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LEARN HOW TO BE A TATTOO SINNER WITH OUR

7 DEADLY SINS

Tattoo Jam 2012! HAVE A LOOK AT ALL THE LATEST TRENDS!

2.50

COULD YOU BARE THE ART OF THE SCAR?

Contents
Page 4. Meet The Team Meet us and see what weve been upto since the last issue of TI! Page 5. Tattoo Jam See how we got on when we visited the UKs largest tattoo convention, and look all the wierd and whacky pics we took to show you. Page 9. The Seven Deadly Sins of Tattooing (And some of them are very deadly) Page 11. Real Life From an aspiring artist to a successful tattoist, weve got their stories on page 12 Page 16. Tattoo Discrimination Do you experience discrimination due to the tattoos you have? We check it out! Page 18. Tattoo Removal Want to get rid? Heres how... Page 19. Its a Womens World we explore what its like for women who work in the industry Page 23. Dos and Donts Listen up! Page 24. The Art of Bamboo Tattooing How does it work? Does it hurt? Have a read! Page 27. Scarification Is it as scary as it sounds? Yes. Page 28. Celebrity Tattoos Find out what celebs influence with their ink. Page 31. Health Issues All the medical jargon you need should bear in mind when looking for new ink. Page 33. Trend of the Month What is popular this month!

! y o nj
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A note from the editor . . .

Battle of the Beauties: Arabella Drummond and Beatrix Von Bourbon

This issue of Tattoo Ink. brings you the very best of tattooing in Yorkshire. The Ink. team had a great day out at the Tattoo Jam convention, which was held at Doncaster Racecourse, a tattoo festival that is the biggest of its kind in the UK; be sure to read all about which topless models, burlesque dancers and gut-wrenchingly obscene acts we bumped into at the festival on page 5. We investigate the art of scarification (page 29) after being properly introduced to the gruesome body modification at the annual festival, as well as the ancient technique of bamboo tattooing (page 25). The team also hit the streets of Leeds to find out which tattoos people really regret, as well as how to remove those unwanted scribbles through laser therapy (page 34). Our feature writers, Hannah and Lauren, compare the skills required to become a tattoo artist, what to do once youre a qualified tattooist, how challenging it is for women to get into the industry and how social attitudes are changing around females covered in body art. Ash inves
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Face Off: Cammy Stewart and Jay Reed

tigates discrimination against tattoos in the work place, and how to overcome these problems in interviews, as well as celebrity influence on our media and tattoo-obsessed society! We had so much fun and learnt a lot during the making of this issue of Tatto Ink. and we really hope you enjoy it as much as we do! -Emily-Jane Smith, Editor

contact me at: editor@tattooinkmagazine.co.uk { Tweet us at @tattooinkmagUK }

Meet the Team

EDITOR
Ive always been fascinated by tattoo art and this issue definitely explores some crazy new tattoo trends. I went out to Bradford to learn more about the incredible skill involved in bamboo tattooing from Keng at The Bamboo Rooms and we had a great day out at Tattoo Jam on October 12th. The one thing Ive learnt from this issue? Never get anyones name tattooed on you, no matter how much you love the way they call you sweet pea in the mornings. Just look to Channel 4s documentary, My Tattoo Addiction. Finally, I hope you enjoy my photography capturing the weird and the wonderful. Take a look at my personal favourite; the cutest, most colourful couple on pg 5. Emily-Jane. x

SUB-EDITOR
I never really took notice of tattoos until I was 16. It was my friend Taryn (pg 11) that caught the inking bug when she was underage. Her mum went ballistic- and I was there for the grilling. So I learned there and then that no tattoo was worth the temper of my dad. Im still the tattoo virgin. But these days, pretty much everybody has a tattoo. Its like Im not contributing to the trend of our g eneration. I think the one thing I have learned from this issue is to not worry about when Im old and wrinkled to the point of a prune. Everybody is going to have the same faded ink marks printed all over their bodies. So prick me with a needle and get working on that piece of art. You only live once right? Hannah. x

FEATURE WRITER Hey guys! So weve got a great issue for you this month, including some really cool pictures from this years Tattoo Jam so make sure you take a look, and maybe even get some serious ink-spirationbad joke. As I dont actually have a big tattoo collection myself (I have 5 small ones, and theyre mostly hidden) I loved looking at all the crazy and wonderful tattoo designs TJ had on offer this year, and was definitely inspired to expand my own ink, so watch this space! I could be unveiling a new tattoo in the next editionEnjoy! Lauren. x

ART DIRECTOR Hi, Im Ash and like a lot of tattoo rookies out there im still searching for the perfect ink! Any excuse for a big Maori sleeve would be perfect, so if we have any New Zealand readers you know where I am! In light of the meteoric rise in people getting inked, I decide that in this issue Id take a look at how tattoos have seen a change in perceptions both on a working front and also in the public eye through the medias influence. Thanks! Ash. x
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2012
Tattoo Jam

Jay Reed

Tattoo Jam is the UKs biggest, record-breaking annual tattoo convention that showcases the top artists and traders from across the globe, and this year we went along to scope out the very best in the business. Over three hundred artists attended this years festival between the 12th and 14th of October at Doncaster Racecourse. The festival was, this year, organised and sponsored by Skin Deep, Skin Shots International and Tattoo Masters magazines, the first of which introduced the UK to new artist, through the convention and feature articles, Tanane Whitfield. The Virginia-based inker has been tipped by Skin Deep to be one of the best artists of non-realism the UK has seen in many years. Tanane has only been tattooing for three and a half years, but has already won eleven international awards for his artwork, and he explained how he first got into the industry. Id been selling art work to studios around Virginia Beach for a while and one day, this studio manager said my shit was really good, offered me an apprenticeship and two and a half years later, I was fully qualified; pretty straightforward! I ve got a big appreciation for J. Scott Campbell and I learn a lot from comic books and street graffiti. These inspirations are easy to spot when looking at Whitfields colourful, outlandish cartoon designs. The amount of diversity across the range of artists that appeared this year, in regards to technique, skills, colours used and designs, was overwhelmingly vast. One of the most fascinating techniques established by artists from a studio in Yorkshire was bamboo tattooing, which I investigate in the article, Bamboo Tattooing with Keng, which can be found later on in this issue. The talent and didnt stop at the artists hall, though. Weird and wonderful acts, overseen by compere and funny man, Paul Sweeny, entertained thousands of tattoo fanatics across the weekend, including Sickboy, a guy who specialises in piercing his face with needles, snacking on light bulb glass, and stapling bank notes to
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Tanane Whitfield

his forehead. The very bizarrely talented Daniella dVille demonstrated how to handle a bed of nails, while the incredibly eye-catching models of the Kinky Sexy Photo Shoot hypnotized photographers with their practiced pouts, layers of ink and crazy body modifications. Among a handful of burlesque dancers at the convention was Beatrix Von Bourbon, who found fame on the TV talent show, Britains Got Talent, and wowed the crowd with her delightfully classy performance, which was peppered with just the right amount of teasing, leaving the crowd panting for more from her at next years festival, which she has already confirmed. The immensely beautiful Arabella Drummond, columnist for Front magazine, and probably one of the highest-profiled topless tattoo models in the UK at the minute, was on hand to sign merchandise for her fans, alongside her model boyfriend, Jay Reed, who has the most original (and curious) head tattoos any of us at the magazine have ever seen! This years Jam was not short of tattooed model couples, as Martyn Altilar and his wife, Terri De-Lis, were on hand over the weekend to pose next to Drummond and Reed, and took delight in telling us that they were loving married life together after appearing on the BBC3 series, Dont Tell The Bride, earlier this year. Apart from the two unnecessarily gigantic stilt-walkers dressed as Death, wielding massive scythes that decided to chase out the door upon leaving the convention, (who, in retrospect, were probably two of the more average-looking individuals we saw that day), Tattoo Jam continues to be one of the finest festivals to bring together the very best of British and international tattooing and lay it on the table for tattoo enthusiasts in the UK to thoroughly appreciate. -EMILY-JANE

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Mother and Daughter

Our cover model getting a touch-up Sickboys performance

Arabella Drummond

Tattoo Jam 2012

Some of this years werid and wonderful Jam attendees
Photographs by Emily-Jane

The sweetest couple

Cammy Stewart

Terri De-Lis Altilar

Beatrix von Bourbon 7 | Tattoo Ink | Issue 1

Of Tattooing...
1.Pride
Okay so you know what kind of person Im talking about here. Theyve been banging on and on about getting a tattoo for ages, and now they have they LOVE it. They dont stop talking about it, theyve shown you it 144 times, and theyve uploaded pictures of it from different angles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This is the first deadly sin, pride. We KNOW you love your tatt and yes it accentuates the miniscule muscles in your scrawny arm but dude come on, its October and youre wearing a VEST to show it off. Not cool.

3.Gluttony

Ok so this might seem like a silly one but youll be surprised how many people commit our third deadly sin. The idea of a tattoo is that its got a meaning behind it, it empowers you, or reminds you of something, its a piece of art you can keep forever and it can help tell the story of your life to your grandchildren one day. But one cant help but fail to see how getting a tattoo of a full English breakfast on your head, could possibly have any positive impact on your life. Do not get a tattoo of any kind of food on your body, its just weird. If you like it EAT IT.

2.Envy

There are two different types of envy-ers for our second deadly sin. The first is those who havent got any tattoos or havent mentioned wanting a new one but AS SOON as you get one done BAM! They do too. They get one bigger and better and all because they were envious of yours. Crazy fools. The second type of tattoo envy is when people are too lazy to think up a fresh tatt idea and either copy yours or someone elses. Because you know, the whole point of getting a tattoo is to mark your body to forever match someone elses. Erm, no? THINK OF YOUR OWN IDEAS! Its on your body forever, god damn it.

4.Lust

This is probably the most regrettable of all the deadly sins. Okay so yes youve been with your boyfriend for like

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2 years now and youve talked about marriage and kids, you never argue, hes your perfect man and you know you want to be with him for the rest of your entire life. STOP THERE!! Now youre happy, now you love him but 5 years down the line when you have a new boyfriend and he has a receding hairline and 6 pack (of beer), the I Love Gary tattoo on your hip wont seem like that much of a cracking idea. Never ever, get your partners name tattooed on you. Its lame.

tattoo, you can feel the adrenalin pumping round your entire body as you sit nervously waiting for the pain and the instantly recognisable sound of the needle; then as soon as its all over youre like a child at Alton Towers AGAIN AGAIN! But be warned, it is NOT a good idea to get greedy and before you know it, youve ran out of skin, youre covered and now you just resemble a finished colouring book.

7.Sloth 5.Wrath
So your girlfriend broke up with you, you lost your job, someone stole your car and you cant even afford a sandwich. Life sucks. HOWEVER, now is not the right time to get a tattoo to show the world you dont care. Youre going to end up with one ugly and angry tattoo thats going to put off any woman wanting to share a look, let alone a bed, with you. Ever again. For the rest of your life. Do not get a scary ass tattoo to prove how hard you are.

And finally our last deadly sin, Sloth. Everyone knows that when you want to get a tattoo, you WANT to get a tattoo, and when you walk into a studio and get told theres a 5 month waiting list, you want to instantly spit on the floor and leave. Dont do this. Put your name on the list, theres a long wait for a reason. The fat guy round the corner, who also runs a takeaway round the back of his studio, and has a hell of a lot of free time on his hands, is not going to do the work of art you have imagined. Hes going to do you a shit tatt, for a high price, and probably chuck in a few free infections just because hes feeling generous! Wait the wait; its worth it when its on your body forever.

6.Greed

This is the easiest mistake to make and our sixth deadly sin. Theres nothing like the buzz you get when getting a
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-LAUREN TATE

becoming a tattoo Turn over to see are living their dreams... artist?

Interested in

how Taryn and Neil

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The Girl with the ForbiddenTattoo

my first tattoos (my roses on my hips) she was so angry-we didnt speak for two months. It was hard for me because I always expected her to be there for me no matter what my decisions. But after I got my lip pierced, a plug put in my ear, and my underage drinking, I think I finally crossed a line. When Taryn explained that tattooing was a career that she wanted to pursue and was eager to be successful, her parents began to become more understanding. They will never be happy about the situation, but I realised they started to be more accepting when I designed my arm tattoo. My mum didnt shout this time- maybe she just gave up trying. But I think they started to gain more sympathy for me when my grandparents came to visit. They gave my brother 1000 because he is studying to become a doctor but they ignored me because they didnt approve of my vocation. Its upsetting that because I havent chosen a career that they approve of, they dont realise that treating one grandchild different to the

Do you take your parents career advice? Student Taryn Healey, 20, shows how a rebellious teenager can overrule the traditional views of the modern tattoo culture.
Four years ago, a moody, hormonal, yet charismatic teenager, with a bottle of vodka in one hand and a cigarette in the other, was building a small reputation around the Urbis of Manchester as a rebellion of her parents and modern culture. Whilst everyone was fronted with Taryns brightly coloured red hair, numerous piercings, distinctive 40s style fashion and wicked tattooed-sleeve that is designed to represent various cultures, underneath there was a dedicated passion towards her image. This image was not only to be unique, but to express herself as an artist- a tattoo artist to be precise. But her choice of a creative line of work has not been without its obstacles Originally from Manchester, Taryn had a middle class upbringing with her mother Kerry, her father John, and her older brother Scott. She was the perfect student that shared a particular talent for science and maths with her brother. A respected, rewarding career was always expected of her -but little did her parents know that she didnt want to take a conventional career route. Her dream to become a successful tattoo artist is still not particularly accepted by her parents. It first started to develop in my early teens. I knew I wanted to be tattooed but I wanted my tattoos to be my own designs. So thats when I started to develop my art work more towards tattoo design. When my mum saw
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CROSSED a line . . .
other is not fair. That money could help me open a tattoo parlour one day. Although Taryn hasnt always had the support that she deserves, she has always had an aim to achieve her goal. Whilst currently studying illustration at the University of Huddersfield after switching her course from graphic design, she has worked up the perfect plan to eventually become successful in the tattoo industry. After designing my own tattoos, my friends started to ask me to design tattoos for them, this also progressed on to designing their band logos and merchandise designs. I aspire to a career in tattooing as its something that will challenge and inspire me on a daily basis. I am going to ensure that I am fully prepared; its not something that can be rushed at all. I have started to put a portfolio together of the work Ive done so far, then, and only then, when I have a substantial portfolio will I approach studios for an apprenticeship. Although by no means do I think this will be simple, seeing as though the idea of being a tattoo artist has become cool among my age group, competition will be hard. But I want to do this as a long term job- not just because it is in trend. Thats what makes me different. The transition from working on paper to skin is going to be a challenge for Taryn. But she believes with a steady hand and the dedication in her heart she will eventually become the respected tattoo artist that she wants to be. Its all about the quality of her portfolio. Whilst keeping strong through the pressure of her peers, nothing has stopped Taryn in her stride so far- it can be honestly noted that she is well on her way to becoming an inking star.

I think I finally

-HANNAH CURRY

Sex, Drugs, and Rocking a load of Tattoos

I had to do
KNEW

SOMETHING LATE...

before it was too

Neil Archer looks every inch the tattooist, with ink covering his skin from head to toe (literally, he has tattoos on his face and feet and near enough everywhere in-between), he holds a quirky eye for fashion taking his inspiration from the 40s era; and his friends and girlfriend all share the same traits. Tattooing is his greatest passion, and for the past 10 years he has steadily been building himself quite the professional reputation within his hometown of Nottingham. Today his books are filled with appointments up to 6 months in advance and has regular clients that come back time and time again to ensure they receive nothing less than perfect body art. However, Neils life hasnt always been this ideal. Originally from Leeds, Neil grew up with his mother Kath and father Keith until they divorced when he was around three years old and his father moved to Nottingham. He would visit his father on a weekend and eventually moved in with him when he was thrown out by his mother for bad behaviour, when he was 15 years old. Neil says, I was kind of a bit of an outcast as a child. I suffered with dyslexia quite badly while I was at school and naturally, kids arent too kind to people who are different so I was bullied quite badly. I never enjoyed school anyway, I had no interest in what they wanted me to learn, I always knew I wanted to do something different. The only thing I was good at was art. Neil excelled in his art classes, the only one he would attend on a regular basis, and shocked his teachers with his patience and concentration that he had never shown in any other class. Art was the only productive thing I did when I was growing up. I mixed in with the wrong crowds as all the thick kids stuck together, and it was normal for us to go out of our way to get into, and to cause a lot of trouble. I was a nightmare. Neils childhood was indeed a rocky one, he was expelled numerous times from different schools, his parents were

constantly in and out of meetings regarding his behaviour, and his relationship with his mother began to go bad. I was very angry when I was growing up, angry at not been accepted for being different and angry at always been told I would never amount to anything. I was angry at my mum because she would take the teachers side over mine, but now I obviously realise she had my best interests at heart. Neil especially appreciates his mother more so now, as he has two children of his own. Neil has two sons, Cameron 10 and Nate 1 with his partner Alison. He says, Having children made me realise all you want is the best for them out of life, but Im not sure I want them to follow in my footsteps in tattooing just yet. Neil hasnt always been blessed with his dream job, after leaving school early and not sitting one exam, he was left with no qualifications and struggled to find a job, especially one he could tolerate for longer than a few weeks. He then decided there was nothing left to do but join the army, and so he did. I hated it, I absolutely hated it. The years I was in there were the worst of my life. I dont speak to one person I met in there, it just wasnt for me but I felt at the time that I had no other option. I saw things that will come with me to the grave; you just cant forget those kinds of things. They messed my head up definitely. After his stint in the army Neil developed a fairly severe drug habit, after dabbling with drugs at school he turned back to them when he left the army to try and forget the things he had witnessed. I remember sitting in my cousins christening next to my entire family and having horrible hallucinations after not going to bed and taking about 5 pills of ecstasy. It was then I knew I had to do something to turn my life around before it was too late. It was at this point that Neil re-discovered his passion for art, and after having had quite a few tattooss done
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work EVERY DAY

cant WAIT to go to

himself by now, he decided to work on taking his art, which he had continued to practice throughout his life, from paper to skin. He began working in a small studio in Nottingham and began building his portfolio. My work back then was no comparison to the standard of work I can do now, but they gave me a chance when I had no previous experience and I will always be grateful for that. Neils talents grew and soon he had books full of work he had done, and a long list of loyal customers who only went to him to get their body art done. Eventually he out grew the small studio, and took his portfolio of work along with his customers to the studio he works in now, Ink Kings Studios also in Nottingham. He lives with his long term partner Alison and their two boys, very happily. My life now is better than I could have ever imagined around 15 years ago. I thought I was going to die in the army, and when I left I thought I was going to die from the drugs. Now I have two beautiful children, an amazing partner, and the best job in the world. The guys I work with are amazing and I cant wait to go to work every day. If you would like to book in with Neil, or any of his colleagues at their studio, you can send an email inquiry to info@ink-kings.com. -LAUREN TATE

always knew i wanted to do something

DIFFERENT

TARYNS SCRAPBOOK

Above: Some of Neils work, and him with his family.

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Its A Womans World . . .

changed since the patriarchal society lived in by our ancestors many years ago, women no longer bear the brunt of inequality and actually CAN wear the trousers instead of a skirt, (with a hemline lower than the knee, please). Women can do everything a man does, and dare we say it, sometimes even better. We no longer have the view that women should be pretty little things that are seen and not heard, and only speak when spoken to. The roles women play in society have completely changed and, here in 2012 it is safe to say it is no longer a mans world (well, most of it). So why not do something wild to celebrate? Like Get a tattoo? Gone are the days when a tattoo on a woman was considered a tramp stamp, or lowered her in the estimation of others, these days women are celebrating their bodies more than ever before and showing off their body art proudly. Even women that are considered to be some of the most beautiful women in the world are showing off extensive body art, such as the likes of Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox who each have many tattoos. Singer Rihanna is famously known for her many tattoos and often shows them off through the pictures she posts for her followers on twitter. And guess what? Men find this attractive, not common or off putting. Take a quick flick through Google Images and youll be greeted by thousands of beautiful art pieces, covering the skin of women. No longer are women confined to a lovers name through a heart to show their man they love them, no longer do they have to get a cute little cartoon character or soppy song lyrics to showcase their femininity. Women these days are getting and designing, big artistic pieces that in earlier times would only have been seen on men, unless of course you were a lesbian and then it was allowed. Not only are women having these designs tattooed on them, but they are also doing the tattooing. More women are making a career for themselves within the industry and gathering loyal customers through their more than capable needle work (and I dont mean sewing). With conventions such as the London Tattoo Convention, and Tattoo Jam giving artists a platform to get their name out and show off the work they do, it is no surprise that

In our world today much has

they are filled with beautifully tattooed models showing off their bodies, but also female artists who want to prove that they are just as good as the men. One woman showing off her portfolio at this years Tattoo Jam was 23 year old Maria Perks. Maria lives in Nottingham and works at Ink Kings Studios, where she started her first job as a tattooist this year. This is her first time showcasing her work at a convention, and the feedback she received was amazing for a first timer. She says, I was so nervous about the convention as its mostly men that go, but the response to my portfolio was empowering for me as a woman. I had both men and women queuing up to look at my work and book appointments with me; they looked at me as an artist regardless of my sex. That made me very proud. Maria says she found it quite hard to get into the industry when she first left school and started to pursue her dreams at the tender age of 16. At that time I was very young and had only done a few tattoos for friends so getting a studio to employ me was hard, but I carried on practicing and now seven years later Ive finally found a studio that believes in me and my work, and are more than happy to have a female tattoo artist working for them. Maria now has her appointment book filled to the brim, and thanks to Tattoo Jam it keeps getting fuller. I cant believe how times have changed, when I was growing up it was considered trashy for a woman to get a tattoo, and my parents were mortified when I told them that was what I wanted to do. My mum even cried when I got my first one done, and the whole time I was just thinking why is this such a big deal? its always been an art form to me, and it still is. This is the most equal men and women have ever been in this industry. -LAUREN TATE

Maria Perks
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Ink in the Workplace

o say the popularity of tattoos has increased rapidly since the latter half of the 20th century is somewhat of an understatement. More and more individuals are getting inked without giving a second thought as the implications and ramifications that their new artwork will hold in their future life. Despite this trend in increased popularity, many still hold a negative perception towards tattoos associating them with criminals, hooligans, gang affiliation and thus it has traditionally been more difficult for those with stamped skin to attain new work. Once, this was a class thing: tattoos were for soldiers, sailors, bikers and criminals and those linked with borderline deviant behaviour. Now, even the prime ministers wife has one (a dolphin, just below the ankle). When the art of tattooing arose some 12,000 years ago they were meant to mark the skin as a signal of social status, ward off illnesses and as a symbol of the transition into adulthood (it could be argued

that the latter still is one of the main reasons for youths getting a tattoo as an expression of becoming their own individual, no longer under parental guidance). Tattoos, suddenly, are everywhere. According to one survey, a fifth of all British adults have now been inked. Among 16- to 44-year-olds, both men and women, the figure rises to 29%. Only 9% of over 60s have one, according to a survey of 1,000 adults by the Ask Jeeves website, but

tattoos were for soldiers, sailors, bikers and criminals

16% of people aged between 30 and 44 have two. The survey, while not entirely scientific, is in line with a 2008 US study showing that 36% of Americans aged 18-25, 40% of those aged 26-40 and 10% of those aged 41-64 have a tattoo. Several tattooing experts believe that America is probably about a decade ahead in terms of popularity. All sorts of un-

likely people have them. Some 14% of teachers are now tattooed, which is more than the 9% of servicemen and women wholl own up to one. Bank clerks, university lecturers, nuclear engineers. Tattooing has become a respectable highstreet business. A decade ago, there were 300 tattoo parlours in Britain; now the estimate is 1,500-plus. By the late 1800s, 90% of the British navy was tattooed. A complex iconography developed: a turtle meant youd crossed the equator, an anchor the Atlantic, a dragon that youd served on a China station. Bikers and criminal gang members, followed suit. While some still believe body artwork poses an issue in the UK when trying to get a new job, our transatlantic cousins dont seem to see it in quite the same light. At least not anymore, tattoos are becoming less and less of an obstacle in finding employment, according to a recent report. Today, tattooing has become so common employers are increasingly forced to choose between rejecting inked em-

ployees or having a severely limited job candidate pool. Andrew Challenger, CEO of the recruitment company Outplacement firm, shed light on why he believes companies are no longer taking such issues with tattooed job applicants. Today, even in this tight job market, most companies are not going to view tattoos too harshly, he said. One reason is that with everyone from mums to science graduates sporting tattoos, preconceptions about tattooed individuals are no longer valid. Secondly, and more importantly, companies have a vested interest in hiring the most qualified candidate. According to the U.S. Drug Administration, more than 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo. The younger you look, the more ink youll find. Only 15% of *Baby Boomers have tattoos, while 32% of Generation X and 38% of Millennials have body art, according to a 2010 Research Centre study. Half of those tattooed Millennials say they have two to five tattoos. The trend stays pretty similar

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Misconceptions of tattooed individuals are beginning to change in the workplace. Image courtesy of: www.malebrainatwork.blogspot.co.uk

over here in the United Kingdom too. Tattoo-friendliness often depends on the position, employer and industry the worker is in. Employees with tattoos who also have frequent face time with customers are more likely to be forced to cover up than those working a cubicle desk position, at least according to employers. Workers with visible smaller, discrete, non-offensive tattoos are more likely to be accepted by businesses. Visible, non-offensive tattoos may become more common in certain industries in the future. Whether or not a business allows tattoos, equal enforcement of appearance policy is essential. Challenger continued, If an employer has a policy, based in good sound business reasons, as to why tattoos can or cannot be visible, and

theyre consistent with the application of that policy, then its quickly going to become a non- issue. As a company, it is up to them what they deem as an acceptable or unacceptable image with regards to tattoos on current and future employees. It would appear then that employ-

By the late 1800s 90% of the British Navy was tattooed...

ers should be more concerned on the quality of service or product they provide to bring in customers opposed to the appearance of their workers. Across the pond once more and Mr. Bill Johnson, a former sailor and now Vice President of the National Tattoo

Association (NTA) believes that those with ink, will never have it as easy, Youre always going to have a small group of people, no matter what, who are going to hate tattooing or hate people in shorts or hate people with blond hair or short hair or long hair. Thats inevitable, he said. I dont think a business should restrict themselves. The quality of your business is what sells itself. It should go without saying that employers encourage employees to be presentable at all times in their respective line of work. It looks more professional and is easily one of the greatest selling points. To be quite frank, it portrays a far better image. The higher approval rate of tattoos at the moment seems to be just a part of the evolution of society, as younger generations

come to accept things once seen as shocking, like extreme sexuality and obscenity in modern culture. - ARMW. *- Baby Boomer - Born between 1946 to 1964 - Generation X Born between early 1960s to 1980s - Millenials or Generation Y Born between late 1980s to early 2000s.

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Laser Removal: behind the therapy The facts

A lot of people might regret a tattoo they got when they were younger, or just a misspelt piece of Spanish script they got done in Magaluf last summer. Either way, more and more people are turning to laser therapy to remove much-disliked tattoos, especially since laser wavelength developments in 2006. Initially in the 1990s, when laser tattoo removal became commercially available, continuous-wave lasers were used, until the development of Q-swticthed lasers, which evolved the treatment into a much less aggressive answer to tattoo removal. There are several types of Q-switched lasers, (also known as giant pulse formation lasers), which are used to remove the tattoo pigments from the skin cells. The laser breaks down the ink from the tattoo, enough for the body to absorb the pigments as it would naturally with any tattoo over a long time period. Lighter coloured pigments, such as green and yellow, are more difficult to eradicate, compared to blue and black inks, because they are not within the capacity of the lasers absorption spectra. Lighter colours require more frequent laser sessions, one of which could set you back as much as 70, the amount Yasmin Lawton, a PR student in Leeds, forked out when she decided to begin laser therapy on her forearm tattoo. I decided to get my Uncles date of birth in Roman numerals after he

passed away in 2008. I have a few on my neck and ankles so I thought getting it done on my forearm would look good. The positioning of it turned out to be all wrong and wonky, and my parents hated that it was so visible. [Yasmin has long, flowing hair that helps to hide her neck tattoos.] I didnt know a lot about laser tattoo removal, other than the fact it hurts so much more than getting tattooed in the first place. It felt like I was being pinged by a large elastic band repeatedly; each session lasted for 10 minutes, and I had to have nine sittings before I began to see the results. Yasmins advice for those looking into laser tattoo removal is simple. If you can afford the money and the pain of laser therapy, I highly suggest it. But, in retrospect, I just wish I hadnt got mine done in the first place. My forearm skin looks scarred and discoloured now, and if my parents hadnt have been adamant that I get rid of it, I would have just had a cover-up tattoo, which would have cost less and been less painful! Tattoos are intended to be permanent expressions of the self, so the decision to get inked should be thoroughly thought through. Tattoos are intended to be permanent expressions of the self, so the decision to get inked should be thoroughly thought through, or you could end up paying the price for regret in the long-run. -EMILY-JANE

Yasmins tattoo before laser therapy (above) and after (below)

Laser tattoo removal is anything but comfortable. . .

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LIVE INKED AS A WOMAN

Its time to show off that body ink girls! Because were about to tell you just how feminine tattoos actually are...
It might be the most popular trend at the moment but some women still feel uncomfortable showing off their fashionable tattoos. While some people argue that they make us less feminine, learning the history of females and tattoos could in fact make you feel more like a woman than ever before
STAYING WITHIN THE GENDER LINES Whilst men are getting inked with fully covered sleeves, women are still feeling under pressure to stay within the gender lines by promoting their femininity with small tattoos. Tattooed men were previously known to be bikers and gang members. Today, men like David Beckham, Jonny Depp, and the, may I say, gorgeous Adam Levine, who have tattoos are seen as strong, more masculine, and sometimes more attractive. Although, heavily tattooed women like Jodie Marsh, Kat Von Dee, and Cher Lloyd are still treated as less feminine and rebellious. A WOMAN BEING TATTOOED IS OF A PAST We all know that being tattooed hasnt just popped onto the modern scene as a recent trend, but do you actually know how far back the art actually goes? Evidence of women being tattooed has been issued in ancient records throughout history. Body art has been found on the mummified female bodies buried at the royal burials Deir el-Bahari; like the high status priestess named Amunet, that had tattoos printed on her hands. In ancient times women used to get tattooed during pregnancy as a sign of protection. This was represented by the pattern of distribution around the abdomen, on top of the breasts and the thighs, and in particular the net-like distribution of dots applied over the
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Adam Levine (left) and Jodie Marsh (right)

The identity of a Circus Lady was not associated with respect, but one of a business investment.

abdomen. During pregnancy, this specific pattern would expand in a protective fashion in the same way bead nets were placed over wrapped mummies to protect them and keep everything in. The first public displays of female tattoos were on Circus Ladies. Circus women were tattooed attractions on display at freak shows in the late 19th century for the crowds amusement. As the popularity of freak shows grew, so did the number of women volunteering into this livelihood. These women would be inked from head to toe for the purpose of a costume. The identity of a circus lady was not associated with respect, but one of a business investment. However, this does not necessarily put the view of women being tattooed into a negative light. During this time, women did not work. This was a chance for independence for women- to earn money, buy food and have the ability to travel. Being tattooed for the circus was a way for these women to survive. This was followed by the age of the 1920s Women in 1920s society began to take interest in the taboo culture of tattoos, and this is where they particularly became viewed as an artistic aid to feminism. During this decade involving the suffrage movement, it became chic among the upper classes to have a tattoo. Their tattoos werent hidden behind clothes, but were shown off to the rest of the world as a symbol of freedom. In the 1970s, tattoos were used for the peace movement and the fight for gay and womens rights. They became a middle class form of artistic expression. A PRESENT Isobel Varley is a 75 year old from West Yorkshire. She is fully inked and has been named the worlds most tattooed senior. Whilst she believes to be a work of art, society doesnt tend to agree. After appearing on BBC 3s, Body Shockers in January this year, she claimed, I dont do this to be more appealing to society. But it has affected the way I am viewed as a woman. People are actually scared of me because of my tattoos- especially children. However, personally, nothing makes me feel more like a woman. My tattoos make me feel unique and classy. Today, celebrities and public figures of all kinds are inked with some form of body art (even the Prime Ministers wife, Samantha Cameron, has a tattoo of a dolphin on her ankle!) Tattoos are seen to be more popular today through passageway from music and fashion. With Cheryl Cole promoting the pattern-on-hand tattoo and Tulisa gaining clones of her female boss arm script, all around us tattoos are popular in our society, and women particularly, are helping to inspire a generation to get inked. Jane Barnett, owner of Flibbertigibbet, a local tattoo parlour in Sowerby Bridge, claimed that tattoos are too beautiful for only men to promote. Sure to get a tattoo you have to go through pain.

Personally, nothing makes me feel more like a WOMAN.

Isobel Varley

All images pulled from Tumblr

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pain. But at the end of the day its art. The majority of tattoos I do are flowers, patterns, stars, hearts, and poems. Its not masculine but beautiful and romantic. Hopefully, these are the days that bring us to the end of sexist phrases like the well-known slang of having a tramp stamp. This particular stamp is identified as a tattoo of any kind on a womans lower back sitting slightly above the line of her pants. Shelley Bithell, 25, a typist from Leeds said I worked in a bar for 6 years after I got my tattoo and no one ever acknowledged it. But the people I was serving were young and more accepting to tattoos. Older people are probably the ones that label them as tramp stamps. AND A FUTURE! So dont be scared of an amazing job title or feel like you have to cover your tattoo when the grandparents come to visit- women should have the right to express themselves in any way they choose within our modern, democratic society. We say- if you get inked, live inked!

I got my tattoo and NO ONE ever acknowledged it

Take a look at Canadian singer Lights, she is definitely not camera shy when it comes to her ink!

- HANNAH CURRY

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FLIBBERTIGIBBET TATTOO STUDIO

Opening hours: Tues - Sat 10.00-18.00 41 Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2LB

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Bamboo Tattooing
The popularity of bamboo tattooing is massively on the rise in Western culture, mainly thanks to celebrity promotion from the likes of Angelina Jolie, and the promise of less pain and scarring than ever before. It is believed that the ancient method of tattooing originated from the Khmer Empire of Southeast Asia around 3000 years ago. In Thailand, bamboo tattooing began in the Buddhist temples where monks would, and still do, receive religious tattoos from their grand masters and wicha (magic) practitioners to show the strength of their faith. Keng, the resident bamboo tattoo artist at The Bamboo Rooms in Bradford, and the only bamboo artist in the whole of Europe, was once a young Monk at his local Temple in a small town just outside of Bangkok. He was taken under the wing of an elderly Monk who lovingly passed his skill on to Keng at the tender age of six. He describes how the bamboo designs offered protection, good luck and were believed to be magical for the owner. They are known as Yantra tattoos, which are tapped onto the skin using a long bamboo stick, traditionally known as a mai sak. Yantra designs offered the wearer different powers and protection. If you were to choose the Pra Ratana Trai design, you would gain the right to demand respect, compassion and admiration, even from your enemies. The Kan Sakod design, on the other hand, protects your house from being burgled. Despite these religious origins, tattoos were never mainstream in Thailand and were viewed historically as a trend only popular among criminals, which were normally designed to show their allegiance to their respective gangs, quite similarly to past western Pra Ratana Trai (above) and Kan attitudes. Sakod (below) designs. However, these attitudes are changing in the UK, but some still argue that bamboo tattooing is rapidly dying out in Southeast Asia due to developments in equipment available. Keng explains that the skill is passed down from father to son, or from monk to pupil, and that he has never heard of a female bamboo tattoo artist. He believes that the art is slowly dying out because it is just so much easier and quicker for kids to properly learn how to tattoo with a machine than with a bamboo stick these days. opposed to a round bullet often seen on tattoo guns. The thin Western tattoo culture is lapping needles allow me to achieve very up the exquisitely artistic method fine lines and intricate detail, and of tattooing, however, with Keng as the Bamboo stick is operated claiming the title for being the first by hand, the needles go straight in ever-qualified bamboo tattoo artist and cleanly out of the skin. The to open up a studio in the UK. skin is only punctured, instead of When we caught up with Keng at torn. Keng explained that machine Tattoo Jam this year he was busy needles go in and out but also rip tattooing a huge tribal symbol up through the skin in a sideways the leg of a comfortable, pain-free motion, which causes a great deal looking customer, but took a break more pain and it causes the skin to explain his method of tattooing to bleed, which of course leaves an to me. open wound. I use very, very fine needles, finer than human hair. I attach five of He also claims no one has ever them firmly to the end of a thin cried in his chair! The lack of bamboo stick with cotton. These bleeding under a bamboo tattooist needles are arranged in a line, as like Keng also means the shades,
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strengths and depths of colour used in his designs come with a guarantee of longevity, compared to machine tattoos. This is because guns cause more bleeding, which in turn causes the inks to dilute, pushes the colour back out the skin. This normally results in the gun artist having to go over and over the same raw spot, causing even more pain. Keng is in popular demand, with most of The Bamboo Rooms customers travelling from all over the country, as well as overseas. We have had customers from Canada, Sweden, Switzerland and lots from France and Spain. The reduction in pain levels mean his customers can sit in his chair from 9 until 5 on consecutive days, which is of course useful if you want the design to be finished in one trip. Recently we had an American customer who was working in Switzerland and had to be back on the Monday for work, so she sat with me for three full days while I designed a massive lotus across her back. I was rather impressed by her lack of whining and very flattered by the effort she made to come to me! Bamboo tattooing as a fashion trend is spreading quickly across the West, and, like most crazes and trends, it has been modified appropriately to become more accommodating to certain subcultures in the tattoo world. This is where Stick n Poke tattoos come into play. Probably invented by a drunk/ stoned student a few years back, stick and poke tattoos are a spinoff of bamboo tattooing. To create your own stick and poke pen, all you need is a pencil, a needle, ink, cotton wool and some saline solution. Instead of having several needles to tap into the skin, you only have one, leaving you with a really terri
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ble, amateur-looking tattoo and the possibility of an infection and ink poisoning (if you didnt do your research on toxic inks beforehand). I explained this new method to Keng, who responded with no words, just a look of disgust and sheer disappointment that Id

even exposed him to the method. But Kengs no stranger to terrible tattoos. I dont know why all these kids have such poor-quality tattoos - I get people in all the time with crap tattoos in desperate need of a cover up. I usually ask them which studio they went to and how much they were charged and there have been many instances where they were charged significantly more than they would have been if theyd just come to me in the first place. It would have looked a lot better, too . . . Keng new project is to teach his own son and daughter how to Bamboo tattoo. I would love for my children to be able to do this fantastic, ancient style of tattooing. We have the children in the studio at least once a week so they can absorb the atmosphere and see all the drawings. I want to ensure it is very much a part of their upbringing. Yorkshire should be feeling pretty privileged to be the home of the only qualified bamboo tattoo studio in Europe, and if youre looking for an original, intricatley detailed piece of bodywork, its difficult to beat the precision of the impeccably beautiful tradition of bamboo tattoos.

I have customers that travel from ALL

OVER Europe to get one of my tattoo

-EMILY-JANE

You can contact The Bamboo Rooms in Shipley, Bradford, through their website: bambootattoo.co.uk

BEWARE

OF STABBY LUKE . . .

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SCARRED FOR LIFE

A time to be wary in Headingley- Stabby Luke is loose with a scalper and hes not afraid to use it.

basic effect, but looks like a poorly done tattoo. Luke enjoys scarification most out of all his procedures. Its so much fun doing what I do. Performing scarification is definitely the highlight of my job; I cant wait to see how they all turn out. Although it is becoming more popular and may be the next mainstream technique in the tattoo world, I dont know about you, If you think ink tattooing is bold enough, imagine but Id rather have a sick bucket than an having it scarred into your skin! It seems the trend appointment. of scarification is starting to grow and a man that -HANNAH CURRY likes to be referred to as Stabby Luke is the answer. Based at Rude Studios, Luke is performing all sorts of weird and disturbing trends including tongue splitting, ear lobe reconstruction, and the big one scarification. Scarification is surprisingly a common practise that involves cutting, burning and scratching a design or words into your skin forming a scar. Not only does it hurt, but it also has a high risk of infection. Often mistaken for self-harming, this practise has been widely used by many West African tribes to symbolise stages in both men and womens lives, including marriage and puberty. Scarring on the abdomen of women in many tribes is used to test her willingness to be a mother. Her ability to tolerate the pain of scarring was an indication of her emotional maturity and readiness. Groups in Northern Ghana like the Dagomba use scarification to treat certain illnesses like measles, pneumonia, stomach pains, and so on. As these sicknesses are thought to be produced in the blood, the skin is cut by a traditional healer and powder is then applied to the wound so that it will travel to the bloodstream as treatment. Markings are also used to be identified as a member of a certain tribe. Specifically in tattooing, rubbing ink into the fresh cut can be used in scarification which has the same

Scarifiction is definitely the highlight of my job

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Celebrity Influemce
What do David Beckham, Megan Fox, Robbie Williams and Josef Stalin all have in common? They all have tattoos. Tattoos are everywhere in Britain. Everywhere one looks, a tattoo is not far from sight. Worn by the fit and the fat, the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the local postman and even the Prime Ministers wife. Explanations vary on why so many people are getting tattoos as well as how society now perceives tattoos considering its growing popularity. The media has an enormous influence in elevating the tattooed trend and determining social response to increased tattooing. The media has the power to regulate how much attention is given to tattoos and how audiences process and evaluate the information. In general the medias focus has been to rebuild the public interest in tattoos. The media has no motive to persuade their audience to acquire tattoos, instead the media is motivated to promote what sells. Tattoos sell. Regardless of personal perceptions, society in general is interested in learning more information about the tattooing. In seeking to provide

The more aware society is of tattooing, the more tattooing is accepted into society.
these characteristics of tattooed individuals, the media has replaced the old image of a tattooed person from being potentially rebellious, devious and also immoral, with a new image of a respectable citizen. The media has the ability to further strengthen the perception of tattoos in the public eye by being selective in the types of individuals that they choose to be featured in a particular article. For example, mainstream articles on tattoos do not interview the old vagabond (Sailors, Bikers and Gang-members)
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Megan Fox with her famed rib tattoos. Picture courtesy of www.meganfoxtattoos. com

Even the Prime Mininsters wife has a tattoo...

society with this information, the media has manipulated societys perception of tattooing. Quite simply put, the media today has altered the public perception of tattooing in order to strengthen its appeal. Through this technique, the media has successfully conveyed

that tattooing is no longer a disreputable business and has reframed tattooing as a practice for a new tattooed generation. However, this newly tagged generation does not necessarily reflect reality. It is instead merely a concept developed by the media in which articles on tattoos tend to portray those individuals with tattoos as being highly educated and holding whitecollar jobs, by focusing on

Starting in the 1990s, tattoos appeared in every media format available......

style individual with whom tattoos and negative perceptions were synonymous. Instead the media interviews tattooed individuals who fall within the categories of the middle-class, i.e. students, teachers, civil servants, social workers and other members considered respectable. Tattoos certainly remain present among groups of a lower socio-economic background, but the media has chosen to exclude those groups from its focus. The intent of this exclusion is to influence audience perception, middle class professionals are generally perceived as maintaing high-morality and demonstrating acceptable social behavior. Therefore,

the media has portrayed tattoos as an acceptable social practice. Starting in the 1990s, tattoos appeared in every media format available, including magazines, popular literature, movies, and the entertainment industry as a whole. Put simply the prevalence of tattoos in the media has affected societys perception of tattoos by increasing societys exposure to tattoos. Increased exposure is critical in normalizing the practice. The more aware society is of tattooing, the more tattooing is accepted into society. Consequently tattoos are consistently in the public eye, in Newspapers, Magazines, on Television and even advertising. This very fact has resulted in the common acceptance of ink. Tattoos have begun to appeal to individuals from all walks of life. Tattoo parlours are experiencing an increased clientele down to one very large

benefactor, a very large benefactor at that too. Celebrities. Celebrities are also everywhere. One could quite comfortably say more so than tattoos. Celebrities

Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls. Picture property of : www.playersview. net

When the two are brought together tattoos become seriously high-profile.
are idolised, their every little move is under scrutiny. Any new celebrity ink is certainly an area that is

analysed a lot, an awful lot. When the two are brought together tattoos become seriously high-profile. The very proliferation of tattoos through celebrities has led many to believe that they are now far more socially acceptable. Tattooed celebrities and athletes have also enhanced the appeal of tattoos. Until the 1990s celebrities getting inked remained rather low key. Though their fame often sets them apart, celebrities are as much a member of society as any individual, and as such, are just as likely to be tempted into adopting a current fashion. However, it is because of their fame and social status that their interest in tattoos is not seen as an example of con-

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forming to a trend but rather giving rise to a trend. Professional athletes had a lot to do with the mainstreaming of tattoos. They made them visible, socially acceptable and desirable. Tattoos have become the sporting worlds most flaunted form of self-expression. Twenty years ago, it seemed only boxers or wrestlers had visible tattoos, the likes of Mike Tyson and The Undertaker.

Today, they are in every sport. The important factor is their influence in further popularising tattoos. In Western culture, a celebrities duties extend beyond their job occupation to roles such as fashion icon, role model and a key public figure. When celebrities began to step out infront of the public with tattoos on their bodies, society accepted tattoos as a new social norm.

Soul singer Amy Winehouse was well known for her large array of ink. Image courtesy of www.rollingstone.com

Tattooed celebrities and athletes have enhanced the appeal....

New Zealands dual-code Rugby star Sonny Bill Williams is famed for his traditional Maori sleeve tattoo. Picture courtesy of : www.tvnz.co.nz

More so than a fashion statement, celebrities display of their tattoos served as a statement of acceptance. Tattoos became the norm, the stereotypical tattooed individual was no more as tattoos were elevated to a higher social status. Those wishing to express themselves through tattoos felt that they could do so after seeing celebrities so comfortably sporting tattoos. Prior to the rise of

tattooing among celebrities, individuals who were considering getting tattoos for themselves may have felt that they would be lookeddown upon from other members of society or worse be ostracised completely from society. - ARMW

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Health Risks With Tattoos

Young people in the UK are resorting to buying DIY tattoo kits over the Internet for as little as 30, deliberately scaring themselves and potentially spreading disease and infection between their friends. While the transmission of blood born diseases has always been a concern within the tattoo industry, the UK reports relatively low levels of Hepatitis A, B and C, and HIV cases, compared to other countries, such Asia and most of Africa. Hepatitis B, for example, only sees about 7 out of every 100,000 of the UKs population every year, but the disease is the tenth leading cause of death worldwide, with 350 million people suffering from chronic Hepatitis B infection. The DIY kits that have gone on sale in the UK are available to anyone with the money to buy them, and include coloured inks, needles and designs, but no advice on sterilization, hygiene, infections or diseases. Charles Gore, the Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: The rise in DIY tattooing is particularly alarming when you consider viruses such as Hepatitis C. Most
31 | Tattoo Ink | Issue 1

people do not realise that transmission of a disease is not just from shared needles: sharing any equipment, including ink pots, is a huge risk.

how to prevent infection. Tattoo and piercing studios have to be registered with their local council to obtain a license, which will only be granted if the parlour complies with their cleanliness and hygiene conditions, among other standards expected. This license should be displayed in the studio, and if its not, dont hesitate to ask for proof. Most decent tattoo parlours will be registered with the Department of Health, as well as professional bodies and associations, such as the Association of Professional Tattoo Artists (APTA) and the Tattoo Club of Great Britain (TCGB), all of which are also worth asking about before you commit to a studio. The transmission of diseases through unsterilized equipment can be avoided if you are careful and understand the potential risks involved in tattoos, and, most importantly, do the required background checks of hygiene levels and licenses at your desired studio. -EMILY-JANE

Hepatitis B is the TENTH leading cause of death worldwide.

The DIY kits are being used as a substitute for professional tattoo artists mainly due to the high prices for larger pieces of artwork. However, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health carried out research last year in the UK that revealed some parlours might not be much more sterile than a DIY kit. 91% of studios failed to ask for proof of age, while one in every two failed to give their customers advice about the risks and

Photos from Google

FAQS
Should I get a Tattoo??
If youre reading this magazine, chances are that youre pretty damn serious about getting inked. However a recent survey revealed that about 30% of Men and Women over the age of 30, regret their tattoo, so its definitely time to start thinking about your tattoo. What do you want, why do you want it, is it meaningful? These are questions that require serious consideration before you get your tattoo. If youre not completely sure, DONT GET INKED, you WILL regret it.

Im worried about being out of my depth in the studio....

Dont let the studio intimidate you when you first walk in. Strange smells, strange sounds. Some shops even try to look intimidating to create a toughguy feel. Just keep in mind that youre a potential customer. Consider it window shopping. The first thing you should do is take a minute to look around, get adjusted to the surroundings and the people inside!

What things should I look for in a studio??

The studio is just as important as your artist. PLEASE make sure the place is clean. Make sure the artist uses disposable, single-use needles, and uses an autoclave for all other equipment. Dont be afraid to ask them about anything either. Try to go and visit the studio first to get accustomed to the environmentand, then when youre 100% happy come back another day. Try and talk to some people that have experience with the artist. You should feel comfortable with the artist. If you dont, then dont get a tattoo from them. Make sure the artist is willing to listen to you and respects what you want. The artist may make suggestions, but the final word is always yours.

What should I look out for to make sure im safe??

The current popularity of tattooing and body piercing has also brought an increase in potentially hazardous conditions. For this reason, I am posting the following guideline of what to look out for: -Lighting: The area must be well-lit. -Counter and floor space should be lightly colored so dirt shows up easier. -The spray bottle the artist uses on your skin should be disinfected between customers, or some kind of protective film such as Cling film should be used. -Disposing needles: All needles must be either discarded after EACH use or autoclaved. Many body piercers operate out of small booths and may not have spent money for an autoclave, in which they must dispose of each needle. no exceptions. -Needles touching other things: The needles, once open from theirsanitary packages, must not be placed on unsanitized surfaces. The piercer should not set the needle down on the table or have the needle touch theground. If this happens and they dont get a new needle, insist they do. -Gloves: The artist must wash their hands prior to putting on theirgloves, preferably with an antibacterial/antiseptic solution. Once they put their gloves on, they should not touch anything other than your skin, the needle, and the jewelry. -Sterile materials should be stored in sealed containers away from things that could cause body fluids or ink to splash on them.

Picture courtesy of: www.dannysancientart.com

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Trends of the month

Here are some of the fashionable tattoo trends of October and November
White Tattoos
They hurt just as much as the regular ones only these are more subtle, top of the fashion hype and barely visible! White tattoos are increasing in popularity and have any celebrity followers including supemodel Kate Moss and actress Lindsey Lohan.

Finger Art

Ever since the hype of Rihannas Shhh finger tattoo, the trend has started to spread. With creative stints like the finger moustache we can bet to see this fashion craze for a while.

Random yet Stylish

The disjointed sleeve I like to call it. Sported by the likes of Harry Styles and Christina Perri, there is enough artwork to form a sleeve yet they are all disconnected. How random!

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Special stickers to get Sun Tattoo

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