Tattooing Like a Pro in 4 Simple Steps

Due to the growing popularity of body art, the profession of tattooing has boomed in recent years. If you'd like to become a tattoo artist then it's important to take all the right steps that will lead to a successful career as a tattooing professional.

There is no room for amateurs in this highly competitive field.

The first step to get started as a tattoo artist is to begin an apprenticeship with a professional tattoo artist and learn all the tricks of the trade first hand. Tattooing itself is not simple, but if it's taken one step at a time under the guidance of a mentor the process of learning how to tattoo is less intimidating.

These 4 simple steps will have you tattooing like a pro in no time.

Step 1: Learn how to use tattooing equipment.

Professional tattoo artists use tattoo machines rather than inserting a tattoo needle manually into the skin. A tattoo machine has an electrical motor and a group of needles attached to a bar. The needles are dipped into ink and then the machine rapidly pushes the needles up and down. In order for a tattoo to be permanent, the ink must be injected into the inner layer of skin known as the dermis. A tattoo machine precisely controls the depth of needle injection and ensures that ink is correctly inserted into the dermis by the tattoo needle.

A tattoo that is properly applied with a tattoo machine will keep its bright colors with minimal fading during the client's lifetime. A tattoo artist can also work more quickly and efficiently with a tattoo machine, since several needles are inserted into the skin at one time.

Step 2: Learn proper sanitary procedures.

In recent years, professional tattoo artists have become more aware of the health risks associated with improperly applied tattoos. Unsterilized tattoo equipment can cause infection and spread disease. This can be avoided by using sterilized equipment and single-service needles.

Tattoo artists should always wear gloves and make sure the client's skin is washed with antiseptic before tattooing begins.

It's important to make sure the tattoo client feels like the tattoo procedure is safe. Keeping the tattoo shop clean and neat helps put a client's mind at ease. All equipment should be sterilized with an autoclave and the client should be informed how sterilization was done. The tattoo artist should be willing and able to answer all the client's questions about the safety of the tattooing procedure.

Step 3: Develop a tattooing style.

A professional tattooist is an artist at heart. Listening to the client's expectations and finding the perfect tattoo design is an important part of the tattoo artist's job. Whether an original design is created or a flash design is used, the tattoo artist must be able to transform it into a piece of living art on the skin of the client. Skillful outlining, shading and coloring are what set the truly professional tattoo artist apart from an amateur.

An apprenticeship with a skilled tattoo artist is the best way to learn the skills that will give you a professional tattooing style. Just as the old masters of the art world passed on their craft to apprentices, a tattoo artist will teach an apprentice how to achieve masterful tattooing results.

Step 4: Become savvy about tattooing businesses.

Once you feel confident with your tattooing skills, it's time to focus on the business aspect of tattooing. You may even decide to open your own tattoo shop.

The first step to take when starting a tattooing business is finding out about tattoo laws and regulations related to professional tattooing. There are no federal laws governing tattooing, but most states and many local communities have regulations. Many areas require tattoo artists to be licensed.

Talk to other tattoo professionals and find out what type of waivers they ask clients to sign. A waiver is a legal form that will free you from liability if a client doesn't perform the proper aftercare for a tattoo that you've applied. If you exercised all the standard sanitation and safety precautions, a waiver will protect you from possible lawsuits and other legal issues. Once a waiver is signed by a client, you'll have peace of mind and will be able to focus on the art of tattooing.

Do you want to learn how to tattoo?

Be sure to visit: The Ultimate Tattoo Bible for more great tattooing information!

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Basic Tattoo Designs

Tribal Tattoos -Tribal Tattooing originated thousands of years ago, and it is still being used by various cultures throughout the world. Tribal tattoos originated in areas such as Hawaii and Samoa. Their characteristics include heavy black lines and shading of geometric designs. The great thing about tribal tattoos is the variety of creativity that a tattoo artist can use. In fact, any basic design can easily be given a tribal touch by a skilled tattoo artist by working freehand alone. With the flexibility of this design, anyone can easily come up with a unique tribal tattoo design.

Celtic Tattoos - Celtic designs are an incredibly popular choice today for those looking to get tattooed. A general rule of thumb is: the shape of the design often determines the "meaning" of a knotwork design. Circles represent unity or eternity, spirals reincarnation or cycles of life and rebirth, triangles and trefoils the threefold dominion of earth, sea, and sky. Squares or four-fold shapes are shield knots, symbols of protection from spirits or evil influences. Interlaced animals and men usually represent relationships, or emphasize the interdependence of mankind and nature. There are actually very few records of the Celts themselves, and most symbols are interpreted by archaeologists and other scholars who have studied the symbols in context. Some ancient Celtic symbols have changed in meaning over time, having been influenced by the introduction of the Church and the influence of other cultures. Be sure to seek advice from the tattoo artist when deciding on which design would best suit your personality.

Cross Tattoos -Cross designs are one of the oldest types of designs, and are still an incredibly popular choice for those who are looking to get tattooed. There are 4 basic cross designs that are very popular:

* Celtic Cross

* Iron Cross

* Gothic Cross

* Christian Cross

There are some people that just love a well done cross tattoo just for the sake of how beautiful it is. If it is done well, and the ridges and curves are very smooth and detailed, it will have an amazing result. It can almost have a three dimensional effect when you look at it from the sides.

Butterfly Tattoos - Butterfly tattoos are still an incredibly popular choice for those looking to get tattooed. They can be done in many ways. They can be done in a big way, with bold colors and details, or they can be done with a more subtle approach. They can be done to match the actual realistic look of a butterfly, or you can be very creative with your rendition. You can also combine them with other designs and themes. Before you have a huge butterfly tattooed on your body, please consider the following. The basic symbolism of the butterfly involves grace, beauty, spirituality, transition, so be sure to have your tattoo made delicately and carefully.

Dragon Tattoos - Dragon tattoos are one of the most sought after tattoo designs today! In Japan, dragons are an important part of the Japanese mythology. In Japan, they are water gods; therefore, that is why they are generally portrayed with clouds. Japanese dragon tattoos symbolize power, protection of home and family and longevity. In China, the dragon has a stronger, more masculine depiction of the Dragon. There, they represent strength, intelligence, luck, health, and harmony. They commonly protect life, fortune, and fertility. They generally have a snake-like appearance, and scales all over their body. They are also said to possess supernatural powers. The Tribal variation of the Dragon tattoo is also impressive. They are dragons that are designed with the strengths of the Tribal Tattoo style, such as the bold, black colors. The meaning of the Tribal Tattoo will depend more on how you decide to combine it with Tribal styles.

Angel Tattoos - Angel tattoos are another type of tattoo with multiple types and meanings. Generally, when women get an angel tattoo, this symbolizes calmness and serenity. When men get them, it usually symbolizes more of a connection to their spirituality and inner self. Some angel designs are designed to make the wearer safe and protected. Of course, there are some darker designs that can also represent a person's darker side. There are Cherub designs, which symbolize hope and optimism, relating to love. Generally speaking, the symbol of an angel represents a representative from God, and the spiritual and emotional support he gives us.

Arm Tattoos - Arm tattoos are also very common, and can be done in many ways. This is probably the most common place on the body to tattoo. They are common in both Eastern and Western cultures. This spot on the body is very visible, so you want to ensure that you get a design that is important to you. There are just so many choices in this area, upper arm tattoo, forearm tattoo, shoulder tattoo, sleeve tattoos, wrist tattoos, the list can go on and on. Full sleeve tattoos are probably the boldest choice. Tattoo sleeves seem to be preferred by men although many women also seem to be getting them. It should be noted that full sleeve tattoos take a very long time to complete and usually require more than one session. Now that being said, it also takes great deal of commitment and money to create quality sleeve tattoos.

Skull Tattoos - Skull tats have been a huge choice for many decades, and are still extremely popular. From fun and jovial, to scary and creepy, this tattoo can be expressed in hundreds or ways. The symbol of the skull is known all over the world as a sign of death. People generally assume that the Skull Tat is a representation of death or other negative images. It also symbolizes power, strength, and the ability to overcome a difficult time in life, and the ability to avoid death. Historically, the skull has also been seen as a triumph over an enemy. You can see many different styles of skulls based on the creative imagination of the person creating them. They can be seen in many places, video games, comic strips, books, and of course tattoos. Be sure to seek advice from the tattoo artist when deciding on which design would best suit your personality.

Paul L Westcott is dedicated to helping prepare you for all things tattoo related.  Tatt00 Ideas is a website dedicated to helping you through the whole process. For some other great Tatt00 Designs and advice, look over our site. See our site for safety tips and general advice as well. Thank you.

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Mastering the Art of Tattooing

The art of tattooing is one of the earliest art forms known to mankind. Tattooing has been a form of personal expression and body ornamentation since prehistoric times. Both tribal cultures and highly developed civilizations like ancient Rome and Egypt used tattooing as an art form. In every century and in countries all over the world, people have felt a strong desire to adorn their bodies with meaningful symbols and beautiful designs.

Today's tattooists must learn how to use equipment, including tattoo machines, needles and ink. They also must become familiar with modern sanitary procedures for tattooing.

Mastering this knowledge will make someone a proficient tattooist, but becoming a tattoo artist requires another level of skill. A successful tattoo artist must have a good understanding of basic artistic concepts like proportion, perspective and the use of color. The ability to draw well is another important skill for a tattoo artist. Much of this comes naturally to people who are born with artistic talent, but that doesn't mean that a dedicated tattooist can't learn and develop artistic skills. With time and practice, you can master the art of tattooing

Color Theory for the Art of Tattooing

The color of a tattoo is one of the first things that gets noticed. The use of color can make all the difference in the success or failure of a tattoo design. Gaining an understanding of how colors work together is an important step in mastering the art of tattooing. If you've never been exposed to color theory, enrolling in an art class at a community college is a great way to get started. You'll learn how the primary colors (red, yellow and blue) can be mixed to form all other colors, and how a color wheel shows which colors work well together.

Use of Contrast in Tattoos

One of the most important aspects of color in the art of tattooing is the use of contrast. Color contrast is what gives a tattoo design depth. The contrast can be in the amount of lightness and darkness (such as the contrast between white and black) or it can be in the colors themselves (such as the contrast between warm colors like yellow and orange and cool colors like blue and green). Contrast in colors will make one shape stand out from another or make a shape stand out from its background.

Composition and the Art of Tattooing

Composition refers to the flow of the design elements in a tattoo and how well they fit on the body part where they're tattooed. A client may come to a tattoo artist with a fixed idea about the design and placement of a tattoo. A good tattoo artist will know if the proportion of the design will work in the desired location. If it won't work, the tattoo artist must be ready to offer some alternative ideas. This may mean changing the scale of a design with a photocopier machine or cutting and pasting elements of one or more designs to create something new. A talented tattoo artist understands that the most successful tattoo designs mimic the flow of the body part where they're applied.

Perspective and Depth in Tattoos

Applying the artistic theories of perspective and depth is what gives a tattoo a 3-dimensional quality. In tattooing, perspective and depth are achieved through the use of contrast, outline and shading. Being able to create the illusion of reality with depth and perspective is what sets a tattoo artist apart from a tattooist. These techniques can be learned in an art course or from an art book and practiced with pencil and paper. Unless you're a natural born artist, practice and experience are the only way to master these techniques.

Besides taking art courses and practicing, a beginner tattooist should spend time studying tattoo magazines and becoming familiar with the work of established tattoo artists. Tattoo magazines are an important resource for beginning tattooists. They showcase the finest designs that the world of tattooing has to offer. By reading tattoo magazines, aspiring tattoo artists can learn about the leading tattoo artists, become inspired, decide who they want to emulate and begin to create their own style.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO TATTOO?

Be sure to check out The Ultimate Tattoo Bible or learn more on mastering the art of tattooing and find out how to tattoo.

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Don't Pay for a Tattoo that Millions of People Have - Get a Unique Custom Tattoo Design

Recently it was reported that tattoo related terms received more searches per month then most adult related keywords. This has spawned a huge growth of websites selling flash tattoo designs. You can go and visit these sites and for $10 or so find a tattoo design. You can then download this design and take it to your local tattoo parlor and get a new tattoo.

Well, for many this has become the Achilles heel so to speak of the tattoo art industry. Buying tattoos this way is definitely contrary to the main reasons people get tattoos. Tattoos and the tattoo industry has always held that tattoo art was the last bastion of personal expression and freedom in America. You see most tattoo enthusiast feel that the tattoo they get are very uniquely theirs and a tattoo, being something you have to live with for a long time, should say something about yourself. So these huge flash tattoo sites come along and sell thousands of the same tattoo to people. These same people go to their local tattoo parlor and get a new tattoo and soon they are sporting it around town feeling proud to assert their individuality. However in reality they have just copied a bunch of other people and probably ended up with a tattoo that says nothing interesting or unique about them. They just bought the design because it was popular.

The other sad part of this phenomena is that most tattoo artists are on the loosing end of the proposition. The big websites that sell tons of designs often have had some graphic designer just create a bunch of low quality tattoo designs to sell. The designer was not even a tattoo artist in the first place. However, the tattoo artists out there are now losing tons of business to these larger companies. That is not to say all tattoo sites selling tattoo designs online are doing this. Of course there are some that have taken this into consideration have have worked hard to value the artists for their original ideas and work.

However it still leaves the tattoo enthusiast who just got the same tattoo as thousands of other people out in the dark. Think about what is going to happen when that person is at a concert of some large public event and a guy comes up to him and says, :hey cool man nice tat." The guy turns and the notices that the speaker is sporting the same exact tattoo. Here he thought he was unique and individual and doing something really cool. What is one to say in that kind of situation? Other then start looking at all the tattoo removal adds online there is not really much.

It is for these exact reasons that a few websites have started popping up on the internet that have solved these basic problems. At the time of this writing there are in fact only two sites on the internet that have effectively dealt with both of these problems. They are custom designed freelance tattoo art websites. That is kind of a mouthful so I will explain what each of those terms means. It means that a person wanting a unique tattoo design can go to the site and post a job. Then tattoo artists from around the globe can come and bid on the job to design a great custom tattoo to the individuals specifications.

This is really the best of all worlds as it encourages tattoo artists and pays them fairly for their abilities and skills. It also create a unique tattoo to the exact specifications and desires of the person getting the tattoo done. It is a really great way to solve the problem and these sites have had a high rate of customer satisfaction and repeat business from both the tattoo artists and the tattoo enthusiast.

Chris has owned several tattoo related websites and has published numerous articles on tattoos. Check out Free Tattoo Design Ideas for a ton of great ideas to help you get the perfect tattoo. If you are just getting started in tattoos you might want to consider Foot Tattoo Designs!

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Tattoos - A Living Form of Art

Tattoos and body piercings have grown in popularity over the past few decades. Once only reserved for tribes, sailors, or criminals, the meaning of tattoos and the reasons for people getting them have changed dramatically.

A Brief History

Like body piercings, tattoos are created by the constant application of ink just under the subcutaneous layer of the skin with a needle. At first, many tribes, sailors, and other groups used to apply the ink by hand. This was a long, painful process and the marked people were usually of high status. The tattoos were often a sign of respect, rank, and social status. Since the tattoos are permanent, the owners were guaranteed respect for life.

The interest of tattooing for the general public spread throughout the world in fads. A sailor would bring over a fully tattooed indigenous person and interest would spread like wildfire. In London, a sailor brought over a tattooed Polynesian from the South Pacific, and many of the people of London began to acquire their own small tattoos in secret places. However, interest in tattooing waxed and waned due to its long, arduous process of applying every dot of ink by hand.

The electric tattoo machine is a relatively recent invention, created in 1891 by Samuel O'Reily, and has revolutionized tattoos into an art form. Tattooing can still be long and painful but now the many punctures in the skin are done automatically at thousands of punctures per minute and can allow for better detail and shading. Skin is the most unique canvas and a tattoo that is placed onto the skin is permanent, requiring extra consideration for the right tattoo, the right artist, and the right placement. That piece of art will follow throughout one's lifetime.

In New York City, Samuel O'Reily trained a partner named Charley Wagner, who continued teaching after O'Reily's death. For a brief while, Chatham Square flourished with tattoo artists while the rest of the world remained unimpressed with tattooing. For a long time tattooing was generally stigmatized and most people with tattoos were stereotyped to be scary, dangerous, or freaks. During the 1920s tattoos began to be recognized for where a person has been in their travels, as tattoo artists set up shops in Coney Island. An outbreak of hepatitis, blood poisoning and other disease even worsened the prospects for tattooing in American culture.

Finally, a tattoo artist named Lyle Tuttle changed America's perception of tattooing by introducing celebrities to the art form. He tattooed them, mostly women, and used the media to change their stereotypes about the types of people who got tattoos. Together with the heightened awareness of the importance of sterilization and the improvement of training, tattoo popularity began to surge in the last few decades.

Changing Views

Today, the tattooing industry booms with new talented artists, schools and apprenticeship for budding tattooists, enlightened knowledge about sterilization, and health code regulation. Tattoo suppliers are well known and there are a wide variety of brands to choose from inks, tattoo machines, needles, and even tattoo shop supplies such as flash designs, chairs, and more. Younger generations are catching onto this art form and have made having a tattoo almost a rite of passage when one turns 18 in America. As more and more people of all walks of life have tattoos, the old stereotypes of tattooing that previously kept tattooing underground and unsafe has become outdated.

Now getting a tattoo is easier, mildly less painful, and relatively faster than ever before. The results of sitting in a chair in one position for a few hours are much more satisfying to see a beautiful piece of art with the outbursts of new and unique tattoo artists, each with their own style. Some tattoo designers stick with what is known as Old School tattoos, which have the look of tattoos done before the Second World War. They include traditional designs like nautical stars, pin up girls and mermaids, Old English letters, sparrows, skulls, hearts, roses, symbolic animal spirits (tigers, eagles, fish), and more. Old School tattoos keep the look simple with mostly black ink and a little bit of color because in the older days of tattooing there was not a great variety of ink colors to choose from. Old school tattoos are also notorious for featuring a ribbon with Old English letters writing a word or name inside the papyrus. The infamous Sailor Jerry Collins was the man who designed most tattoos that are now considered traditional or Old School. Today many women interested in 1950s retro fashion choose Old School tattoos and place them on their arm like a sailor would back in the day. Many sailor tattoos are symbolic. For example, the nautical star means that a person has gone through an important event or has been somewhere far and has returned safely.

New School tattoos include any new techniques done after this war. After the 1961 hepatitis outbreak which forced the tattoo movement underground for a while, tattoo designs were picked up by younger generations. They used bold, bright colors and utilized more shading thanks to advancements in needle variety and better quality ink. The health code regulations and better use of sterilization machines brought tattooing back in the forefront again. New school tattoos still have the same list of tattoo designs as old school but are captured in a unique way that is difficult to explain but easy to see the difference. Also many people today get new school designs that are custom made, compared to the old school tattoos which were generally picked off a wall of flash.

Today there are dozens of interesting tattoo styles to choose from: Celtic, Japanese, religious, spiritual, tribal, bio-mechanical, feminine, military, black and gray, traditional, neo-traditional, modern, and more. The best part about getting a tattoo is designing a custom piece. Then it is completely unique and meaningful for the person. Today, tattooing is more than ink on skin; it is expression of the soul.

Dehlia Buckley has four tattoos and a few piercings. Dehlia is a creative college student majoring in Psychology and also offers her freelancing skills to the world en mass. You can visit her portfolio at http://cacoethes.webs.com and her blog at [http://cacoethesblog.wordpress.com]

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Show Your Personality With Upper Back Tattoos

The original tattoos were used to signify membership within a clan or tribe. Sometimes they were used as a representation of status and rank. And tattoos were used this way for 1000s of years in many different cultures all around the world.

Later on, tattoos were used by sailors, bikers and those who have been incarcerated in prison as a symbol of membership. Which of course gave tattoos a disreputable look that prevented its acceptance into the mainstream for a long time. Until today. Now, tattoos are virtually everywhere and on everyone.

Tattoos are so accepted these days as a form of self-expression and as a way to respect the important memories that we have in our lives.

And one of the more popular tattoos are the upper back tattoos and for a good reason. The upper back is a very nice location for all tattoos because it is flat and has a lot of area to work with. You can put smaller stylish tattoos around the upper back or you can extend a full back tattoo up to the neck or arms.

In fact, going with an upper back tattoos is a great way to get started if you don't have one yet. And I say this because the upper back seems for most folks, the least painful part of the body to place a tattoo on. However, I'm NOT saying it won't be uncomfortable or painful! It depends on the person and the threshold for pain.

Another good reason for an upper back tattoos if of course that you can hide it with clothing so your boss or the world doesn't see your ink when you don't want them to see it.

Some folks prefer to have a medium sized tattoo placed on their shoulder blade area. You could even use both shoulder blades and create a mirror imaged tattoos for great effect. Those tattoos could be butterfly wings, angel wings, fairy wings or other similar tattoo designs. Another way to do it is to place these mirror imaged tattoos on either side of your spine. When done right, it is a beautiful pattern to show off.

Many guys prefer to use the shoulder blade area for symbolic tattoos. It can be animal tattoos or other tattoos that symbolizes the family, membership, beliefs or strengths. Something that reinforces the guy's personal identity.

Now, upper back tattoos can get a little complex because it spreads out across your entire back. It can even envelope the neck, wrapping around the shoulders and down to the arms. Usually, these tattoos are continuous or based on a theme.

Now you could look for tattoo pattern ideas for your upper back. Places to look are the tattoo magazines, tattoo design websites and the photos of work done by your local tattoo artist. Those are usually found at the tattoo studio. But I would urge you to discuss with your tattoo artist BEFORE doing anything. Make sure your artist is capable and creative.

After all, the upper back tattoos can get quite large and if it is done badly, I can't begin to describe how disappointed you will be because you are going to be stuck with that tattoo you don't like for the rest of your life. So be slow and careful. Be absolutely certain that this is the tattoo design or theme that you want to cover your back with.

So look around. Kick some tires. Check out all the possible tattoo patterns that you would consider. It could be a tribal pattern that stretches over your back or a smaller tattoo of a heart with your children names inside. While it is OK to be unique and personal. Be sure that this is what you want to proudly wear on your back forever.

Make your upper back tattoos meaningful. It is a way to express yourself to you and those close to you. And besides, you are going to want to show off your beautiful tattoo so be sure that it is exactly what you want before you get it inked on.

So there you go. If you do your homework, the upper back tattoos can be a wonderful source of pride for you. You need to put in the time and energy to plan everything so there are no surprises like waking up with 56 tattoos on your face! And make sure that it is the tattoo that you really want and would love seeing on you every single time you see it.

Becky McClure believes that the MOST important word after you made the decision to get inked is patience! Pick the right tattoo design for you. Pick the right location on your body to have it done. And then pick the best artist you can find for your new body art. Her website at http://www.dream-tattoo-design.com provides a wealth of informative articles and directions to a huge tattoo design gallery.

Don't forget to sign up for the FREE tattoo newsletter and grab your freebies too!

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What Makes Star Tattoos So Popular? Everything from Shooting Star Tattoos, to Nautical Star Tattoos

Star tattoos seem to be a pretty old and yet a very popular design. It is one of the most requested custom designs. Why are they so popular and are they over rated? You know there is this on going controversy between the "tattoo traditionalists" and the new generation of "tattooers". I put those in quotes because they are terms that I made up for this article.

A "tattoo traditionalists" like the old school tattoos. Things that are done in black ink and nothing that would be considered popular. They feel that each tattoo should be unique and say something about the individual. They are strongly against anyone that gets a tattoo because it is a popular design. For example they are against star tattoos because of their popularity. They would most likely be against the good old tribal arm band tattoo or a barbed wire arm band etc. You know the tattoo designs that are so popular and done over and over again. The "tattoo traditionalists just hate these.

The new generation of "tattooers" are pretty much the opposite. They like what is cool and hip and want to get tattoos done that are popular and in style. They will often look at celebrity tattoos or the tattoos of friends to get their ideas from which they might do some customizing and etc. Their designs typically feature a lot of color and are bright!

I have written more about these groups in other articles so for now I will stick to the topic at hand of star tattoos. You see there is a phenomenal growth in star tattoo designs. Tons of people want to get everything from simple star tattoos, groupings of moon and star tattoos, nautical stars, and even shooting stars. Star tattoo designs are pretty much everywhere.

So why are they so popular?

1. Star tattoo designs and celestial tattoos are especially popular themes among women and this is a rapidly growing market.

2. Star tattoos can be very gender neutral. Men and women can get star tattoos done.

3. Star tattoos are often inexpensive to get designs of and cost very little to get done.

4. Star tattoos often make a great first tattoo design for someone who is a little worried about getting started in tattoos. They are small and easily covered up and also less painful to get because of their size and therefore popular among first timers.

5. Star tattoos because of their size can fit into or among other existing designs or can make great cover up of a bad tattoo.

6. Stars are pretty universal symbols of good things. Most all religions have some type of star symbolism and star and stars don't make a strong statement about the world but just kind of thought of as fun and light hearted.

So who is right? Are star tattoos a great design to get done like the new generation of tattooers is doing or should you avoid them at all costs because they are not unique and they are overdone like the traditionalists would say?

Well, like all great questions in life and in the world of tattoo design the decision really is your to make. It will be your tattoo and one that you will live with for a long time. I think the best middle ground between the two groups is to just get something you like. If you like star tattoos for their own sake if they are popular or not then go ahead and get one and who cares. However if you are just getting a star tattoo because your friend just did or because the latest pop diva got one then it might be better to wait. Either way the choice is your to be made.

Chris is an avid tattoo enthusiast, as well as an observer and writer of the tattoo scene. He has run numerous tattoo related website business in the past. However, now he provides great tattoo information in the form of articles and web pages for everyone to enjoy free. Check out this page for more on tattoo sleeve designs, or here for awesome Free Star Tattoo Designs.

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So You're Thinking of Getting Your First Tattoo - A Look at the Pros And Cons Of Tattoos

On Getting Your First Tattoo: Pros And Cons Of Tattoos

So you're thinking of getting your first tattoo. Well, you're not alone. Tattoos are more popular than ever. And getting a new tattoo seems to be on our minds more than ever. On a recent trip to the beach, it seemed as if over half the sun worshipers were showing a bit of skin art somewhere on their bodies.

These days tattoos are more common than ever. Tattoos have gained quite a bit in popularity over the years, giving people a chance to stand out and broadcast who they really are. Men and women alike have tattoos, some covering their entire body. The choice is entirely up to you though, as you can get a tattoo in virtually any size you want.

Now I'm not knocking tattoos at all. You see, I got inked twice in my younger days. So I know the urge to get inked can be quite strong. I also know that tattoos can be addictive. But before getting inked, think about the pros and the cons of a tattoo.

The Pros of Tattoos

Tattoos allow a person to show the world their personality. Tattoos allow a person to stand out in a crowd for sure. Depending on the design of the tattoo, it might carry a symbolic meaning.

For the young person, a tattoo can definitely make you feel better about yourself. A lovely young woman with a beautiful butterfly on the shoulder can be very sexy. And the well-known tramp stamp tattoo on a ladies lower back can raise the passion fires in a male observer.

Yes, tattoos can make you feel good about yourself, but think about the cons of tattoos.

The Cons of Tattoos

For the weak of heart, let me tell you -- tattoos hurt. If your pain threshold is low, expect the pain to feel like red hot needles puncturing the skin. Now for some people, the pain is no big deal. But yes, tatts hurt for most of us mere mortals.

You also have the risk of infection when getting a tattoo. Always check out the tattoo studio for cleanliness and sanitation of all tattoo machines and inks.

Now here's the biggy of tattoo cons. TATTOOS ARE PERMANENT. Think about this for a second. Tattoos don't wash off. If you get a design you later regret, well sorry. It's permanent. And it will cost you an arm and a leg to have it removed.

My Personal Tattoo Removal Story

Here's a little personal note about tattoo removal.

When I got inked in Hong Kong while in the navy -- I was 19 at the time -- that beautiful tattoo cost me just $20US. Later, back in the states, I had the tattoo removed. (That's another story.) The tattoo removal cost $1,800.

And this was before laser tattoo removal. Back then the only way to remove a tattoo was to grind it off or do a skin graft. My surgeon ground it off (known as dermabrasion today). I still have the large ugly scars on my forearms now decades later.

Yes, there are pros and cons about getting your first tattoo. Take a little advice from a guy who has been there and done that. Think long and hard before getting a VISIBLE first tattoo.

You see, that was my big mistake when I got my first tattoo. I got it on my forearm.

Well, back in the real world that one forearm tattoo caused me much grief from employers, college admission officers, girls I wanted to date (and especially their parents), and even caused me problems advancing up the corporate ladder in health care management (my first job out of college).

Think Far Ahead Into Your Future...

Think ahead 10, 20, or 30 years. How will that tattoo fit into your career plans and lifestyle in 10 years? What if you go into a profession, or politics? Have you ever been treated by a doctor with a full sleeve tattoo? In all my years, I haven't. Just think about it.

For your first tattoo, get it somewhere not visible when wearing everyday clothes and a short sleeve shirt.

Yes, I know. Your mind's made up and you're going to get inked anyway. Well, I fully understand how you feel because I've been there and done that. Just remember this article before getting inked in a visible place on your body. And choose your first tattoo design carefully. You'll most likely be living with it the rest of your life.

If you're going to get inked and no one is going to change your mind, then check out this site: http://www.SexyTattooDesigns.info Thousands of designs and loaded with good tattoo info.

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Tattoos For Girls - Choosing the Right Tattoo For You

Nowadays there is a vast variety of tattoo design and body location combinations that make fantastic tattoos for girls and it can often be difficult to decide which tattoo design to ink, and where to site it. This article is dedicated to girls looking for ideas and advice to help them plan their next tattoo.

In the past it was mainly men who decorated their bodies with tattoos, however over the past 50 years or so tattoos for girls have also become incredibly popular. The rise in the popularity of tattoos among girls followed the women's rights movement, as social attitudes changed to embrace equality. While many girls still prefer the classic tattoo designs styles and body locations that are also popular among men, recent decades has also seen an explosion in incredibly feminine and elegant tattoo design styles that have been developed especially for female tattoo enthusiasts. There are so many different design styles around that there really is something for everyone.

There are so many options for girls planning a new tattoo that choosing a design and where to ink it can be rather daunting. It is incredibly important to really take your time making a decision. Tattoos are permanent and girls who get inked on the spare of the moment usually live to regret it.

The two biggest choices to make when planning a new tattoo are which design to ink, and where on the body to ink it. Some girls prefer to pick the design first, and then think about where best to have it tattooed, while other girls pick the body location first. There is no right or wrong way, although I personally recommend considering both the design and body area simultaneously when planning a new tattoo.

There are a wide range of tattoo designs available, and I strongly suggest you browse through as much top quality artwork as possible to get some initial ideas about what you like. A tattoo is a very personal thing, and I recommend choosing a design that not only looks fantastic, but also has some significance to you. Some of the most popular design styles that make for fantastic tattoos for girls include (in no particular order) bird, butterfly, Celtic, cross, dolphin, eagle, fairy, fish, flower, heart, rose, star, tiger, tribal, and zodiac tattoos, although many more design styles are widely available.

In addition to the design itself, it is also important to think about the colours that you want to incorporate in to your tattoo. Some girls love really colourful tattoos, and choose to ink designs such as butterflies, birds, and flowers. Other women prefer more classic tattoo designs inked in black, such as the very distinctive tribal and Celtic design styles.

Some of the most popular body areas for girls include the wrist, arm, back, lower back, belly button, foot, leg, neck, and shoulder. When choosing where to site a new tattoo, there are a number of factors that must be carefully considered. Firstly, many girls must consider how visible they want their tattoo be to. A large number of women have employers who enforce strict no tattoo policies, and will therefore need to select an area of the body that can be covered up easily. Other girls prefer to ink highly conspicuous designs that are easily shown off to the world.

Another factor that will greatly influence your body location options is the size of the tattoo that you plan to ink. Very large tattoos will obviously need a big canvas such as the back, chest, arms, or legs. Many girls, especially girls planning their first tattoos, prefer to ink relatively small designs, and these can be sited pretty much anywhere. Some areas of the body can only accommodate small tattoos, such as the wrist, ankle and foot.

Pain is another factor that is important to many people, especially newbies inking their first tattoos. Generally speaking, bony areas of the body, such as the ankle, are more painful to ink than more flesh areas such as the upper arm. The size of the design is also important, as larger designs take longer to ink, meaning that the associated pain has to be endured for longer.

I hope that you found the information in this article helpful, and that you will heed some of the advice given. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking your time to think about your options. Far too many people rush the planning stage and end up with tattoos that the don't like. Don't be one of these people, think long and hard about what you really want, and never be afraid to seek advice. Tattoo artists are great sources of advice, and I recommend that you talk with a reputable artist in your local area. I also strongly recommend browsing as many top quality designs as possible. By showing your artist some of your favourite designs, they will have a better idea for the sort of tattoo that you want. Carefully planning your new tattoo should ensure that you will ink a design that you will love forever.

For more information about planning a new tattoo, please visit the Tattoos For Girls section of the Premium Tattoo Designs website. For more information about ankle tattoos for girls, please check out the Ankle Tattoo Designs For Girls page of the Premium Tattoo Designs website.

Pete Wood is a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Pete's passion for the art of tattooing, combined with his anguish at the huge number of people that end up regretting their tattoos, lead Pete and a friend to create the Premium Tattoo Designs website. The ethos of the Premium Tattoo Designs website is to provide high quality information and advice so that people can make informed decisions when planning a new tattoo.

The premium tattoo designs website contains a vast amount of information and advice about a wide range of tattoo designs and commonly tattooed areas of the body. The website also contains detailed information about selecting tattoo artists and shops, tattoo safety considerations, tattoo aftercare, and much much more.

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Four Tattoo Tips For Top Notch Tattooing

The difference between a flat outlined tattoo and a top notch, 3-dimensional piece of skin art lies in the shading skill of the tattoo artist.

A skilled tattooist knows how to use outline and shading to create a life-like work of art on the skin of the client. The best tattoo artists know how to choose the correct tools for the job, including a tattoo machine and the right needles and ink.

They are able to find the perfect design for each client and position it perfectly on the body.

Finally, they know how to use the tattoo machine like an artist uses a paintbrush to create a work of art.

The best way to learn the fine art of tattoo shading is from a seasoned professional tattoo artist. As an apprentice to an experienced tattooist, you'll be given tattoo tips that will help you gain the skills to create a 3-dimensional tattoo image that seems to come alive on the skin.

Here are 4 tattoo tips for beginners who want to learn the secrets of top notch realistic tattooing.

Tattoo Tip #1 - Choose a design that's suitable for shading.

Some tattoo designs are more suitable than for shading than others. Portraits of people and images of animals, flowers and skulls are good subject for shading, as are fantasy creatures like dragons. The design should have some larger rounded elements that can be filled in with graduated color to create the illusion of depth and shadows. Look through tattoo magazines and study designs that show the effective use of shading. Soon you'll get a feel for which designs can be shaded and which are not suitable.

Tattoo Tip #2 - Use a tattoo machine.

One of the most important tattoo tips for top notch tattooing is to use a tattoo machine, also referred to as a tattoo gun. A skilled tattoo artist wouldn't dream of attempting to apply a shaded tattoo design without a tattoo machine. The tattoo machine uses a group of needles to automatically inject ink at the correct depth in the skin. The machine is connected to an electric motor that rapidly moves the needles up and down at a rate of 80 to 150 times per second. This rapid needle movement allows a shaded area of a tattoo design to be filled with ink quickly and evenly.

Tattoo Tip #3 - Mix the tattoo ink.

Tattoo shading uses ink in shades from light to dark. Lighter shades of ink, often referred to as a wash, can be created by mixing ink and sterile water. The more water that you add, the lighter the wash. One of the more useful tattoo tips for shading from tattoo artists is to create washes ahead of time in the exact shades that will be required for a shaded tattoo. This eliminates the need for stopping and mixing ink while the tattoo is being applied.

Tattoo Tip #4 - Use the tattoo gun like a paintbrush.

A group of needles called shaders is used to fill in the outlined tattoo design with shading. Shader needles come in many shapes and groupings. Knowing when to use each type of shader is one of the more valuable tattoo tips to be learned in an apprenticeship.

Realistic tattoo shading is created by tilting the needles on the tattoo skin and using the tattoo gun like a paintbrush.

Most tattooists first cover the skin with a thin layer of lubricant to ease the needles smoothly across the area being shaded. For dark shading, the tattoo gun is moved slowly across the skin and the ink is injected deeply. For lighter areas, the gun is move quickly and ink is injected less deeply.

As soon as a small area of the design has been injected with ink for shading, the tattoo artist wipes off the excess ink with a clean cloth. The finished effect can then be viewed and the tattoo artist can decide if more ink is needed.

If a darker effect is wanted, more ink is applied. Making a dark area lighter is more of a problem, since the dark ink has been permanently injected into the skin. This is why a skilled tattoo artist works carefully to make sure no area of shading is too dark. Some tattoo artists use white ink to lighten dark areas of a tattoo and to smooth out transitions between different shades of ink.

Do you want to learn how to tattoo?

Be sure to visit: http://www.How-To-Tattoo.com for more great tattooing information!

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An Introduction to Tattoos

Tattoos... Everyone has a different reaction to that word. It always got my attention. I think the first one I saw on a live person, was my cousins. I must have been 7 or 8 years old. He had a funny caricature of a devil on his arm with "born to raise hell" written over it. I was amazed by it and although it wasn't until my mid 20's when I christened my skin, I wanted one the second I saw that little devil.

Today, tattooing is far more accepted in society than it was back in the 60's, still; there are people that frown upon the idea of marking your body with ink....forever. Whether it's a religious issue, or their own personal preference, they can't deny that the tattoo is almost as old as civilization itself.

The word tattoo is derived from the Tahitian word "tatu", meaning to mark or to touch something. The earliest known tattooed person is the infamous "Iceman" found in 1991, in the Otzal Alps, located in Italy. Carbon dating proved that he had lived about 5,300 years ago. Fifty-eight tattoos were noted on his body!! Archaeologists think he was an important figure in his society. The tattoos were charcoal and water based.

Ancient cultures used tattoos to ward off sickness or bad luck. The Egyptians were the first to use needles to tattoo the body. Archaeologists exhuming tombs, have even found children's dolls decorated with tattoos. Tattooing spread through Greece, and Arabia, and By 2000 BC., the tattoo had arrived in Asia.

The Japanese first used tattoos to identify criminals. Later it was transformed into an art form, producing some of the world's most beautiful tattoos. The Yakuza (Japanese mafia) use their tattoos to intimidate their rivals. Japanese style of tattooing has influenced hundreds of artists today.

Polynesians have also contributed greatly to the art. Their instruments consist of sharpened pieces of bone, or ivory, tied to a stick. They "chisel" the ink into the skin by hitting the top of the instrument with a mallet type object. The tool might consist of one sharp object, or a whole row of objects, resembling a rake.

Members of certain tribes underwent grueling hours tattooing their bodies as a right of passage. Those tools are still used today, for those same rituals, but it is a dying art form, performed only by those preserving their culture. They also developed a facial tattoo called the "Moko". This facial tattoo consisted of lines drawn about the face that would tell that persons life story.

Centuries ago in Europe, it was common to have family crests tattooed on the body, but when the Normans invaded in 1066, tattooing disappeared. 600 years later, a sailor named William Dempher, ran into Prince Giolo, known as the Painted Prince. He was brought from Polynesia to London, put on exhibition, and became a sensation.

In the 1700's, on one of his many trips to the South Pacific, Captain Cook came across Oami,a heavily tattooed man, whom he also brought back to England. The English were amazed, and soon tattooing became a fad amongst the upper class. Still it would be another 100 years before tattooing would have an influence in America.

The first electric tattoo machine was invented by Samuel O'Rielly in 1891. It evolved from an electric pen that Thomas Edison had invented a few years earlier. This machine is very similar to the one used today. With this invention, it was very easy to obtain a tattoo, so the upper class gradually turned its back on the art, and by the 1900's the glamour of being tattooed had lost its appeal. Tattoo artists found themselves working the seedy areas of neighborhoods, and tattooing went underground. Only by word of mouth could someone find a tattoo artist, or even see tattoo art. Tattooing became a secret society.

Once again, Samuel O'Rielly to the rescue. He moved from Boston to New York City and opened a tattoo shop in very popular Chatham Square, the Times Square of its day, and the birthplace of American style tattoos. There he met Charlie Wagner.

O'Rielly taught Wagner the art of tattoo until Sam's death in 1908. Charlie then met Lew Alberts, a wallpaper designer. Alberts incorporated his designs into tattoo art, and started making flash designs. Tattooing flourished in Chatham Square for nearly 20 years, until the depression hit. The soul of tattooing then moved to Coney Island. Shops opened up wherever military bases seemed to be. Mostly sailors would get tattooed, and each tattoo brought a different story from a different place.

After the Second World War, tattoos were less popular. Their association with bikers, and jailbirds had a great impact on the decline of tattooing in American culture. An outbreak of hepatitis in the 1960's brought tattooing to its knees. Needles weren't being sterilized, and reports of blood poisoning flooded the newspapers. New York outlawed tattoos and shut down its shops in Coney Island. Tattooing moved to New Jersey, Philadelphia, and all the way to San Francisco.

Today, tattooing is legal again in New York, and just recently made legal in Massachusetts. Artists hold international conventions, where they display work, perform work, and give seminars on tattooing. Many have an art degree. Cleanliness is an unwritten rule in the business these days. Shops would not survive if the proprietors did not keep a clean place of business. Tattooing has once again reached the upper echelon of society. Movie stars, rock stars, and corporate executives now grace their bodies with tattoos. Every tattoo has a special meaning for the one who wears it. Whether it's a tribute to a lover, or a child, mom or dad, a simple line or a detailed body suit, tattoos have made its mark in the history of the world.

R.Scott

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Tattoo Designs - Which to Choose?

Choosing a tattoo for the first time can be a hard thing to do, especially when the tattoo is going to be permanent on your body for the rest of your life. Now which tattoo designs should you choose? First thing you need to consider is WHY you are getting the tattoo, what is your motive behind the tattoo? What do you want to express through the tattoo? This will surely help you cut down your search options so that you can choose the perfect tattoo design that you want.

I have a few in my mind that I don't mind sharing, so here they are:

- If you enjoy outside stuff such as trees, nature in general, animals, and other things, you can use this as a motivation to get the tattoo in this category.

- Another thing you can think about is if you love art. What kind of artist comes to your mind, what kind of art design comes to your mind and stuff along those areas.

- There are a lot of people out there that use famous people such as poets, music artists and what not.

- These days, I myself have seen many people use Graffiti type of tattoo's on their body all the time.

- Many people these days are also looking at Tribal or Celtic types of tattoo's to show off on their body.

- Some of the other tattoo designs include cultural tattoos, historical tattoos, etc.

- You know what would be a good idea, getting Abstract Tattoo's on your body. I have seen people use this type as well.

- A unique way to express is writing quotes in different languages on your body as well.

- Maybe you can try tattoo mixing? Perhaps mix several different tattoos into some type of tattoo?

You know what would make you really stand out is if you created your OWN type of tattoo. Sure, you can go to a Tattoo parlor and get a random tattoo through a design book, but does it really make sense to be unoriginal? Would you not like to be creative and want to stand out from the crowd? You can create your own types of tattoo(s) if you want. Let me share a few ideas with you just to give you a head start.

- Neck to Leg, Full out Fire Dragon on back or front of body

- Crying baby from your neck to your legs on your back or front

These are just a few ideas that you may consider. In all my years of tattoo designing and studying, I have never seen those kinds of tattoos done to anyone before, so this may be a good chance for you to snag a pretty good design or designs.

Now you maybe thinking, why create my own tattoos when I can just get a already created one? As I've said above, it's better to be unique than to carry an overused tattoo. You can add your OWN personal touch to your tattoo. Add as much detail you want to your tattoo, as much as you want. Just remember than the bigger in details your tattoo is, the more expensive your tattoo may get, depending on which tattoo parlor you go to, just keep that in mind.

There is one type of tattoo that interests me the most out of everything and that is Full Sleeve Tattoo Designs. What is it you may ask? Full sleeve tattoo design is the popularity tattoo designs that not are only carried by a regular person, but famous people such as celebrities, soccer players, football players, basketball players and other sports people carry, as well as many other types of famous people.

One of the main reasons as to why people really do this type of tattooing is because they want to unravel a story that they are trying to give off. For example, I have seen a famous soccer player that carries a full arm tattoo and his tattoo signifies what he loves, which is soccer and the love for his country. People in this type of tattooing always express personal touches and personal expressions.

There is one thing that I would like to warn you about and what to do about it. You are going to be stuck with a tattoo for a LONG, LONG time, so you might as well choose a tattoo worth your while. So you should do what some famous people have done. Start your tattoo design off small, meaning start your tattoo design small and then work your way up from there. The beauty of having new technology is that you can see how a tattoo will look on you before you wear it, so be sure to look on the computer to see if the tattoo is right for you or not. Start off with a small tattoo and then work your way from there. Carefully choose every portion of your tattoo remembering that you WILL be stuck with this tattoo for a very long time. You may want to put several small tattoos together to make a larger tattoo or you could put a few large tattoos together to make a rather large, but unique tattoo to show off.

So basically, after all of the information I have shared with you in this article, I just want to sum it all up by giving you a short summary. What I have talked to you above in this article can be summarized like this:

1. Gather up a design idea for your tattoo (either from a design book or your own design)

2. Finalize on a design that will perfectly suit you and the type of person you are.

3. Find a tattoo artist

a. This shouldn't be much of a hard task at all. Every city has tattoo designs, just look on the Internet if you have trouble.

4. Test your tattoo design

5. Have your tattoo design done on your body.

Tattoo Designs

Custom Tattoo Designs

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Tattoo Removal Options

As we enter the second decade of the 21st Century we can look back at all the technological, social and medical advancements made in the last 10 years. For those who suffer from tattoo regret one area of advancement that they can thank medical science and ingenuity for is new and improved ways to lower the cost of tattoo removal.

Tattoos have been around since man first learned how to control and use fire to improve the human condition on Earth, but it wasn't until the last century that forms of tattoo removal began to make great strides in effectiveness without leaving severe scar tissue. Prior to the late 20th Century, to endure a tattoo removal procedure a person had to endure a process that could be painful and only partially effective. As tattoos became the fashion in the 1990's more time, effort and money was devoted to finding new methods and refining and improving the methods that were already in existence.

Along with an increase in the popularity of tattoos there developed an increase in what is now referred to as tattoo regret. This added pressure to find an easy, effective and affordable method of tattoo removal grew the the size of the tattoo removal industry and with that an increase in research and development spending to find the perfect tattoo removal product. Most of the products were of the home tattoo removal variety. Some, like TCA, worked well to little fanfare, while others promised the moon and delivered little to nothing as a tattoo removal agent, but were, and are still highly promoted as painless, convenient and hassle free cream removal systems.

Below is a short list of items that, subjective though they may be, can be a root cause of tattoo regret.

Does a misshapen tattoo remove its artistic value?
Does a misspelled word in a tattoo remove its meaning?
Does the use of the wrong color on a tattoo remove its beauty?
Does a miss-located tattoo remove or lessen a persons value on the job market?
Will a poorly executed design of a tattoo remove the desire of the wearer to keep it?
Finally, should the artist who makes a mistake on a tattoo remove the mistake for free?

These are questions, that for the most part, can only be answered in the mind of the person living with the mistake permanently lodged beneath their skin.

Laser, RST and Other Methods

Laser removal, which was first developed in the 1980's, was at first very crude, painful, not very effective and almost certainly left a scar on top of unremovable tattoo pigment. Today, laser removal is a very much improved yet still imperfect tattoo remover. Modern Laser technology has still not been able to come up with a solution to conquer and remove light pigmented tattoos. The problem stems from the fact that laser light, indeed any form of light, has a tendency to be reflected by light colored objects, including tattoo pigments, and to be absorbed by dark colored objects, also including tattoo pigments. As this article is being written lasers still are most successful at removing black and dark blue tattoo ink.

Hopefully, some day, using lasers for tattoo removal at a price everyone can afford will be a reality. Until that time those looking for a product that will remove all tattoo colors will have to rely on excision, dermabrasion, regenerative skin treatment (RST), salabrasion or TCA. Of these sure ways to remove all tattoo pigment, excision and RST are the most expensive and excision can leave scar tissue at the site of the surgically removed tattoo.

Physician performed dermabrasion will definitely remove a tattoo, but requires one or more office visits, pain and probably a scar. The tattoo removal cost using this method is quite expensive since it is considered an optional procedure by insurance companies and not covered by any insurance policy. Salabrasion is a home tattoo removal procedure, but not for those with low pain thresholds since it involves sanding the skin above the tattoo until the ink is removed. It involves creating a wound and then rubbing salt into it until all skin above the tattoo has been removed and the pigment is sanded away. Not a good option.

That leaves a previously unmentioned method, tattoo removal cream, and TCA tattoo removal. The cream removal method was not included because these products have never been proven effective for complete tattoo removal and the Mayo Clinic has said they are ineffective. That leaves TCA.

TCA tattoo remover is known to be an effective way to remove tattoo ink. Two medical studies have proven the method a reliable one and it is also used to remove various types of skin blemishes including acne scars, warts, age spots and is used by Cosmetic Surgeons and exclusive Health Spas to perform facial peels to remove fine lines and wrinkles.

When the cost of tattoo removal is a factor, TCA is one of the most cost effective products available. A tattoo removal using other methods can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but with TCA an average size tattoo can be removed for less than $40.00. Just read and follow instructions for a successful tattoo elimination.

Glen Wilson has over 20 years experience in the tattoo industry, both as an artist and shop owner and in recent years has become an expert in the many forms of tattoo removal. He currently serves as a consultant to http://www.Nuviderm.com and knows from personal experience that Nuviderm is one of the best at home tattoo removal products on the market.

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How to Choose Your First Tattoo

One of the famous questions that most people ask themselves when considering tattooing is the type of tattoo that you are going to have for your first tattoo. Some of the other questions that may include are how painful is the tattoo going to be, what kind of care will be needed for the new tattoo and the tattoo shop where you are going to get it. The pain that will be felt will greatly depend on the area of the body you are going to have it placed. The tattoo shop, should have course, depend on your choice of the tattoo shop. Your first tattoo is basically a decision that you along should make. It should be the best tattoo for you because it is going to be your first one, and it should be given enough and careful thought. When thinking about the right image for your first tattoo, make sure that you have though about it real hard and you have considered all the different factors that will affect you. Your first tattoo should be something meaningful and something that will say something about you, so that you will not have to regret it in the near future.

This article will give some tips that will help you come into a decision about your first tattoo. However, you have to bear in mind that with any kind of design, make sure that you place some twist to it to make it your own.

Different Tattoo Designs

There are so many pictures or images that you can choose from, you can even design it yourself, or make changes to some of the pictures that you already have chosen at some tattoo shop or online designs so that it can be unique. You can choose from the different tattoos like tribal, celtic, animal, sci-fi, geek or portrait tattoos.

You can also choose from the black light UV tattoo which will look prominent under black light. Some of the popular tattoos today are stars, wings, kanji, crosses, names, words, dragons, butterflies and skulls.

Selecting the Right Tattoo for You

Here are some of the factors that you have to consider in choosing the right tattoo.

The Reason Why You Want the Tattoo

Since it is going to be your first tattoo, it should be something that is full of meaning. It can be something that may express time; your memorable experience in life that has change you or made a big difference in your life. Do not just get a tattoo because someone has just persuaded you to do so. Do not also do it just because you already have reached the right age and you could easily get one without asking permission from your parents or guardians. Think of every reason why you want to have that particular tattoo before getting it inked on your skin.

How This Tattoo Could Possibly Affect Your Present or Future Job

Think About the Design

Is the design something that you really want, did you design it or someone else just design it for you. Is the design something that you got from a particular picture? Does the meaning say something about you, or do you think it is perfect for you.

The Location of the Tattoo

When it comes to the location, you have to consider if the tattoo is something that you want to show to people all the time. If you want it to be private, then you can place it in an area where it will not be visible all the time. You also have to consider the type of body that you have, your body and type and your body curves.

Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist

Choose the artist that specializes on the type of tattoo that you want. You can always ask any recommendations from friends or relatives who already have tattoos. The cost of the tattoo will also play a vital role in having one. Make sure that the tattoo artist also is an experience one when it comes to tattooing.

What You Have To Do Before Getting a Tattoo

Before having a tattoo done, you have to make sure that the procedure will be done safely. You might think that your new tattoo is cool because it looks like a big scab, but still, it is considered a big wound. So just like any other wound, puncture, scrape, cut or penetration done to your skin, your tattoo will be prone to infection.

Get your immunizations up to date and decide where you will have your medical care done, if ever your tattoo gets infected.

Medical problem like heart disease, diabetes, allergies, skin disorders, immune system defects and other types of infections must be addressed to the doctor first so that he can give you proper precautions before you can have your tattoo.

If you are susceptible to having keloids, it is advisable to avoid having a tattoo.

You have to make sure that the tattoo studio where you will get your tattoo is clean and safe, see to it that all equipments that are going to be used are disposable and sterilized first. It is better if you could get some recommendations on some licensed tattoo shops or try to research whether the tattoo shop has any complaints about them.

Tattoo shops which are professional will take pride in their cleanliness. Some of the things that you have to look for in these tattoo shops are the autoclave, this is a device which utilizes steam, pressure and heat for the process of sterilization. Make sure that the tattoo artist who will get you the tattoo is licensed. The tattoo shop should follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Universal Precautions.

Once you see that the tattoo shop does not observe cleanliness, or if ever, you do not feel that comfortable, you can always have the option to choose another tattoo shop.

One of the major things that is probably holding you back from having your first tattoo is the fact that it is permanent, it stays on your skin forever.

Yes, tattoos, may last forever, however, if you have the resources to have laser tattoo removal done, then you can always get rid of it.

It is important that when you choose your first tattoo, it is something that you really want and it says something about you, so that you will not regret it.

If you take into considerations all of these factors, you will be able to decide without any problem. Just keep in mind that first tattoos should be something meaningful to you.

Dermabrasion for tattoo removal involves the fine excision of the upper layers of skin (also known as epidermis) as a procedure of actually removing the ink from the body. This method generally necessitates a number of repeated sessions.

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The Grandest Piece of Art is the Full Back Tattoo

I think that the king of tattoos is the full back tattoo. There, I said it, full back tattoos are probably one of the most definite and complete way exhibit your body art. But after you have a few smaller tattoos done on the other parts of your body first.

Some folks go the full Monty so to speak and actually go with the full back tattoo for their very first tattoo. It is a very bold choice but not for everyone! However, I must caution, a tattoo that covers the entire back from neck and shoulders all the way down to the waist can be very attractive. But you should do your homework!

And by homework, I mean you need to choose wisely the pattern and design of your tattoo as well as choosing the artist to draw the tattoo on your back. Cut corners and you are going to be very sorry for the rest of your life because a full back tattoo isn't going to be easy or cheap to take off if you regret it.

So obviously, for a full back tattoo that isn't going to be as easy to hide or ignore as a smaller tattoo can be, it is very important that you are aware of these steps before getting one. And that is, make the time to carefully plan it out. Don't feel rushed because it may curtail your creativity. And definitely talk it over, several times if needed with your tattoo artist to make sure everything is within your specifications and the quality of the work isn't going to be substandard.

Case in point, recently a Belgian teenager girl fell asleep after asking for 3 star tattoos to be done on her face. She ended up with 56 tattoos! She blamed a language mix up and she now reportedly faces a huge bill to remove those tattoos. Now I don't know if this whole story is true because quite frankly, it does stretch incredulity. How can someone fall asleep when having tattoos put on her face? But hey, it is a story and it has a lesson attached to it. Be careful because you may end up with something you don't want!

So back to the full back tattoo. It is a large job and may take several hours depending on the coloring involved and the patterns. Usually the tattoo artist wants to trace out an outlined of the tattoo and perhaps start off with some shading and colors. And then ask you to come back after number of days to let your skin heal a bit. And then continue to work on your tattoo. Just filling in and shading some more until the complete tattoo canvas is revealed.

So let's sum everything up for anyone that is interested in getting their whole back tattooed. You should consider these things BEFORE going for it:

Understand that tattoos are usually expensive. And you shouldn't cut corners by getting a cheap tattoo artist that doesn't do a good job. Small tattoos can be expensive so the larger full back tattoos are going to be very expensive because they are bigger and more complex requiring more time to do the job right.

So feel that you need to have the most expensive tattoo artist either. Find one that is pretty good and you may be pleasantly surprised that he or she will charge a reasonable price.

Everyone has different levels of pain tolerance. So be sure you are up for hours and hours of tattoo work on your back. Backs are pretty sensitive areas. So for some of you, you may want to reconsider it if you cannot take a lot of pain and discomfort.

There are a lot of ways to design your tattoo. It can be a flash, a drawing, or one large image. So take your time to discover the tattoo design that you would love to have on your back. Because like I said before, the large back tattoos are usually forever because it can be too painful and expensive to remove it if you don't like it later on.

This is a pretty important piece of advice. Make sure you are comfortable with your tattoo artist. They are going to be spending a lot of time with you and you are going to have to really trust them to do a good job for you as well use clean instruments too.

And just because you are done getting the full back tattoo doesn't necessarily mean the pain and discomfort stops there. There is a period of time for the healing. Especially if you have to make several appointments.

So there you go. If you do your homework, a full back tattoos can be a wonderful source of pride for you. You need to put in the time and energy to plan everything so there are no surprises like waking up with 56 tattoos on your face! And make sure that it is the tattoo that you really want and would love seeing on you every single time you see it.

Becky McClure believes that the MOST important word after you made the decision to get inked is patience! Pick the right tattoo design for you. Pick the right location on your body to have it done. And then pick the best artist you can find for your new body art. Her website at http://www.dream-tattoo-design.com provides a wealth of informative articles and directions to a huge tattoo design gallery. Don't forget to sign up for the FREE tattoo newsletter and grab your freebies too!

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Tattoos - Which Tattoo Designs are Most Popular?

What are the Most Popular Tattoo Designs?

Tribal Tattoos - Tribal tattoo designs have been around for hundreds of years and are becoming more and more complex and constantly evolving and morphing into what has become known as neo tribal tattoo styles. Tribal tattoos can be traditional 'black work' on the arms and legs or more colorful styles characterised by the 'Modern Primitive' look covering the entire body.

'Old School' Style Tattoos - Anchors and swallows seem to be making a comeback and not just amongst old sailors and bikers. A lot of females are asking for tattoos of swallows and anchors on their neck and chest while many guys are going for the ol' sailor Jerry tattoos on their forearms. This style is further fueled by the 1950's revival characterised by retro vixens such as the Suicide Girls.

Lower Back Tattoos - These are a perennial favorite particularly amongst females. The most popular lower back tattoos are still tribal designs but dragons, lotus flowers and eastern symbolism seems to be popular as well.

Dragon Tattoos - Dragon tattoo designs are another style of tattoo that seems to be enjoying a revival. There are so many styles of dragons from the traditional chinese dragon tattoo to more mythical dragons.

Celtic Tattoos - Celtic tattoos are being done on people with a celtic heritage but also by many people with no celtic origin. Some of the celtic symbols are universal in nature and have universal meanings common to all races. This may explain why celtic tattoos are being mixed with tribal tattoos creating a style of tattoo known as tribal celtic tattoos.

Tips for Getting Tattoos

Choose your tattoo carefully. Don't go for some off the wall 'flash' tattoo. A good tattoo artist is capable of doing 'custom work'.

Try not mix different tattoo styles such as Japanese and Tribal styles. It doesn't work!

Go to a reputable tattoo artist not some backstreet 'scratcher' who is cheap but you will inevitably regret later. Build a relationship with the tattoo artist if you plan of getting a lot of tattoos.

Take proper care especially of newer tattoos. In summer many people get tattooed and can't wait to flash their tattoos in public. Be careful that you do not expose your new tattoos to too much sun which will fade them. Use plenty of sunscreen to avoid them fading prematurely.

Looking for tattoo designs? Visit Tao of Tattoos for more ideas.

Subscribe for FREE to 'Kinky Ink' ezine for the kookiest tattoo pictures of the month.

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Different Facts Involving Removing a Tattoo

Removing a tattoo is never easy and it could not be done in just one session. Removing tattoo completely will be really hard because of different factors. One factor that will affect the processing of getting rid of tattoo is the age of the tattoo. If the tattoo has been on the person for about 3-5 decades, the possibility of removing the colors of the ink can be real difficult. Some other factors that could affect it are the size of the tattoo and the type of the inks used. The dermatologist can help you solve your worries about tattoo and how it can be successfully get rid off. There is a chance that the dermatologist may prescribe some anesthesia, if he thinks that you need to have it.

He can also help you learn if all of your tattoos can still be removed or not. One thing that you should know is that getting tattoo removed does not happen overnight. The procedure could take few months. The pain of removing them could also be the same as the first time that you had them. Once the tattoo has been removed it will transform into a wound that needs to be taken care of and protected from any rubbing or scrubbing. Tattoo is supposed to be forever, however, you could still have it removed if you choose to, you just have to know that its removal is worse than the first time you had it. Getting rid of tattoo is not a joke, it should be taken seriously, and one may take longer in deciding whether or not to get one. Before you can make your decision, it is important to be knowledgeable about the ins and outs of removing a tattoo. Try researching before you come up with a decision.

Tattoo History

Tattoos have been here for a long time, an estimate of 10 million Americans have at least a single tattoo on their body. There are about 44,000 tattoo studios in America, alone. Tattoo is excellent method of expressing oneself. Having one can seem to be a great idea for a while, but your preference may change as time goes by. This is because we find great jobs, new loves and our taste changes in time. This is why once your past decisions and choices no longer satisfies your present taste, you will surely think of getting a tattoo removal.

Almost half of the people with tattoos considered getting rid of them. Aside from the obvious reasons of getting rid of their tattoos for new jobs, there are also some other reasons why a person may remove it. Tattoos also fade and lose its excellent for as the skin ages. If your tattoo looks very beautiful and attractive today, there will come a time that it will lose them, sometimes tattoo could also transform into an embarrassment. There are times that even gaining and losing weight can affect the valuable tattoo, making it less attractive.

Here are some of the things that you have to know about undoing a tattoo before you decide to get a tattoo.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Application of this method can remove the tattoo without the appearance of scarring. The procedure can take about 6-12 sessions before the tattoo can be fully removed. The most difficult areas in laser tattoo removal are the parts of ankles, hands and fingers. Those tattoos that are done a long time ago with only few colors can be easily removed. All the tattoo removal procedures such as surgical excision and dermabrasion can successfully remove tattoos. Even the laser tattoo removal can produce a little bit of pain.

It is a good thing that people know about the difficulty of removing tattoos, in the first place, before they decide to get one. It is harder to get rid of the tattoo than to have them. You could choose from several options of tattoo removal.

Options for Tattoo Removal

You can possible get your tattoo covered by a new tattoo, just make sure that it is 50% bigger than the old one so that it can successfully cover the entire tattoo. The very popular tattoo removal procedure is the laser treatment. This procedure involves wavelengths of lights that remove different types of pigments. This procedure works by letting the laser beam penetrate through the skin, which will then be absorbed by the ink. Once it is absorbed by the ink, it will automatically break down and naturally removed by the lymphatic system of the body. If, in case, the tattoo is too deep or maybe too small to be penetrated by the laser treatment, the part of the skin with the tattoo will be cut away and the edges will be stitched together.

In the dermabrasion procedure, the skin with the tattoo is rubbed literally using an abrasive tool. If the tattoo is too deep, skin grafting may be done. Versapulse laser could also be an option; this is fast procedure of removing undesirable tattoos. This type of laser offers low energy, which can reduce the risk of burning.

Some people also choose Tat Gone ink removal; this procedure may involve several applications, which produce great improvement. Cost of Tattoo Removal Procedure

Tattoo removal could cost a lot. If you paid $40 for getting a tattoo done, it might cost you $4500 to have the tattoo removed with the laser tattoo removal procedure. Aside from that, removing it will leave you with a scar that is very obvious. Tattoo removal procedure is not an easy task; it is a long process, longer than having the tattoo, in the first place.

For those who would like to shed their old tattoo, dermabrasion tattoo removal is not a bad option especially for those who are a little low on budget. Though it's not the cheapest, it certainly comes close to an economic budget.

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Three Steps to Tattooing Success

Tattoos have become a popular form of self-expression and even a fashion statement. The growing demand for tattoos and the potentially high income available to tattoo artists has led to an increase in the number of people who want to learn how to tattoo.

Because tattooing is both an art form and a body treatment, it's important to learn the best procedures for safe tattooing before embarking on a career as a tattoo artist. No one should consider buying a tattoo kit and starting to tattoo without becoming familiar with the best procedures for tattooing.

Learning these procedures will help any tattoo artist achieve lasting success.

There are many steps to becoming a successful tattoo artist, but here are 3 of the most important steps to tattooing success.

Step #1 - Build an Art Portfolio and Find a Tattoo Apprenticeship

If you want to be a tattoo artist, you should be comfortable with your drawing skills. Tattooing requires a good sense of line and color. If you're not confident as an artist but have a desire to learn, then take an art class or buy an art book and begin to practice your drawing. Look at tattoo designs by tattoo artists (known as tattoo flash) and begin to create some designs of your own.

Assemble your best work and display it in an artist's portfolio or binder.

Once you have a portfolio of your best art work, you'll be better prepared to find a tattoo apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is a form of on-the-job training, where an experienced tattoo artist teaches you how to tattoo. Don't expect to be paid as an apprentice - in fact, you may end up paying for the privilege of learning how to tattoo from a master tattoo artist. Prepare to save money for an apprenticeship and to work at another job while you're apprenticing. Finally, give serious thought to which tattoo artist you apprentice with and make sure it's someone whose work you respect and that you can get along with well.

Step #2 - Create Stunning Tattoo Designs

As you learn how to tattoo in an apprenticeship, you will become more skilled in creating tattoo designs. Each tattoo you apply becomes a permanent feature on the body of your client, so you want to make sure you deliver a stunning design. This doesn't mean you have to create each and every tattoo design. A client may come in with an existing design from a tattoo magazine or clients may select a flash design from the shop's collection.

The important thing is to listen to the client's requirements and provide suggestions about how to get the most impact from a design.

Often you will begin with flash and then customize it for the client by adding or removing design elements. It may be necessary to provide a client with several paper drafts of a design before you arrive at a piece of art that you both love. Don't worry too much about the time you spend doing this - it's all part of the job. Just be sure to charge the client enough to cover the time you spend on the design stage of the tattoo.

Once an eye-catching tattoo flash design has been chosen, it's up to the tattoo artist to create a work of art on the client's skin. Different outline and shading techniques can be used to enhance the basic design. Color should be carefully introduced to help bring the tattoo to life. As you learn more about how to tattoo and your experience in tattooing grows, you'll learn how to use the right amount of detail in a design, how to position it correctly on the body, and how to create clean outlines, graduated shading and even color.

Step #3 - Practice Sanitary Tattoo Procedures

The final important step in knowing how to tattoo is to understand and follow standard sanitary procedures.

A tattoo requires penetration of a client's skin, so you must recognize and eliminate the risk of infection and disease transmission. One of the most important sanitary procedures is making sure that tattoo needles and ink caps are single-use only and replaced for each new client. In addition, the work area where the tattoo is applied must be cleaned thoroughly with disinfectant before tattooing begins and the tattoo artist must wear gloves during the tattoo procedure. Following sanitary procedures will help ensure that each tattoo client receives the best possible treatment during the tattoo process.

Do you want to learn how to tattoo like a PRO?

Be sure to visit: http://www.How-To-Tattoo.com for more great tattooing information, tattoo tips, tattoo articles and more!

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Looking For Tattoo Ideas? Here's 10 Reasons to Try Looking Online!

It would be impossible not to have noticed the rise in popularity of tattoos in modern society. The stigma that was stapled to people who wore tattoos twenty or thirty years ago has pretty much disappeared, and now they are proudly shown off by people from all walks of life. From famous actors and media stars to the girl next door, it appears that everyone is now looking for that exciting, unique new tattoo that enhances their appearance and sends a colorful message to the world they live in!

Traditionally, specialized artists in parlors or studios were the source for obtaining tattoos. Each studio had a portfolio of tattoo designs which they could ink, and choosing one involved leafing through pages of examples until the right one was found. This process is inconvenient and time-consuming, and more often than not involved disappointment when that perfect, unique tattoo was simply not there.

There is now an alternative in this electronic age - The Internet! There are now vast online databases of tattoo designs from all possible genres. Celtic tattoos, tribal tattoos, Arabic or cyrillic tattoos - whatever your particular tattoo ideas, they are bound to be there.

There are enormous advantages to finding tattoos online. Here are the top ten reasons to finding your own unique tattoo via the Internet:

1. Convenience - physically attending tattoo parlors and studios is time-consuming, and there is no guarantee of success if your perfect new tattoo is not amongst their collection of tattoo ideas.

2. Genres - Whilst some major studios offer a large selection of tattoo genres, very few of them offer them all. Online sites have tattoo designs from all genres, allowing greater freedom of choice for the customer.

3. Range - With thousands upon thousands of tattoo ideas, online sites offer the greatest choice of tattoo designs and artwork within each genre.

4. Uniqueness - Most people want to find a new tattoo as unique as they are. With designs submitted from artists worldwide, it is likely that you will find a tattoo that no-one has ever seen before!

5. Blending - most online sites offer the ability to blend two or more tattoos together to form a truly unique tattoo design. This is especially important in genres such as Celtic, which often incorporate more than one tattoo design within the overall print.

6. Bookmarking - online sites offer typical computer-based benefits such as creating a short-list of favorite tattoos. You can then choose your perfect tattoo from this short list - and perhaps after that tattoo has been inked, you can come back a little later and consider getting another on that shortlist!

7. Constant Updates - online tattoo sites are constantly adding new tattoo designs from their selection of artists. Your membership to the site allows access to all of these newer designs!

8. Quality - most online sites only display tattoo designs of the highest electronic quality. This is extremely important, as you will eventually have to present a physical or electronic copy to your artist - the higher the quality, the better it will eventually look on your skin!

9. Membership Benefits - these include access to information and videos on what other members have done with their tattoos. Some great tattoo ideas can spring from seeing the tattoo flashes from other satisfied subscribers! There are also tips and tricks for caring for your tattoo, and how to ensure your tattoo is applied safely.

10. Worldwide Studio Directories - A new tattoo is for life! Therefore, it is essential that it is applied by artists of the highest skill. Most online tattoo sites will have directories of the best studios and artists. Licensing is required in many countries, and this will also be shown in the directory listing.

So, why spend hours or even days visiting parlors and studios in your local area when you can get the best tattoo ideas by just sitting down in front of your computer and plugging into the Internet! You are sure to discover that perfect tattoo design online - whether it be your first tattoo, or another exciting & decorative addition to your existing collection!

There are many websites providing this service online. For information on what I consider to be the best of these sites, please visit my blog. Apart from providing access to this amazing database, it also discusses further some of the implications of getting a tattoo, and the best ways to go about this lifelong-investment in how you present yourself to the world!

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