Back to Tattoo Artists

A tattoo is an indelible mark made on human skin by injecting a needle into the dermis (second layer of skin) and filling it with ink, usually forming a design or lettering.

Tattoo art has been prevalent since the Stone Age; however tattoos are often associated with cultish behaviour, gangs, secret societies and such. Tattoos are also used for cosmetic (permanent makeup) or medical purposes.

Tattoo Lasers: Emedicine.com provides a very comprehensive histology of the art of tattooing as well as information about tattoo removal and various tattooing techniques – all from a medical standpoint.

Kids Health – Safe Tattooing: Kids Health has a great section for teens contemplating getting a tattoo. It contains information on how to get a safe tattoo, what vaccinations you should have before considering tattoos, how to avoid infection, tattoo procedure and removal.

FDA on Tattoos: The Food and Drug Administration has a section on permanent makeup techniques such as tattoos, which stipulates that inks used in tattoos need to be approved by the FDA. They also urge you to report adverse reactions of tattoos to them.

Legal Status of Tattooing in the US: A State-wide listing of the permissibility requirements of getting a tattoo.

Tattoo Designs

Tattoo designs range in price, complexity and process. There are millions of cosmetic tattoo designs to choose from – however people typically pick a design based on its meaning, image and symbolism.

Here are some websites to peruse for tattoo designs – whether you’re looking for inspiration or ideas:

http://www.tattooartists.org
http://www.knuckletattoos.com/
http://offbeatink.com/
http://www.needlesandsins.com/
http://www.tattoobase.org/
http://www.skinink.com/
http://www.celebritytattoos.org
http://tattoofinder.com
http://www.tattoodesigns.net/
http://www.tattoodles.com/
http://www.tattoowoo.com/
http://www.tattoobase.com
http://www.tattoofinder.com
http://www.tattooingtips.com/

Tattoo Procedure

Modern tattooing is accomplished by using a hand-held machine with the needle action of a sewing machine. A tattooing machine injects pigment into the skin via a hand-held device with a needle – the needle vibrates vertically and injects pigment into the skin with each puncture.

Although the procedure of a getting a cosmetic tattoo varies from parlor to parlor, here is generally what you can expect:

1. Tattoo artist will create a hygienically secure environment
2. Tattoo artist will discuss designs with you
3. Tattoo artists will make an outline and proceed to fill it with pigmentation
4. Tattoo artist will advise you on the best way to care for your tattoo and not let it get infected.

Permanent Cosmetic Tattoos: The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) contains information on how to get cosmetic tattoos for the eyes, lips, eyebrows and other areas. There are also other informative sections on the site containing information on tattoo pricing, SPCP-certified technicians, and general tattoo care articles.

The Art of Tattoo: This resource from the Michigan State University covers a wide range of tattoo topics – from history and etymology, to a tattoo gallery to modern practices, processes and safe removals.

Tattoo Training and Certification

Tattoo artists who opt for professional training and certification are generally knowledgeable about the rules laid down by the Food and Drug Administration and the Occupational Health and Safety Association about running a tattoo parlor business. These courses typically teach them the basic of skin anatomy, physiology, tattooing procedures, state and local regulations, and information about bloodborne pathogens.

Tattoo Training: The Tattoo Training Information website provides articles on how to get tattoo apprenticeships, the equipment requirements for a tattoo artist, training courses, internships, certifications and expected salaries for tattoo professionals in America.

Safety Skills – Tattoo Safety: Provides OSHA-compliant training for tattoo artists. OSHA is the Occupational Health and Safety Association and is the body responsible for ensuring that tattoo artists are compliant with Federal Bloodborne Pathogens Standard set in 1991.

American Tattooing Institute: ATI offers a web-based course as well as a correspondence-based course for aspiring tattoo artists which covers requirements from the FDA and OSHA.

Tattoo Artists and Body Piercers OSHA Certificate: Compliance Training Online offers online courses for would-be tattoo artists to pass and obtain the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens & Needlestick Prevention Certification

Tattoo Care

Tattoos have the potential to cause a number of complications, ranging from simple skin infections, allergies, keloids, red bumps (called granulomas) to the more serious bloodborne diseases such as Hepatitis B and C, tetanus and HIV.

To minimize the risk of infections, you should always ensure that the tattoo artist is trained and qualified, the equipment used for tattooing is hygienically cleaned and that you follow all after-care precautions, such as limiting sun and water exposure, as advised by your tattoo technician.

CDC on Body Art: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a resource based on the health and safety risks associated with tattoos. It offers information on diseases that can be contracted with unsafe tattooing procedures, safety information for body art professionals and links to articles by the FDA and other health authorities.

Mayo Clinic on Tattoo Risks and Precautions: The Mayo Clinic is a trusted resource for understanding tattoo health and safety concerns. They provide bulleted checklists of what you should know before getting a tattoo and how you can best prepare your body.

Tattoo Removal

People want tattoos removed for varying reasons – dislike, faded, regret, embarrassment, etc. Tattoos may be removed with laser treatment, although removal typically costs more than the getting the tattoo in the first place. Lasers break down the ink in the tattoo which then gets absorbed by the body and fades in time.

While laser tattoo removal is considered a safe method, there are risks and complications that may arise depending on a person’s health and immune system.

Tattoo Health: Tattoo Health is an online directory on how to remove tattoos in a safe and permanent way. It contains listings of specialists according to region, provides information on health insurance coverage and provides listings of the best facilities.

Remove Tattoos: This site has some informative articles on the effectiveness of tattoo removal, the different ways in which they can be removed and whether you need a certified practitioner to remove them.

Tattoo Removal Tips: The Cleveland Clinic gives twelve tips on safe and effective tattoo removal.

Temporary Tattoos (Henna)

For those not interested in permanent tattoos or considering tattoos for the first time, the option of getting a temporary tattoo provides an interesting alternative. The most common type of temporary tattoos is in the form of henna (mehndi).

FDA Product Information on Temporary Tattoos: The FDA provides product information and a safety factsheet for the use of henna as a temporary tattoo product.

Tattoo Forums

Tattoo enthusiasts like to get together on community groups and discussion forums to discuss tattoo ideas, get tattoo tips and share designs and pictures. Some popular forums to discuss tattoos are:

www.thetattooforum.com
www.tattootype.com/forum/
http://forum.ink-trails.com
www.tattoodles.com/forum/
www.tattooartists.org/
http://kink.com/BodyArt