An Honest Tattoo Designs US Review - Is it Worth Your Cash?

Getting and choosing a tattoo is a big decision to make. Especially since you're going to be living with the one you choose for a long, long time. So, it might be best to take a long good look at tattoo designs before settling on one. 

It might take a while, but the important thing is that you get a tattoo that you will love for the rest of your life. However, the search for tattoos is no longer as hard as it used to be. There are a multitude of tattoo sites that showcase unique designs, allowing you to download the patterns before taking them to your favorite tattoo studio. 

One of the popular tattoo sites getting reviews is the Tattoo US Designs.  A jaunt on the site will reveal a collection of more than 3,000 tattoo designs. The designs are segregated into 40 categories, some of which are: 

Alien Tattoos
Eagle Tattoos
Religious Tattoos
Angel Tattoos
Evil Tattoos
Animal Tattoos
Fairy Tattoos
Scorpion Tattoos
Aztec Tattoos
Fantasy Tattoos
Shoulder Tattoos
Bird Tattoos
Flag Tattoos
Skull Tattoos
Butterfly Tattoos
Flash Tattoos
Snake Tattoos
Cartoon Tattoos
Flower Tattoos
Star Tattoos
Character Tattoos
Girl Tattoos
Sun Tattoos
Celtic Tattoos
Heart Tattoos
Symbol Tattoos
Chinese Tattoos
Indian Tattoos
Tiger Tattoos
Cross Tattoos
Japanese Tattoos
Tribal Tattoos
Demon Tattoos
Letters Tattoos
Wings Tattoos
Devil Tattoos
Lion Tattoos
Zodiac Tattoos
Dolphin Tattoos
Dragon Tattoos
Panther Tattoos

Add to that, they also have these three great bonuses for the members. The first one is the "Phrase Creator Widget" that successfully translates any English word or phrase into Arabic, Chinese or Hebrew. 

This widget in itself is already great since you can translate your favorite phrases cool tattoo ink. Tattoo virgins can get a glimpse of what their favorite phrases would look like in ink and that in itself holds a special pull.

Bonus two is an audio book that contains everything you need to know about tattoos. Information ranges from choosing a tattoo parlor to picking your perfect tattoo. The third bonus is the "Got Ink?" eBook which contains a multitude of information for tattoo enthusiasts.

Tattoo US Designs also provides a quality guarantee and a full refund in 8 weeks or 56 days in any event that you can't find the tattoo design you want. Not a bad offer, and with the amount of choices, it won't be a problem taking your pick on all these tattoos. The site also has a sneak preview for those who want to take a look at the designs before enlisting themselves and includes an eBook titled "You and Your Tattoo". 

Regardless of what you pick, remember that tattoos are one way of telling people about you without uttering a single word. And it's not just the tattoo design, the ink's placement in which body part, the size, the color - these things all add up into defining a person wearing the tattoo. A tattoo is not purely for aesthetic reasons, it's a statement. Good luck on finding that perfect tattoo, have fun and look awesome!

Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? Then check out the full video Tattoo Designs US Review and the Tattoo Designs US User Reviews at TattooYouDesigns.com.

While you're there, claim your FREE copy of the wildly popular eBook "Tattoo: Book of Secrets" while supplies last.

Finding the Best Back Tattoo Designs For You

Since your back is the flattest and widest part of your body, it makes some sense that it is perfect location for a tattoo. And since the "canvas" is so large, you can be creative with the back tattoo designs. A lot of people start off with a small tattoo design or two on their backs before migrating to a large tattoo that connects everything together.

And the process can cover a period of time because quite frankly, the large back tattoo designs requires a lot of thinking. And why? Obviously because the tattoo design covers a large area, it will be very difficult and expensive to remove if you have regrets. So for most people, taking it slow and easy by starting off with a back tattoo or two is the perfect way to go before going all out and getting a single large tattoo for the back area.

Again, I strongly urge you to put a lot of thought into your back tattoo design BEFORE you get it done! And for anyone who never had a tattoo done before, there is nothing wrong with getting a small tattoo or two at first. Just to see how you like them because tattoos are not for everyone.

To start off, I suggest that you check out the tattoo studios in your area. And take the time to explore the tattoo design possibilities. Do not feel rushed. If a tattoo artist tries to rush you or you feel uncomfortable with them, walk away and find someone else. But find a good tattoo artist that you absolutely feel good about. I say this for two reasons. First of all, that tattoo artist must be a good one, not necessarily a cheap one. Because many times, you get what you pay for. And tattoos are pretty permanent. So get a good one. The second thing that is very important is how they treat their equipment and how careful they are with it. It is very important for them to follow the regulations and rules to prevent passing any diseases to you. You only want a tattoo, not a death sentence or a lousy design imprinted on your back.

And when you do find a tattoo studio that looks promising. If the tattoo artist is good or has a lot of confidence in his or her abilities, they are going to allow you to look at their flash designs in books. If you find a design that you like, more the better! And the variety and depth of many tattoos will astonish you.

The flash tattoo designs that you find at the old-school tattoo studios will have animals of all kinds, butterflies, dragons, fantasy art, nature scenes, tribal style tattoos, Asian art and lettering, Celtic knots, flowers and skulls. You name it and they have it.

And your tattoo artist is going to have a portfolio of their best work in a book. And you may like one or two of them. My suggestion is to try to customize it a little so that your tattoo is original and fresh. Looking at the photographs of other back tattoo designs might give you some inspiration on what design that appeals to you.

Don't forget to do a little crawling on the Internet for some other back tattoo designs and ideas. There are sites that have a huge gallery of flash tattoo designs that you can download (usually for a fee) and print out for your tattoo artist to trace on your back.

Another good source for tattoo design ideas can be the tattoo magazines that you find at your bookstores. For those who are more creative and a pretty good artist can even design their own tattoo!

But even if you are NOT a good artist, don't let that stop you. There are tons of awesome tattoo designs that appeals to every single whim and taste. The only thing you need to decide on is the colors, shading and size of the tattoo. A good tattoo artist can help you out with that one.

And after you done your research, you can gather all the ideas together and try to come up with the most perfect tattoo design for you! And while trying to decide what exactly you want, consider a design that perfectly encapsulates of who you are and what you are all about. A great tattoo is one that reflects the best characteristics of you, one that inspires you to greatness, makes you laugh or makes you remember something very important and meaningful to you.

So there you are. You can choose to get a full back tattoo, a lower back tattoo, or a shoulder blade tattoo. The choice is yours but take the time to look at all the possible tattoo designs before choosing the final tattoo design for you. Doing so ensures that when you are getting tattooed, you know it is going to be a great one and you will be proud of it too. Tattoos are almost permanent and you will love it for the rest of your life.

So there you go. If you do your homework, the back tattoo designs 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!

Myths and Facts About Tattoos

It's bad luck to get a tattoo of someone's name... Light colors hurt more... Tattoos bleed a lot... A tattoo needle is only one needle... Tattoos turn blue when they are old... Red ink fades quickly... Anyone who can draw can tattoo... Only sailors, bikers, circus people and tough people get tattoos... Tattoos cost a lot of money... Tattoos are forever...

Many of these urban legends were started a long time ago, when basically some truth did exist in them. Everything from the types of folks who would venture into a tattoo parlor, to the kinds of skin dyes used caused the myths to become popular in the first place.

Modern tattooing is much more about the art form, hygiene, and appealing to people from all walks of life, than about maintaining any outdated stereotypes and falsehoods. Let's take a few of these myths about tattooing and turn them into factual statements instead.

Having someone's name tattooed on your body, while not necessarily bad luck, is a personal choice. And while any relationship can fail, if you already believe that getting their name tattooed on you is a guarantee one way or the other about the outcome then you're doing it for the wrong reasons anyway. Relationships fail for all kinds of reasons, getting someone's name tattooed on you is not one of them.

Tattoos do hurt, and depending on your tolerance to pain, some will feel more pain, some less. The light colors are typically done last when the skin is most tender, so to most, these will be the most painful colors. As to other ink colors, tattoo ink innovations have come a tremendously long way. During the 50s and 60s, tattoo ink pigments were not as refined as they are today, so bright colors like red or blue would fade under the elements and normal wear. That is no longer the case however, and all tattoo colors resist fading if properly cared for when healing.

Tattoo needles are clustered together in soldered groups of odd numbers, 3, 5, 7, etc. While most tattoos bleed minimally during the outline, and up to as much as 10 minutes after the shading is done, by the time you leave the shop, the bleeding will have stopped. Your tattoo will be bandaged for hygienic reasons only.

With modern medical advances in dermatology and skin care, tattoos are no longer a forever commitment. Laser tattoo removal and fade creams can remove a tattoo leaving behind no trace.

Stereotypes for tattoos came about at a time when tattoo parlors were rare, unregulated, and often located in seedy areas. Many sailors obtained tattoos according to the myths and legends that said that tattoos and piercings were thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the wearer. The prevalence of motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy tattoos is merely a cultural bias. Today, anyone can have a tattoo and no one would even know, and conversely simply because someone does have a tattoo, does not mean they are part of a seedy sub-culture. The prevalence of tattoos in society and among more publicly notable figures has also done a great deal to bring tattooing into its place as a mainstream form of art and personal expression.

If you believe that anyone who can draw can tattoo and that you need to be bargain hunting for your tattoo, chances are good that you are getting one for the wrong reasons and need to rethink your decision carefully. There are truly exceptional tattoo artists who have adopted a style that they are very skilled in doing, and there are tattoo artists who are just that, tattooists.

While most artists do have artistic backgrounds, there are some who simply love the art and wanted to make their living doing something they enjoyed. Tattoo artists are normal everyday people, just like you or me. They have lives and good and bad days just like the rest of us. Examine the work being done, or better still, find someone who has a tattoo that you admire and find out where they had it done before you put your own skin under the needle. And remember to choose an artist whose style matches the tattoo you would like to get.

Finally, bargain shopping for your tattoo will get you a bargain tattoo. If you are concerned with how much it will cost, it is likely not a good time for you to be thinking about a tattoo. While they are not all overly expensive, and good quality tattoos can be gotten for less than you would expect, it is still the kind of purchase that you need only make when your wallet is not an issue. It is mostly permanent, and it is your skin after all.

Patricia Ross is a freelance writer and web content specialist living and working in the New England area.

Inflicting Ink Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Portsmouth RI and home of the Inflicting Ink Traveling Tattoo Truck. For more information on Tattooing in RI call the RI Tattoo Studio of Inflicting Ink at (401) 683-5680 or visit them on the web at http://www.InflictingInkTattoo.com

My First Tattoo - Know Just Exactly What to Expect

If you are toying with the idea of getting your first tattoo done, have questions about the whole process and are feeling anxiety about getting it done; relax because most everyone feels the same about their first tattoo. Most peoples minds play games with them and they develop a fear of the unknown. This feeling has an adverse effect on most and makes us shy away from doing some of the things that we really want to do, like getting my first tattoo, but are afraid to take a chance. Rolla coasters are a good example for most people.

The best way to overcome fears of the tattooing process is to read books and articles and become familiar with what exactly will be involved in the tattoo experience. This way you will be aware of each step in the process and know precisely what to expect before the needle starts buzzing. In this article, I will tell you, from start to finish, each step involved in tattooing.

Please bear in mind though, that I will be describing just exactly how the process should generally proceed. There will always be possibilities that different tattoo artists will do things differently than I describe or in some instances even skip some of these steps. This does not necessarily mean that the artist is wrong; it just means that there is more than one way to skin a cat. So to speak. But do be aware that any major variations from the process described below could be an indication of a problem. You may want to discuss with your artist, their procedures in advance.

Let us assume that you have nailed down your tattoo design and have your desired artist picked out. A truly professional artist will require that you show valid identification and proof of age. You may also have to fill out other paperwork and give some other types of personal data. This will vary from shop to shop and has little bearing on the actual process.

Most tattoo parlors will require payment for their services before they begin. This again will vary from shop to shop and each will vary in the types of payment that they accept. You should always request a receipt for your payment.

Now you are ready for the chair. This can be in an open area or a separate room. This will vary between shops and also vary with the part of the body you are having tattooed. If you prefer a private room, you should talk to parlor personnel about this in advance. There are varying styles of chairs for different tattoos, so a private room may not always be convenient for the parlor to furnish. Your artist should do everything in their power to make you feel comfortable and accommodate your requests or tell you why they cannot.

Preparing the tattoo area. Rubbing alcohol is the most common substance used to clean the area that will receive the tattoo. Once the area is cleaned, then the area will be shaved with a new disposable razor to remove any hair. The area has to be clean shaven because any presence of hair can cause problems. The immediate and surrounding area will be cleaned again, making sure there is no hair remaining and everything is set to proceed.

Making a stencil of your tattoo design. The artist will most likely use a thermal-fax machine to make a stencil of the tattoo design. The machine will transfer your design onto a special thermal type paper to be used as a stencil. The artist will then use the stencil to transfer the design onto your skin. To aid in the transfer process, the artist will use soap, water or even stick deodorant to moisten the skin. These substances allow the design to transfer better and provide more color on your skin. When the stencil is removed, you will have a purple-ish blue impression of the future tattoo remaining on your skin.

Your artist will begin preparing their tattoo equipment. The ink will be put into little small cups they call "ink caps". They will remove the needles and tubes from the sterile pouches and place them into their tattoo machine. A clean container of distilled water will be another of the items on the work table. This will be used for cleaning the needles during the tattoo process and for changing colors.

Now for the line work! A small amount of ointment will be placed over the transferred design. The ointment will help the transfer to stay longer and prevent it from being accidentally rubbed off. The ointment will also allow the needle to slide along the skin more smoothly. Now that the ointment is in place, the artist will begin their line work. At this point, is where your heart will start to race and panic will set in. Take slow, nice, deep breaths and try to relax. Do not hold your breath. The first minute or two will be the toughest. After a few minutes, your nerve endings will get used to the process and the pain will slowly subside.

Time for shading and color. After the line work is complete, your artist will breathe a little bit easier knowing that you have grown accustom to the process and they are done with the transfer. Now the artist can do their thing and begin adding shading and color; if your tattoo is going to have color. Depending on the size of your tattoo, your artist may switch to a different set of needles. The needles used for shading and color are called magnums (or mags). There is a possibility that they may even switch tattoo machines. The shading and coloring usually moves along quite rapidly and then your tattoo will be complete.

Now that your done, it is time for a little fun! The artist will clean the tattoo good, and some will even apply a hot towel to it. Then, if your tattoo is somewhat of a specialty or the artist needs to build up their portfolio they will ask to take a picture. If you brought a camera along, you might ask the artist to take a picture for yourself. The ointment that will be applied to the tattoo will cause a glaze. So, if you want a picture of the tattoo, it would be best to do it before the ointment is applied. If for some reason you do not want the artist to take a photo, just say no. You are not obligated in any way to let them do this.

To your body, your tattoo is a wound and will require care for proper healing. A protective layer of ointment will be applied to the tattoo to prevent airborne bacteria that may cause infections. A securely taped bandage will then be applied. Follow the recommendations of your artist when they tell you how long to leave the bandage in place and prepare for your tattoo aftercare.

Your artist should give you tattoo aftercare instructions. These instructions should be given both verbally, and written so that you can follow them at home. It is important that you listen, understand and follow these instructions. If they give you instructions or you want to make sure that you are doing the right thing to heal your new tattoo and preserve its lasting beauty you can read very detailed instructions on Tattoo Aftercare at http://www.thetattoooutlet.com/Tattoo-Aftercare-Instructions.html.

Tattoo aftercare is your responsibility and it is a very important period in the tattooing process. Caring for your tattoo properly will make your tattoos' appearance stunning and also ward off medical repercussions with infection.

If you are pleased with your tattoo and your experience as a whole, before you leave, thank your artist, and do not forget to tip them. Show them that you appreciate a job well done.

Your first tattoo can be the most enjoyable thing that you have ever done in your life or it can turn out to be a total disaster. This will depend upon the amount of research you put into your decision to get a first tattoo. There are numerous tattoo books and valuable information available on my site at http://www.thetattoooutlet.com Use these resources to gain all of the knowledge you will need to make your first tattoo experience exciting and memorable. There are also 700 Free Tattoo Designs that you can download to help with your search for that perfect tattoo design.

The History Of Tattoos

Tattoos have a rich history of tradition, dating back thousands and thousands of years. ?Throughout the course of time, there has always been an important role of tradition and ritual behind tattoos. ?In the past, women in Borneo used tattoos as a way to mark their skills. ?Tattoos were also used in the past as a way to ward away illnesses and disease by placing the tattoo around the fingers and on the wrist. ?Throughout history, tattoos have also been used to symbolize a clan or society as well.

The purpose of tattoos has differed from culture to culture throughout the course of time. ?Research has shown that the earliest tattoos come from Egypt during the time of the pyramids, although most believe they started much earlier. ?Egyptians at this time were believed to use tattoos as a way to mark the slaves and the peasants. ?Around 2,000 BC, tattoos spread to China and then on to Greece, where the Greeks used tattoos as a way to communicate among spies.

Along the way, Japan also incorporated the use of tattoos as well. ?The Japanese people used tattoos for religious and ceremonial rites. ?During this era, Borneo women were the artists. ?They produced the designs that indicated the individuals point in life and the tribe that he was affiliated with. ?Tattoos were very popular during these days, although infections were quite common. ?Tattoos were a long way from being perfected - which showed in the way they were done.

Tattoos were shown in the western regions as well, although they weren't well accepted at first. ?William Dampher, who was once an explorer, was the man who re-introduced tattoos to the western areas. ?During the year 1961, he brought a heavily tattooed Prince to the area, showing off his tattoos with exhibitions. ?He made quite a bit of money with these attractions, which in turn made tattoos very popular and well desired throughout London and surrounding areas. ?Before then, it was nearly 600 years since tattoos had been witnessed in the area.

Chatham Square, which is located in New York City, was the first place to feature American styled tattoos. ?During the turn of the century, Chatham Square attracted people from all over the United States, especially those with money. ?A man by the name of Samuel O-Reily set up shop in Chatham Square, becoming the first man to use an electric tattoo gun. ?In the beginning, the now popular tattoo gun was based on Thomas Edison's electric pin that used a needle point to puncture paper.

The electric tattoo gun features moving coils, a needle bar and tube, which are common components of today's guns. ?The electric gun was very popular, allowing those who wanted a tattoo to get one at a great price. ?These guns helped to revolutionize tattoos and allowed the tattoo artists to give tattoos fairly fast as well. ?People took to this new technology in flocks, making it by far the best and most efficient ways to get tattoos.

During the late 1960s, tattoos really began to take off. ?They were featured in magazines, television, and talked about everywhere. ?These days, tattoos are very common, with nearly ? of the population in the United States having at least one tattoo. ?They are still common with bikers and clans, symbolizing that one is a member. ?There are millions of designs out there for tattoos - including different color combinations that have helped to make tattoos the phenomenon they are today.

Tattoos have a rich history of tradition, dating back thousands and thousands of years. ?Throughout the course of time, there has always been an important role of tradition and ritual behind tattoos. ?In the past, women in Borneo used tattoos as a way to mark their skills. ?Tattoos were also used in the past as a way to ward away illnesses and disease by placing the tattoo around the fingers and on the wrist. ?Throughout history, tattoos have also been used to symbolize a clan or society as well.

The purpose of tattoos has differed from culture to culture throughout the course of time. ?Research has shown that the earliest tattoos come from Egypt during the time of the pyramids, although most believe they started much earlier. ?Egyptians at this time were believed to use tattoos as a way to mark the slaves and the peasants. ?Around 2,000 BC, tattoos spread to China and then on to Greece, where the Greeks used tattoos as a way to communicate among spies.

Along the way, Japan also incorporated the use of tattoos as well. ?The Japanese people used tattoos for religious and ceremonial rites. ?During this era, Borneo women were the artists. ?They produced the designs that indicated the individuals point in life and the tribe that he was affiliated with. ?Tattoos were very popular during these days, although infections were quite common. ?Tattoos were a long way from being perfected - which showed in the way they were done.

Tattoos were shown in the western regions as well, although they weren't well accepted at first. ?William Dampher, who was once an explorer, was the man who re-introduced tattoos to the western areas. ?During the year 1961, he brought a heavily tattooed Prince to the area, showing off his tattoos with exhibitions. ?He made quite a bit of money with these attractions, which in turn made tattoos very popular and well desired throughout London and surrounding areas. ?Before then, it was nearly 600 years since tattoos had been witnessed in the area.

Chatham Square, which is located in New York City, was the first place to feature American styled tattoos. ?During the turn of the century, Chatham Square attracted people from all over the United States, especially those with money. ?A man by the name of Samuel O-Reily set up shop in Chatham Square, becoming the first man to use an electric tattoo gun. ?In the beginning, the now popular tattoo gun was based on Thomas Edison's electric pin that used a needle point to puncture paper.

The electric tattoo gun features moving coils, a needle bar and tube, which are common components of today's guns. ?The electric gun was very popular, allowing those who wanted a tattoo to get one at a great price. ?These guns helped to revolutionize tattoos and allowed the tattoo artists to give tattoos fairly fast as well. ?People took to this new technology in flocks, making it by far the best and most efficient ways to get tattoos.

During the late 1960s, tattoos really began to take off. ?They were featured in magazines, television, and talked about everywhere. ?These days, tattoos are very common, with nearly ? of the population in the United States having at least one tattoo. ?They are still common with bikers and clans, symbolizing that one is a member. ?There are millions of designs out there for tattoos - including different color combinations that have helped to make tattoos the phenomenon they are today.

Tattoo Center

Tattoo Mistakes - How To Avoid Them

Every day, thousands of new tattoos are completed, but unfortunately for many people their tattoo does not meet their expectations. And while it's possible to make a tattoo fade using laser removal technology, it's time consuming, costly and painful. So here's how to avoid the most common mistakes that people make with tattoos.

1) Never Agree To Get A Tattoo When You're In The Wrong State Of Mind

Getting a tattoo when you're in the wrong frame of mind is a shortcut to disaster.

So don't even think about getting tattooed when you're drunk, depressed or under pressure (it's not a good enough reason just because all your friends are getting one, or have got one). And don't get a tattoo done on a whim.

You know it's a whim when you find yourself in a tattoo studio and you hadn't even considered getting a tattoo the night before!

It's good to be spontaneous, but not with something that will last you the rest of your life. So before you get a tattoo, always ask yourself "Do I want to get this tattoo?"

And keep asking yourself that question every day for a fortnight. And only after you genuinely answer yes every day, do you go anywhere near a tattoo parlour.

2) Choose The Right Design

Choosing the right design is absolutely vital to the amount of pleasure you get from your tattoo.

Let's face it, if you want a dragon, you won't be happy with a flower design. And if you want a large tattoo, you won't be happy with a small design.

So don't compromise on what you want. The final choice of tatoo design must be yours and not that of your friends, partner of tattoo artist. After all, you're the one who'll have to live with it.

It should be a piece of artwork that you absolutely love. And something that you're certain you'll continue to love for years into the future.

Another mistake that many people make is believing the they have to select a design offered by their chosen tattoo studio. If you choose a reputable artist, they'll be able to create a tattoo from any design that you take along with you.

In fact, this is one of the best ways to get the right tattoo.

Browse the internet where you can find thousands of high quality tattoo designs to choose from. Most cost less than $20. Take time from the comfort of your own home to decide which design you want. Take a few days to think about the designs that you like. Then, once you've made up your mind, print out both the color reference guide and the tattoo stencil and take them to your chosen artist.

This option is much more relaxed, and you're much more likely to select the right design. It certainly beats picking a design on the spot when you're waiting in the tattoo studio.

3) Cheap Isn't Always Best

Whatever happens, make sure that you select a high quality stencil for your tattoo design.

All high quality tattoo designs consist of two parts, the main tattoo design which includes the color reference, and a matching stencil of the design.

What many people don't realise, is that the stencil is applied directly to your skin by the tattooist using a machine caller a "liner".

So don't be tempted to do things on the cheap. Buy a quality tattoo stencil (most cost less than $20). Trying to create a tattoo from the color reference design or trying to trace a stencil is a shortcut to a tattoo disaster.

A poor stencil will always lead to a poor tattoo. Traced stencils are not accurate and will translate into a shaky looking design. Regardless of how good they are, a tattoo artist can only quality work from a quality stencil.

4) Test Your Tattoo First

Okay, you've found the tattoo design that you want, but you're not sure where to place it and what size to go for. Do you take a risk?

No. There are millions of people around the world who wish they'd chosen a slightly different tattoo design, gone slightly bigger, or placed it further to the left etc.

So if you want to avoid adding to these regrets, it's important to test your tattoo before you take the plunge.

It's now possible to get special tattoo test paper that will allow you to turn your design into a temporary test tattoo. Just print your chosen design onto the test paper and apply it to your skin.

Then it just a case of living with it for a day to two and forming your own opinion. How does it make you feel? Are you happy with the size and the position that you've selected? Does it catch your eyeline when you're not looking at it? Is it distracting? And then comes the big question; ask yourself, "could I live with this for the rest of my life?"

Testing your intended tattoo is the only way to confirm whether you've made the right decision.

5) The Tattoo And Aftercare

On the day your tattoo is created, a better overall affect will be achieved if you are well slept (it will help to keep you relaxed and to sit still) and well fed (an empty stomach can lead to feeling faint). If you are tense, full of stress or restless, it will take longer and the tattoo won't be as perfect.

Once completed, most tattoos will take up to a month to heal properly. During the first five days, the area may be uncomfortable, irritated and slightly swollen. Make sure that you keep the area clean during this time. If possible, wash the area gently with an antibacterial soap four or five times a day. Gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth or piece of tissue.

It's also suggested that you apply a thin skin of antibiotic ointment after every wash. A good quality aftercare product will help to reduce scabbing and protect your skin from infections which can cause scarring and make your tattoo appear blemished. They will also help to reduce irritation and redness and keep your skin supple.

The second stage of the healing process (weeks 2-4) will have the biggest influence over the look and lifespan of your tattoo. Taking care of the affected skin during this stage will ensure your tattoo stays bright and clear for as long as possible.

Just make sure that you use aftercare products that are specifically recommended for use with tattooed areas, as these won't contain any artificial colors or fragrances which might irritate your skin.

Different artists will recommend different aftercare techniques, but the vast majority agree on three things.

Number One: Keep your tattoo clean

Number Two: As your tattoo heals, the skin will naturally dry out, so it's vital to keep the area moist.

Number Three: Keep your tattoo away from direct sunlight.

If you want to get a new tattoo, Gustavo Gomez can help. Visit SuperTattooDesigns.com to find out everything you want to know about tattoo designs.

Tattoo Removal - The Low Cost Way

Cost can be a major factor in determining which tattoo removal product to use and TCA tattoo removal is the most cost-effective way of removing an unwanted tattoo. Of the four most common methods of tattoo removal TCA is the least expensive by a significant margin. Below is a list of the four most common forms of tattoo removal from the least expensive to the most expensive.

Tattoo Fading and Removal Methods Ranked from Least to Most Expensive.

1) TCA Tattoo Removal

2) Tattoo Removal Cream

3) Dermabrasion

4) Laser

1).TCA Tattoo Removal

TCA is a cosmetic acid commonly used for facial peels, removal or reduction of acne scars, warts, and other facial blemishes.
It has been used as a tattoo removal products for the past 30 years.
TCA is the only home ink removal product that has has been thoroughly tested in two medical studies and proven to be effective as a tatoo removal product in the vast majority of the test subjects.
The first TCA tatoo removal medical study was performed from 1979 to1984 using 670 volunteer patients. At the end of the study, 85% of the test subjects were satisfied with their results.
The second TCA tattoo removal medical study was performed using 40 volunteers from May 1988 through February of 1989. At the end of the study, participants reported a 90% satisfactory rate.

2).Tattoo Removal Cream.

There is no known tattoo removal cream medical study proving the effectiveness of tattoo removal cream as a way to remove tattoo pigment. If such a study existed every manufacturer would be using it to market their product.
Many tattoo removal cream product manufacturers use the lure of a no pain, easy to apply, once or twice daily tattoo removal process that is simple, easy, and more affordable than laser surgery. They, of course, neglect to tell you that a simple tattoo removal cream, by itself, probably will not remove a tattoo.
Most tattoo ink removal cream products have one thing in common, most contain a skin pigment fading, or melanin inhibiting, chemical as a main ingredient in their product.
This skin pigment fading chemical fades the skin pigment above the tattoo and not the tattoo pigment itself, which is located in the second layer of skin called the dermis.
A tattoo removal cream, by itself, does not physically remove a tattoo because it cannot penetrate the skin deep enough to reach the location of the tattoo pigment.
There are some tattoo removal cream products on the market that include exfoliates in the form of hand held battery operated sanders or loofah pads that must be used in conjunction with the cream.
Some manufacturers also include an exfoliate in the form of dehydrated silica or crushed walnut shells blended into the cream to form a grit which helps with the skin exfoliation process.
Many tatoo removal cream manufacturers have no product guarantee, offer no money back or they offer a guarantee which is so restrictive it is virtually impossible to receive a refund if you are not satisfied with their product.
When considering buying a tattoo removal cream always check for a product guarantee and carefully read the wording to make sure it is valid.
One well known tatoo removal cream manufacturer explains their guarantee and return policy, but in the final sentence state that no retail purchases are refundable. They neglect to tell you where you can buy their product at wholesale prices.
The tattoo ink removal cream products that use no form of abrasion generally offer no guarantee. Some contain the chemical hydroquinone, which is known to be carcinogenic, cost approximately $65 a month per kit with no guarantee as to the number of kits it will take to see any difference, if any, in the lightening of the tattoo pigment or removal of the tattoo itself.
The tattoo removal cream products that contain an exfoliate grit in their ingredient list and combine that with a sander or recommend the use of a loofah pad generally sell for $50 to $75 for a one-month kit, but offer no timeline as to how fast you may begin to see results. This means you'll be spending $50-$75 a month for many months before you see a change, if any, in your tattoo.

3).Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion was first used in 1905 when the process was invented by a German doctor for the removal of post-acne scarring.
This procedure is also known as "surgical skin planing" and "non-chemical peel".
Modern dermabrasion used for tat removal involves the use of freezing the skin above the tattoo and using an electric surgical sander to remove the skin containing the tattoo pigment.
This method of tattoo ink removal is very effective but, is very bloody, painful and generally leaves a scar.
This method is generally done over several sessions in a doctors office on an outpatient basis and is very expensive.

4).Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo ink removal can cost anywhere from $150-$350 per session
Modern lasers can be very effective at the removal of dark pigmented tattoos
Colors such as black, dark blue and other very dark colors generally are the easiest colors to remove and the number of sessions required depends on the size of the tattoo.
Tattoos that contain light colors such as light blue, light green, yellow, pink or white are very difficult to remove and can require many sessions which can escalate the cost of removal into the thousands of dollars.
Tattoos that contain the color white, in particular, are the most difficult of all to remove and ethically operated laser tattoo removal clinics will refuse to even attempt to work on them unless they are at least five years old or older and have had some exposure to the UV radiation of the sun.
After approximately 5 years of age, a white tattoo will have begun to fade naturally and become a bit easier to remove, although it will still be difficult.

In conclusion there are several things to consider, and look for, when researching which tatoo removal product is best for your situation.

When considering tatoo removal cream products always check to make sure they have a guarantee.
If they list a guarantee check to make sure that it is possible to meet the requirements listed for the return of the product and the refund of your money.
Check to see if a contact phone number is listed on the website so that customer service can be reached during normal business hours.
Look for an email address so that you can contact them at your convenience, and check to see if they list the company address on the website.
If the only form of communication is an email form with no visible email address or phone, number it may be best to avoid this particular company.
Always check the product ingredient list to be sure that the cream does not contain hydroquinone, which is a known carcinogen.
Some tatoo removal cream manufacturers will attempt to hide hydroquinone in the middle of a very large list of ingredients to make it difficult to see that the ingredient is present in their product, for this reason it is very important to closely read the ingredient list.
If an ingredient list cannot be found on the website avoid the product
Any home tatoo removal company that does not operate in a transparent manner and identify who they are should be avoided.

One TCA tattoo removal company provides a generous guarantee because TCA is an easy, effective and very affordable form of tattoo removal when compared to other tattoo removal methods available today.

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 home tattoo removal products on the market.

3 Fundamental Tattooing Techniques

There are 3 fundamental tattooing techniques that must be mastered by every tattoo artist.

A tattoo artist who performs these tattooing techniques with a high degree of skill makes a permanent tattoo something that the tattoo owner can be proud of. Each technique requires a thorough understanding of the tools and supplies used by a tattoo artist.

Let's get started...

Tattooing Technique #1 - Creating a Tattoo Stencil

Tattoo stencils are used to apply the basic lines of the tattoo design to the skin before using a tattoo gun to apply the tattoo. Even the most experienced tattooists begin with a stencil rather than attempting to apply a freehand design. Since the skin is stretched by the tattooist while the tattoo is applied, working without a stencil could result in a distorted finished tattoo.

Many tattoo artists use carbon paper to copy a tattoo design onto another piece of paper. The carbon paper is placed under the piece of paper with the tattoo design, inky side down. A piece of clean paper is then placed under the carbon paper.

All 3 layers should be secured with staples or paper clips before tracing the design with ballpoint pen.

One of the most important tattooing techniques related to creating a stencil with carbon paper is to remember that the image of the design that is laid against the skin will be reversed.

Once the design is traced over, it will appear correctly on the skin when the stencil is removed. Instead of using carbon paper, some tattoo artists use an artist's light table to create a stencil. A stencil created with a light table will face in the right direction. The original drawing is laid face down on the light table and the design shows through and can be traced directly onto another piece of paper.

Tattooing Technique #2 - Applying the Tattoo Stencil

Once a stencil has been created, it can be applied to the skin of the client.

Before the stencil is applied, the skin must be shaved smooth and cleaned with antiseptic. A disposable razor should be used and then discarded, since it could transfer germs or minute amounts of blood to other clients. One of the most common tattooing techniques for applying a stencil is to use roll-on deodorant to transfer the design. The deodorant is applied to the skin, then the stencil is positioned on the deodorant and pressure is applied all over the design. When the paper stencil is peeled away, the tattoo design will have transferred onto the skin.

If the position of the tattoo is not correct, the stencil can be removed from the skin with alcohol and applied again.

Like the razor, the roll-on deodorant should only come into contact with the skin of a single client. Some tattoo artists buy small travel-size deodorant and dispose of it after one use. Another option is to use a clean tongue depressor to transfer deodorant from the roll-on applicator to the skin, and then dispose of the tongue depressor.

Tattooing Technique #3 - Outlining the Tattoo

Once the tattoo design has been stenciled onto the skin and both client and tattooist agree on the placement, it's time to begin the tattoo outline. Being able to create a tattoo outline is one of the most basic tattooing techniques. The majority of tattoo designs begin with an outline.

Starting from the bottom of the design is the best approach, to avoid either smearing the freshly applied ink or wiping off parts of the stencil.

In order to vary the effect of the outline, different size needles can be used to produce lines with different thicknesses. While an expert tattoo artist has an intuitive feeling for which lines should be thick and which thin, a beginner tattooist may want to experiment with line thicknesses on a paper copy of the tattoo design before picking up the tattoo gun.

When applying ink to a tattoo outline, the client's skin should be stretched taut by the tattoo artist so that the needles will move smoothly across the skin. When the tattoo needles are dipped into ink, enough ink should be loaded to allow a continuous line to be drawn. While the outline is being applied, excess ink and blood are frequently wiped away by the tattooist. After taking a break from outlining to reapply ink to the needles, lighter pressure should be used when continuing the line to avoid dropping a blob of ink or creating visible joins.

The three tattooing techniques described here are fundamental to the art of tattooing.

They should be practiced again and again by a novice tattooist until they become second nature. Once the fundamental techniques have been mastered, a tattooist can focus on developing a unique personal style and becoming a true tattoo artist.

Do you want to learn how to tattoo?

Be sure to take a look at The Ultimate Tattoo Bible or learn more about tattooing and how to tattoo.

101 Tattoo Facts

1: An Ohio restaurant specializing in cheeseburgers offers a lifetime 25% discount for anyone who has a tattoo of a cheeseburger and at an unrelated tattoo studio in a nearby town, they're offering a 25% discount on cheeseburger tattoos- Sounds suspicious.
2: Tattoos are rarely done in ink, what is commonly called inks, are actually suspended solid color particles, mostly metal salts and plastics, but not vegetable dyes as commonly believed.
3: There are no reported cases of HIV infection from a tattoo in the U.S., but there are three from dentist's offices.
4: More women than men are getting tattooed today.
5: Tattoos are considered a minor medical procedure.
6. Until 2006 it was illegal to get a tattoo in Oklahoma
7: Lucky Diamond Rich of New Zealand is the most tattooed person in the world, and after running out of space, has started putting lighter tattoos on top of the darker ones, and vice versa.
8: Robbie "the coon" Koch recently broke the world's record by inking 577 tattoos in 24 hrs. The old record was held by Kat Von D of the television show, "LA Ink." Update- Hollis Cantrell actually owns the record as of 2009 (801 tattoos) but Robbie the coon sounded better. Hollis's final tattoo was on his thigh.
9: The first recorded tattoo is believed to have been found on a mummified iceman in 3300 BC. He had 58 tattoos, mostly dots and lines.
10: In 1876 Thomas Edison invented a machine that ultimately became the tattoo machine, but it took modifications by Samuel O'Reilly in 1891 to adapt the device for tattooing.

11: The record for the longest tattoo session is 43 hours and 50 minutes and was completed by the very observant and talented artist Melanie Grieveson, of Australia. The tattooed was Stephen Grady.
12: In 2005 Kimberly Smith was paid $10,000 to have Golden Palace.Com tattooed on her forehead by the casino, to help pay for her daughter's education. The casino is noted for its outlandish promotions.
13: Thomas Edison had five dots tattooed on his left forearm, similar to the dots on dice.
14: Lip tattoos only last 1 to 5 years and need to be frequently retouched, the most common a cosmetic lip liner.
15: The second most common reason for tattoo removal is mistranslation.
16: In 2010 Channel will unveil its new line of fashionable temporary tattoos. The set of 55 tattoos sells for $75.
17: Most Tattoo machines hold between 1 and 10 needles and some ancient methods using rakes hold up to 27.
18: Anil Gupta is considered NYC's most expensive tattoo artist at over $350 per hour.
19: In the majority of cases, the outline of a tattoo shouldn't bleed at all, and the shading for only a few minutes.
20: As of 2006, 1 in 4 women aged 18 to 50 have at least one tattoo.

21: U.S. President James Polk is said to be the first white man to have a Chinese character as a tattoo.
22: A brothel in Cologne, Germany is offering any patron who gets a tattoo of the businesses logo, by their in house artist, free entrance for life ($6.25 US) and discounts on lap dances ($25.00 US. ea)
25: The word "tattoo" has been in the top ten searched terms since Lycos started tracking search engines.
26: Democrats are more likely to have a tattoo then republicans, 18% to 14%.
27: January 23, 2010. A new US Marine Corp directive prohibits anyone with a full sleeve tattoo from becoming an officer. It also prohibits tattoos on the hands, wrists, fingers, and the inside of the mouth.
28: July 17th, 2009. 18 year old Kimberly Vlaminck sues a Romanian tattoo artist over the 56 stars that she awoke to, scattered across her face, 53 more than see asked for. She later admitted that she lied in the lawsuit and had asked for all fifty six.
29: Blues singer Janis Joplin had a wristlet tattoo and a small heart on her left breast.
30: In Oregon, it is a felony to practice tattooing without a license or in an unlicensed shop.

31: Heiress and socialite Paris Hilton had one tattoo to her credit, the name of then boyfriend Nick Carter on her right butt cheek. It has since been removed by laser.
32: The traditional Samoan tattoo, pe'a, covering the body from mid torso to the knees, takes 3 months to complete and up to 1 year to fully heal. A typical session lasts from dawn till dusk, or until the pain becomes too great, and resumes the next day unless the skin needs a few days to heal.
33: In a 2002 survey, 8 of the top 10 voted, "most beautiful people in the world" had tattoos.
34: Tattoos done today don't turn blue when they age, unless they were originally blue, the inks are much more stable.
35: The first occurrence of the word tattoo in the Oxford English Dictionary came in 1769 and is credited to Captain John Cook.
36: A rooster tattooed on one leg and a pig on the other is said to protect a sailor from drowning. Neither animal can swim.
37: Queen Kamamalu of Hawaii (1808-1824) was the first woman to have her tongue tattooed.
38: Most tattoo artists will not tattoo a pregnant woman.
39: Some tattoo artists claim that if you shield a new tattoo from sunlight for the first two years it will remain brighter and clearer for decades.
40: Over 40 million people in the U.S. have tattoos.

41: 26% of Americans with a tattoo say they make them feel more attractive, with women voting that way almost 2 to 1 over men.
42: Tommy Lee of Motley Crue holds the record for highest altitude tattoo, having been inked in 2008 at 45,000 feet. The tattoo was said to cost $150,000 dollars.
43: 73 year old Isobel Valley, the world's most tattooed women, has every square inch of her body tattooed, except her face, and also has fifty piercings, 15 of which are visible. The majority of the piercings are below the belt because she wants to jingle when she walks, she says.
44: An increasing number of people are having medical alerts tattooed to aid doctors in case of an emergency.
45: 43 year old former soldier Shawn Clark has the names of all 232 British soldiers killed in Afghanistan tattooed on his back.
46: At one time red ink was known to fade; not so with today' inks.
47: The title of The "Hardy Boys" #47 is "The Mystery of the Whale Tattoo."
48: When Cortez landed on the Mexican coast in 1519 he was horrified to find the natives practicing devil worshiping and had somehow permanently marked images of their idols on their skin. He called it the work of the devil.
49: A tattoo of an anchor on a sailor indicates they have sailed across the Atlantic.
50: One third of Americans with tattoos say they make them feel sexier.

51: Tattoo ink is injected into the second layer of the skin, the dermis, and become encapsulate by the body as a defense mechanism, leaving the image stable and intact.
52: Gabrial Carbona, an American teenage hit man for a Mexican cartel, has his eyelids tattooed so they never look closed. His idea is not working as well for him in prison.
53: Jimmy Buffet sings about tattoos in this song of the same name, "It's a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling."
54: In the 1920's, American circuses employed more than 300 people with full body tattoos and paid them up to $200 a week, a lot of money during those times.
55: The percentage of males and females with tattoos is now statistically equal.
56: Tattoo equipment is sterilized in an autoclave, a high pressure steam machine, similar to a pressure cooker and how hospitals do theirs.
57: 57% of people without a tattoo feel that those with them are more rebellious and threatening.
58: 35 0f the first 43 U.S. Presidents reportedly have tattoos.
59: Tattoo inks are not regulated by the by any government agencies so there is no way of knowing exactly what's in them.

60: Winston Churchill's mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, had a tattoo of a snake on her wrist. They were popular for rich aristocrats during that period. She chose a snake because it could be easily covered by a bracelet.
61: U.S. President Andrew Jackson had a giant tattoo of a tomahawk that ran down the length of the inside of his thigh. No one knows exactly why.
62: Almost all U.S. corporations have some form of restrictions or policy regarding tattoos on the job.
63: As of Sept. 29th 2009, the 19 year old ban on tattooing was lifted in DeKalb, Illinois.
64: Actress Halle Berry has a tattoo of a sunflower on her rear end covering up the name of her ex, baseball player David Justice.
65: The popularity of tattooing during the latter part of the nineteenth century and first part of the twentieth century owed much to the circus sideshow.
66: People with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to have a higher number of tattoos in more visible locations, and covering a larger percentage of their bodies.
67: Ancient Egyptians used tattoos to differentiate between slaves and peasants.
68: During the late 18th century in Europe, collecting the tattooed heads of Maori people became so popular that many were murdered to meet the demand. The heads were commonly paid for in guns.
69: In the 1870s the Japanese government outlawed tattoos forcing the practice underground where it flourished.
70: 3% of Americans say having a tattoo makes them feel more athletic.

71: The world's most tattooed women, Isobel Varley got her first tattoo, a flower, at age 49.
72: 4% of consumers spend over $1000 on a tattoo.
73: When you see someone's tattoo you are viewing it through the first layer of the skin, the epidermis.
74: 50% of all tattoos are not covered up by clothing and are openly visible.
75: Tattoo machines can make upwards of 200 hits per second, that's up to 12,000 times a minute and 720,000 an hour.
76: In ancient Greece and Rome, tattoos were considered barbaric and were only used to mark slaves and criminals.
77: 52% of those in prison are tattooed.
78: In recent studies, memorial tattoos have been shown to overwhelmingly turn grief into joy and morning into celebration by creating a lasting memory.
79: A 2009 study conducted at Liverpool Hope University found that people with three or more tattoos had significantly lower levels of self esteem.
80: 4% of Americans say that their tattoos make them feel healthier.

81: It is untrue that white or lighter colored inks are more painful to use.
82: A tattoo is art, only, if the person doing the tattoo is an artist and a skilled technician.
83: President James Buchanon had a tattoo of a scantily clad woman on his chest with the initials BFL (bachelor for life).
84: In 2002, 18 year old hair dresser Lee Becks was shocked to find out the tattoo he thought said, "Love, honor, and obey" actually translated to, "at the end of the day, this is an ugly boy."
85: New York City outlawed tattoos from 1961 to 1997 because of a tattoo related outbreak of hepatitis "C".
86: In a 2002 study a group of male high school and college students viewed pictures of models with and without tattoos, and graded them in 13 categories. The models with tattoos scored much lower in 9 of the 13 ratings.
87: Some people experience pain or a burning during sensation during an MRI because of the metallic particles in some inks.
88: The US Navy prohibited tattoos of naked women during World War II, so many future sailors had to get their tattoos reworked to include cloths.
89: The first recorded instance of death following tattooing was reported in 1837 in France. The young woman, a prostitute, was covering up another unwanted tattoo and died from the infection that followed.
90: Apr. 30, 2009. To celebrate Barbie's 50th birthday Mattel comes out with the new "Totally Stlylin' Barbie, complete with a set of place able tattoos, one a lower back tattoo featuring the name Ken.

91: 35% of all NBA players have tattoos. Michael Jordan has none and teammate Dennis Rodman has at least 22.
92: Lorette Fulkerson was the last woman to work the circus sideshows, retiring in 1995 at the age of 80.
93: Eyeball tattoos are not done with a machine, but rather, the ink is directly injected into the eye with a syringe.
94: Urine was sometimes used in early ink mixtures.
95: 5% of Americans with a tattoo say they make them feel smarter.
96: The first case of a syphilis being transmitted by a tattoo came in 1853. The artists ink was drying up so he spit in it, transferring the disease.
97: Never go back to the person who gave you a bad tattoo to have it fixed, it will not get better.
98: The time to ask questions is before you get a tattoo.
99: Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good.
100: Women are more than twice as likely to have a tattoo removed as men.

101: Over 50% of the tattoos created today will be removed by laser at great expense, intense pain and permanent minor scaring. Think before you ink.

If your interested in learning more about feminine tattoo designs and avoid costly and embarrassing mistakes visit Noel Christian at Angel Heart Tattoo. Think before you ink.

Tattoo After Care

So, you need to know about tattoo after care because you are ready to get a new tattoo!

It may be your first time, or it may be your tenth time, but in every case, you should review your tattoo after care instructions prior to getting your new tattoo. You might wonder about the logic about looking at the instructions before getting your new tattoo, but it is like baking a cake, you just don't want to make any mistakes with these instructions because new tattoos are open wounds and susceptible to infection.

You must be attentive to your new tattoo, and keep it as clean as possible to ensure that it heals as cleanly as possible so you prevent infection and end up with the nicest looking tattoo possible.

While the healing stages of a tattoo will be as unique to each individual as there are people in this world, the tattoo healing process does follow a general pattern. The specifics of each tattoo's healing process will depend on the different skin type of the individual, the location of the tattoo on the body, an the techniques of the tattoo artist. These factors can all cause a variance in the healing process from individual to individual.

You will be given aftercare instructions by your tattoo artist. These aftercare instructions differ from artist to artist. My recommendation to you is if in doubt about anything, always go back to your tattoo artist before seeking the help of a doctor. Your tattoo artist can take a look at your tattoo and tell what to do if their is a problem to correct any healing problems.

If your tattoo artist cannot help, they should send you for medical attention from a doctor. If they do not, then of course, you must go yourself to make certain that your health is not at risk. This is your responsibility.

Many times doctors don't know much about tattoos and will prescribe unnecessary medications that may harm your tattoo's healing process. Some doctors may even be biased against tattoos. That is why I suggest that you go to the tattoo artist first if you suspect their is a healing problem with your new tattoo. The artist works with tattoos day in and day out and is familiar with the best way to heal their work.

When you leave the tattoo studio, you will have a bandage on your new tattoo to protect it from outside contact. This bandage should be removed 2- 3 hours after getting your tattoo. Your tattoo may bleed a little for the first 24 hours, remember, your new tattoo is akin to an open wound.

Before you remove your bandage, make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water, in between the fingers, and under the fingernails. Then dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Do not use any old towel that is laying there, or even a clean towel as lint may be transferred to your hands.

Make sure you have not let a large amount of blood dry on your bandage so that it sticks. Be very, very gentle as you remove your bandage so as not to start the tattoo bleeding again. If you just rip off your bandage, you can mess up the appearance of your new tattoo, and you don't want to do that, now do you?

Wash your tattoo gently, very gently with anti-bacterial soap and water to clean it. Do not scrub your tattoo, do not use a washcloth, or anything else other than your fingers or hand to clean the tattoo. Do not rub, but "pat" the tattoo as you wash it. Then, when you are finished, pat the tattoo dry with a clean dry paper towel. Or, use clean toilet paper even, if you don't have any paper towels on hand.

Let your tattoo air dry for 15 minutes or so. This will promote healing.

After your tattoo has dried, apply a few drops of Emu Oil to your tattoo. The presence of essential fatty acids along with the hyper-oxygenation of Emu Oil naturally increases the circulation to the applied area which is why Emu Oil works so well and so quickly to heal.

Even though it is an oil, it has been proved that Emu Oil does not clog pores (unlike most commercially made tattoo aftercare products that are petroleum based), therefore allowing the skin to breathe during the healing process. Emu Oil penetrates through all seven layers of the skin and is rich in nutrients (essential fatty acids) that feed the skin to aid in new cell development that can hasten the healing process. Emu Oil is also a natural emollient keeping the skin moist and pliable.

The application of the Emu Oil immediately after the tattoo has been cleaned will also relieve the discomfort and reduce the inflammation and redness of the new tattoo. Emu Oil will help set the new colors due to its deep penetrating properties and will help reduce plasma oozing.

Using Emu Oil 2-3 times a day after repeating the cleaning process while the tattoo heals will keep the area moist reducing or eliminating the flaking or scabbing that often occurs as new tattoos heal. Emu Oil can prevent the need for touch ups which saves the artist time and money, and makes for a happy tattoo customer.

New tattoos will look red and swollen immediately following the tattoo procedure. The tattoo will continue to appear this way for a few days throughout the tattoo healing process. Within a week to ten days the skin surrounding the tattoo should be more back to normal - most tattoos are completely healed in three weeks time.

While it is healing it is important not to do the following things or you may damage your tattoo:

- Do Not scratch your new tattoo

- Do Not pick at your new tattoo

- Do Not expose your tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds under any circumstances

- No swimming, hot tubs or baths the first two weeks after getting your new tattoo

- Do Not shave the tattooed area for at least 30 days following the tattoo procedure

- Only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not let others touch your tattoo

Not only is Emu Oil good for healing new tattoos, it is good for restoring older, aged, sun damaged tattoos as well. This is due to the natural hyper-oxygenation of Emu Oil which brings blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. This, coupled with Emu Oil's ability to moisturize through all seven layers of the skin, allows users to see quick results when the oil is applied to older tattoos.

With the proper care of your tattoo from the start, there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy the beauty of your tattoo for a lifetime.

Julie Chrisler writes articles on a wide variety of topics. She has been fascinated by tattoos for some number of years now after her 27 year old daughter started getting tattoos years when she was 16 and has grown to love them. Coupled with her love of tattoos is her fascination with Emu Oil, the "wonder oil from down under", which has helped her with her daily pain from Osteoarthrithis, among many other marvelous uses she has discovered for this wonder oil. Visit http://hubpages.com/hub/Tattoo-After-Care for more detailed information on Tattoo After Care.

Cute and Small Feminine Tattoos - Top 5 Sexy Tattoos For Women

Getting a tattoo for the first time can be tough for anyone so most people like to go for small and cute ones. These small feminine tattoos can be simple yet intricate and can be well put on body part such as ankle, foot or wrist. Some people say small tattoos are boring but I have to disagree, if you get the right tattoo it can be very colorful and unique. My first tattoo was a small star on the side of my belly when I was 17, then I added more designs and stars later on.

Tattoos have become very popular these days, like a beautiful art work on your body. However, I have to say, picking the right tattoo for your body is a very crucial step because who would want to spend thousands of dollars for tattoo removal process anyway? Make sure that the tattoo you're choosing is the one you're not going to regret 2 months later so getting a small tattoo first can help out alot. Here are couple of ideas for your tattoo in case you don't know what to get:

1) Tribal

Are you a trendy person or wanna be? Either one, you need to check out tribal tattoo which is definitely a hot trend. For me, tribal tattoos give your body that sexy, yet creative artful look which can have various meanings come along as well. One of the more popular tribal tattoo is the Celtic, designs are colorful, complex with interlacing patterns, animal forms, and various symbols. Most of the time you see big design on arm or shoulder but a small wrist tattoos or ankle tattoos would be sexy.

2) Rose - a beautiful flower

As women, we love roses, as it represent many things about us. Now, I haven't get any rose tattoo on my body but I have many friends who in fact obsess with the rose tattoo. Rose tattoos are really sexy on a women either black and grey or colored. It is also the most preferred flower because of its timeless beauty and meaning. It's a good way to start your tattoo body art with a small flower tattoo on your wrist or ankle or foot. As a matter of fact, I need to get myself a rose tattoo very soon.

3) Butterfly

Another popular one in the feminine tattoo gallery is the butterfly tattoo. A butterfly often resemble characteristic of a women, lighthearted, soft, beautiful, delicate. Sometime, it symbolizes transformation, rebirth, beauty, happiness or a new life. Its bright and multicolored wings is what give it its beauty. When it comes to sexy tattoos, the butterfly is considered to be the most flexible because it can be modified and personalized to capture one's taste and preference. Collection of thousands of butterfly tattoo designs for you to decide on.

4) The Star

Fourth in the countdown is the star tattoo design. I personally has star tattoo designs on my lower abs because I think the star tattoos are really sexy not for only women but also for men. Stars are often a symbol of accomplishment, success or reaching one's ultimate fate and destiny. Stars represent the symbol of accomplishment, fate, destiny and success in life. Those popular star tattoos are Nautical star tattoos, Shooting star tattoos, Moon star tattoos...

5) Heart is Love

The heart is the one of the most recognized symbol in the world today. Love is always a hot topic since the beginning of human revolution. Heart tattoos are not only fashionable but also a way for people to communicate their love in a artful way. It is a really sexy design and can be added to your body art painting to make it more colorful and alive.

Getting a tattoo is something that you need to think of really carefully before putting that ink on your body. Make sure you getting a great tattoo collections to choose from instead of just getting some regular tattoo in the tattoo shops because you might regret it later. Not only wasting you time, money but it's frustrated to see that same tattoo that you don't like rest of your life even though tattoo removal is an option but don't think about it. Think, does the tattoo you're getting fit your body, your style, your personality?

Get to know your tattooist!! Become his/her friend and get to know them better. One of my good friend Mark has been doing tattoo for over 18 years and I've recommended so many friends of my to him over the years. Let me tell you, Mark has a craziest collection of tattoos that I've seen so far.

You can check out his crazy tattoo collection and see for yourself. Remember, take this a little serious, take your time and you will find the tattoo that you love.

Considering A Tattoo Should Be Serious Business

Tattoos are a design in ink, normally symbolic or decorative, permanently placed under your skin. Tattoos are more popular today than at any time in recorded history. They are quite popular among many different age groups and are a common thing these days. Once confined under suits and ties from 9 to 5, tattoos are now out in the open for all to see. If tattoos are becoming more mainstream, the tattoo industry is growing up as well.

Choosing a design is obviously the first decision to make for most people, and there are thousands of designs to choose from. How much you enjoy your tattoo for years to come is all in the tattoo design and the artist's skill of course. Picking a mythical creature for a tattoo design is a great way to express your individuality and creativity. Entire galleries shows are being dedicated to tattoo art and are focusing on not only the quality of the tattoo design, but also on the value of the human body as a medium for fine art. Find a good tattoo portfolio online and take a good look at their portfolio. Make sure that you see a sketch of your design before getting it inked, because you want to be completely satisfied with your tattoo and not take any unnecessary chances. When making the decision to get a tattoo design inked, always ask yourself for what reason you're doing it.

The most popular tattoos are still tribal designs but dragons, lotus flowers and eastern symbolism seems to be popular as well. Tattoo lovers are looking in many new directions for new ways to express themselves. This may explain why celtic tattoos are being mixed with tribal tattoos creating a style of tattoo known as tribal celtic tattoos. Hawaiian Tribal and arm band tattoos are what's in and popular yet still liked.

Tribal tattoos can be traditional 'black work' on the arms and legs or more colorful styles characterized by the 'Modern Primitive' look covering the entire body. Tribal tattoos are symbols of the Native American culture Tribal Tattoos. Tribal tattooing was originally performed as a camouflage and then, later, as a symbol of loyalty. Today we find the tribal aspect of the designs very beautiful and powerful. Though there has been a recent resurgence in native and tribal tattooing, most tattoos today are done strictly as a way of decorating one's self in an artistically expressive manner. If looking for an Indian tribal tattoo with an authentic flare, consider having the tattoo designed by an artist trained in tribal tattoo.

Mind you, tattoos are not only for men. Girly tattoos are best known to feature small designs that cater to the woman who wants to add a small image without going overboard on the idea. Female tattoos or feminine designed tattoos are usually favored by women or girls. Tattoos on women are becoming increasingly familiar as tattooing has become more socially acceptable, largely due to the many celebrities who publicly sported tattoos. Flower tattoos are mostly favored by women, they are like clothes accessories except that you can wear your tattoo to bed. A lot of men find women with tattoos more appealing, sexier, more feminine and more powerful. Heart tattoos on the chest of the women are said to create a sexier image. Lower back tattoos are also very common for women. The lower back is one of the most sexual and sensual areas on a women, making the ideal spot for a tattoo. Often times, women tend to include a tribal that spreads, covering the base of their hips as well.

Do your homework before you trust someone to mark you permanently. They are permanent, and with today's divorce rate, you can see that permanent is not something that we tend to deal with very well. While lovers come and go, tattoos are intended to be permanent. You must remember that tattoos are permanent and once you get them, they are hard and costly to have removed. Tattoos are expensive and, more importantly, permanent; so choosing an image is a very big decision.

Tattoos can be found on men and women of all ages, most professions, and most walks of life but three out of four respondents believe that visible tattoos are unprofessional. A study by Careerbuilders shows the perils of tattoos for aspiring professionals, and conforms the conventional wisdom that Tattoos are a sign of immaturity, bad judgment and bad taste. Over 42 percent of managers said their opinion of someone would be lowered by that person's visible body art. It's no surprise that tattoos are more popular among the poor and under educated.

Seriously open your eyes and see the real world, tattoos are just art that people get put onto them it doesn't mean they are evil or idiots. Other people besides sailors, bikers and soldiers are allowed to express themselves using body art. I think tattoos are incredible expressions of ones personality, as long as YOU do the expressing, not the tattoo artist who came up with some idea that he thought would be cool, and 50 other people come in and get the same exact tattoo. I think tattoos are a personal choice. Don't panic it you can't locate lots of tattoo's of dragons and numerous tribal design keep looking and believe me you will find many. Before choosing a design, it may help to browse the various tribal tattoos online. No matter man or woman the right tattoo design has to look good and should be something that means something to you, is an extension of your character and something to be proud of.

Kip Goldhammer is the author of this stellar article and I strongly recommend if you are considering a tattoo you visit his site to see his favorite designs. Tribal Tattoo Gallery [http://www.tattoosdesignsreviews.com/online-tattoo-books-review.html]

The Mormon Tattoo & Piercing Controversy

For many years tattoos and decorative piercings weren't a real issue for members of the Mormon Church. Until the year 2000, there was only one reference to tattooing in all of Mormon teaching and that was in the 1965 unofficial personal publication Mormon Doctrine by Mormon Apostle, Bruce R. McConkie. It states; "Tattooing is a desecration of the human body and should not be permitted, unless all that is involved is the placing of a blood type or an identification number in an obscure place. Latter-day Saint servicemen in particular are counseled to avoid the pitfalls of tattooing. Persons who are tattooed are not, however, denied the ordinances and blessings of the temple."

In the October 2000 General Conference the first of many "councils" against tattooing was announced.

"We--the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve--have taken the position, and I quote, that "the Church discourages tattoos. It also discourages the piercing of the body for other than medical purposes, although it takes no position on the minimal piercing of the ears by women for one pair of earrings." President Gordon B. Hinckley

At the time my husband and I were very active, temple recommend holding members of the church and had been operating a tattoo studio without any prejudice for many years. We were never treated poorly or shunned by the members of our Ward or Stake. Our Stake President's wife more than once brought her children to our studio to get tattoos. It was such a non issue that one of the ways I billed myself in advertising was Kita Kazoo the Mormon Girl Tattoo Artist.

Since then we both have been subjected to many discussions and debates on the right or wrong of getting and doing tattoos and piercings. At first I would defend my choice of profession using the scriptures, but eventually I got tired of it and began asking those who questioned me to explain to me, what horrible thing would happen in our society if everyone had a tattoo? After all, sins are those things that violate the golden rule and keep us from loving one another, not things such as, what clothing we wear or how we do our hair.

Now, 8 years later the whole subject of tattoos and piercings has in my opinion gotten out of hand. Now it is not so surprising to find that the local church authorities, such as bishops, stake presidents and temple presidents are taking it upon themselves to punish members who choose to get a tattoo. Not just in Utah, but all over the world. This has become such a big issue that people are leaving the church over it.

Some people who have tattoos are told not to take the sacrament and others are not allowed access to the temple. Some are being counseled to not marry those who have tattoos and piercings. As having been a 30+ year student of Mormonism and its history I feel that this behavior is not in line with the teachings of Mormonism or Christianity in any way.

Mormons aren't the only religion that superstitiously believes that tattoos are an evil and to be avoided as they supposingly will lead to worse sins. Many Christian Churches and Jewish Rabbi's do also. And there are good reasons for a religion to not want their flock to get tattoos or piercings.

Getting a tattoo not only changes the way you look but it also changes the way you think and feel about yourself. It is a clear message that you feel that you are the owner of your body and worse of all (to religious leaders), your mind!

Historically tattoos have been used as an expression of faith and commitment. One would think that getting a symbol of your beliefs tattooed on ones self would be encouraged. However, because of the recent history of American tattooing and the popularizations of tattooing, tattoos are being presented by the media and politicians as a dangerous amusement. It is not new for counter-culture decorations to be viewed as repulsive to many of the elders of our society.

When I heard at General Conference that President Gordon Hinckley (the current Mormon Church President) does not like tattoos and some piercings I was not surprised. The tattoos he has been exposed to in his youth were usually not very well done or artistic. Unlike today, tattooed people of his generation, especially in socially backwards Utah may have appeared attractive only to criminals or rough military men, not average everyday people with families and lives of good account.

To further the injury of one's personal opinion of fashion being stated as if it is a law from God, President Hinckley allows for one sort of permanent decorative change to ones appearance and not another, which seems hypocritical to me. Mr. Hinckley allows within the church for women to have their faces tattooed with permanent cosmetics and wear pierced earrings, (but one pair only - one in each ear) as those are socially acceptable with in his peer group.

I feel that these religious leaders are ignorant of tattoo history as a spiritual practice and generally trivialize tattoos and piercings as immoral and frivolous behaviors of rebellion because they do not want their followers to look like everyone else. It is a power game and nothing more. If they can control the way you look they will control the way you think and feel.

I suspect that the shunning of persons with tattoos and piercings is really a part of the whole elitist thought pattern of Mormonism in Utah. Those who have not done their homework are sure to believe that if you look like a Gentile (any non-Mormon) you will act like a Gentile, which means to Mormons that you are without God and are basically led by the Devil.

However it has been my experience that tattoos do not lead to sin. Being uninformed and willing to blindly follow without question is what leads to sin and personal disgrace.

If you are LDS and still considering a tattoo you should first be asking yourself these questions. Does my tattoo choice reflect my beliefs or will they distract from my message of who I am. Am I getting tattooed because I want to immortalize an event in my life, a belief or to rebel against the mainstream culture? Will this tattoo or piercing prevent me from being a good person? The answers to these questions will let you know if you are doing the right thing or reacting poorly to your society. It is my opinion that if you feel having a tattoo would be a healthy positive thing for you, then by all means exercise your own good judgment and free agency and get one.

Keep in mind that in reality "Tattooings are not only ornaments...they are not only emblems of nobility and symbols of rank in the social hierarchy: they are also messages fraught with spiritual and moral significance...not only to imprint a drawing onto the flesh but also to stamp onto the mind all the traditions and philosophy of the group."- Claude Lévi Strauss

Personally I believe that tattoos in and of themselves can not be evil and I don't believe that God cares one way or another if you have one or not, unless you got that tattoo to alienate and hurt other people. Then the real problem is how you feel towards your fellow men and not the tattoo in itself.

People have a right to decorate themselves how they want to. Some people like to put pictures on their bodies and some people don't. It is all a matter of personal taste. I feel it is wrong to subject my taste on others and I expect the same courteousness in return.

This attitude is healthy and normal. This is how it is in the big world where the Mormon lifestyle is not practiced by the majority. Wouldn't the world be great place if we could all mind our own lives and appreciate the good things out there instead of picking on others for being different?

You can do good or evil with everything on this earth. As a heavily tattooed person I have had many more opportunities to love and serve others through tattooing and having tattoos than before I had them. I have had to become more patient and tolerant. Especially have I had to learn to be more patient and tolerant with those who claim to be "spiritual leaders" as they put words in God's mouth rather than follow what they claim God has already spoken.

I have found that most people who have tattoos are more open and friendly towards others. I have found that for the most part people who wear tattoos are very nice people. There are a few people that I have met to whom their tattoos serve more as warning to stay away than an invitation to meet them. Which I feel is also a good thing as it has saved me a lot of time by helping me to avoid an unpleasant interaction with them.

Most people have their personal spiritual philosophy tattooed on them and it becomes a way of opening the opportunity to speak about spiritual things. In this world where we are taught to be afraid of our neighbors it is nice to have a way of really getting to know the people around you. It is nice to have a common bond despite all other social differences.

If you already have a tattoo and are experiencing social rejection issues it is wise remember that things in the church change quickly. I would not be surprised to find that in 20 years having a tattoo won't be an issue at all. The evil music that was preached against in the 60's and 70's is now played regularly at church dances and the Coke and Pepsi drinkers that were denied temple recommends in the 1970's can now go to the temple in spite of their soda habits. It is all a matter of generational perspective, which is bound to change as the old guys finally die off.

Kita Kazoo has 20+ years of tattoo experiance and is co-owner of Happy Valley Tattoo & Piercing in American Fork, Utah. You can see photos of her studio and some of the tattoos she has done at her website - tat2me.com.

Help With Deciding On The Right Tattoo

When you have decided that you really want a tattoo and you know of a tattoo artist you are going to use then the next step is deciding on a particular tattoo design that you want. From this point on is where the hard work starts. Finding the tattoo artist is the easy part but deciding on what tattoo you want will take work. There are so many different kinds of tattoos to choose from it actually makes it harder to determine which tattoo to go with. It's also a lot of fun looking at tons of different possible tattoo designs. The type of artwork that you choose will be a personal preference but there are some designs that are more common than others. For example, an angel tattoo design is more popular with men than a rose or butterfly tattoo which is popular with women.

The colors to choose for a tattoo vary widely and all depend on personal preference. Rose tattoos do not have to necessarily be red, but can also be black or white as there are many different meanings with rose colors. Styles of the different tattoos will vary also depending on they type of tattoo.

The angel or devil tattoo will tend to be in larger format with bold dark colors, while a tribal tattoo will have many pieces and black color. A butterfly can be any different colors, sizes and shapes.

Choosing the location of the tattoo is also part of the process. You can have a tattoo put anywhere on the human body and some people will go overboard and place a tattoo in odd places such as the top of the head, under the neck, on fingers, feet and many other places you can think of. What is popular for women might not be as popular for men, such as women love to have tattoos placed on the lower back, upper back or on the ankle, while men tend to have tattoos placed on the upper arm, shoulder or back. It is all a matter of style and what the person likes best. There really is not a wrong place to put a tattoo as long as you like it.

As you can see, the choice of tattoo designs are endless and finding the right tattoo for you may seem like a huge task but of course there are many resources you can use to find the right tattoo.

Using the Internet to start your research may be a good idea as there are many different websites related to tattoo designs. There are many galleries and pictures that you can look through to get an idea of the kinds of tattoos out there. Most sites will try to sell you templates of tattoos, which might be of good use since you can take those templates to your tattoo artist, which in the long run will save you money from having a tattoo artist design a fresh tattoo. This does not mean you cannot have the template modified. The cost will depend on the size and complexity of the tattoo design that you decide to go with. So if you wish for a small tattoo, it might be worth the extra cost for a tattoo artist to create a unique design.

If you do not find any tattoo designs on the internet that you like, you can always go to your tattoo artist and ask for a sketch of a tattoo that you may be thinking about. This of course will cost extra but may be worth it in the long run as once a tattoo is put on the body it's very difficult to get rid of it. Be sure to spend time researching your tattoo and look through as many pictures and designs as possible as it will help you decide what you want.

After finding a tattoo artist you will need to do research to find the tattoo design. Start by looking through directories or galleries of tattoo designs. This will help you find the design you are looking for. Even if you don't know what kind of tattoo design you want, by looking through galleries you will get an idea of what is out there. Angel tattoos are becoming popular among men, along with devil tattoos. But for females you might want to look for rose tattoos or even any kind of lower back tattoo designs.