Monday, February 15, 2010

Tattoo Slang

By Ashley M Ford






Believe it or not there are several tattoo slang words used all throughout the tattoo community as well as tattoo parlors all over the United States. A lot of the terms are pretty self explanatory but a lot of them are not.

Just in case you were wondering what some of the words are and what they really mean, refer to the list below.

Tat- short for tattoo.

Sleeve or quarter sleeve-means their whole arm is covered in tattoos or half the arm is covered in tattoos.

Tramp Stamp-referring to a tattoo on a woman's lower back.

Dealers- customers that try to get the tattoo artist to come down on their price.

Meat- locals who hang around the tattoo shop all the time and always have a fresh tattoo.

Showcase - A person who has several of their tattoos done by the same tattoo artist.

Tattoo shark - Someone who steals someone else's tattoo ideas.

Michaelangelo - The know it all artist-types who think they know more about art than the tattoo artist giving them their tattoo.

Slinging ink - Tattooing someone.

Tenderfoot - Someone new at getting tattoos.

Pounding skin - Tattooing someone.

Goo - General term for healing ointment applied to a new tattoo.

Cadaver - customer who refuses or prefers not to talk to the artist during the entire process.

Human Larva - small children running around the tattoo shop.

Pussyball - tennis ball given to the customer who won't stop whining about the pain.

The Look - The tell-all smile when the customer first sees their new tattoo.

Now that you know some of the terms tattoo artists throw around, around the shop you will know what they are talking about.

Your Tattoo Friend

Ashley

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Tribal Orca Tattoo - Tips on Getting Your New Tattoo!

By Dean Olmstead





Alright, you want a new tattoo, and you think a tribal orca tattoo is just the thing. But there has to be more to it than that, doesn't there? Sure, tribal ink sounds great, but maybe you need to think this through before taking the plunge. If you plan things out, you can end up saving money and getting a better-looking orca.

You may have already searched Google Images for your new design, but that's just what everyone else does, too. Google Images is the first place everyone checks out for tattoo designs. Do you really want to end up with the same tattoo as the girl down the street? Maybe she's hot, and maybe not.

A pay tribal tattoo site is definitely the way to go. Those sites offer custom tribal designs, and also give you access to the best tattoo artists, the ones who specialize in tribal tattoos. At a pay site, you'll also find a community of tattoo enthusiasts who can help answer any questions you might have. The pay tattoo sites also offer you great reviews of local tattoo parlors, including those that specialize in tribal ink. New tattoo parlors spout up like weeds, and the pay sites will steer you away from the bad needles.

So, you should check out the pay tattoo sites, and do some real research, before you let someone prick you full of holes. It's the best way to make sure you get the perfect tattoo for you, and no bruises to go with it.

Good luck getting your new tribal orca tattoo!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Deciding On A Tattoo Design - Suggestions & Tips To Picking The Right Tatoo

By Sarah Freeland




When it comes to deciding on a tattoo, ask yourself the following questions. What does this mean to me? What am I getting the tattoo for? Will this image mean something to me ten years down the road?

All too often, in the world of tattoos you see people come in spur of the whim. But, in an honest opinion tattoos aren't something you just do. Take the time to think about what you are getting, if you plan on getting other work make sure there is a continuity between pieces so that your body doesn't look like a hodge podge of pictures.

If you find that you keep coming back to an idea in your mind, over and over again. Chances are that it is something that you could live with. Tattooing is one of many ways to permanently alter your body. Again, I can't stress enough that this is something you will have to live with forever.

While deciding on getting a tattoo, if you find yourself thinking " I can just get it removed if I don't like it." Just stop there, not all pigments can break up under the laser. It is not only a painful process, but will most definitely cost you thousands of dollars more, than the original tattoo.

Through the past few years, I have found that many "tattoo virgins" want massive tattoos.
As an artist, I often suggest starting with a smaller piece that they are thinking of getting later down the line. Starting small isn't a bad thing, if you can't tolerate the pain at least you can get through the 15-20 minutes it would take to complete something small, and be proud of the finished product. I can't count the times I've seen people writhing in pain while under the needle. Most, don't even make it through the first hour. They often leave with line work, and possibly a shade or two here or there, which in anyone's mind isn't attractive.

Looking for inspiration for tattoos is at your fingertips. The internet is now used by client and artist alike. It provides a quick, and easy reference. Using search engines such as Google.com, and Dogpile.com is a good resource for anyone looking for meanings behind images, or something to reach out and grab you.

If you find an image you like, print it out and bring it into your local shop. Most artists will be happy to assist you in making sure your tattoo comes together the way you'd like. One of the best tattoos, is one where the client gives the tattoo artist creative control. Most artists, when given the opportunity to express themselves come up with breathtaking work. Trust your artist, if you can't, ask yourself if you are truly ready for this step in your life.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Japanese Dragon Tattoo Designs and Meaning

By Graeme Wheeler




The Japanese Dragon Tattoo is a very beautiful and colorful tattoo design and very symbolic, with its origins in myths and folklore. It is also very mystical, adding to the appeal of the Japanese dragon tattoo. Over the ages, from Egyptian times the dragon has represented good and also represented evil. However, the attraction of the Japanese dragon, apart from its stunning beauty is that it represents good luck and the source of wealth. The Japanese dragon also represents the meaning of freedom and being fearless, both very attractive qualities.

In the Greek language, dragon is sourced from draca, which means serpent.

Like the angel, the Japanese Dragon also has the meaning of guardianship, providing a protective force over those it was associated with. Other meanings associated with the Japanese dragon is strength and power. In Japanese culture the dragon is associated with supernatural powers, and amazing wisdom.

There are six forms of the Japanese Dragon. They are:

Sui-Riu is the king Dragon and is in control of the rain. Therefore in this day and age of drought he is all powerful!

Han-Riu has many stripes on his body and is up to forty feet in length. One of the biggest dragons.

Ri-Riu dragon is a rare breed that is not well understood. However, it is known that they have amazing eye sight.

Ka-Riu is a brilliant red color, and a petite dragon in comparison with the others.

Fuku-Riu is a favorite dragon of many people as it is the dragon of luck.

Hai-Riyo is known as the dragon bird, and the most advanced form of dragon. It evolved out of Chinese mythology.

The colors of the dragons have special significance, which are based on their parents. For example a dragon with a black color means their parents are very old and wise. Green dragons are smaller than average, but are representative of life and of the earth. Gold colored dragons are special because they have many special attributes such as wisdom, kindness and the ability to face challenges head on.

Yellow dragons represent the east. They are great companions when you need a hand, but can be self absorbed at times. Blue dragons are from the west. They are forgiving and compassionate, but on the negative side can be lazy and uncaring when it suits them.

Finding the right Japanese Tattoo Design for you can be quite daunting. Check out all the free sites on the net to get as many ideas as you can. Just remember that many other people have done the same thing to get ideas. For example, last month, over 41,000 people searched for dragon tattoo designs on Yahoo. Apparently, roughly 8 times that amount check out Google for the same search term. Then there is MSN and the other search engines. So a huge amount of people see the same free designs as you. If you want original Japanese Dragon tattoo designs, it is recommended that you check out books or other sources of tattoo designs that are not freely available. I have checked out three Japanese dragon tattoo galleries on the internet that have from 3,500 to 6000 different designs, so you will have no trouble finding what you want.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Do Home Tattoo Removal Creams, Chemical Peels, and Other Systems REALLY Work?

By Shawna Newton




What Home Tattoo Removal Methods Get Rid of the Tat?

Okay, we've all seen them: tattoo removal creams that "swear" they work for everyone.

It's not the "everyone" that bothers me; it's the lack of mentioning that the type of tattoo makes the difference in effectiveness of these removal creams.

People today are rethinking getting tattooed in the first place for a couple of key reasons:

1. Many if not most employers prohibit tattoos.
2. Tattoo removal using surgical procedures is extremely expensive and can risk infection and scarring.

For these reasons, tattoo removal creams and systems home kits have been rising to the point it's hard to figure out what really works with all the choices of different brands and manufacturers.

The Anatomy of a Tattoo

A traditional tattoo that has been placed using a needle or gun isn't just on the surface of the skin. It goes through the dermis as well as the epidermis.

It stands to reason, therefore, that the tattoo ink has gone deeply into the skin and cannot simply be scrubbed away. Usually expensive procedures such a laser and surgical excision are required to eradicate tattoos entirely --- but those processes can leave the area open to infection and often leave a scar.

Tattoo ink (pigment) varies in the ease of removal as well. Oddly enough, black ink is easiest to remove but colors such as red, yellow, and green are more difficult using even a laser removal technique.

The color(s), size, and length of time a tattoo has been on the skin are all factors that play a role in the ease (or difficulty) of having a tattoo removed and its cost.

Home Tattoo Removal Systems: Reviews

WreckingBalm is a system that uses a cream as well as dermabrasion tool to fade the tattoo over a period of time (normally 4-6 months).

The theory behind this removal process relies on the skin's natural ability to slough off old skin cells that are replaced by new ones. WreckingBalm is the only system that uses a combination of a sort of chemical peel along with the dermabrasion appliance and testimonials reflect a high level of customer satisfaction. The cost of the system is reasonable compared to traditional surgical removal techniques, starting at $149.

Tat B Gone Tattoo Fading System has been around for many years and is a popular tattoo removal system.

With Tat B Gone, there are 3 steps in the system:

1. A solution is applied to the skin in order for the next solutions to work effectively.
2. An activation solution is then applied which helps to break down tattoo ink.
3. A removal cream then starts the fading action.

The system can fade a tattoo in approximately 6 months, depending on the age, size, and depth/color of ink. The trial kit is $67.50.

Perfect Peel Solutions is a system that is actually a chemical peel that is also used to rejuvenate the skin, remove freckles and birthmarks, as well as tattoos.

TCA-based chemical peels use special agents that caused peeling of the skin in layers, in stages.

The process is simple: Apply the solution to the skin. A tingling or slight burning sensation may occur during the time the chemicals cause a layer of skin to peel off.

Perfect Peel Solutions is a website that carries a line of different, yet effective, chemical peels that vary in price according to manufacturer.

Chemical peels can remove a tattoo in as little as a month, depending on the makeup of the tattoo.

You should absolutely consult with a physician or dermatologist before using any of these systems because people can react differently to chemical compounds.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Back of Neck Tattoos - Where to Locate the Fantastic Neck Tattoo Designs

By Adam Woodham




There a few little tidbits of information you need to know when searching for back of neck tattoos. I will tell you both of them and they will drastically improve the quality of artwork you are able to look at. Sound good? I want to share this info, because over 90% of people who search for tattoo designs end up seeing nothing but generic images and cookie cutter junk, even when it comes to back of neck tattoos.

Let me start things off by asking a quick little question" Do you have any guesses as to why so many people might be seeing nothing but generic tattoo designs when searching online? Well, I will tell you. It's because so many of us are reliant on search engine to show us the sites that are out there. Long story short, it's just not working when it comes to looking for crisp, quality drawn back of neck tattoos. Heck, it's not working for "any" tattoo styles.

It's not just about the name of the search engines you are using. It's all of them. All they bring up are sites that have the same generic junk as the next place. It's page after page full of cookie cutter back of neck tattoos, which you might have realized already. What you need is a fresh, better way to find amazing artwork, because the good sites are still out there.

Here's how you do it...

Instead of using the engine you are familiar with, now is the time to step into the world of forums. Try to stick with the larger forums, because those are the ones that will be filled to the brim with topics on tattoo related subjects. All you have to do to find great back of neck tattoos is browse through as many topics as you want. Inside of many of the topics are posts where people share their findings of crisp, quality drawn artwork. It's this type of hidden gallery that tend to take real pride in having the best artwork available, which you can't say about the random results you get from a search engine It's that simple.

It's not always about findings a bundle of back of neck tattoos, because most of those sites just pound their pages with generic junk.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Tattoo Transfer Paper

By Sarah Freeland




Tattoo transfer paper is a great tool for any style of tattooing. It can be used to create temporary tattoos or to provide a guide for permanent tattooing. The wide range of tattoo possibilities is based often on tattoo transfer paper. Read on to find out more about the paper, and where it can be purchased.

Tattoo transfer paper is often used in temporary tattooing. It has had to evolve to become the good quality tattoo device we know today, though. The original temporary tattoo was just an ink transfer that came off with water, but today’s temporary tattoos use vegetable dyes and a layer of glue similar to what is found in a band-aid. These tattoos can look extremely realistic and can last up to 3 weeks, but can also be removed with oil or an oil-based cream quite easily.

Using tattoo transfer paper in temporary tattooing is a great idea for many reasons. First, it is a great option for those who want a tattoo, but would like to try out a particular design beforehand. In addition, you can design your own temporary tattoos using this paper. Many companies sell it to use in computer printers. This is a great way to express yourself with your own body art.

Additionally, many permanent tattoo artists use tattoo transfer paper. Sometimes they use it as a guide for a tattoo. Other times they provide the option to their customers of trying out a tattoo before they take the plunge and make it permanent. Tattoo transfer paper is widely available. You many choose to purchase the paper with designs already on it, or blank for your own designs. Try paper companies such as http://www.hyaz.com for the computer printer variety. In addition, you can find many styles of the ready-to-use temporary tattoo designs on sites such as Ebay.

From needles, ink and machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as industry news and new products. Beginning with tattoo equipment, it's important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each. Tattoo guns, needles, tubes, machines, tattoo transfer paper, and inks are all key elements to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique tattoo designs.