Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Foot Tattoos - When to Get Them and How to Care...

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Foot Tattoos - When to Get Them and How to Care... Jun 30th 2013, 11:12, by tattoo.guide@about.com Usually, fall and winter are the best seasons to get tattooed. But there is one area of the body that is actually best to ink in the springtime, and that is the feet. Foot tattoos are somewhat difficult to heal to start with â€" your feet are the most likely parts of your body to lack proper blood circulation, retain water, and experience stress and fatigue on a daily basis due to normal activity. Wearing socks and shoes add heat, sweat, and friction into the equation, making an already delicate situation even more volatile. When you get your foot or feet tattooed, it’s important to create the best possible circumstances for successful healing. Drinking plenty of water every day will help to avoid water retention. Being active on a regular basis will keep your circulation strong. Eating well and taking vitamins will enhance your immune system and your body’s ability to heal itself. And last but not least, keeping your feet bare or wearing the least amount of footwear possible â€" such as flip-flops or sandals â€" will reduce the amount of damage that can be done to new ink from friction and heat. Drinking adequate amounts of water and wearing sandals are both more easily accomplished during the warmer months. But waiting until summer can also be detrimental because, as I’m sure you already know, the sun is very damaging to tattoos. Plus, normal summertime activities such as swimming, running, kicking balls, hiking, etc. are not conducive to healing a foot tattoo. You’ll need to really baby your tattoo for at least two weeks, and then special care still needs to be taken until the tattoo is 3 months old, which is the length of time it typically takes to rebuild the protective cells over the ink. Any excessive rubbing or friction against the tattoo during that time period can fade the color and dull the sharpness of the lines. That’s not to say nothing can go wrong, even if you do everything right. Foot tattoos are trickyâ€"excessive swelling, pain and infection are all risk factors you need to be aware of. How you react to those problems will also affect the final outcome. If you have swelling in the day or two after getting the tattoo, it’s perfectly normal and probably is not an indication of infection. It’s more likely caused by lack of circulation and/or water retention. Putting your feet up above your heart and placing ice on the swelling for at least a couple of hours a day will improve circulation and reduce swelling. Be sure you’re also drinking plenty of water; when you don’t drink enough water, your body holds it in so you don’t get dehydrated. Ibuprofen can help with swelling, too, but be sure to check with your doctor about taking it since it can also raise blood pressure. If the swelling becomes excessive, to the point of preventing your ability to walk, it could be an indication of something more serious or it could cause a more serious problem if not corrected. You need to see your doctor if this is the case. Your entire physiology depends on your feet to work properly and a lot of metabolic “breakdowns” can be caused by not attending to foot issues quickly enough. Pain is also normal, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling. Over-the-counter pain killers can help with mild discomfort. But severe pain with swelling that lasts more than a couple of days â€" if your skin is red or hot to the touch â€" you could be developing an infection. Again, this is something that needs to be attended to immediately before it becomes very serious, and yesâ€"tattoo infections can becoming life-threatening. Once you’ve reached the two-week point and your tattoo is feeling fine, you can resume swimming and occasional shoe-wearing. One hiking trip or soccer game probably won’t do any serious damage as long as you’re careful, but these activities need to be greatly limited until you reach that three month point. So, if you want to get your foot tattooed and you’re in a part of the world that has just entered the spring season, now is the time to do it. By the time summer is here, you’ll be completely healed and able to resume normal activities without fear of ruining your ink.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: How to Apply Henna Paste and Care for Your New...

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How to Apply Henna Paste and Care for Your New... Jun 30th 2013, 11:12, by tattoo.guide@about.com Once you’ve applied your design to your satisfaction, you’ll want to allow the paste to dry. This can take around 30 minutes. To speed up the drying time and also to intensify the staining ability of the paste, use a hair dryer on a low setting to apply warm air to the paste as it dries. The heat helps to activate the henna to create a more intense stain. As the paste dries, it will shrink, leaving gaps in your design without any paste. Re-apply the henna to fill in any gaps and allow to dry again.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Body Mods and Job Discrimination Issues

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Body Mods and Job Discrimination Issues Jun 28th 2013, 11:12, by tattoo.guide@about.com I got a part time job back in February. Up until now I have been wearing short sleeves. I have no obscene or racist ink or anything gang related. Recently my 2 day a week job was cut to one day a week and the other day my boss said, "You know, the customers all seem to like you, but a lot of them have said something about the tattoos. Could you please wear long sleeves from now on?" What I want to know is do I have any rights at all? I have done nothing but go to work every day that she has asked me, done my job (more than perfectly, according to her), and been as nice as possible throughout all of this. Answer: Unfortunately, tattoos and piercings are not (yet) protected by labor and/or discrimination laws. Employers are well within their rights to avoid hiring people with body art, ask you to cover them up or fire you if you don't. It's a disappointing truth and it's one of the many reasons I caution my readers about where they place their ink because it could damage their chances of getting the job of their choice. Since most of us need to work in order to survive, that's a sacrifice that sometimes has to be made. If you have body art and need to find work, you have two basic options: 1. Find an employer that doesn't mind your body art - better yet, find one that considers it an asset. or… 2. Cover it up at the employer's request in order to keep your job. There are several companies (chains that exist nationwide, too) that not only approve of body art but encourage it as a way of connecting with their customer base. Alternative shops, cocktail bars, eateries that include entertainment, etc. Not only will these places accept you for who you are, but they're a hell of a lot more fun to work at than some stuffy flower shop. Some of the places around me that are body art friendly are B.D.’s Mongolian BBQ, Dave & Buster’s, Hot Topic, Torrid, Target, Aeropostale, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Claire’s, Spencer’s Gifts, Sally Beauty Supply, and probably many others. It’s just a matter of getting out there and finding them. Or maybe you could even find a job as a counter girl in a tattoo shop â€" if they have a problem with your ink, the world has officially turned upside down! But, assuming that maybe you are trained as a horticulturist/botanist and want to work in the field you are trained in, there are still lots of flower shops out there. Why subject yourself to the hour cuts and verbal aspersions from this one place when you might be able to find something much better right around the corner? Not all flower shop people are pretentious. Especially ones you find in more artistic or alternative parts of town. It’s all about what kind of image the employer wants to portray and even if they don’t have anything personally against body art, I suppose they may view it as “casual.” If it’s not a t-shirt and jeans kind of place to work, then tattoos and piercings probably aren’t going to fit in either. I’m not necessarily saying that I agree, but I can kind of see where they’re coming from. If it’s meant to be a professional environment, then tattoos are sometimes perceived in the same realm as denim and sneakers. If they can ask you not to wear jeans, they feel it’s pretty much the same thing to ask you not to “wear” (or show) your body art. If you have the time and resources to learn a new skill, then there are fields of work that are more ink-and-piercing friendly, such as IT, cosmetics, mechanics, construction, and bartending to name a few. If you don’t have the money to learn one of these skills yet, but you want to, then you might just have to put your picket sign down and cover up the ink long enough to earn the money if that’s what it takes to reach the goals you make for yourself. It’s up to you if you don’t like your current situation â€" either put up, cover up and shut up or take the steps necessary to change it. When my family and I moved to Indianapolis, my husband had to shave his beard and cut his 16-inch long hair to be even considered for a decent job. He is highly intelligent, a hard worker, honest and reliable, but the hair and beard stopped him in his tracks everywhere he went in search of a job. Was it fair? No. Would he have been justified if he rebelled and refused to change on the basis of his own freedom of expression? Probably. But he also might have ended up flipping burgers for half the pay he ended up with after putting aside his own ego and losing the hair. Now he’s got a great job that is okay with his beard, pierced ears and tattoos. Progress happens, albeit slowly. Sometimes you just have to be patient.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Tongue Piercing Tips

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Tongue Piercing Tips Jun 28th 2013, 11:12, by tattoo.guide@about.com The following tongue piercing tips will help you care for a new piercing and determine if this body modification is the right choice for you. While some people choose oral piercings for a desired pleasurable effect, others just like the way they look. It's true that tongue piercings can aide in sexual pleasure, but bear in mind that's not always the case. What works for some may not work for others, so don't ever get pierced with the intent of being any more skilled than you were before the procedure, in the bedroom. Personal comfort wearing an oral piercing is also subject to change. Some people love the sensation of jewelry in their mouths whereas others simply can't get used to the taste, feel, or accidental bite on their metal despite their desire to wear the adornment. A proper fitting with ensure the best results. Oral Piercing General Information Before you opt for an oral piercing of any sort you'll need to determine if you are a candidate for the piercing procedure. If you have an oral history of inflamed gums or bad teeth, you'll need to clear any piercing with your dentist first as a safety measure. Tongue Piercing Basic Facts To avoid any speech impediments, proper placement is crucial. Scar tissue is temporary and minimal. It will appear white at first and may even form a lump before it slowly minimizes in size and color. Once oral jewelry is removed, a tongue piercing can heal and begin to close rather rapidly. It's never wise to keep your jewelry out for an extended period of time, so make the commitment. A central piercing position is the most popular placement for a tongue piercing. What to Expect In a nutshell, a tongue piercing can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to heal and only seconds to insert. A barbell is the jewelry style you'll wear with this piercing and the gauge may vary anywhere from ten to fourteen. The length of the barbell with largely depend on the anatomical positioning of your tongue and will vary from person to person. Despite popular myth, a tongue piercing is not usually prone to infection, rather the biggest risk from this form of body piercing is permanent damage caused to your teeth from chipping and biting down on the jewelry, of course by accident. How Painful is a Tongue Piercing? Although oral piercings may carry the stigma of being ultra-sensitive, a tongue piercing is a relatively simple and quick piercing procedure. The location of most piercings is towards the back of the tongue where there is less nerves other than those that primarily signal taste and temperatures. Despite this, you should expect to feel some pressure during the procedure and you'll also experience minimal swelling after the piercing. Soups, ice cream and smoothies will likely be on your menu until your tongue piercing is healed and you can begin to resume a normal diet. Alternative Placement In addition to a standard tongue piercing which is placed anywhere on the tongue, from the front of it all the way to the back, your piercer can also place jewelry to the left or the right side of the midline of your tongue. These types of less-standard piercings are called alternative placements and they must really be performed under the diligent hand of a skilled piercer. Your body and anatomy must be properly analyzed for a tongue piercing so never settle for a piercer who puts you in the standard "box". Demand individual evaluation and ask any questions you have prior to opting for an oral piercing.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Why Your Tattoo Artist Should be Vaccinated...

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Why Your Tattoo Artist Should be Vaccinated... Jun 28th 2013, 11:12, by tattoo.guide@about.com This is becoming more important as disease and infection are spreading more rapidly every day, and unsafe tattooing is quickly becoming the culprit guilty of creating the necessity for tattooists to be vaccinated against Hepatitis for their own protection and for the protection of their future clients. Unfortunately, it is not a common practice across the globe yet. Many studios still do not practice this safety measure. It does not necessarily mean they are unsafe, although practicing this does put a client's mind at ease. If they are not vaccinated, just be sure they are following the other safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination. If they do claim to vaccinate, never just take anyone's word for it. Do they have proof? Can they show you a doctor's record proving they were vaccinated. If they tell you they don't remember, they're probably lying. When I went in for my Hep B vaccination, I told the doctor I wasn't sure if I'd ever gotten one or not. She said I would definitely remember it if I had - it's a series of 3 shots given over a 4 month period of time. It's not something that's going to just slip someone's mind. In this day and age, it is advisable that everyone is vaccinated against this disease. It wouldn't hurt to make sure that you are vaccinated before you receive a new tattoo.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Tattooed & Pierced - Breaking the Stereotype

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Tattooed & Pierced - Breaking the Stereotype Jun 28th 2013, 11:12, by tattoo.guide@about.com Many "minority" groups have long complained about being judged solely on their appearance. People of these groups are automatically stereotyped into a class of certain expectations. The body art community is no exception. From schools to the work force to every day life, people with body art are generally perceived as rebellious, irresponsible, unintelligent and sometimes even criminal. This kind of prejudice is no more acceptable than judging a person based on the color of their skin, their religion, or their gender. However, it does happen and those with body art are inspected under a close microscope of scrutiny. How we, as members of this community, react to the scrutiny is what will make the difference. Gaining Trust We learn from childhood that trust is something that must be earned. We were also taught that losing someone's trust is much easier than gaining it. Tattooed and pierced gang members and criminals have caused the general population to lose much of its trust for the illustrated people. It is also no surprise that humans tend to be wary of anything that is different from what they are accustomed to. We are quick to admonish that these people need to change their attitudes, but we need to realize that we are responsible for bringing about this change. A child does not overcome their fear of dogs by being thrust into a cage of angry canines. Cut the Attitude I hear myself saying this to my kids a lot. "Cut the attitude." What does it mean? It means get the scowl off your face and stop acting like you're the most important person in the world. No wonder "mundanes" ("blanks" - people without bodyart) are afraid of us - if you walk around looking, acting and talking like a punk, you're going to be perceived as a punk. We all know you're pierced and tattooed as a form of your self-expression. That doesn't mean you have to be angry at the world. There is obviously a side of you that appreciates creativity and art; nurture that side and stop always being on the defensive. Don't assume every person you meet is going to judge you, and don't assume you're better than them if they do. Above & Beyond Maybe you're not the angry type that walks around with a chip on your shoulder, but do you go out of your way to break the stereotype? This is something I personally am conscious of every day, especially when my body art is clearly visible. One time I moved a shopping cart out of the way of a lady that was trying to park her car. Another time I held a door open for an elderly man with a walker. Recently I returned a wallet that was left behind by the owner. These are not extraordinary things, but the look of pleasant surprise on the faces of these individuals proves to me that it made an impression. I did exactly the opposite of what was expected of me, and I earned a point of respect for the body art community. The Power of a Smile The simplest thing you can do everywhere you go and to everyone you meet is share a smile. It's really contagious - if you give someone a genuine smile, they are going to smile back. Dogs that walk around with their tails wagging and their tongues hanging out aren't scary. And a person walking around with a big smile on their face isn't going to pose any threat to strangers. Random Acts of Kindness There used to be a television show where the hosts would go out to commit "random acts of senseless kindness". They would go out of their way to help someone or just make them smile. For someone who is not outgoing in nature, this isn't easy, but the benefits to yourself and the people you reach will be immeasurable. I would like for everyone that reads this article to try to go out of their way for just one individual this week, and remember to do it with a smile! Then, email me about it at tattoo@aboutguide.com. What did you do? What was their reaction? How did it make you feel? Do you think this could help change the world's perspective on body art, and would you do it again? Your experiences and reactions will be published in a future article for all to read. Good luck!

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: personal experience - first tattoo

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personal experience - first tattoo Jun 28th 2013, 11:12, by tattoo.guide@about.com For many years, I'd been telling myself that on my 21st birthday, I'd do something outrageous like... get a tattoo (coming from a conservative chinese family, a tattoo is pretty much considered outrageous). Seems like I couldn't wait until my 21st birthday and now I am a proud owner of a scorpion zodiac on my lower back at the ripe old age of 20. On the fateful day, I went to a shop called Inkz in Singapore and met the tattoo artist, Jerry. Since it was my first time, I was quite apprehensive and kept on questioning him about the pain. He was very patient with me and told me the pain was "bearable". He also warned me that this would not be the last tattoo i would be getting. The thing for me is that I need a friendly tattoo artist. I've walked into shops where the tattoo artists are downright snobby and are pretty impatient if you ask questions (especially those pertaining to pain and price). To ready yourself for a tattoo, make sure your tattoo artist is affable and approachable and is ready to explain everything. To answer the most widely asked question: DID YOUR TATTOO HURT? I've read so many testimonials saying that their outline hurt but the colouring didn't. Strangely enough, i hardly felt a thing when Jerry outlined but when he coloured, I was wincing underneath my brave facade. The pain is likened to that of a needle being inserted lightly into your skin and dragged from side to side inside your skin. Like Jerry said, it IS bearable, but it's not the most pleasant sensation in the world. Warning: Tattoos really are addictive. So much so that i'm going back for my 2nd one this weekend. :) -theknees Want to add your own body art testimonial? Fill Out This Simple Form Go Back To Testimonial Menu Page

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: ***READER POLL*** Would You Get a Face Tattoo? VOTE!***

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***READER POLL*** Would You Get a Face Tattoo? VOTE!*** Jun 28th 2013, 07:47, by Comments No comments yet. Leave a Comment Leave a Comment Name* Email: (never displayed)* URL Your Comment* Line and paragraph breaks are automatic. Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title="">, <b>, <i>, <strike>

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Anchor tattoos

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Anchor tattoos Jun 27th 2013, 11:14 Anchor tattoos are worth their weight if you want something that symbolizes stability. The perfect pin-up and old school symbol of crossing the rough seas, today an anchor tattoo can be worn all alone or combined with other styles to create a symbol that strengthens your personal life's journey. History of Anchor Tattoos Long before anchor tattoos made way onto the arms of sailors they were worn to depict Christianity in the form of a discreet representation of the cross. If you want a tattoo symbol that reminds you of your faith and commitment to Christianity you may consider an anchor tattoos design in lieu of a traditional cross tattoo. For those at sea, anchor tattoos came straight from the ships and right onto the biceps of the men who were on them. It has long been a tradition that man did not earn his anchor until he safely crossed the Atlantic Ocean. For sailors and those who live their lives out at sea, an anchor tattoo in a classic old school design captures the history and love of the water. For stability and relationships, an anchor tattoo can make a wise alternative to a couples or a name tattoo. Why not consider honoring your commitment to one another with a matching pair of anchors to signify a strong foundation instead? Popular Placement Suggestions Depending on the type of anchor tattoo you may decide to go small or go with an entire ship design. For a sexy spot for girls, consider an anchor right below the collarbone. For men, strengthen your trunk and consider a lower abdomen anchor tattoo for something daring and a bit different. Men can slso go for a pin-up girl on their arm and have her don the anchor on a playful hat or on her own leg with an anchor tattoo. More popular placement suggestions for anchor tattoos include arm sleeves, thighs and for something smack in your face, consider the inner forearm. You can even opt for the inside of your wrist for a small anchor tattoo. Design Ideas Rather than have your anchor tattoo sink into a boring state, customize it a bit and make it all the more meaningful. Whether it be a quote about being grounded or crossing the seas, a short phrase or an R.I.P for a fallen soldier or brother, or even the initials of your loved one (if you must)...Why not ink their memory on an anchor? After all, hope can float!

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Does it Hurt to Get a Tattoo?

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Does it Hurt to Get a Tattoo? Jun 27th 2013, 11:14 Does it hurt to get a tattoo? You bet it can. Depending on the hand and skill of your artist, the tattoo location and of course your own pain tolerance, you can expect to feel more than a pin prick when you get a tattoo, but that doesn't mean you can't handle the experience. Why Tattoos Hurt Tattoos hurt because a needle is inserted and reinserted into your skin over and over again until the tattoo is complete. Some people describe this sensation as burning, razor sharp pain, while others may describe it as feeling like you've been cut. Either way, the black outline of the tattoo process is usually the most painful and that's the first step you'll endure. Painful Tattoo Locations Due to their lack of tissue, the following tattoo locations are reported to be the most painful spots to ink: Head Foot Ribs Hips Some people start in these locations with their first tattoo, whereas others build up their body art before venturing into these areas. It's up to you. The larger the piece the more process you'll endure. Some tattoos take many many visits to complete. Pain Tolerance Some people are just better equipt at dealing with pain. After a natural or even medicated childbirth experience, most women could easily tolerate tattoo pain. Many men can stave off the needle without even a glitch. If you are one tough cookie, you'll likely sail through the tattoo process with the expected jump and cringe, but without any intense pain. If you have a low level tolerance for pain, please be advised that your first tattoo should be small and located in a fairly pain-free location. Consider your forearm or leg or any other meatier part of your body. The more flesh, the less intense the sensation so don't opt for bony areas such as ribcages, the foot or the clavicle if you have a known low pain tolerance. Easing the Pain If you go into the tattoo process knowing to expect some pain, you'll be better prepared to deal with it. Mental focus is essential during the process, so practice meditative and relaxation techniques that will help you breathe and remain still during uncomfortable moments. Try to bring headphones and music and zone out to that happy and peaceful place during the tattoo process. Talking with the artist during the process also helps many people. Dicuss the steps as they occur and get involved in the actual technique and try to take your mind off of the pain. In the end, you'll have a much better tattoo if you can remain still and at ease for your artist. You can't get a tattoo while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and taking a pain reliever prior to the tattoo will thin your blood which can then pose a health and safety risk. You'll need to deal with the pain of a tattoo naturally. If you've heard of any particular artists with a light hand and you're concerned about tattoo pain, be sure to seek them out first. Many experienced and highly skilled tattoo artists are very gentle with their machines, as they should be. Addicted to the Pain For some people, tattoo pain can become addictive. They'll seek out a new tattoo as frequently as they can afford to continue the rush and experience. Bear in mind that tattoos are intended to be worn forever, so put some thought into your designs no matter how addicted you become.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Tattoos Over 40 - First Time Ink Experiences...

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Tattoos Over 40 - First Time Ink Experiences... Jun 27th 2013, 11:14 Wanted to tell you my story about getting my first tattoo after 40. I got my first tat at 47 to celebrate my two children. Prior to that, the thought never really crossed my mind about getting one. My first tat was an alligator and two hearts - my son's name is Gator (4 yrs old at the time) and the two hearts were for my daughter Gracie (3 yrs old). They are the loves of my life! The following year, things took a turn for the worst when my wife & I separated after being married for six years. The hardest thing was not being able to see my kids every day; to kiss them good night and before I left for work in the wee hours of the morning; missing a lot of the little spur of the moment / day to day experiences. The next tat I decided to get was a tiger face (for quite strength and patience). Then came my first dragon (a royal Chinese blue dragon) with its tail curled around the gator and hearts for their protection. Then came the tiger scene on my back, another dragon (green) on the other arm and back, and back to fill in the tiger face upper arm with a jungle scene complete with a dragon fly. Currently, I'm in the process of getting a third dragon (yellow) with the other dragons and to fill in that upper arm. The tats have kept me quite busy these last few years. All the work has been done by Scott at Shoe's Tattoos in Schuylkill Haven, PA. The symbolism of each has met the strength and inner power of one's self as it relates to me and my children and dealing with the ups and downs of life. I've met a lot of great people connected with the tattoo world and see so many awesome tats being done - has you always thinking of what ink will be next. I'm 51 now and still going strong.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: When Body Art Becomes a Health Risk

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When Body Art Becomes a Health Risk Jun 25th 2013, 11:16 For most of us, deciding whether or not to get a tattoo or piercing is simply a matter of personal choice. But for some, getting the desired body modification could adversely affect their well-being. Many in these situations are tempted to ignore the possible hazards and go for it anyway. I think many body art fans can empathize with a fellow enthusiast longing for ink or a piercing, despite the fact it could cause them harm. But empathy aside, there is just no substitute for common sense. For those who don't have any, consider this a wake-up call. Illness and Disease Medical conditions such as diabetes, illness such as cancer, and blood-borne disease such as Hepatitis are just a few examples of ailments that plague many people, even among the illustrated. Diabetes is a rather common ailment. There are different strains of diabetes, some more severe than others. Consider how your body reacts to every day bumps and bruises. If a scratch or bruise is arduous, a tattoo or piercing is going to be much worse. In this case, it's just not worth it to put your body at this kind of risk. If you are a diabetic, talk to you doctor first to find out if they feel you would be a good (safe) candidate for body art. Hepatitis is more common than we sometimes want to admit. It's also one disease that has been spread from dirty tattoo needles, and the only way it could have gotten there in the first place was from an infected client (and an irresponsible tattooist). Can you get a tattoo if you have Hepatitis? Usually. But, talk to your doctor first to see if this would be a wise decision. Those whose bodies are in a severely weakened state do not need to be adding any further burden to their immune system. Prescription Medications There are so many people taking some kind of prescription drug these days, it would be unreasonable to say anyone taking medication can't or shouldn't get a tattoo. However, drugs do alter our physical, circulatory and/or mental being, which means they can also affect our ability to heal. Examples of known medication-related problems are any type of drugs that can thin the blood - even aspirin. Any time that you are wounded, your blood's ability to clot is its own defense. Without that protection, you are apt to bleed more during and after the tattoo process, and it could also cause unnecessary scabbing. If you are taking any kind of blood thinning medications, or have an disorder that causes you to bleed more than usual, it is best for you to not get a tattoo. Accutane is another drug that is somewhat baffling to tattoo artists. According to an article published by the APT (Alliance of Professional Tattooists), "Clients using this medication will present skin that is very different from what we would hope for and expect in young skin. In addition to making the tattoo application difficult, it seems to interfere with the healing process." The reason is not yet known, but it appears that pushing ink into the skin of a client on this medication is next to impossible and can cause needless trauma to the skin. Once the drug has been cleared from the client's system, they may then choose to get the tattoo. Don't Ask, Don't Tell? So, you want the tattoo bad enough you decide to stop taking your medication so you can get it. Or you decide to just keep your condition a secret and not let the artist know about it. No big deal, right? Wrong! That would be an incredibly dim (ok, stupid) and irresponsible thing to do. First of all, if you have a serious health condition that warrants medical intervention, stopping your prescription could be a fatal choice. Is a tattoo worth your life and health? Granted, if you're taking acne medication, it probably won't hurt to suspend it for a little while, but how do you know how long it takes to get it out of your circulation? You're going to have to talk to your doctor. (Continued on Page 2)

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Earth Day Tattoos

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Earth Day Tattoos Jun 25th 2013, 11:16 You can pay ode to the world with an Earth Day inspired tattoo. Whether you want to show some love for your planet or ink for environmental causes or awareness, the following design ideas can all pay respect to the universe. From a happy and spirited circle of sunflowers to a feather tattoo, all of these tattoo inspirations honor Mother Earth. 1. Planets Planet and space scenes are a really neat choice for Earth Day tattoos. Not only can these designs be colorful, they can be cosmic as well. Imagine a back piece with a night sky complete with star tattoos. You can even incorporate astrological birth signs and constellations. Or opt for a traditional earth tattoo and add a phrase such as 'Save Our Planet.' 2. Flowers Another Earth Day tattoo option is flowers. You can certainly opt for any sort of flower and pay tribute to Mother Nature's beautiful bounty, or you pick something a little more spirited. Common wildflowers include daisies, Bachelor's buttons, yarrow, Queen Anne's lace and happy sunflowers. Imagine a wildflower scene or a circlet of blooms around the quote from Henry David Thoreau, "All good things are wild and free." 3. Birds From a pair of peace doves to a scene of birds in flight, an avian tattoo is another natural choice for a nature inspired tattoo. Wing and feather designs can take so many different forms. You can opt for a single red cardinal or a bird fleeing its' cage. Popular phrases may include 'Hope' or 'Believe.' Awesome birds include owls , Old School sparrows, Blackbirds and peace doves, in which case you should add an olive branch from the olive tree to represent a universal peace offering. Mourning Doves mate for life, making this avian pick a unique love and couple's tattoo idea as well. 4. Peace and Love Peace symbol and heart tattoos can be appropriate Earth Day inspired designs. You can shape the earth into a heart, add a pair of wings and tattoo the word 'Mother', or create a peace symbol with a global vibe using blue and green ink. Map tattoos are another unique choice that take on a large presence. Consider a back piece and create a map of the world and add the phrase 'Love the Earth' or a quote such as "Not all those who wander are lost" from J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring. 5. Insects Insects are the most diverse organisms on the planet. With over 900 thousand known species, insects are credited for aerating our soils, controlling pest population and pollinating the flowers that produce such beautiful blooms. From busy bees making honey to spiders spinning silk, even the caterpillar adds beauty to the world as it transitions to a butterfly. Researchers are just now using spider silks in addition to caterpillar silk to produce protein and eco-based materials for use in cosmetic, medical and textile applications. What a lovely way to honor earth and a sustainable future. For my Top 5 Insect Tattoo ideas and suggestions, read more here.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt? Jun 25th 2013, 11:16 Question: Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt? Answer: Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerancy to pain. I'm not going to kid you, though - it does hurt. Just not that much. Some have compared it to a "hot scratching feeling". But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad! Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there. For more information and how to deal with your fears, read How Much Does It Really Hurt?

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: The Tattoo Gallery - Guide Picks - My Personal...

Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com

The Tattoo Gallery - Guide Picks - My Personal... Jun 24th 2013, 11:12 Guide Picks > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 > Next Page If you would like to add your own tattoo picture to this gallery, please see the Submission Information Page Go Back to Tattoo Gallery Menu Page Go to Piercing Gallery Join In On The Message Boards:

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