tattoo to a simple, pretty butterfly tattoo. They are no longer thought of as the rebel thing to do against authority figures, they have become almost an accessory. Tattoos still have meaning to some people but for others it has become a spur of the moment idea and to fit in with everyone else. At one point in time and still in some countries, the tattoo has a deeper meaning.

Japan's history of tattooing goes back to 10000 B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E. (Before the Common Era). It was used for healing, identifying a soldier should he perish on the battlefield and be stripped of his armor and even to identify rites of passage for certain tribes. Perhaps the most familiar of Japanese body art is associated with the organized crime group the Yakuza. Similar to the Italian Mafia, the Yakuza has long been associated with the less than desirable elements of society. Anything from illegal gambling to racketeering is within its grasp.

Surprisingly though, the tattoo design found most often on Yakuza members is that of beautiful scenes and elaborate details. The method used though is less than beautiful. Yakuza members, as a way to test their resolve and strength, do not get tattooed with a tattoo machine. It is a hand held instrument that is not without pain. The images are not just a back tattoo either. They span the entire body from collar to ankle.

While the tattoo images found on Yakuza members may seem beautiful, Russian criminals often have a tattoo design that speaks of their chilling accomplishments. The codes are kept secret but those within the "know" will recognize what the person has done. The idea is to garner a measure of respect but tattooing can go the opposite way as well. For those who have been caught lying or cheating, he or she can wear their mistakes as well.

The language of the tattoo used to be a secret code known only to those in the "know" but with research the meanings have come to light. The social hierarchy of the criminal world is understood. If a criminal tattoo's an untruth or exaggeration the punishment inflicted by others is harsh. The tattoo is either cut off or sandpapered off. The tattoo design in Russia's history was not just limited to the criminal element. In an oppressive government sometimes the only way to rebel was to a tattoo design belittling one of the political tyrants. This was a way to send a message to other people when freedom of speech and press was not allowed.

Finding the right tattoo design should mean more than just a pretty picture. Ultimately each design or tattoo should be a testament of a person's personality and belief system. They are a form of expression that is carried around with the person continuously. Each drop of ink is a story waiting to be told to the rest of the world and it is up to each individual what kind of story is being told.

There was time in history when the tattoo artist was a figure to remain in the shadows. He or she, though females were not common, could only be found in the most dreadful of places. The less than desirable side of cities was the most common areas to find the tattoo artist. During this time of ink history, the tattoo artist was not credited with being an "artist" per se. There were no showings, tattoo conventions, or schools for training.

The most a person could hope for was to be trained from someone already in the business. The designs were often rudimentary and done with homemade machines or by hand. The sanitary conditions under which a tattoo artist operated were atrocious. Not much was known about antibacterial precautions and as a result there were wide numbers of ink poisoning due to ill prepared inks and dyes.

Luckily for the modern world the tattoo artist has reached a new respectability. There are specialty magazines and gatherings where the artwork of tattoos can be found. The tattoo "joint" common to the fast food nation where everything is done as quickly as possible with little thought to quality has now come into competition with tattoo parlors resembling upscale salons.

The clientele of these establishments want something more exotic than the standard butterfly tattoo. They are looking at this permanent design as a way to showcase superior skills. Many times incredible one of a kind drawings and pictures can be found that show the most intricate details.

The tattoo artist can do more than just place ink to skin. Many studios feature artists that specialize in piercing as well. The tattoos and piercing combination is very popular as it adds a choice and variety to what a customer might be seeking. Unlike tattooing, a piercing can be removed and unless it is a form of extreme piercing, it leaves no lasting mark.

A tattoo artist is just that...an artist. He or she seeks to express themselves with a medium and canvas different than what the local art class offers. They seek to embrace a subculture that was once the greatest of taboos. No longer do they have to hide in back alleyways or have a clientele made up of criminals and social outcasts. More and more suburban middle age women are coming into close contact with the tattoo artist.

Opening tattoo shops is not just about pasting a few designs over the walls and getting some supplies. It requires dedication and an adherence to regulations just as many establishments must do. Good tattoo shops foster a relationship between tattoo artist and client very similar to that of a hair stylist and his or her client. A level of trust must be attained and an air of professionalism. There is a distinct difference between the calibers of quality you will find amongst the varying shops and it pays to be informed.

Great tattoo shops maintain a strict set of codes regulating their sanitary conditions. The United States Department of Health requires that blood born pathogens or instruments be disposed of properly. The artist stations are maintained and kept clean at all times. The tattoo shops artists should hang their licenses in prominent places and always be up to date.

The parlor should foster a sense of comfort yet be professional. The best places feature custom designs and in order to get in, an appointment must be made. The price tag associated with these tattoo shops will be considerably more but there is more guarantee of quality work versus the assembly line process of many tattoo shops.

Another great tip when searching for a place to get tattoos and piercings is to do a search online to see if there have been any lawsuits filed against the establishment. There have recently been several lawsuits filed against negligent owners for not enforcing sanitary conditions. One such lawsuit came about in Riverside County in California. A man was infected with a flesh-eating bacterium when the tattoo artist used unsanitary equipment on a cover up of a previous tattoo.

Hepatitis C is a common affliction associated with poor sanitary conditions found in many tattoo shops. It is a blood born pathogen that can come from used needles. It is estimated that more infections come from commercial tattoo shops than from intravenous drug users. The numbers keep rising with the rise in people getting tattoos.

The business should also be found in a safe neighborhood. This goes back to the sanitary conditions aspect of the establishment. A good rule of thumb is whether or not a person would feel safe walking the block. If an armed escort is needed then it might be wise to pass on getting a needle stuck into the skin. If the owner does not care about their surroundings it is a good indication of the level of service offered. There can be exceptions to this though.

It takes more than a tattoo machine to make up great tattoo shops. The tattoo artist must take into consideration safety and sanitation but also look towards keeping their customers happy. A happy, satisfied customer is the best advertisement any shop can have. There is never a thing as having too many customers but there is such a thing as bad press and it is not what a tattoo shop wants.

It is amazing how big a role tattoo ink plays in the whole pop culture scene. The artist would still be an artist but his or her work would lack the permanency that the ink provides. Colors, shapes and words would be nothing more than a faded memory. But with the ink comes a lasting work of art that is there for the world to see. There is more to ink than what most people realize.

Tattoo ink is produced through a chemical process. It is comprised of a pigment or dye that is mixed with a carrier. Depending on the quality level of the ink, a carrier solution can be any number of products some of which can be toxic and deadly to the human body.

The oldest record of pigment is that of ground minerals and perhaps black charred coal or burnt timber. The ranges of colors found in pigments are limited to those found in nature. Some of the natural elements found in quality tattoo ink are: ochre (brown), carbon (black), red (iron oxide), and green (malachite). Other pigments can be obtained through a mixture of certain elements such as Chrome Yellow which is made up of different chemical elements.

A natural agent, though not temporary, is found in henna. This plant's leaves are ground up to produce a reddish brown powder which is then mixed into the tattoo ink. It is applied carefully with a small brush or sticks and will wear off with time.

Homemade tattoo ink is perhaps the most likely to cause allergic reaction or create a less than show quality tattoo. The homemade tattoo ink is produced by mixing a dye with a carrier such as ethyl alcohol or vodka. The problems arise when an antibacterial agent is not included in the mixture. A tattoo machine pierces the skin and the ink is inserted. Without proper bacterial safeguards the open wound can become seriously infected and result in blood poisoning. There have been some instances of death associated with poorly done tattoos and homemade ink.

If you absolutely must make your own tattoo ink it is important to gather as much information as possible before beginning. You need to have an understanding of chemistry in order to mix the colors properly as well as knowledge of plants and minerals to make the colors. Do not go into the woods and try to find the colors yourself. You should also make sure to learn about sterilization for the liquid used to dilute the colors.

The safest thing a person can do regarding tattoo ink is to seek out a professional. They have been trained to use sanitary measures and most often buy their tattoo ink directly from a licensed manufacturer. There is far less risk involved and a tattoo is never worth sickness or possible death.