Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Are Tattoo Parties Safe?

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Are Tattoo Parties Safe? Mar 25th 2013, 11:10 Tattoo parties have been around for a long time. The idea is simple. A bunch of friends get together at someone's house, a tattoo artist shows up and everyone (brave enough) gets a tattoo! Sounds fun, right? On the surface, a tattoo party does sound fun. Imagine it - a room full of friends, hanging out, laughing at each others' expressions of pain, showing off their new tattoos once finished. A beautiful woman with pearly white teeth smiles lovingly at her equally handsome boyfriend as he shows everyone the tattoo he got bearing her name. The ruggedly attractive and colorfully tattooed artist does one gorgeous tattoo after another, grinning ear to ear as everyone in the room sings his praises and promises to tell all their friends about him. And to top it off, he doesn't have to report the tattoos to the boss man at the shop, who would normally want a piece of every dollar he makes. It's a win-win situation. Good money and having fun at the same time; why not? The problem is, that isn't a really accurate picture of most tattoo parties. The romantic imagery we connect with the idea of a tattoo party is the same thing advertisers have been able to appeal to for years when selling products they know aren't really good for us. Well, I'm no advertiser and I'm here to give you a reality check about tattoo parties. Let me start off by saying this does not apply to all tattoo parties. But most of them are held for one or all of the following three reasons: The clients are just looking for the cheapest tattoo they can get The clients are minors and can’t get tattooed legally The tattooist isn't licensed or legal and has to do his/her work underground The real scene usually involves the use of cigarettes (which obviously isn't conducive to a clean and sterile environment), alcohol, or even drugs. The alleged "artist" rarely follows any kind of safety protocols; when you're trying to bang out several tattoos in one night, you're not going to do your best work and you're not going to take extra time to make sure every tattoo is clean and sterile. Most basement artists don't even have autoclave sterilizers for their equipment and seem to think boiling them in water is sufficient. Even if they use single-use needles, which is the typical line of defense for many of these tattooers, that doesn't mean you're safe. When a person is tattooed, microscopic blood and body fluids spray and fly everywhere; everything around the client and the tattooer is contaminated. The only way to kill the germs, bacteria and blood-borne pathogens that go along with every tattoo is to make sure every inch of the artist's work station is cleaned and sterilized thoroughly between clients. All surfaces must be non-porous like tile floors and vinyl seats; anything porous should be protected by being covered with plastic, and then that plastic must be discarded after every client. You think the person running the tattoo party cares about doing all of this? In most cases, no. Also, if a tattooist doesn't mind breaking the law by tattooing minors, I seriously doubt they care about any other rules they might be breaking. It should also be noted that in some states, the tattoo party itself is illegal. Like I said, this does not apply to all tattoo parties. I happen to know an artist who does perfectly legitimate tattoo parties from time to time, but this is not the norm. Most of them result in clients getting really bad tattoos (you get what you pay for, people) or, even worse, some kind of infection or blood disease. In 2005, the health department reported that at least seven people in Toledo (Ohio) contracted a bacterial infection known as MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, after getting a tattoo at one of these so-called parties. The supposed "artist" in this case was arrested. In 2007, an article discussing a Michigan county's effort to regulate tattoos highlights a woman named Tennille Grihorash. Tennille now lives with regret over a tattoo she received a few years ago at a tattoo party. [She said] "the tattoo came out sloppy, like a child had done it. It's like the most horrible thing you've ever seen." (Detroit Free Press) So, forget the romantic imagery. It's a lie. If you're too cheap to pay full price for a tattoo, then don't get one. If you're a minor, wait until you're old enough. And if you're a tattooer throwing unsafe tattoo parties, God help you; I hope you don't kill someone for the sake of your own greed. If you have several friends that would like to enjoy the bonding experience of a tattoo party in a safe environment with sterile equipment, talk to your artist about arranging the private use of the tattoo studio for that purpose. (And don't expect it to be cheap!) If you know someone who plans to attend a tattoo party or basement tattooer, please try to talk them out of it! The future of body art depends on it remaining a respectable form of art. When people get sick from tattoos (or piercings), it damages the reputation that so many legitimate artists have worked diligently to earn for our industry. Don't let their efforts be in vain.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Tattoo Artist Vents

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Tattoo Artist Vents Mar 25th 2013, 11:10 Note From Karen: When a tattoo artist makes a mistake, it becomes headline news. And yet, most tattoo artists deal with a lot of really annoying clients on a daily basis and no one ever pays attention. Every now and then, an artist gets to the point where they have taken as much as they can handle and they have to vent about the crap they are sick of putting up with. And yet, in between the curse words and yelling, there are words of wisdom that all of us should take to heart. Have a little respect for your artist and try to keep in mind that they are human beings, not slaves or robots. Here are some pearls of wisdom from a tattoo artist on the edge. "Due to the recent surge of complete fu**ing morons getting tattooed by me (I stress, this isn't aimed at all of my customers; I still get to do great tattoos on a great bunch of folks, you guys who I like know who you are), I've decided to post my latest blog. I don't know what your problem is where you think that just because you want a tattoo right that minute, that we should just drop everything we're doing, decide what you want, draw something up for you on a whim with no input from you, blow off our appointments to get you in for this mystery tattoo, be able to do a nice tattoo on you no matter how much you jump around regardless of how many times I tell you to stop, then you get an attitude with me because I'm the first person to actually tell you that you're doing something wrong by moving around as much as you are, then you don't even give me the respect to follow my aftercare instructions because your &*%# of a boyfriend told you not to because his buddy who does it out of his sh***y ass roach infested apartment knows how to take care of tattoos. I want to do the best tattoo I can, but it takes 2 to get it to look good. I do the tattooing part, but you have to do the part about actually thinking about what you want first of all, and sitting the f*** still. If you can't do your parts, then it tells me that you don't give a sh**, and if you don't give a sh**, why should I? Unfortunately, I have to give a sh** because if that tattoo comes out all f***ed up, you're not actually going to admit to your friends that you moved around like you were in the back of a pickup truck traveling at high speeds through the woods. Hell no, you're just going to say that the guy at the Pisst Fish f***ed it all up. So because of these people, I've decided to put up a somewhat sarcastic but partially true list of rules of conduct if you're interested in getting tattooed by me: 1. Make sure you have eaten within 4 hours prior to your tattoo. I will not tattoo you on an empty stomach. 2. Do NOT consume any alcoholic beverages within the same day prior to getting your tattoo. I will not tattoo you if I smell alcohol on you. The same goes for narcotics. 3. Dress appropriately for your tattoo. I cannot tattoo through clothing, and many times it gets in the way if it's too close to the tattoo. 4. Please be realistic on your expectations of a tattoo. I cannot do a quality tattoo on a client that moves excessively, is extremely sensitive to the touch, or is overly nervous. 5. You must be at least 18 years of age to receive a tattoo from me. This also means you have to behave like a grownup when getting tattooed by me. You will be allowed to have 1 person join you for the procedure to keep you company, and that is all. You don't need an entourage, and the one companion doesn't need to hold your hand. This is not the time to be a Drama Queen, so don't act like one. The better you behave yourself, the better the experience is going to be for you. 6. All cell phones must be turned off during the procedure, including anyone accompanying you. 7. No food is allowed in the tattoo area, but a contained drink with a cap is. 8. Do not bring your children in the shop, and do not leave them in the car. If you have children, you need to get a babysitter during your tattoo. 9. If you do not speak English, bring a translator. I only speak English. 10. If you don't know what you want tattooed, I will not set up an appointment with you until you do. It's not my job to decide what you should get tattooed. If you can't even do the preliminary thinking part about getting tattooed, you're not ready to get a tattoo. 11. Think about what you're getting tattooed. They are permanent, and therefore should be thought about thoroughly. Don't get tattoos of images just because other people have done it. Do a little bit of thinking first. 12. Please keep in mind, not only have I seen Miami Ink, but I get asked several times a day if I have. It isn't necessary to ask me if I've seen it. 13. Please stop asking to get tattoos of other peoples’ tattoos. I won't do it in respect to both the artist and the client wearing the original. This also applies to pictures in my portfolio. Those tattoos already belong to someone. 14. Please follow your aftercare procedure accurately. If you lose your aftercare sheet given to you, you need to come back and get another one. Do NOT ask your friends or anyone else how to take care of your tattoo. 15. If you are sick, re-schedule your appointment. I don't want to bring your germs and other crap home to my family making them suffer because of your lack of common sense selfishness, or lack of respect for others."

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Disposable Needles and Tubes

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Disposable Needles and Tubes Mar 25th 2013, 11:10 I’ve written on this debate before â€" the wide availability of tattoo and piercing kits, videos and books instructing anyone that shells out a few hundred bucks. The kits claim to come with everything you need to start your new business. The problem is that they don’t come with the most important pieces â€" an autoclave sterilizer or instructions on Universal Precautions. Some say an autoclave is not necessary, especially when disposable needles and tubes are also readily available. Each customer gets their own one-time-use needle and tube, so there is no risk of exposure. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The problem, though, is that needles and tubes are not the only culprits in spreading disease. There are so many other things that can be handled wrongly by an inexperienced person that hasn’t been properly trained. In October of 2005, four Maryland teenagers all got tattoos from some guy working out of his basement. What they really got was a Staph (Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA) infection, severe enough that two of the teens had to be hospitalized. In the state of Maryland where this happened, “the only requirements are that tattooists post written warnings of possible complications and follow guidelines such as wearing gloves and using disposable needles.” (Article) Well, guess what? Mr. Basement Tattooer was following those rules. The man "appeared to be operating in a clean manner and that each of the needles he used to do the tattoos were individually wrapped and taken out of the wrapper and discarded after each use," and he also wore gloves, according to the police report. And yet, that didn’t save these kids from getting sick. What really amazes me is that so many people are willing to make allowances for their tattooer. They will make excuses for them, stating that at least they boil their equipment or soak it in alcohol, or that he/she uses disposable needles and tubes. And yet, would those same people make those excuses for their dentist, doctor or surgeon? Would it be OK for your dentist to pull out a pick and assure you that even though they don’t have an autoclave, they soaked the pick in alcohol really good after using it on their last patient? Or maybe your doctor has single-use speculums, so I’m sure you women wouldn’t mind getting a pap smear in their basement, right? I’ll bet your surgeon would give you a really good deal on that triple bypass if you let him do it in his kitchen â€" he’s never learned Universal Precautions but he promises to wear gloves. I don’t think anyone would argue that these ideas are completely absurd, but why is it not so absurd to allow someone to puncture your skin under non-sterile conditions just because it’s body art instead of a medical procedure? Even getting a tattoo or piercing in a licensed studio does not necessarily promise a safe experience. Currently (Nov. 2005), an inquest is being held in the death of a teenager who died of severe septicaemia (blood poisoning â€" defined as an “invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms”) after receiving a lip piercing. This was even in a shop, not someone’s home. But a comment was made during the inquest that the woman who performed the piercing removed the needle cap with her mouth. When asked if she had ever read the code of practice, she said she had "seen it." Cross contamination is so easy to do. We all do it every day â€" even if we’re careful there are ways in which we make mistakes without even realizing it. When it comes to tattooing and piercing, practitioners cannot afford to make mistakes. Your tattoo artist cannot slip up and forget to take one of those important steps of Universal Precautions. Since most people not in the field have not personally been trained in cross-contamination prevention, it’s difficult for the average citizen to identify mistakes. You could be allowing yourself to be exposed to numerous infectious bacteria and not even know it. You could even be sick and not realize it. An estimated 70% of people carrying Hepatitis C don’t even know they have it. Staph infections and Hepatitis C are not small issues that can be taken lightly â€" they can kill! And yet, people are still buying tattoo and piercing kits and practicing on people with no clue as to what they are doing and people are still allowing it to happen. People are getting sick and professionals â€" the ones doing all the right things to ensure your safety â€" are the ones taking the blame and suffering the consequences. Their livelihood is being threatened, their reputations are being marred and the art form they love is being degraded every day. We can’t stop people from selling kits and we can’t round up every scratcher out there that’s putting their clients in danger for the sake of money, but we can spread proper information and teach people the importance of demanding clean and sterile tattoos and body piercings. Please email this article to someone you care about and encourage them to do the same.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Snug Piercings

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Snug Piercings Mar 24th 2013, 11:10 Definition: Snug piercings can pretty much reside anywhere along the vertical inner cartilage ridge of the ear that runs parallel to the rim, which is also called the anti-helix. It's very closely related to the rook, which resides along the upper horizontal plane of the same ridge. Most anti-helix ridges are shallow and can only accommodate a very small snug piercing. A micro curved barbell or CBR is required to gather as much cartilage as possible within the piercing, and a skilled artist is needed to create a piercing that doesn't put undue stress on each side of the ridge. Incorrect balance can cause irreversible damage to the cartilage. Depending on the depth and thickness of your anti-helix, you could go as small as 20 gauge for your snug, and in most cases I wouldn't recommend anything larger than a 16 gauge. The length of the barbell or size of the CBR should be determined by your piercer to ensure proper placement and balance.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: Conventional Piercing Guide - Ear - Rook

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Conventional Piercing Guide - Ear - Rook Mar 24th 2013, 11:10 Conventional Piercing Guide Ear - Rook The rook is located just above the tragus, and is a rather thick section of cartilage to pierce through. How easy a rook piercing is going to be can depend on the anatomy of your ear. Some people have a very pronounced rook, which is easier to pierce but requires slicing through a larger amount of flesh. Smaller rooks don't have as much cartilage to pierce through, but can be more difficult for the piercer to get at. Either way, it's still a relatively simple procedure to an experienced professional piercer. Recommended starter jewelry: 16-12 gauge CBR or mini curved barbell. Estimated Healing Time: 2-12 months Ear Piercing Navigation >Ear Menu Page > Lobe, Helix, Rook, Daith, Tragus, Industrial, Conch Piercing Guide Navigation > Main Menu, FAQ, Choose a Piercer, Safety Musts, Aftercare Other Piercings > The Face, Genital Piercings

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: What's Hot Now: What is a Tattoo

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What is a Tattoo Mar 24th 2013, 11:10 While the question may seem simple enough, asking what is a tattoo, can offer answers that travel in many different directions. Tattoos are permanent markings in the skin, usually made by way of ink and needles. Once ink is deposited into the dermis, the second layer of the skin, the wound scabs over and the skin heals to expose a design under the new layer of skin. While the practice of tattooing used to be illegal, it is now an acceptable form of body art and practice. Depending on where you reside, there are certain age restrictions that may dictate the minimum age for getting a tattoo. Check with an established tattoo shop for local laws or jurisdictions specifying these tattoo requirements. In most cases, you'll need to be 18 years of age or have parental consent before getting a tattoo. You'll likely need that time to select a pierce with significance anyway. Whether it be a memorial piece or one that expresses interests, hobbies, or even love themes, tattoos are rich in cultural history and deserve a bit of respect. History of Tattoos Tattooing has long been a way of ceremonial rites and passages in most cultures throughout the world. From Africa's scarification process to the Celts inking griffins and monsters that were later found on their corpses , tattoos are worn to mark special events, to pay honor or respect, and even to unite body to body with ash remains that are then inked under the skin. Tattoos tell a story and can be written in any language. From symbols depicting cultural images, to words and font designs, if you dare dream it, a tattooist can likely create it and tell your tale on a living canvas. To celebrate life, choices, and to pay tribute and memorial to life's purpose and companions, tattoos can speak volumes. Many people choose to remember those they love, and honor traditions and life events with a tattoo. As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words. How Much Do They Cost Tattoos cost money. Just as you expect to pay a professional for beauty, hair and other professional services, tattoo artists set their own rates and expect to be paid fairly based upon the details of the design, and their skill level. The better and more well known the artist, the more you will pay. Rest assured all artists will discuss their rates prior to beginning work. Or at least they should. If not, get out of there. Things to Consider Before you get a tattoo, proper time and consideration should be put into your piece to better avoid the chance of regret. Hasty tattoos are at the top of the list for tattoo removal, so don't be so quick to jump the gun, if you will. Spend some time going over tattoo art styles to narrow down your personal style. You'll find you are drawn to different looks the more you pay attention to body art. Tattoo artist selection is also imperative in the tattoo process. Take your time and do some research on top tattoo artists. Watch a few of the latest tattoo reality shows to learn basic styles and techniques, and then develop an eye for the art. Take your artistic eye to a more personal level by studying the works of modern artists and painters. Explore literature and mythology and begin to relate sentimental things that may apply to you, into design interpretations. This is the fun part, but by all means can be a lifelong process. Take your time. Your body deserves the best answer to the question, what is a tattoo? It's something that becomes part of you.

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Tattoos / Body Piercings: ***VOTE****Tattoo Sleeves on Women*** YES or NO? VOTE!

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***VOTE****Tattoo Sleeves on Women*** YES or NO? VOTE! Mar 23rd 2013, 07:45 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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