From the early 1990's on, there has been a tremendous increase in the popularity of tattooing among the general public in North America and Europe, a trend that has since spread around the world. Anyone who has taken even the most cursory glance at the mainstream media during the past decade could quite easily come away with the impression that the current popular interest in tattoos and other forms of body modification, such as body piercing, has arisen out of a cultural void and that there is scant evidence to suggest where the roots of the resurgence might lie. In point of fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
Tattoos have had a rich and colourful history in western popular culture for the better part of two centuries and nowhere is this better illustrated than by the rather extraordinary number of historical figures and modern day celebrities who, have sported or currently have body art.
http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/celebrity_tattoos.htm
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Tattoo in Chinese Minorities
The Chinese Drung and Dai minorities have tattoo customs inherited from their ancestors.
http://www.chinavista.com/experience/tattoo/tattoo.html
Among the Drung ethnic minority, women have tattoos on their faces. In the past, girls were tattooed when they turned 12 or 13 as a symbol of maturity.
First, an old woman would dip a bamboo slip into sooty water and draw on the girl's face, then beat a thorn into the skin with a small stick in the designed area, and fill the pricked spots with soot. When scabs formed, a dark blue design was left on the face, The tattoo was drawn between the two eyebrows and around the mouth in diamond shape and on the cheek with dots, forming a flying butterfly design.
This form of tattooing is popular in the upper reaches of the Drung River. Along the lower reaches, the tattoos are simpler, with two or three lines on the lower jaw.
The Drung minority tattoo originated from the late Ming Dynasty about 350 years ago. At that time, the Drung people were usually attacked by other ethnic groups, and women were captured as slaves. To avoid being raped, the Drung women tattooed their faces to make themselves less attractive and, thus, protect themselves. It was a tragedy. Though the Drung women are not threatened by other minorities now, they retain their tattoo custom, and it has become a symbol of maturity for Drung womenTattooing is also an ancient custom of the Dai people, and can still be found in some remote villages in the Dai inhabited area or among some old Dai people.
Both men and women were tattooed according to the Dai custom, men on the strong muscles and women on the back of hand, arm or between the eyebrows.
In old times, the Dai Children had designs pricked into their skin when they were 5 or 6, for it was said to be the best age. Later, they were tattooed at 14 or 15 as a symbol of reaching maturity.
There are no fixed designs in Dai tattoo, most preferring tiger or dragon designs drawn in black with black plant juice.
The Dai people have a long tattoo history. In ancient times, they lived by the river and were often hit by strange monsters. Later they discovered that a black skin could keep the monster away, and they began to tattoo themselves in this way to prevent attacks.
As time went on, tattooing lost its original function and has become a symbol of the boldness and bravery of men and the beauty of women. Now, tattoos are drawn on the back of the hands in octagonal flower design, and a dot is tattooed between the eyebrows of girls, symbolizing their beauty. With these tattoos, the Dai people can easily recognize their ethnic friends even when they are not wearing their minority costumshttp://www.chinavista.com/experience/tattoo/tattoo.html
Monday, February 19, 2007
The Beginning Of Cubist Art
Since mankind first learned to make pictures, individual styles of art have existed. Each one has its own distinguishing features. Cubism, or Cubist Art is no exception. Originating in the early 1900’s, this form of art is considered to be an extension of the work of Paul Cézanne. He is credited with being the first artist to use shapes to represent nature.
The two key artists who gave life to Cubism were Pablo Picasso from Spain and Georges Braque of France. Their work is thought to have been strongly influenced by Paul Cézanne. The original concept behind Cubism is to break the subject into pieces, analyze the pieces, and reassemble them in an abstract manner. The idea is to depict the object from various points of view instead of the more traditional two or three dimensions. The result is a more complex and visually stimulating work of art.
The inspiring feature of Cubist art is that several artists have used the technique in a way that was very different than Picasso and Braque. Artists like Robert Delaunay and Jacques Villon are credited with a unique twist of Cubism.
Like other art techniques, Cubism splintered again and resulted in what is known as Synthetic Cubism. Instead of taking one object and breaking it into distinct pieces and reforming the object into an abstract form of itself, synthetic cubism takes several different objects and reforms them to be a single picture while retaining the physical characters of the individual objects. Collages and papier colle were used by both Picasso and Braque in some of their work. Pablo Picasso’s famous painting “Still Life with Chair Caning” is an example of his use of collage. Georges Braque modified the technique when he used papier colle in his work “Fruitdish and Glass.” Before this time, pasting other types of materials onto a canvas to create a new look was completely unheard of. This method allows the artist to add visual interest and appealing texture to their art.
Art in any form, whether performed, read, or seen, often reflects the era in which it was created. Cubist art was a direct result of the political unrest in the years before World War I. Some Cubism artists were die-hard nationalists and very dedicated to the governments of their respective countries. Others were attempting to display their leftist leanings or even anarchist attitude. The abstract composition of Cubism was easily manipulated by the individual artist to express their feelings and thoughts toward that time of serious disillusionment. Examples of Cubism can be seen in literature and music from this time period as well.
Some art experts believe that Cubism art was influenced by traditional African tribal art and even Italian Futurism art. The strong use of shapes depicting nature in both of these art styles seems to indicate that the experts are right.
Picasso and Braque, with the assistance of Cézanne, began an art revolution whose effects can still be seen today in modern art. African Cubism was the beginning of a new way to see world events and to express them in a very creative way.
Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.
One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned contemporary Yoruba artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.
In 1996, Moyo was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.
http://www.articleteller.com/Article/The-Beginning-Of-Cubist-Art/45729
The two key artists who gave life to Cubism were Pablo Picasso from Spain and Georges Braque of France. Their work is thought to have been strongly influenced by Paul Cézanne. The original concept behind Cubism is to break the subject into pieces, analyze the pieces, and reassemble them in an abstract manner. The idea is to depict the object from various points of view instead of the more traditional two or three dimensions. The result is a more complex and visually stimulating work of art.
The inspiring feature of Cubist art is that several artists have used the technique in a way that was very different than Picasso and Braque. Artists like Robert Delaunay and Jacques Villon are credited with a unique twist of Cubism.
Like other art techniques, Cubism splintered again and resulted in what is known as Synthetic Cubism. Instead of taking one object and breaking it into distinct pieces and reforming the object into an abstract form of itself, synthetic cubism takes several different objects and reforms them to be a single picture while retaining the physical characters of the individual objects. Collages and papier colle were used by both Picasso and Braque in some of their work. Pablo Picasso’s famous painting “Still Life with Chair Caning” is an example of his use of collage. Georges Braque modified the technique when he used papier colle in his work “Fruitdish and Glass.” Before this time, pasting other types of materials onto a canvas to create a new look was completely unheard of. This method allows the artist to add visual interest and appealing texture to their art.
Art in any form, whether performed, read, or seen, often reflects the era in which it was created. Cubist art was a direct result of the political unrest in the years before World War I. Some Cubism artists were die-hard nationalists and very dedicated to the governments of their respective countries. Others were attempting to display their leftist leanings or even anarchist attitude. The abstract composition of Cubism was easily manipulated by the individual artist to express their feelings and thoughts toward that time of serious disillusionment. Examples of Cubism can be seen in literature and music from this time period as well.
Some art experts believe that Cubism art was influenced by traditional African tribal art and even Italian Futurism art. The strong use of shapes depicting nature in both of these art styles seems to indicate that the experts are right.
Picasso and Braque, with the assistance of Cézanne, began an art revolution whose effects can still be seen today in modern art. African Cubism was the beginning of a new way to see world events and to express them in a very creative way.
Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.
One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned contemporary Yoruba artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.
In 1996, Moyo was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.
http://www.articleteller.com/Article/The-Beginning-Of-Cubist-Art/45729
Characteristics Of Nigerian Art
Art is an amazing way to get to know a previously unknown culture. It often reflects cultural diversity as well as religious and ethnic origin. There are many unique societies throughout the globe and art is a way to bring them all a little closer to home. Nigerian art is certainly an excellent method to learn more about that ancient and fascinating region. Like many forms of traditional African art, Nigerian art reflects that society’s need for beautiful as well functional pieces. Many of the art forms created today in Nigeria have their roots firmly planted in the traditions and methods of their forbearers. The Nigerian people are proud of their art and artists and it shows in their dedication to the visual, audio, and performed art forms.
Traditional Nigerian art has been dated as far back as 2000 years. There are examples of this work in sculpture, paintings, and the most well known masks. Some classic examples of materials used in these ancient artifacts are wood, bronze, and coppers. Fortunately for the modern world pieces can be seen in countless museums around the world. Traditional music and dance can be heard and seen in religious and cultural events throughout the year.
As previously noted, African art is often functional as well as beautiful. The Kano dye pits are an example of the ancient world meeting the modern one. The same techniques that have been used for thousands of years are still used to create these fabric works of art. Indigo and vegetable dyes are used to make intricate patterns on the cloth. When the material is beaten for a shiny appearance, the artists are implementing the same methods their ancestors did. This fabric is still very much in demand by locals and foreigners alike. The Kano style of textile is one of the most popular form of modern Nigerian art.
Much of contemporary Nigerian art could be described as some of the finest craftsmanship in the world. For generations artisans have created majestic pieces that reflect the African heritage and are a direct link of the many natural resources found in the region. Some of these sculptures and other forms of art have been made for use in ceremonial rituals and celebrations. It seems that everything that comes from this region is art in one form or another. The elaborate costumes and stunning jewelry are all crafted with excellent workmanship, talent, and patience. Nigerian artists were some of the first in the world to perfect the craft of metal casting. Other forms of Nigerian art are leatherwork and intricate wood carvings.
Like most of the other regions in Africa, Nigeria has made its mark and created a name for itself in the art world with its rich tradition of finely made art. The usefulness and beauty of this region’s offerings is awe inspiring. Nigerian art is a wonderful blend of tradition and modern elements that result in a stunning visual display in so many different mediums. The beautiful culture shines through in each and every piece.
Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.
One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned Nigerian artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.
In 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.
http://www.articleteller.com/Article/Characteristics-Of-Nigerian-Art/45357
Traditional Nigerian art has been dated as far back as 2000 years. There are examples of this work in sculpture, paintings, and the most well known masks. Some classic examples of materials used in these ancient artifacts are wood, bronze, and coppers. Fortunately for the modern world pieces can be seen in countless museums around the world. Traditional music and dance can be heard and seen in religious and cultural events throughout the year.
As previously noted, African art is often functional as well as beautiful. The Kano dye pits are an example of the ancient world meeting the modern one. The same techniques that have been used for thousands of years are still used to create these fabric works of art. Indigo and vegetable dyes are used to make intricate patterns on the cloth. When the material is beaten for a shiny appearance, the artists are implementing the same methods their ancestors did. This fabric is still very much in demand by locals and foreigners alike. The Kano style of textile is one of the most popular form of modern Nigerian art.
Much of contemporary Nigerian art could be described as some of the finest craftsmanship in the world. For generations artisans have created majestic pieces that reflect the African heritage and are a direct link of the many natural resources found in the region. Some of these sculptures and other forms of art have been made for use in ceremonial rituals and celebrations. It seems that everything that comes from this region is art in one form or another. The elaborate costumes and stunning jewelry are all crafted with excellent workmanship, talent, and patience. Nigerian artists were some of the first in the world to perfect the craft of metal casting. Other forms of Nigerian art are leatherwork and intricate wood carvings.
Like most of the other regions in Africa, Nigeria has made its mark and created a name for itself in the art world with its rich tradition of finely made art. The usefulness and beauty of this region’s offerings is awe inspiring. Nigerian art is a wonderful blend of tradition and modern elements that result in a stunning visual display in so many different mediums. The beautiful culture shines through in each and every piece.
Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.
One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned Nigerian artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.
In 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.
http://www.articleteller.com/Article/Characteristics-Of-Nigerian-Art/45357
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Applying the tattoo
Your artist may like a picture of your tattoo for their portfolio. They'll clean it up real good, and sometimes even apply a hot towel to it first. Then they'll take a picture, and this is a good time for you to get a shot, too, if you brought a camera along. Taking a photo after the protective ointment is applied causes a glare, so it is best to do it now. If for any reason you do not want the artist to take a photo, just say so. You are not under obligation to let them.
http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/ss/tattoo_process_8.htm
http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/ss/tattoo_process_8.htm
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Making and Applying the Stencil Transfer
Most studios today use a wonderful machine called a thermal-fax to make their stencils. This saves on literally hours of tracing time by simply inserting your tattoo design into the machine, and it transfers it onto a special thermal paper in seconds. Once your stencil is ready, it's time to create the transfer onto your skin. Some artists will use soap or water to moisten the skin, and some will use stick deodorant. These aid in making the design transfer better and darker onto your skin. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave you with a purple-ish blue likeness of your future tattoo
http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/ss/tattoo_process_4.htm
http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/ss/tattoo_process_4.htm
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Erotic Photography: An Art
When most hear the words “Erotic Photography” pictures of naked women with no morals exploiting themselves for money is what comes to mind. Erotic photography is much more than this. Erotic photography is an art form in that accentuates the beauty and eroticism of the body.
Erotic photography is defined as photographing the nude body in a manner which is artistic and creative. Pornography is the degrading and trashy images of those without morals. Many photographers are spend many years perfecting the art of erotic photography. Some even have award winning erotic photography which features a nude subject. Erotic photography models endure vigorous training and education to master the creative nature of erotic photography and to learn the difference between erotic photography and pornography.
Long before magazines like Playboy were ever printed erotic photography was popular. History is filled with erotic photography; some dating back to the 1800’s. Because of the controversy, in the 1900’s , those who were skilled in the art of erotic photography were chastised and therefore would take the photos anonymously. Today, the Internet has made it increasingly difficult to access the wealth of erotic photography since it is cluttered with pornographic images, however, there are some online resources that have creative and artist images that are excellent examples of professional erotic photography. If you search hard enough you will be able to find some very talented photographers and models who exemplify the very nature of erotic photography. These are the people who should be praised for their artistic abilities and talents.
How to pick the Dream Tattoo Design That You Want Today
A recent survey tells us that 24% of Americans between the ages of 18-50 are tattooed. This is almost 1 in 4. The most popular reason people get tattooed is “To broadcast what they are all about.”
Keeping this in mind, many people end up regretting the tattoo that is inked on their body. Most of the time, these people did not take the time to really think about why they choose a particular tattoo and look at other tattoo designs that are available. This is why picking out the right tattoo design from the start is important. Being impulsive has disaster written all over it.
The removal of offending tattoos is painful and expensive. Learn this lesson now or pay for it later. That is all I am going to say about this!
Here are some suggestions how to get started finding your dream tattoo design:
Don’t shop around for the cheapest studio or artist. Do shop around for the best artist within your driving range.
Why do you want a tattoo? Remember, lovers come and go. Rosie isn’t going to like “Kim” emblazoned on your chest.
A lot of people have tattoos to remember someone who passed away. You can choose a symbol or design that has meaning to them.
You may have some idea what image is special to you. But don’t worry, most people are visual and there are many tattoo design resources to browse to find the tattoo design that you really like. · Go to your local bookstore and fin d the tattoo books, design books, theme books and magazines.
· Your local tattoo artist will have a portfolio of tattoo designs to leaf though.
· Check out the web. There are sites that have 1000’s of designs to choose from for a small fee. You can print them out and give it to your Tattoo artist.
· Relax. Think about it a little. Toss it around in your brain for a few days. Be patient.
· Word of caution … Tattoos can direct a negative perception of you during job interviews. So the placement of the tattoo on your body is a good idea.
Good luck getting the dream tattoo design that you want. They say ink acquisition is a way to express yourself to others, but I would also add that getting good body art is going to make you special and unique
Keeping this in mind, many people end up regretting the tattoo that is inked on their body. Most of the time, these people did not take the time to really think about why they choose a particular tattoo and look at other tattoo designs that are available. This is why picking out the right tattoo design from the start is important. Being impulsive has disaster written all over it.
The removal of offending tattoos is painful and expensive. Learn this lesson now or pay for it later. That is all I am going to say about this!
Here are some suggestions how to get started finding your dream tattoo design:
Don’t shop around for the cheapest studio or artist. Do shop around for the best artist within your driving range.
Why do you want a tattoo? Remember, lovers come and go. Rosie isn’t going to like “Kim” emblazoned on your chest.
A lot of people have tattoos to remember someone who passed away. You can choose a symbol or design that has meaning to them.
You may have some idea what image is special to you. But don’t worry, most people are visual and there are many tattoo design resources to browse to find the tattoo design that you really like. · Go to your local bookstore and fin d the tattoo books, design books, theme books and magazines.
· Your local tattoo artist will have a portfolio of tattoo designs to leaf though.
· Check out the web. There are sites that have 1000’s of designs to choose from for a small fee. You can print them out and give it to your Tattoo artist.
· Relax. Think about it a little. Toss it around in your brain for a few days. Be patient.
· Word of caution … Tattoos can direct a negative perception of you during job interviews. So the placement of the tattoo on your body is a good idea.
Good luck getting the dream tattoo design that you want. They say ink acquisition is a way to express yourself to others, but I would also add that getting good body art is going to make you special and unique
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Tattoos: For the Love of Art
How far are you willing to go for your love of art? Do you have art, designs, emblems, or icons written on your body? If art is your passion, why damage your skin with images you may later regret? To love and embrace art does not mean you need to tattoo yourself.
The permanency of tattoos has a serious downside. As we age, our taste in art and design and personal aesthetics usually change. No doubt, tattoos are popular worldwide, but caution for this form of art needs to be addressed. Do you know of any style that has stood up over a long period of time? People everywhere periodically change the style and color of their hair, eye makeup, eye glasses, and facial hair (for men).
Speaking as an artist, I have to say that no art is error-free. Artists cannot produce perfect work no matter how great they are. Only perfect people produce perfect work. Not only this, but tattoo technology improves from one decade to the next. What then? Removing outdated tattoos is painful and expensive. Most people can’t assume they will have the physical endurance and money to be able to remove tattoos.
There are more considerations too: faded tattoos, body weight changes, and aged skin. With sun exposure and passage of time, tattoos fade. As we age, our body weight can easily change which could cause a tattoo to appear too large or too small. And most definitely, our skin wrinkles and crepes as we age.
Tattoos brand people. Tattoos advertise and communicate messages to everyone who sees them. When someone feels so strongly about something that they are willing to brand themselves with a permanent tattoo or two, others take them seriously and try to read and interpret them.
Is the love of art your motivation for tattoos? If so, you may want to use your favorite tattoo design for your jewelry, a T-shirt, a poster, or for a motorcycle instead. If you think your tattoo is NOT good enough or does NOT merit being put on other items such as these, then why do you want permanent tattoo(s) on your body
Should You Get a Body Tattoo
In the past, body tattoos seemed to be reserved for primal tribes out of the loop of civilization and sailors who voyaged far from home in quest of adventure. Neither of those lifestyles necessarily permeate today’s culture, and yet thousands of people from every walk of life are choosing to get tattoos of one kind or another, and sometimes multiple variations to adorn various parts of their exposed skin surface. Young and old, male and female, and rich or poor can be seen proudly displaying words, images, and designs on shoulders, backs, ankles, and even the face as today’s social climate fosters more tolerance of this tradition that was perhaps once forbidden or frowned upon in Western society.
Tattoos are made when the artist uses a sharp needle that has been sterilized to poke tiny holes in the skin to create a design of the customer’s choice. Then dark ink is inserted in each hole to link the holes and bring the design to living color. These can be tiny rosebuds or huge dragons, depending on the client’s choice. Some people decorate a small area of skin, while in others it may be difficult to find a square inch of un-tattooed flesh.
Tattoos are one way of proclaiming individuality. In the past, those who wore tattoos might have been considered renegades in one way or another. But today you can find tattoos on housewives, teenagers, teachers, and even clergy; it all depends on an individual’s background, taste, and purpose in choosing to have a tattoo emblazoned on his or her body.
Those who create body art of this type could be fly-by-night operators looking to make a fast buck on a fleeting sensation. But there are those who take their work seriously, having studied art over the ages or the human body to minute detail. Their goal is to create a lasting artwork that bears the imprint of their talent and expertise on the person receiving the tattoo. These artists are careful to use clean instruments and maintain a positive image in their studio. Some tattoo artists are interested only in this artistic expression on the human body, but others experiment with a variety of designs that include body piercing, implantations, and variant jewelry to accent the human-made artistry in a vivid array of hues.
If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, look for a reputable parlor and someone who has received the license to perform this work. Look for word-of-mouth recommendations as well, to see if past customers would consider returning or recommend that others try a particular establishment. You have just one body, and tattoos last indefinitely, although they may need to be touched up from time to time. Take your time, check the local artists, and make a wise selection rather than rushing into something you may later regret.
Tattooed: To Be or Not to Be
Our webmaster wants articles on tattoos. Here is his request to help fill a great void: Tattoos - Articles about tattoos, tattoo removal, and body art as it relates to tattoos and tattoo history. See, he does look after you.
When sailors came home from World War II many had tattoos. Usually they were acquired in San Diego. They liked to show them to us teenagers and hide then from adults.
I don’t have a tattoo. I was raised in Tattoo Tabooville, Utah. One mustn’t deface the Temple of God.
Well, let’s face the truth here. Getting a tattoo is not painless and I’m a coward when it comes to pain. I’m not self-conscious about this. My wife says that all men are cowards when it comes to pain. She says this whenever she cuts my hair. (She uses the clip and jerk method.)
I would not be accepted in parts of society because I don’t have a tattoo. This is called peer pressure. I wouldn’t be accepted anyway because they don’t accept bearded old geezers either. Anyway, I understand why teenagers get tattooed.
I like to look at tattoos as an art form. Not all tattoos; the ones done in Japan and by certain “true” artist in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and of course, San Diego..
Last night, my wife and I were watching Fear Factor. One rudely-treated contestant had a new tattoo that said “Fear Factor.” It was very decorative and covered his forearm.
He pooped out on the first daredevil task which was swinging on a rope from one elevated platform to another and then to another. He was left hanging dry between the first two platforms and didn’t have a clue as to how to get out of his predicament. He was booed away by the Los Vegas crowd.
That brings us to the first consideration on whether you should have or not have a tattoo: Tattoos may bring you bad luck and undesirable publicity.
He was just a clueless kid with an arrogant attitude, piercings, and tattoos. That is why he was booed. His failure was disheartening to him, more than I suspected it would be, but he promised to become arrogant again “tomorrow.”
So today, I guess he is back to normal.
I was giving some counseling to a youth in detention years back. His mother had asked me to look after him. (I’m not talking about school detention here. This was what we use to call “Reform School.”)
The boy was having his tattoos removed.
That brings the second consequence of having tattoos. It hurts like hell to have them removed by a medical professional.
Having the tattoos removed helped this boy get out of the “joint” and back to his single mother.
If you’ve got ‘em, you’d better keep ‘em. Is that a motto for you tattoo guys and gals? It could be if you want to avoid removal pain.
The reason that some people would like to have a tattoo removed is this. They sometimes change with time.
Joe Fleet got a tattoo of a dinghy on his chest when he was 19 years old serving in the United States Navy. He got his tattoo in San Diego, “Tattoo Heaven.”
On the side of the dinghy it read, “Mary,” in tiny letters.
Now Joe Fleet is 76 years old and weighs 240 pounds. What was a dinghy is now an aircraft carrier and the little word, “Mary,” now looks like a billboard spread.
Joe’s wife’s name is Joan.
Now Joe Fleet is not going to have this tattoo removed. The chest is a tender spot. That brings us to another facet of tattoos: Sometimes you just have to live with them.
Joe finally got around part of his problem by getting a puppy. He said to his wife, Joan, “I’m going to call her “Mary” after my childhood puppy dog that fell out of my little boat and died by drowning in the irrigation ditch.”
Joe's wife, Joan, forgetting that puppies can doggy paddle, felt awful that she had been badgering Joe about “Mary” for 55 years. She begged Joe for his forgiveness.
This technique used by Joe, and at times by other tattoo-bearing people, is called lying.
I was on business in San Francisco back in the 1970s. I went into a theater in Chinatown. The movies were Japanese. One was about a tattoo artist covering a young woman’s body with beautiful, masterful tattoos.
She moaned with every prick of his ink needle.
I don’t know how the movie ended because my mother taught me not to stick around in any movie that is “not of good report.” When the girl got excited, I had to leave.
Now days I see right here in Idaho a lot of what are called “Tattoo Freaks." That means the whole body is covered with tattoos like the Japanese lass.
Of course these folks are not freaks.
I’m going to look “freak” up in the dictionary.
I’ll be right back.
Okay, I guess I was wrong.
I talk to these heavily-tattooed young folks at times. They all seem very normal to me. They just like tattoos.
I don’t hear people here in Idaho complaining about tattoos unless they are combined with piercing. Folks here complain about triple-ear piercing, nose piercing, lip piercing, navel piercing (umbilicus piercing), and tongue piercing. There may be other piercing in undisclosed locations.
Our church leader say that a single piercing in each ear is just right. That does not apply to boys. The number there is zero.
We members of our church frown on new tattoos but accept old ones; especially if you were in the Navy and stationed in San Diego.
What would tattoo artist do if tattoos went out of style? Some of these artists do piercing too. What if both procedures were no longer wanted? What would happen to these artist? (Okay, they are not all artist. Some are copyist.)
Well, they might take up Slindogging when it’s invented.
When sailors came home from World War II many had tattoos. Usually they were acquired in San Diego. They liked to show them to us teenagers and hide then from adults.
I don’t have a tattoo. I was raised in Tattoo Tabooville, Utah. One mustn’t deface the Temple of God.
Well, let’s face the truth here. Getting a tattoo is not painless and I’m a coward when it comes to pain. I’m not self-conscious about this. My wife says that all men are cowards when it comes to pain. She says this whenever she cuts my hair. (She uses the clip and jerk method.)
I would not be accepted in parts of society because I don’t have a tattoo. This is called peer pressure. I wouldn’t be accepted anyway because they don’t accept bearded old geezers either. Anyway, I understand why teenagers get tattooed.
I like to look at tattoos as an art form. Not all tattoos; the ones done in Japan and by certain “true” artist in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and of course, San Diego..
Last night, my wife and I were watching Fear Factor. One rudely-treated contestant had a new tattoo that said “Fear Factor.” It was very decorative and covered his forearm.
He pooped out on the first daredevil task which was swinging on a rope from one elevated platform to another and then to another. He was left hanging dry between the first two platforms and didn’t have a clue as to how to get out of his predicament. He was booed away by the Los Vegas crowd.
That brings us to the first consideration on whether you should have or not have a tattoo: Tattoos may bring you bad luck and undesirable publicity.
He was just a clueless kid with an arrogant attitude, piercings, and tattoos. That is why he was booed. His failure was disheartening to him, more than I suspected it would be, but he promised to become arrogant again “tomorrow.”
So today, I guess he is back to normal.
I was giving some counseling to a youth in detention years back. His mother had asked me to look after him. (I’m not talking about school detention here. This was what we use to call “Reform School.”)
The boy was having his tattoos removed.
That brings the second consequence of having tattoos. It hurts like hell to have them removed by a medical professional.
Having the tattoos removed helped this boy get out of the “joint” and back to his single mother.
If you’ve got ‘em, you’d better keep ‘em. Is that a motto for you tattoo guys and gals? It could be if you want to avoid removal pain.
The reason that some people would like to have a tattoo removed is this. They sometimes change with time.
Joe Fleet got a tattoo of a dinghy on his chest when he was 19 years old serving in the United States Navy. He got his tattoo in San Diego, “Tattoo Heaven.”
On the side of the dinghy it read, “Mary,” in tiny letters.
Now Joe Fleet is 76 years old and weighs 240 pounds. What was a dinghy is now an aircraft carrier and the little word, “Mary,” now looks like a billboard spread.
Joe’s wife’s name is Joan.
Now Joe Fleet is not going to have this tattoo removed. The chest is a tender spot. That brings us to another facet of tattoos: Sometimes you just have to live with them.
Joe finally got around part of his problem by getting a puppy. He said to his wife, Joan, “I’m going to call her “Mary” after my childhood puppy dog that fell out of my little boat and died by drowning in the irrigation ditch.”
Joe's wife, Joan, forgetting that puppies can doggy paddle, felt awful that she had been badgering Joe about “Mary” for 55 years. She begged Joe for his forgiveness.
This technique used by Joe, and at times by other tattoo-bearing people, is called lying.
I was on business in San Francisco back in the 1970s. I went into a theater in Chinatown. The movies were Japanese. One was about a tattoo artist covering a young woman’s body with beautiful, masterful tattoos.
She moaned with every prick of his ink needle.
I don’t know how the movie ended because my mother taught me not to stick around in any movie that is “not of good report.” When the girl got excited, I had to leave.
Now days I see right here in Idaho a lot of what are called “Tattoo Freaks." That means the whole body is covered with tattoos like the Japanese lass.
Of course these folks are not freaks.
I’m going to look “freak” up in the dictionary.
I’ll be right back.
Okay, I guess I was wrong.
I talk to these heavily-tattooed young folks at times. They all seem very normal to me. They just like tattoos.
I don’t hear people here in Idaho complaining about tattoos unless they are combined with piercing. Folks here complain about triple-ear piercing, nose piercing, lip piercing, navel piercing (umbilicus piercing), and tongue piercing. There may be other piercing in undisclosed locations.
Our church leader say that a single piercing in each ear is just right. That does not apply to boys. The number there is zero.
We members of our church frown on new tattoos but accept old ones; especially if you were in the Navy and stationed in San Diego.
What would tattoo artist do if tattoos went out of style? Some of these artists do piercing too. What if both procedures were no longer wanted? What would happen to these artist? (Okay, they are not all artist. Some are copyist.)
Well, they might take up Slindogging when it’s invented.
Astrology Tattoo Is More Than a Mere Fashion
Astrology symbols have become very popular tattoo designs, such as a scorpion or a bull as body art. This is due to astrological symbols making great tattoo designs. There is also a quiet mysticism that surrounds these signs that makes them a popular choice for the younger population.
Besides the zodiac signs celestial bodies like the sun and the moon also make popular tattoo designs. Most of the astrology tattoos are done in bright colours that give them a life of their own. Astrology tattoo designs can be tattooed just about anywhere as body art, such as arm bands, lower-back, ankles, chest or shoulders.
Different astrological systems have different signs which represent different meanings. However, the preferred astrology tattoo designs are based on the Greek or Roman zodiac system. These include the twelve different signs namely Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Each of the astrological signs depicts an animal, character or object associated with it. Here are the traditional symbols associated with each sign of the Zodiac:
Capricorn (December 23 to January 20) is depicted by a Goat.
Aquarius (January 21 to February 19) by the Water Carrier
Pisces (February 20 to March 20) by the Fish
Aries (March 21 to April 20) by a Ram
Taurus (April 21 to May 21) by a Bull
Gemini (May 22 to June 21) by the Wolf
Cancer (June 22 to July 22) by the Crab
Leo (July 23 to August 22) by the Lion
Virgo (August 23 to September 23) by a Woman
Libra (September 24 to October 23) by Pair of Scales
Scorpio (October 24 to November 22) by the Scorpion
Sagittarius (November 23 to December 22) by the Centaur Archer
Other widely practiced arts include those devised by the Native American, incorporating the medicine wheel as an important part of their astrological system, and the Chinese that depicts animal names and traits to people born in a certain year.
All the astrology tattoo designs are characterized by certain qualities that make them unique. For instance, they are especially meaningful if they happen to be your sun sign, tattooing the sun sign that you were born under can be a simple way of reflecting your unique personality, goals and interests.
Besides the zodiac signs celestial bodies like the sun and the moon also make popular tattoo designs. Most of the astrology tattoos are done in bright colours that give them a life of their own. Astrology tattoo designs can be tattooed just about anywhere as body art, such as arm bands, lower-back, ankles, chest or shoulders.
Different astrological systems have different signs which represent different meanings. However, the preferred astrology tattoo designs are based on the Greek or Roman zodiac system. These include the twelve different signs namely Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Each of the astrological signs depicts an animal, character or object associated with it. Here are the traditional symbols associated with each sign of the Zodiac:
Capricorn (December 23 to January 20) is depicted by a Goat.
Aquarius (January 21 to February 19) by the Water Carrier
Pisces (February 20 to March 20) by the Fish
Aries (March 21 to April 20) by a Ram
Taurus (April 21 to May 21) by a Bull
Gemini (May 22 to June 21) by the Wolf
Cancer (June 22 to July 22) by the Crab
Leo (July 23 to August 22) by the Lion
Virgo (August 23 to September 23) by a Woman
Libra (September 24 to October 23) by Pair of Scales
Scorpio (October 24 to November 22) by the Scorpion
Sagittarius (November 23 to December 22) by the Centaur Archer
Other widely practiced arts include those devised by the Native American, incorporating the medicine wheel as an important part of their astrological system, and the Chinese that depicts animal names and traits to people born in a certain year.
All the astrology tattoo designs are characterized by certain qualities that make them unique. For instance, they are especially meaningful if they happen to be your sun sign, tattooing the sun sign that you were born under can be a simple way of reflecting your unique personality, goals and interests.
Three Steps To Finding A Tribal Tattoo For Woman
More and more women are opting to have tattoos, making it commonplace to observe women wearing tribal tattoos and other such body art. A couple of generations ago, fewer than 10% of women wore a tattoo, now that number is over 60%. So when you've decided that a tribal tattoo is definitely what you want, how should you go about finding the right one?
Step One: Tattoo Magazines
Their are many tattoo magazines out there on the newsstands, but there are few dedicated solely to women. One such magazine is called 'Tattoos For Women'; from the Outlaw Biker Enterprises stables. You can get to see a lot of designs, specifically drawn for a woman, and get to form an idea of the kind of art you would be proud to wear.
Step Two: Tattoo Parlours
All tattoo parlours will have on display the kind of body art they will do. Simply browsing through the artworks that they have on display on their walls will give you an idea of the type of tribal tattoos you may want. Never be afraid to ask the tattoo artist questions, and seek advice about what designs might be suitable. Also further questions such as 'Do you have references for your work?' or asking about costs, before having the tattoo done, are important too.
Step Three: Online Galleries
The Internet is so vast an wide, it should come as no surprise that the Internet provides one of the best options for you to find Tribal Tattoo images. In fact, the tattoo designs online is so extensive, you should instead start to think about narrowing your search. For example, do you know what type of tribal tattoo you would like? Maori, Celtic, African or Native American? Once you start to narrow down your search, you will find that picking out a tattoo design will be much easier.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Butterfly Tattoos
Butterfly tattoos are very popular because Butterflies are amazing creatures that are even found in ancient Greek mythology!
There are approximately 170,000 different species of Butterflies and Moths in the order, Lepidoptera. Of those, about 24,000 are butterflies. Lepidoptera is derived from the Ancient Greek, which means scale wing. Which is a perfect description for the varied and colorful wings of the many species.
Butterflies go through a four-stage life. They start from an egg to a caterpillar to pupa to adult. Most caterpillars are herbivores but some are carnivores (eat ants and other caterpillars). Bet you didn’t know that!
The male adults may have larger antennae than the females. The adult mouthparts are called the proboscis, which is adapted for sucking nectar, which is the food source for most butterfly species. The proboscis can be described as a straw that is rolled up when not in use. However, the adults of some species of butterflies don’t feed as adults so nature made their proboscis very small.
The earliest fossils that have been found of Butterflies are from 190 million years ago. As you might imagine, the fossils of butterflies are very rare because of their soft body parts. They are usually found trapped inside of ancient tree sap or ember.
Butterflies can range in size from a tiny 1/8 inch to a huge almost 12 inches. The lifespan of most adults is only one to two weeks! And they say that butterflies can see in green, yellow and red. Which might explain why flowers are so brilliant in colors and hues.
The transformation of the lowly and ugly caterpillar into a graceful and gorgeous butterfly is truly a miracle of nature!
The idea that the striking and beautiful butterflies emerge after living as an ugly and lowly caterpillar has lead to a mythical Greek beauty named Psych who had the wings of a butterfly. In fact, the ancient Greek word, Psych means both butterfly and the human soul.
The belief is that the suffering of the human soul, which is preparing for the enjoyment of true and pure happiness, is similar with the emergence of butterflies from a pupa and their fluttering about the flowers, feeding on the fragrant nectars.
The wide variety of colors and varied patterns has made the Butterfly tattoos one of the top five requests made by women at tattoo parlors. And no wonder! Butterfly tattoos are steeped in mythology and ancient civilization’s fascination of change.
The Complete Guide To Body Jewelry: Pierced for Beauty
Traditionally, jewelry was worn in the ancient times to express the bearer's power and social standing. It traditionally was a symbol of exclusivity and no common person could wear them. For instance, in ancient Egypt, only religious figures and political leaders were allowed to wear jewelry. During this time, jewelry were more than special symbols of wealth and power. They were used also as talismans and important pieces for rituals.
Perhaps as a way of rebelling against this age-old tradition of the symbol of jewelry, certain alternative groups in society have decided to make a statement in the way they wear jewelry by allowing themselves to undergo non traditional body piercings to be able to adorn body jewelry.
In the not so distant past, these individuals with many alternative body piercings were called punk. These individuals were often societal outcasts and would traditionally be in tattered, non-traditional outfits there were usually in the color black or in other austere and subdued colors. These individuals had body piercings and jewelry in areas of the body that were once considered to be absurd. It all perhaps began with multiple ear piercing to be able to accommodate multiple earrings in one ear.
But then, we started to see nose rings, tongue and even eyebrow rings as these individuals pushed expectations further. Those particular body piercing and jewelry are only the ones found on the face. However, body piercing encompasses the whole body and body jewelry has been known to adorn other body parts like the nipples via nipple rings and other piercing in sensitive areas of the human body.
While these types of body piercing and jewelry were once considered taboo, present society has been more forthcoming of these types of adornment. While it is still considered daring and different to sport body piercing and matching jewelry, it cannot be denied that it has gained more acceptance and popularity as more and more singers, rappers and artists display their alternative body piercing and jewelry. Because of this phenomenon, body piercing and jewelry have become part of pop culture and enjoys better acceptance in society.
Because of the popularity of body piercing and jewelry for these, much more variety in jewelry designs are available in the market. Other than the old "punk" look, body piercing jewelry now comes in different shapes, sizes and designs that allows the most popular pop icon to adorn a fashionable belly ring on her flat belly and look very attractive because of this.
While it may still be impossible for traditional jewelry stores to carry jewelry for body piercing, it is quite easy to find the body piercing jewelry that will fit your sense of style and preferences. If the process of body piercing scares you, just remember that if you do it in a hygienic way with qualified individuals then there shouldn't be a problem with infections or those sorts of concerns.
It is also important to maintain proper hygiene after a piercing to make sure that the piercing heals properly. You can also opt to take vitamin C regularly while the wound is healing so that it mends faster and properly.
If it happens to be the pain factor that's stopping you from getting a body piercing, just remember that some body parts are more susceptible to pain than the rest. For instance, more fatty areas of the body are less painful when pierced as opposed to more bony or cartilage based areas
All About Angel Tattoos
The Angel is a spiritual being created by God. The word angel comes from a Greek word meaning “messenger” or “one who is sent.” Angles have been depicted throughout history as God's messengers and soldiers. They delivered His word and carried out His punishments upon mankind.
History
Angels also serve as the guardians of individuals and nations. The world's three biggest religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) mention Angels throughout their holy texts. The Angels are viewed as the link between Heaven and Earth and believed to be a gift from God for our safety, protection and guidance.
In many ways, the Angels are depicted as winged creatures hovering over the earth to provide protection against evil elements against mankind.
Guardian Angels
Guardian angels are believed to be the protectors of humanity in times of crisis. These guardian angels are often shown holding or watching over the children.
In fact, David Beckham, the England captain and star footballer (soccer player) said in his recent autobiography, about the significance of his Angel tattoo on his upper back, "I like the feeling that my sons are with me even when I'm away from home. And not just in my heart. I had their names tattooed on my back after each one was born. There's a guardian angel there, too, looking after them both."
Archangels
The Archangels are the seven Angels that stood before God in the Revelations. These Angels are the closest to God in the heavenly order. The Archangels are the divine messengers between the humans and God. They are the battlers of the Sons of Darkness. The most famous of the seven Archangels is Michael. Michael is believed to have led the battle against Lucifer (another Archangel) in the great rebellion. Michael is usually depicted in body armor, holding a large sword, with wings out swept in readiness.
Cherubs
Cherubs are the bringer of love. A good example is Cupid uses his bow and arrow to shoot through the hearts of unwarned people which makes them fall in love with one another. This is why an arrow through the heart usually accompanies these angel tattoos. Frequently, the name of a loved one is also added to the Cupid tattoo.
Fallen Angels
Fallen angels are symbolic of the epic battle between God and Lucifer, symbolizing a fall from Grace. Believers in the Judeo-Christian theology say that when Lucifer and his army of the dark angels were defeated and thrown out of Heaven, these angels were said to have fallen into the burning depth of the earth.
The typical fallen Angel tattoo usually pictured as a menacing looking angel, with a bloody sword in his hand. Other fallen angels are depicted with torn or injured wings, or even with horns. These angel tattoos frequently use a darker, heavier ink to make the design seem more foreboding. Fallen angels are popular with Goths and bikers in particular, as well as those who are devotees of Satan and the dark arts.
Popularity
Angel tattoos are among the most popular tattoo designs for men and women alike. Angel tattoos are attractive because they represent peace, beauty, good sense, exemplary morals, and spirituality.
An angel tattoo on a woman signifies that she looks inward towards her soul to find her purest sense of self. She is divine and often patient, and her presence is a gift. She protects herself but also others, and finds that sometimes beauty lies in confidence. And the wearer of the angel tattoo has the belief she does not settle for something less and goes where she is needed
For a man, an angel tattoo can be symbolic of many things. Men who wear angel tattoos are often very fond of women. They often choose a sexy angel to represent their masculinity. These men choose angel tattoos to announce that they have an woman who is the Angel in their life. It is a popular choice for men who feel strongly about a particular woman, though that is not always the case. Most commonly worn on true bad boys and cowboys, the men who have them will swear by these tattoos, saying that they help them pick up women.
Celebrities
* Drew Barrymore is tattooed with her own personal gallery of body art. One of her tattoo is an Angel.
* Alyssa Milano from the T.V. Series, "Charmed," has a tattoo with Angels in her designs.
* Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit has several different tattoo images including an Angel.
* Amy Wesson, a supermodel has an Angel tattoo on her lower back
Angel tattoos are thought to reflect the wearer's personal relationship with God, whether it is solid or estranged, so be sure to choose your design with care!
Becky McClure believes that the most important word after you make the decision to get inked is “Patience!” Pick the right tattoo design. Pick the right location on you. And pick the best artist you can find for your new body art.
History
Angels also serve as the guardians of individuals and nations. The world's three biggest religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) mention Angels throughout their holy texts. The Angels are viewed as the link between Heaven and Earth and believed to be a gift from God for our safety, protection and guidance.
In many ways, the Angels are depicted as winged creatures hovering over the earth to provide protection against evil elements against mankind.
Guardian Angels
Guardian angels are believed to be the protectors of humanity in times of crisis. These guardian angels are often shown holding or watching over the children.
In fact, David Beckham, the England captain and star footballer (soccer player) said in his recent autobiography, about the significance of his Angel tattoo on his upper back, "I like the feeling that my sons are with me even when I'm away from home. And not just in my heart. I had their names tattooed on my back after each one was born. There's a guardian angel there, too, looking after them both."
Archangels
The Archangels are the seven Angels that stood before God in the Revelations. These Angels are the closest to God in the heavenly order. The Archangels are the divine messengers between the humans and God. They are the battlers of the Sons of Darkness. The most famous of the seven Archangels is Michael. Michael is believed to have led the battle against Lucifer (another Archangel) in the great rebellion. Michael is usually depicted in body armor, holding a large sword, with wings out swept in readiness.
Cherubs
Cherubs are the bringer of love. A good example is Cupid uses his bow and arrow to shoot through the hearts of unwarned people which makes them fall in love with one another. This is why an arrow through the heart usually accompanies these angel tattoos. Frequently, the name of a loved one is also added to the Cupid tattoo.
Fallen Angels
Fallen angels are symbolic of the epic battle between God and Lucifer, symbolizing a fall from Grace. Believers in the Judeo-Christian theology say that when Lucifer and his army of the dark angels were defeated and thrown out of Heaven, these angels were said to have fallen into the burning depth of the earth.
The typical fallen Angel tattoo usually pictured as a menacing looking angel, with a bloody sword in his hand. Other fallen angels are depicted with torn or injured wings, or even with horns. These angel tattoos frequently use a darker, heavier ink to make the design seem more foreboding. Fallen angels are popular with Goths and bikers in particular, as well as those who are devotees of Satan and the dark arts.
Popularity
Angel tattoos are among the most popular tattoo designs for men and women alike. Angel tattoos are attractive because they represent peace, beauty, good sense, exemplary morals, and spirituality.
An angel tattoo on a woman signifies that she looks inward towards her soul to find her purest sense of self. She is divine and often patient, and her presence is a gift. She protects herself but also others, and finds that sometimes beauty lies in confidence. And the wearer of the angel tattoo has the belief she does not settle for something less and goes where she is needed
For a man, an angel tattoo can be symbolic of many things. Men who wear angel tattoos are often very fond of women. They often choose a sexy angel to represent their masculinity. These men choose angel tattoos to announce that they have an woman who is the Angel in their life. It is a popular choice for men who feel strongly about a particular woman, though that is not always the case. Most commonly worn on true bad boys and cowboys, the men who have them will swear by these tattoos, saying that they help them pick up women.
Celebrities
* Drew Barrymore is tattooed with her own personal gallery of body art. One of her tattoo is an Angel.
* Alyssa Milano from the T.V. Series, "Charmed," has a tattoo with Angels in her designs.
* Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit has several different tattoo images including an Angel.
* Amy Wesson, a supermodel has an Angel tattoo on her lower back
Angel tattoos are thought to reflect the wearer's personal relationship with God, whether it is solid or estranged, so be sure to choose your design with care!
Becky McClure believes that the most important word after you make the decision to get inked is “Patience!” Pick the right tattoo design. Pick the right location on you. And pick the best artist you can find for your new body art.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Mingling with the Modified
The Dos and Don'ts of Meeting People with Tattoos and Piercings
If you're intrigued by body art but haven't personally experienced it yet, you could be guilty of some major misconduct when it comes to approaching people who are modified. If you meet someone at a store or even a tattoo convention, here are some basic guidelines of respect and personal space we would like you to observe.
PLEASE DO NOT:
* be afraid of someone with a lot of tattoos or piercings. Most of us are actually quite friendly, do not have a police record, and are not in a gang.
* ask if it’s real. Yes, most tattoos that look real ARE real. And it’s pretty safe to assume that the piercing is real unless it’s Halloween.
* ask if it hurt. This is the most annoying question people with tattoos and piercings get asked. In most cases, yes – there was some pain involved in the experience, but obviously not enough not to do it.
* touch it without asking permission first.
You wouldn’t want some stranger to just start poking you – and yes, our tattoos and piercings are part of us, so if you poke the pretty flower you are poking a person!
* show off your sewing-needle-and-india-ink tattoo your friend did on you while you were drunk and expect us to be impressed because it only cost you twenty bucks.
* just grab someone’s sleeve or hair and move it out of the way to get a better view of their tattoo or piercing.
* go on and on about your desire to get a tattoo or piercing, but you just can’t get over the fear of pain. This is a “crybaby” syndrome many of us are not really apathetic to.
PLEASE DO:
* approach us if you would like to ask us about our tattoos. Other than “is it real” and “did it hurt”, most of us do like talking about them.
* ask before you touch anyone’s tattoo, although there isn’t much point in touching one at all. It doesn’t feel any different than the person’s skin anywhere else on their body.
* feel free to ask questions about body art in general, but don’t expect everyone to be an expert. Just because they have a tattoo doesn’t mean they know everything about them.
* ask us if we'd mind moving up our sleeve or hair so you can get a better look at our tattoo or piercing, instead of just grabbing it yourself.
* ask us where we got our tattoo or piercing if you’d like to know. If we really like our artists, we’re more than happy to give them referral business and may even carry their business card.
* keep the conversation short. Granted, most of us could talk all day about body art, but if you caught us at the grocery store or the BMV, chances are we’re a tad busy at the time. If you really want to talk more, maybe you can suggest an exchange of phone numbers.
* go get a tattoo or piercing if you really want one! Every person has to decide this on their own and most of us will not encourage or discourage you – it’s up to you.
If you're intrigued by body art but haven't personally experienced it yet, you could be guilty of some major misconduct when it comes to approaching people who are modified. If you meet someone at a store or even a tattoo convention, here are some basic guidelines of respect and personal space we would like you to observe.
PLEASE DO NOT:
* be afraid of someone with a lot of tattoos or piercings. Most of us are actually quite friendly, do not have a police record, and are not in a gang.
* ask if it’s real. Yes, most tattoos that look real ARE real. And it’s pretty safe to assume that the piercing is real unless it’s Halloween.
* ask if it hurt. This is the most annoying question people with tattoos and piercings get asked. In most cases, yes – there was some pain involved in the experience, but obviously not enough not to do it.
* touch it without asking permission first.
You wouldn’t want some stranger to just start poking you – and yes, our tattoos and piercings are part of us, so if you poke the pretty flower you are poking a person!
* show off your sewing-needle-and-india-ink tattoo your friend did on you while you were drunk and expect us to be impressed because it only cost you twenty bucks.
* just grab someone’s sleeve or hair and move it out of the way to get a better view of their tattoo or piercing.
* go on and on about your desire to get a tattoo or piercing, but you just can’t get over the fear of pain. This is a “crybaby” syndrome many of us are not really apathetic to.
PLEASE DO:
* approach us if you would like to ask us about our tattoos. Other than “is it real” and “did it hurt”, most of us do like talking about them.
* ask before you touch anyone’s tattoo, although there isn’t much point in touching one at all. It doesn’t feel any different than the person’s skin anywhere else on their body.
* feel free to ask questions about body art in general, but don’t expect everyone to be an expert. Just because they have a tattoo doesn’t mean they know everything about them.
* ask us if we'd mind moving up our sleeve or hair so you can get a better look at our tattoo or piercing, instead of just grabbing it yourself.
* ask us where we got our tattoo or piercing if you’d like to know. If we really like our artists, we’re more than happy to give them referral business and may even carry their business card.
* keep the conversation short. Granted, most of us could talk all day about body art, but if you caught us at the grocery store or the BMV, chances are we’re a tad busy at the time. If you really want to talk more, maybe you can suggest an exchange of phone numbers.
* go get a tattoo or piercing if you really want one! Every person has to decide this on their own and most of us will not encourage or discourage you – it’s up to you.
The Gift of Ink
You might be thinking of giving that special someone in your life the gift of a tattoo for Christmas, a birthday or other significant holiday or occasion. As a fan of body art myself, I would consider this the perfect present. There are a few things, however, that you should consider before taking this step so your gift of love doesn't land you in the doghouse.
DON'T just take them to a tattoo shop with a blindfold over their eyes and say, "Suprise!" This will more than likely scare the recipient half to death. Getting a tattoo is a big decision that requires thoughtful planning and consideration. They may have a lot of questions before they are ready to make this step.
DON'T take them to the first studio you come to, or one you heard was "cheap." The tattoo he/she ends up with might be a constant reminder of your lack of planning.
DON'T give a tattoo to someone who is deathly afraid of needles. No matter how much they might say they really want a tattoo, this will pressure them into thinking they have to, and it might turn out to be a miserable experience. Save the phobia-busting for the professionals.
DON'T pick out their design for them. It is their body, and if they want a tattoo, it will be their decision what they end up getting, no matter how great you think it would be if they got your name on them.
DON'T get a tattoo for someone who doesn't like them. This may seem obvious, but some think that if a nay-sayer would just get one, then they'd come to appreciate them. Not a good idea.
On the other hand............
DO give your recipient a gift certificate. This will allow them to take the time they deem necessary to decide what they want and when they want it. Most studios have gift certificates available, which usually do not expire for at least a year. DO check out all the tattoo studios in your area and find one with a good reputation, a high standard for cleanliness, and no tolerance for unhealthy practices. If your friend already has a favorite artist, stick with that studio.
DO give the needle-shy (that really wants a tattoo) some magazines and books on the process of tattooing, and even refer them to some personal testimonials that might help them overcome their fear. Education is the key. No one wants to ride the roller-coaster unless they know it is safe.
DO give them the space, the time, and the freedom to choose their design on their own. A tattoo should be something that is special and meaningful to the individual. Encourage them to look through designs to get an idea, but to be creative enough to come up with something not "in the books."
Giving the gift of a tattoo could be a great idea for the holiday. Take your time, plan it out, and the gift you give will thank you for a lifetime.
DON'T just take them to a tattoo shop with a blindfold over their eyes and say, "Suprise!" This will more than likely scare the recipient half to death. Getting a tattoo is a big decision that requires thoughtful planning and consideration. They may have a lot of questions before they are ready to make this step.
DON'T take them to the first studio you come to, or one you heard was "cheap." The tattoo he/she ends up with might be a constant reminder of your lack of planning.
DON'T give a tattoo to someone who is deathly afraid of needles. No matter how much they might say they really want a tattoo, this will pressure them into thinking they have to, and it might turn out to be a miserable experience. Save the phobia-busting for the professionals.
DON'T pick out their design for them. It is their body, and if they want a tattoo, it will be their decision what they end up getting, no matter how great you think it would be if they got your name on them.
DON'T get a tattoo for someone who doesn't like them. This may seem obvious, but some think that if a nay-sayer would just get one, then they'd come to appreciate them. Not a good idea.
On the other hand............
DO give your recipient a gift certificate. This will allow them to take the time they deem necessary to decide what they want and when they want it. Most studios have gift certificates available, which usually do not expire for at least a year. DO check out all the tattoo studios in your area and find one with a good reputation, a high standard for cleanliness, and no tolerance for unhealthy practices. If your friend already has a favorite artist, stick with that studio.
DO give the needle-shy (that really wants a tattoo) some magazines and books on the process of tattooing, and even refer them to some personal testimonials that might help them overcome their fear. Education is the key. No one wants to ride the roller-coaster unless they know it is safe.
DO give them the space, the time, and the freedom to choose their design on their own. A tattoo should be something that is special and meaningful to the individual. Encourage them to look through designs to get an idea, but to be creative enough to come up with something not "in the books."
Giving the gift of a tattoo could be a great idea for the holiday. Take your time, plan it out, and the gift you give will thank you for a lifetime.
Is Body Art On Its Way "Out"
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when or how tattoos and body piercings started to enjoy their current popularity. Although they’ve always appealed to the rebel crowd, they became more mainstream as more celebrities started wearing them. Popular stars, not just the obscure, were not only getting tattoos and piercings, but were displaying them proudly. Suddenly, the status of body art had dramatically improved and its stigma was fading fast. By the year 2001, the demand for body art had morphed into a virtual frenzy. To this day, it still remains one of the most-searched items on the Internet, and polls have suggested that 1 in 7 people in the U.S. are tattooed. But is the frenzy subsiding?
Paris Hilton says tattoos are “unoriginal”.
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob both had to have tattoos removed that they had gotten to signify their “unending love”. Christina Aguilera has removed all but a couple of her body piercings. Since celebrities are pretty much the reason body mods became so popular, could this be an indication that body art is on its way “out”?
If it is, then all I can say is, “it’s about damn time”. Why? Wouldn’t someone like myself, who is obviously pro-body art, be happy to see it being so widely appreciated? Well, yes and no. See, the problem with fads is that people follow them blindly with little consideration to potential consequences. Usually the worst than can happen is a red face when you look back on a picture of yourself wearing the “in” hair and clothes of 10 years ago or more. How many times have you looked back on one of the memoirs and thought, “how on earth did I think that was cool?”
Well, the problem with tattoos, unlike banana clips and polyester suits, is that they can’t just be taken off and thrown away. They are intended to be permanent and if you really want them removed, you’re looking at a lot of money and a lot of pain in order to do it. Granted, piercings aren’t as permanent, but scars are almost always left behind. Body art is not intended to be fashionable or trendy. Those that treat it as such are the ones who end up regretting it later.
If body art is dwindling in popularity, don’t expect it to just go away. The good news is that during this period of evolution from stigma to acceptance, scores of true body art supporters have come out of the woodwork. Closet freaks, if you will, have been able to show pride in their body art. Senior citizens, eyeing tattoos or piercings since their youth, have been able to fulfill their dreams without shame. Tattoo artists have been forced to improve the quality of their work in order to compete with body art prodigies that have swept through the industry. Enter a generation of super body art and its admirers. When the trend followers wash away, what will remain will be a community of strong and loyal people that will see body art through its evolution at every stage, even when it’s no longer “in”.
Paris Hilton says tattoos are “unoriginal”.
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob both had to have tattoos removed that they had gotten to signify their “unending love”. Christina Aguilera has removed all but a couple of her body piercings. Since celebrities are pretty much the reason body mods became so popular, could this be an indication that body art is on its way “out”?
If it is, then all I can say is, “it’s about damn time”. Why? Wouldn’t someone like myself, who is obviously pro-body art, be happy to see it being so widely appreciated? Well, yes and no. See, the problem with fads is that people follow them blindly with little consideration to potential consequences. Usually the worst than can happen is a red face when you look back on a picture of yourself wearing the “in” hair and clothes of 10 years ago or more. How many times have you looked back on one of the memoirs and thought, “how on earth did I think that was cool?”
Well, the problem with tattoos, unlike banana clips and polyester suits, is that they can’t just be taken off and thrown away. They are intended to be permanent and if you really want them removed, you’re looking at a lot of money and a lot of pain in order to do it. Granted, piercings aren’t as permanent, but scars are almost always left behind. Body art is not intended to be fashionable or trendy. Those that treat it as such are the ones who end up regretting it later.
If body art is dwindling in popularity, don’t expect it to just go away. The good news is that during this period of evolution from stigma to acceptance, scores of true body art supporters have come out of the woodwork. Closet freaks, if you will, have been able to show pride in their body art. Senior citizens, eyeing tattoos or piercings since their youth, have been able to fulfill their dreams without shame. Tattoo artists have been forced to improve the quality of their work in order to compete with body art prodigies that have swept through the industry. Enter a generation of super body art and its admirers. When the trend followers wash away, what will remain will be a community of strong and loyal people that will see body art through its evolution at every stage, even when it’s no longer “in”.
How To Become a Tattoo Artist
It seems that with the popularity of tattoos and the potential for high income, a lot of people want to become a tattoo artist. Many of them make the mistake of buying a kit and practicing on their friends, which is very dangerous. Many of these people never become truly successful at tattooing anyway, and never acquire the skills necessary to compete in this highly competitive business. If you're serious about becoming a skilled and competent artist, this is what you need to do.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 1-5 Years
Here's How:
1. The first thing you need is raw talent. Someone who can't draw or color inside the lines isn't going to be a good candidate for being a tattoo artist.
2. Then you need to hone your raw talent to develop talent into skill. Skill can come from fine art classes, working with a fellow artist, learning technique from books, or all of the above. On top of that, you need to practice, practice, practice.
3. Once you're a competent artist on paper, you'll need to build a portfolio. A portfolio is a case or binder containing examples of your art, to show your different skills.
4. The next thing you need is an apprenticeship. An apprentice is someone who learns a skill from someone else already skilled in the trade. Sometimes an apprenticeship can be free, but many times they cost thousands of dollars. You will need to find a way to save or acquire the money needed for your training.
5. Then you need to find an apprenticeship - but not just any apprenticeship - you need to find the right one for you. One with a master you feel you can truly learn from - not someone just offering apprenticeships to make money. Getting an apprenticeship can be a challenge, so I recommend you read How to Get an Apprenticeship to learn more specifically what you need to do.
6. In addition to needing money for your apprenticeship, you will also need to be able to sustain yourself during training. Unless you are independently wealthy, you'll need to hold down a regular job at the same time you are serving your apprenticeship. You will not be earning money in the shop during your training.
7. Once you are an apprentice, you will learn many skills from your teacher, most of them having nothing to do with actual drawing. You will learn how to safely clean your equipment, how to operate a tattoo machine, how to adjust your power supply, how to protect yourself and your clients from disease, and last but not least - how to correctly apply a tattoo. This can take many months to learn completely.
8. During your time as an apprentice, you will continue to practice and hone your drawing skills. You are not limited to only gaining knowledge from your teacher - you may also have the opportunity to spend time learning from other artists as well. Getting tattooed is a good way to watch and learn the techniques of other master tattoo artists.
9. There's no formal graduation from an apprenticeship. Generally, the teacher decides when the student is ready to venture off on their own. Sometimes a contract was signed at the beginning of the apprenticeship, and the terms will vary. But as long as you are not under contract to continue for a certain length of time or prevented from working for a competing shop, you can decide to stretch your wings when you feel you have learned all you can from your teacher.
10. No matter how long you apprentice or how long you tattoo, you never know it all. There is always more to learn, new techniques to adopt, new ways to enhance what has already been done. Never be satisfied with mediocrity, and never allow yourself to become egotistical.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 1-5 Years
Here's How:
1. The first thing you need is raw talent. Someone who can't draw or color inside the lines isn't going to be a good candidate for being a tattoo artist.
2. Then you need to hone your raw talent to develop talent into skill. Skill can come from fine art classes, working with a fellow artist, learning technique from books, or all of the above. On top of that, you need to practice, practice, practice.
3. Once you're a competent artist on paper, you'll need to build a portfolio. A portfolio is a case or binder containing examples of your art, to show your different skills.
4. The next thing you need is an apprenticeship. An apprentice is someone who learns a skill from someone else already skilled in the trade. Sometimes an apprenticeship can be free, but many times they cost thousands of dollars. You will need to find a way to save or acquire the money needed for your training.
5. Then you need to find an apprenticeship - but not just any apprenticeship - you need to find the right one for you. One with a master you feel you can truly learn from - not someone just offering apprenticeships to make money. Getting an apprenticeship can be a challenge, so I recommend you read How to Get an Apprenticeship to learn more specifically what you need to do.
6. In addition to needing money for your apprenticeship, you will also need to be able to sustain yourself during training. Unless you are independently wealthy, you'll need to hold down a regular job at the same time you are serving your apprenticeship. You will not be earning money in the shop during your training.
7. Once you are an apprentice, you will learn many skills from your teacher, most of them having nothing to do with actual drawing. You will learn how to safely clean your equipment, how to operate a tattoo machine, how to adjust your power supply, how to protect yourself and your clients from disease, and last but not least - how to correctly apply a tattoo. This can take many months to learn completely.
8. During your time as an apprentice, you will continue to practice and hone your drawing skills. You are not limited to only gaining knowledge from your teacher - you may also have the opportunity to spend time learning from other artists as well. Getting tattooed is a good way to watch and learn the techniques of other master tattoo artists.
9. There's no formal graduation from an apprenticeship. Generally, the teacher decides when the student is ready to venture off on their own. Sometimes a contract was signed at the beginning of the apprenticeship, and the terms will vary. But as long as you are not under contract to continue for a certain length of time or prevented from working for a competing shop, you can decide to stretch your wings when you feel you have learned all you can from your teacher.
10. No matter how long you apprentice or how long you tattoo, you never know it all. There is always more to learn, new techniques to adopt, new ways to enhance what has already been done. Never be satisfied with mediocrity, and never allow yourself to become egotistical.
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