Tattoos

Tattoos

The art of tattooing has been around for centuries in one form or another. The word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word "tattau," which means, "to mark." Tattoos were first mentioned in explorer James Cook's records from his 1769 expedition to the South Pacific. However, the earliest tattoo dates back to 3300 B.C. on a mummified human body named "Iceman." Historically, tribes, clans, or families used tattoos as a right of passage. Tattoos were also used to show stature and to share stories or experiences with future generations. Their tales were written on a living canvas by pricking, scratching, and puncturing the skin. Today, tattoos are used as a form of expression, gratification, a part of one's culture, or as a hobby.

If you are thinking about getting into tattooing, but feel you are unfamiliar with the process, you might have some anxiety about it. You may feel afraid that you might mess up the person's tattoo, and as I'm sure you know, there are no erasers. Fear of failure can sometimes hold us back from doing the things we really want to do. But with knowledge and patience, you can learn to tattoo.

The tattooing process is actually quite simple. Obviously, we will start from the very beginning. Before you begin your work, it is best to ask your client to sit down with you and explain to them what you are going to be doing. Explain the procedure to them so they will be less afraid, if it is their first time. Sometimes the artwork they desire will have to be altered in some small way (either size or color) and you need to be sure they are okay with that. Most importantly, agree on a definite price for the completed work and ask for payment beforehand. Depending on the location of your client's tattoo, they may want privacy, so be sure to ask them if they mind being in an open room, or if they would prefer a private booth. Offering more than one type of chair for the client to sit in is also important. A lot of studios use dentist-style chairs, some use regular table chairs, and some use benches. Do your best to make sure your client is comfortable.

Now, it is time for the preparation. Putting on gloves should be the first thing you do. You will need to change gloves several times during the procedure to avoid contamination or accidentally mixing colors. The area of the body your client has chosen for his/her tattoo will have to be cleaned. Rubbing alcohol works fine. Any hair will need to be removed from the area by shaving it with a new disposable razor, which you will discard after using. Be sure to clean the area again to make sure it is smooth and ready for the transfer. Most studios today use a wonderful machine called a thermal-fax to make their stencils. This cuts out literally hours of tracing time simply by inserting the tattoo design into the machine. It then transfers it onto a special thermal paper in seconds. Once your stencil is ready, it's time to transfer it onto the skin. Some artists use soap or water to moisten the skin, and some use stick deodorant. There is no preference, as these all aid in making the design transfer better and darker onto the skin. Place the paper onto the skin and slowly pull it away from the skin. A purplish-blue likeness of the design will be left.

At this time, you will have to start preparing your tattoo machine. The different colors of inks will need to be placed in little tiny cups called "ink caps." At this time, remove the needles and tubes from their sterile pouches and place them in the machine. A cup of clean, distilled water should be kept handy for cleaning the needles during the tattoo process and to change from one color to the next. Place some A&D ointment or Vaseline on a clean,