GotInk TattooeBook

1
GOT INK? Content 2
Section 1
Getting a Tattoo
Section 2
Sanitation
Section 3
Care of new Tattoos
Tattoo Designs
Over 250 Ideas by Category
Tribal Tattoo Bonus #1

Over 150 Tribal Tattoos, Tribal Rings & Tribal Dragons
Japanese Characters Bonus #2

Over 90 of the most popular Kanji Symbols with meanings
Click here for more great Tattoo resources

3
Got Ink?
Everything you need to know about selecting,
getting and caring for a tattoo.
GOT INK? Section 1 Getting a Tattoo 4
Getting a Tattoo
1.1 Does it hurt?
1.2 What about anaesthetics?
1.3 Should i get a tattoo in the first place?
1.4 *Why* do I want one?
1.5 Religious (christian) arguments
1.6 A temporary alternative?
1.7 The decision process -- making the big plunge: whee can i find
a good artist, and what should i look for in tattoo artist?
1.8 What images do you think of when you think of a tattoo?
1.9 What kind of colors can i get?
1.10 How to look around in the shop?
1.11 Asking to see their portofolio
1.12 What to look for in their portofolio?
1.13 What kind of questions to ask?
1.14 What sorts of things to look for in shop
1.15 R-E-S-P-E-C-T: What to ask from artists?
1.16 Re tattoo shops insured?
1.17 How much does it cost to get a tattoo?
1.18 How should i act when i get in that chair?
1.19 Where on my body should i get a tattoo?

Does it hurt?
This is the first question in this FAQ because it’s usually the first question that people
ask. The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin *does* hurt. But what you
*really* want to know is, “How MUCH does it hurt, and can I handle it?”
It’s not nearly as bad as what you might imagine. The pain comes from the cluster
of needles on the tattooing machine piercing your skin very rapidly. This sensation,
however, doesn’t feel like the poking pain of an injection--it’s more of a constant
vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins, (pain
killers), which dullens the pain significantly.
The pain will also vary according to where on your body you get worked on. Skin
right above bones (collarbone, anklebone, etc.) tend to be more painful than other
areas. In addition, certain types of needles seem to hurt more than others. I person-
ally think the needles used for outlining produce a sharper, more noticeable pain,
while the needles used for shading seem to be much more like an electrical buzz
(nearly painless).
Remember, you are volunteering for the experience. The amount of pain will de-
pend on your psychological attitude.
NOTE: Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain relief purposes prior to
your tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote exces-
sive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which will slow down
your healing as well. In addition, artists do not appreciate dealing with drunks and
is illegal in many states.
What about anaesthetics?

Some people say that taking a couple of over-the-counter analgesics before tat-
tooing can take the edge off the pain. Acetaminophen, commonly sold under the
brand name ‘Tylenol’ is generally recommended, but not aspirin, ibuprofen, or oth-
er NSAIDs, as they tend to inhibit clotting. In short, you may find yourself bleed-
ing like the proverbial stuck pig. There *are* actually topical anaesthetics available,
even in the stick-up-its-butt U.S. For instance, Bactine contains some lidocaine, and
it is possible to buy benzocaine preparations over the counter. The drawback of
these is that they do not work on unbroken skin, but if they are applied after the
first pass with the needle, they *can* make a tremendous difference. EMLA is reput-
ed to be much better, and will work on unbroken skin, but it is not generally avail-
able in the U.S.

Should i get a tattoo in the first place?

Your reading this may mean you’re already interested in getting a tattoo, or may
know someone who is. In a survey of 163 tattooed men and women, a third of
them had regretted their tattoos! While most of this FAQ discusses the process once
you’ve decided to get one, let’s pause for a moment.
*Why* do I want one?

People get tattoos for different reasons. Is it to please your partner? Is it because
you want to belong to a group that has tattoos? Do you identify with a certain sub-
culture known for tattoos? Do you want to show your independence, individuality
or uniqueness?
These are all valid reasons, and why many people get tattooed. However, because
of the permanency of your tattoo, try to look at yourself in five, 10, or even 20
years. What will you be doing at that time? You might be a free-spirited college
student now, and a web of vines on your wrist would look really lovely. However,
are you planning to work in a very conservative field after you graduate? Will
others look at your tattoo in a bad way? Will you have to hide it with long sleeve
shirts? Are you *willing* to wear long sleeve shirts if the environment is negative?
Do you want a tattoo of a tiger because your partner’s nickname is “Tiger,” and
you love the way s/he scratches your skin? Do you think you’ll be with this person
in five years? If not, how will you look at that tattoo? With fond memories, sym-
bolizing a special period in your life? Or a shameful or painful reminder of some-
body who hurt you and didn’t care for you?
You’re a headbanger (or a nose-smasher, ear-bopper or whatever) and you *RE-

ALLY* want a tattoo all over your arms just like Axl Rose, but you can’t afford a
professional artist so you get your friend with the mail-order tattooing machine to
do those designs for you? Or perhaps you get spider webs tattooed all over your
hands (or your face, which has happened) because you want to be “different” in
school. What if you decide to “straighten out” and get a real job; train as a chef or
something, and then no restaurant hires you?
*GETTING IT REMOVED* is *NOT* easy, and is *NOT* cheap. Expect to pay

$1,000 to remove even a fairly small-sized tattoo if you’re looking at laser surgery.
Expect to have a noticeable ugly scar if you go with a non-laser technique. Expect
to pay for every penny out of your own pocket because health insurance compa-
nies will not pay for tattoo removal. There may not be a laser surgery specialist in
your area. Then think of all those laser-surgery doctors who are going to get rich
off of a person’s foolishness or lack of careful thinking.

...Maybe tattooing isn’t for you.

...Maybe you shouldn’t get that $10 tattoo your friend’s been telling you he’ll give
you, in his garage.
...Maybe you shouldn’t let your buddies tattoo your hand with India Ink and a
needle at this weekend’s party.
...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your back instead of on your hand.
...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your left wrist so it can be covered by your
watch if you have to...
...And maybe after reading this FAQ, you’ll think carefully about it, and make some
informed, wise decisions about what to do with your body.
*Tattooing can be beautiful.*
*Tattooing can be exhilarating.*
*Tattooing can open a whole new world for you.*
...but make sure to do it *RIGHT*.
Religious (christian) arguments

A word to the religious: In Leviticus 19:28, it says not to tattoo “I am the Lord” on
you (i.e. don’t take the name of the Lord in vain). It does NOT say you can’t mark
yourself at all, and it does NOT say there’s anything wrong about piercing. What
it DOES say is that it prohibits mutilating yourself for the dead, which was a sense-
less practice at that time. But for Christians, they are no longer bound by the Law.
Remember that it’s not what you do; it’s what’s in your heart when you do it. The
Talmud even mentions that it’s not the tattooing that is wrong, but what the tattoo
is of (i.e. if the tattoo is an image of a ‘false god’ as opposed to just a ‘design’).
There are probably many ‘prim & proper’ Christians out there that have had the
urge to be tattooed, but have repressed it because they believed it was a sin. Well,
if you really believe that it is a sin, then it is. But is getting tattooed really a sin? If it
draws you away from Christ or causes someone else to stumble, then yes. But tat-
tooing isn’t any more special than anything else we distract ourselves with.
Take things in moderation at your speed. We are to deny ourselves of things if they
cause us to lose sight of Jesus (for some, it could be driving a car, getting married,
having children, going to work, smoking, abusing drugs & alcohol, disrespect, etc.).
If you have good discernment, you know what distracts you from Christ and what
doesn’t.
Tattooing isn’t inherently evil; it got it’s ‘evil’ status because GOD-less heathens
from places like the South Pacific were tattooed. Do what pleases GOD; and one
thing that pleases GOD is to be confident in oneself (not overly prideful, but confi-
dence tempered with discernment, almost bordering on arrogance). Tattooing can
bring out that confidence, because to be tattooed requires commitment.

And that’s a conquering power over fear and old ruts. GOD wants mature dynamic
individuals that fear him to fellowship with, not people cowering in fear from some
rigid set of laws. Note: fear of GOD is totally different from cowering in fear.
Some Christians will claim that drinking any amount of alcohol is sinful, but the
medical community is saying that 2-3 drinks a day is good for the heart. Drink re-
sponsibly. So, for those that have repressed getting a tattoo because of family or re-
ligious upbringing, just do it. If it’s not for you, fine--but don’t ruin it for the others.
Tattooing in no way marks who’s saved and who’s not. If you’ve seen the trilogy “A
Distant Thunder,” the Mark of the Beast was tattooed on your right hand or fore-
head. The tattoo was 666 in binary ‘6’s (i.e. 1 0 11 0 11 0 1 Sort of like a UPC code),
but this doesn’t mean that every tattoo is a Mark of the Beast.
People have stated that the credit card and the computer were tools of the Devil.
So what? Everybody depends on both today, even if the Anti-Christ is to use the
computer to control the population, it doesn’t mean that if you use a computer,
you’re a follower of the Devil.
I believe that religion, when improperly used, is a dangerous thing. Christianity has
wasted a lot of valuable time trying to influence people in believing that unimport-
ant things are evil instead of spreading the word of GOD. Christianity (or those
prideful, arrogant, self righteous leaders) has looked down on tattooing far too
long.
A temporary alternative?
A) For those who might not be ready for the plunge, but are seriously considering
what it would look/feel like to have a tattoo we recommend this.
Temptu now has a web page at http://www.temptu.com which describes their
products. The following is from Roy at Temptu:
“The rice paper temporary tattoo you...mention is made in New York by Temptu
studios. It is a cosmetic ink printed on an archival cigarette-like tissue paper. Special
cosmetic inks are then used to paint in the ‘tattoo.’ The result is totally realistic, wa-
terproof, and longlasting (yep, up to 2 weeks!)
“This process was used in _Cape Fear_ on Robert de Niro, _Once Were Warriors_,
and currently on Sean Penn at the end of _Dead Man Walking_. Also see Bruce
Willis’ Head in _The 12 Monkeys_. It was invented by Dr. S. Zuckerman for the film
_Tattoo_ (Bruce Dern/Maude Adams in 1981.

“Often we are asked to create at temporary tattoo for someone who wants to ‘test
drive a tattoo,’ so they can decide on position, color, before deciding what and
where.
“Temptu primarily develops semi-permanent body art. Current interests include

working on a ‘safe’ and legal line of tattoo inks, airbrush body art, and Indian Me-
handi (henna). I work closely with the New York Body Archive, a strange and won-
derful place!”
Roy adds one of comment: “I’m frequently asked about the six-month tattoo
you mention in FAQ. East Coast people say it’s available in California. But this is
bullsh*t. No such animal!”
B) For some, the easiest thing to do is to simply draw on the skin with a non-toxic
marker. In fact, many people who already have tattoos do this to figure out place-
ment and design. If you want it to wash off right away, use something temporary.
Crayola’s washable markers work well. I you wanna see if you can live with a de-
sign for a couple of days, try a permanent marker such as the Sharpies. They come
in basic colors.
C) MEHENDI: In some countries such as India, brides are covered from head to toe
with intricate bridalwear (including the face). To try to show off as much of what
skin they can show, they paint their hands and forearms with something called
henna. Henna, when applied correctly, stains the skin and can last several weeks.
Mehendi has become popular with the mainstream, with a number of mehendi tat-
too shops cropping up in some cities such as Berkeley and Los Angeles.
Part of the process of getting a tattoo is coming to terms with its permanency. It’s
like losing your virginity. You lose it once, and you can’t get it back. You can neck
and make out, but it’s not intercourse. If you’re afraid of losing your virginity, you
have to come to terms with THAT before you can have sex.
But once you lose your virginity, you forget all about how you feared its loss, and
simply enjoy having sex! :)
*Debunking of urban folklore* Someone asked to confirm a rumour about the

possibility of temporary tattoos obtainable by using a tattooing machine very shal-
lowly on the skin, to have the tattoo last only six months or so.

Several professional tattoo artists replied with a very strong *NO*. There is no way
to be able to prevent the needles from entering the second layer of skin (the der-
mis), where tattoo inks normally go. Further, even if the tattoo machine only enters
the top layer of skin (the epidermis), you will end up with too much scarring that
the tattoo will never really go away.
Considering the time, cost and pain factors, this is not an option--and no profes-
sional tattoo artist will want to experiment on you.
The decision process -- making the big plunge: whee can i find a good artist, and
what should i look for in tattoo artist?
The bane of the tattoo world is the shadowy, unprofessional person called the
“scratcher.” A scratcher is somebody who:
--Does not have the proper training in either tattoo art or of running a professional
operation;
--Does not know and/or care to use responsible sterilization methods;
--Promises to provide tattooing services for an incredibly low fee, for free, or in
exchange for drugs (ack!);
--Chooses not to apprentice through a legitimate tattoo shop because of one excuse
or another (but lacks the knowledge one needs to work in or run a professional
shop);
--Will hurt you because they don’t know what they’re doing;
--Will give you a permanent tattoo you will regret for the rest of your life;
--You should stay away with a ten-foot pole.
Never, never, never get work from a scratcher unless you are willing to accept all
the hazards listed above.
Of those in a study by Clinton Sanders who regretted their tattoos, more than two-
thirds of them regretted their tattoo because of poor quality!
Looking for an artist can be as easy as checking the Yellow Pages, or as complex as
checking references, magazine photos. There are a number of ways to find good
artists, including (but certainly not limited to):
--Perusing tattoo magazines. While not all tattoo magazines are of the National
Geographic quality, the photos will speak for themselves. Some issues highlight spe-
cific artists’ works; a good way see the type of work someone does. Use the photos
in the magazines to compare with those of the artist you are interested in. These
magazines have done a lot to show what is *possible*.

Some things to look for in magazines:

-Style (realistic, black & grey work, tribal, etc.)
-Placement on your body
-Ideas for images
-Size in proportion to your body
-Artists whose work you like.
--Attending a tattoo convention. Read the FAQ section on tattoo conventions for
more information. You can approach this one of two ways.
You can either go to a shop because someone recommended the artist to you, or
you can go in cold. For obvious reasons, you will have a little more information
with you if you already know something about the artist. This may make you feel
more at ease when going into a shop for the first time.
Bodyart enthusiast Dr. Kai Kristensen , a pathologist and a recently retired lab direc-
tor of an internationally prestigious medical center in La Jolla (California), says the
most important aspects of a good result are to:
o Choose an experienced, knowledgeable performer who knows about sterilization
and avoidance of infection.
o Avoid infection during the healing process.
With both of those bases covered, healing of either should be non-eventful and the
desired appearance should be guaranteed.
What images do you think of when you think of a tattoo?

Do you think of anchors, of roses or of skulls? While these traditional images are
still available, you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety you will find today.
There are two basic types of tattoos: Flash, and custom. As you can imagine, “cus-
tom” means you have a design you like that you take in with you. “Flash” is the
stock designs you see on the walls of the shop.
The main thing to remember is that you’re not required to choose from the selec-
tion of flash in a shop--You’re NOT limited to just an anchor, a rose or a skull. Re-
member however, that these smaller pieces of pre-priced flash are the bread & but-
ter of many shops, since they are proportionately expensive ($75 for 20 minutes’
work, for example where an artist might charge $100 an hour for custom work).
Also, the number of customers who lay out the big bucks for large, elaborate cus-
tom pieces is too small to keep a regular shop in business.

A few of the major styles of tattooing:

BIO-MECHANICAL: A style popularized by illustrator H.R. Giger, who designed the
creature from the _Alien_ movies. Bio-mechanical work usually involves an ana-
tomical flesh intertwined with some technical drawings of machines. A close relative
of this style involves just the biological look of flesh without the mechanical parts.
BLACK & GREY: Refers to the colors used, this style requires the artist to have ad-
vanced shading techniques for subtlety.
Celtic: Beautiful, intricate knotwork of the Celts (a hard “k”, NOT a soft “c” like the
basketball team). These are much harder for artists to do, and is best done by some-
one who specializes in it. Also usually done in just black ink.
Oriental: Big, bold pieces of Oriental images (carp, clouds, dragons, etc.) based on
the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of 18th Century Edo-period Japan.
Note: It is fine to call this “Oriental” and not “Asian,” because it references an ob-
ject and not a person.
PORTRAIT: Images taken from photos, best done by someone who can render real-
istic photographic images. Usually done in black and grey ink.
Sailor Jerry: Traditional sailor tattoo style made famous by Jerry Collins in Hono-
lulu. Tribal: Usually bold simple lines, simple patterns. Almost always done with just
black ink.
With a good artist working for you, you can get practically any image you’d like.
Accomplished artists can render portraits, wildlife, psychedelic and biomechanical
styles with impressive results. Your main challenge is to find the artist who can best
do the design YOU want.
What kind of colors can i get?

Concerned that you’ll end up with a greenish tattoo with little bits of red or yel-
low? Worry no more! Today’s inks run the entire gamut--and it would not be terri-
bly sarcastic to take a Pantone color chart with you!
Most tattoo inks are metal salt-based pigments that are not made specifically to be
used under the skin, and have not been approved by the FDA for this purpose. The
idea is that for most people, these pigments are inert and cause no problems. Some
people have been known to have allergic reactions; any reputable artist should be
willing to provide you with a small “patch test” of the colors you desire. This is
required in the state of Arkansas.
Tattooist Uncle Bud Yates (Pikes Peak Tattooing) says some artists use acrylic-based
pigments, which he feels may be more troublesome than the metal-based pigments
for some with sensitive skin. Best to ask your artist first.

How to look around in the shop?

Don’t let the shop intimidate you when you first walk in. For the uninked, a tattoo
shop is intimidating enough. Strange smells, strange sounds. Some shops even try to
look intimidating to create a tough-guy feel. Just keep in mind that you’re a poten-
tial customer. Consider it window shopping.
The first thing you should do is to take a minute to look around. Chances are,
you’ll encounter some flash (stock illustrations) stapled on the walls. These will
most likely lean toward the traditional. Skull and crossbones, roses and the like.
You might also see some signs (“No minors; we ID,” “We have sanitary conditions”
etc.). These signs will also be indicators of the personality of the shop owner. If the
signs seem overly intimidating, patronizing or snobbish, they can be tip-offs of the
shop’s attitude. Some are very friendly, with plants, aquarium fish, and signs like
“Tattooed people come in all colors.”
Note: There is no national law regarding the legal age for tattooing. Check with the
shop to find out what the local statute regulates.
Asking to see their portofolio

Do NOT be impressed by the flash on the wall. These illustrations are usually pur-
chased from other artists and do not represent the work of your artist. Frankly, any-
one with some experience can easily trace the outlines of these illustrations and fill
in the colors. What you really need to look at is a book that contains a collection
of photos of the artist’s work. Go to the counter and ask to see one. If they tell you
they don’t have one, walk out immediately. You’re visiting the shop to commission
a piece of art to be permanently illustrated on your skin; for the artist to tell you
s/he doesn’t have samples in a portfolio is insulting.
What to look for in their portofolio?

When you do look in their portfolio, there are a few things to keep in mind. Do
you see any photos of pieces that you recognize in the flash (on the wall, or in a
flash book)? If so, how is it rendered in tattoo format? Before anything else, check
to see that the lines are clean. Are they well-defined? Straight where they should be;
not shaky or blurry? Are the borders all uniform in width? Do the colors seem true?
Are they bright? Proportionately correct?
Look at the people in the book. This can be an indicator of the clientele in the shop
(besides looking at the ambiance of the shop). Is there a fair mix of women and
men in the book? Are they all sporting “biker” tats, or any one particular genre/
style?

Again, keep in mind that anyone can stencil an outline of an illustration onto your
skin. The skill in the artistry comes in the shading, use of colors and other subtle
things that set an artist apart from a simple tattooist.
Do you see anything in the portfolio that is not in the flash? These are the custom
pieces that the artists have done, and they should be their crowning glory. How do
they look? Do you like what you see? If there is more than one artist working in the
shop, and you see some photos you like, make sure to find out which artist did the
work.
What kind of questions to ask?

Whenever you ask to see their collection of photos, the person in the shop will
hopefully immediately recognize you as someone who knows a little more about
tattoos--at least enough not to be satisfied by looking at just the flash. If the shop
is not too busy or if the artist is not in the middle of working, they might stand on
the other side of the counter to have a conversation with you. This is a wonderful
opportunity to ask questions of the artist.
Some reasonable questions to ask in your conversation that shouldn’t take too
much time for the artist to answer:
What is their favorite style?

If what *you* are looking to get done happens to be their specialty you are in luck;
be it tribal, wildlife or whatever.
Is there any one particular subject they like to do?

One artist, without hesitation, told me his favorite was skulls. I would’ve jumped
for joy had that been what I wanted.
How long has the shop been here?

This may be an indicator of the stability of their business. The tat industry in itself
fluctuates, but continuity implies business acumen, responsible practices and that
they are not a fly-by-night operation.
How long have they been at the shop?

The shop may have been there for 20 years, but the artist may only have been
there for a couple of months. If they have been there for what you consider a short
period, ask them where they were before.

How long have they been tattooing?

It might not matter so much that the artist has only been there for a short while,
if they’ve been tattooing for several years. They might come from various back-
grounds--anywhere from working on friends to having a fine arts degree. This type
of information will give you more insight into the artist’s attitude as well as apti-
tude.
Do they get to do much custom work?

This may depend on where the shop is located, but it also depends on how good
of an artist they are, and whether they have their own style for which they are
known for.
Do they use apprentices at the shop?

It is often difficult for new artists to break into the business, and an apprenticeship
is often a very good way to learn not only about tattooing itself, but also about the
day-to-day operation of a small business. For artists to take apprenticeships means
they’re interested in expanding the artform, in giving a new person a break (so to
speak) and feeling confident enough about their own skills that they feel they can
offer some insight and experience for the new person. This again goes back to the
attitude of the artist and the shop.
Don’t let the looks of the artist intimidate you. Tattoo artists usually have a lot of
tattoos themselves. In fact, I would be somewhat leery of an artist who has *NO*
tattoos at all. The main thing is that you need to talk with them and get a feel for
what they are like. As you talk with the artist and build a rapport, if you feel com-
fortable you may want to broach the subject of what you’re interested in getting
done. Bounce your idea off with the artist and see what they are willing to help
you with.
Remember however, that the artist is running a professional business! Be polite--

don’t linger and overspend your welcome if you don’t plan on getting any work
done at all. Note: Don’t base your decision according to what tattoos you see on
the artist--they were not done by that person!
What sorts of things to look for in shop

Looking critically at the shop is as important as choosing your artist. Make sure the
place is very clean, make sure the artist uses disposable, single-use needles (that are
not re-used after one client), and uses an autoclave for all other equipment. Don’t
be afraid to ask them, either. A legitimate artist will be glad to show you.

What does the shop look like? What is its ambiance? Does it look like a barber
shop, a hair salon, dental office or an art gallery? If you are a nonsmoker, will ciga-
rette smoke bother you? Look for used ashtrays as signs. Do the work areas offer
you any privacy? Do they use shower curtains, private booths or shoulder-high
room dividers?
Try to go and visit and then come back another day. Don’t feel pressured into hav-
ing to get one right then and there. Try and talk to some people that have experi-
ence with the artist (and not the groupies that you’ll find hanging around the shop).
You should feel comfortable with the artist and you should like him/her. If you
don’t, then don’t get a tattoo.
Make sure the artist is willing to listen to you and respects what you want. Don’t
go to an artist that has an agenda of what he/she wants to do. The artist may make
suggestions, but the final word is always yours.
Finally, make sure you take their business card with you. If the artist you talk to
does not have his/her own card, jot down the name on the back, and perhaps
some notes to yourself about the shop and the artist.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: What to ask from artists?

It has been brought to my attention that some tattooists have an attitude problem
when it comes to potential customers. Tattooists (and piercers!) need to realize that
not every person who walks in has to look like a grunged-out leather-wearing biker,
or a raven-haired cleopatra-eyed septum-pierced zombie. People from all walks of
life may be interested in bodyart.
A potential customer should *NOT* be made to feel out-of-place or ashamed for

walking in wearing a business suit, or an LL Bean dress. It is amazing to think that
someone with purple hair and eyebrow rings could actually discriminate against
someone, but apparently, this seems to be happening.
Just as a customer should expect certain sanitation standards, they should also ex-
pect an inviting atmosphere.
Re tattoo shops insured?

Most reputable tattoo shops are insured. The problem is, they’re usually insured
against premises liability. This means that they have insurance coverage if you fall
and hit your head on their floor, but *NOT* if you’re unhappy with their work. In
the past, the only insurer who would cover the latter was Lloyd’s of London, and
their rates were apparently very high.

I personally recommend a tip for any work which you are pleased with, or any cus-
tom work where the artist spent time drawing up your illustration (since drawing
time is usually not included in your price). Nothing brightens up a day for the artist,
or helps to build a friendly relationship with your artist more than a generous tip.
If you’re very happy with the artist and you think you might get more work from
them later, TIP!!
There have been heated discussions on rec.arts.bodyart in the past regarding the
appropriateness of tipping a shop OWNER. If you feel that an owner does not de-
serve a tip on top of the price s/he charges you, then A) do not give a tip at all, or
B) bring some sort of offering, be it food, flowers or whatever.
Many tattoo artists have told me that the BEST TIP is good word of mouth. If you
are happy with your tattoo, show it off to your friends and tell them where you
got it done!
How should i act when i get in that chair?

Once you have settled on a design and a price that you and your artist agree on,
the work will either begin right then, or you will be asked to come back for a later
appointment (e.g. if the artist has another client coming in in 15 minutes).
Once you’re in that chair, what can you expect? Most likely, the artist will begin the
long process of preparing for your work. This is especially true if the artist is going
to do a custom design that you brought in. First, the design will have to be worked
on. Most artists will play around with the design on paper first, although some art-
ists will do it freehand. “Freehand” means the artist takes an ink pen to hand and
begins drawing a design on your skin without the use of a stencil (NOT where the
artist begins work with the tattooing machine immediately--the artist, no matter
how good, still needs to envision how the work will look on your skin--proportion,
placement, etc.).
When you and the artist are happy with the design, the artist might outline the
design with a piece of carbon paper, or use an old-fashioned copy machine to get a
working copy of it. This would be when the artist would properly size the design.
The artist will then clean your skin where the work will be done (probably an alco-
hol or antiseptic rub), and will swipe your skin with an “adhesive,” which is usually
Speed Stick deodorant (for some reason *I* haven’t seen any other brands). The
artist will then put the carbon side of the design directly on your skin. When the pa-
per is lifted, ta-da! A carbon line drawing of the design should appear on your skin!

The artist will probably let you look in a mirror to make sure you are happy with
the design and the placement. Once this is agreed upon, the artist will then begin
putting the supplies out.
At this point, your artist should be doing things like dispensing various colors of ink
into little disposable wells, and rigging a new set of needles into the tattoo ma-
chine. At this time, you will probably try to look cool by looking around the studio
walls or occasionally looking to see what your artist is doing. Your artist might have
a radio playing, which will help distract you a little.
At this point, it is best for you to try and relax. You can ask the artists about some
things, like the colors of the ink. Depending on the work you are getting, the artist
will need to mix some colors, for example. You’re probably somewhat nervous, but
excited at the same time because you’re actually gonna get a real tattoo! Whether
you realize it or not, your body is going through quite an adrenalin rush. Try to
remain calm and not too anxious. Your hyped-up condition and your anxiety about
the anticipated pain of your experience by themselves may trigger a fainting spell.
It will help if you are not there on an empty stomach. Get a bite to eat about an
hour or two before you go in for your session. Having hard candy or some juice on
hand during the session is also recommended.
Just relax and try to stay calm. For women, the experience of anxious anticipation
is similar to a pelvic exam at an OB/GYN, where you are more nervous about it
while waiting for the doctor as you lie prone on the examining table, feet in the
stirrups. Just as most exams aren’t painful or really all that bad, neither is tattooing.
Bzzzzzttttt....The artist starts up the machine, dips the needle into the ink and starts
to work toward your skin! Aaaaaahhhhh!!! Will it hurt? Will it hurt? Grit your
teeth! Hang tight!...
Ooohhhhhhh! It *does* hurt! Ow! Ow! Ow! I’m okay, I’m okay, this is fine, it’s not
that bad. I can grit my teeth. Grit, grit, grit. Try to smile a bit. My teeth are grit-
ting, anyway. Oh, I hope this pain doesn’t stay like this!! Breathe. Don’t forget to
breathe. Relax. Relax. Relax. Okay there, that’s better. Not so painful. I can handle
it. Yeah--look at all the tattoos HE’s got on his arms. I can handle it, too. Yeah.
...The most painful part of the process will pass in a couple of minutes, after which
the area will feel abuzz with electricity and warmth. Just try to relax and breathe
deeply--enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience that you’re feeling. Oftentimes, you end
up clenching your jaws, grinding your teeth or grasping the chair with your white-
knuckled hands. But once you pass the first couple of minutes, you’ll feel silly for
having worried about it so much.

If you still feel uncomfortable after a few minutes, it may be because you’re sitting
in an uncomfortable position. See if you can get into a more comfortable, reclining
position--but make sure to ask the artist first before you try to move.
Some people try to distract themselves by trying to talk with the artist. This is kind
of like with hair stylists--some stylists just love to gab and gab (just ask them an
open-ended question), while some stylists would rather concentrate and not screw
up your hairdo. Same with tattoo artists. While some will like to “talk story” with
you, others would rather concentrate on the work you’re paying them to do. After
all, their job, income, and reputation are on the line when they have the tattooing
machine to your skin. Often, they’ll talk during easy parts, and less during complex
work. Just go with the flow and not worry about it.
The only thing I don’t particularly prefer is if there’s a lot of traffic walking around
in the studio and the artist has to keep talking to them (either potential clients or
tattoo groupies). For this reason, a cubicle or dividing partition is a nice option for
privacy.
Most people can sit through over an hour of work, but if you get uncomfortable,
just ask your artist if you can take a break. If you feel woozy, you might consider
bringing some candy with you to give you a little lift, or some water to drink.
Where on my body should i get a tattoo?

This may seem VERY trivial, since the answer can be “anywhere you please!” The
ONLY places you cannot technically get permanent tattoos are your hair, teeth and
nails (even the cornea used to be tattooed years ago for medical purposes). Inter-
estingly, women and men tend to get tattoos in different locations. This, according
to sociologist Clinton Sanders, is because men and women get tattoos for different
reasons. Men, he says, get them to show others, while women get them for the
sake of decorating their body--and often place them where they can’t normally be
seen, so that it doesn’t prompt comments about her “reputation.” However for the
sake of this FAQ, the following is a short list of areas to get inked. I am included
the statistics from Clinton Sanders’ study on the body location of the first tattoo for
men and women as well (there were 111 men in his survey group and 52 women).
Head:
The “head” here refers mostly to the area where your hair grows. You’ll need to
shave the area for the tat to be most visible. If you need to hide your tat, you can
grow your hair out. Areas more commonly inked are the sides of the head (above
the ears), and above the nape of the neck in the back. There are people who have
their entire heads inked. I am told that the tattooing process vibrates your skull!

Sides of neck (nape).

Back of neck: I’ve seen some tribal pieces, and bats done on the back of the neck.
You’ll need to keep your hair short or tied up to keep it visible.
Face:
Various areas possible. Facial tattoos could fall into the cosmetic or standard cat-
egories. Cosmetic would include darkening of eyebrows, eyelining, liplining, etc.
Getting a tat on the face is serious business and crosses a portal because people will
never look at you the same way.
Upper chest:
One of the standard areas for tattoos for both men and women. Allows lots of flat
area in which to get a fairly large piece. One of the areas where you can choose
to get symmetrically inked on both sides. (Men: 5%, women: 35%--chest & breast
combined)
Breasts (women):
Used to be trendy to get a tiny tat on the breast. Women (particularly larger breast-
ed ones) need to be careful about eventual sagging of the skin in the area. Don’t
get a tat that will look silly when it starts to stretch (like a round smiley face that’ll
turn into an oblong frown).
Nipples:
Usually the artist leaves the nipples alone--the omission of ink tends not to be so
noticeable. There HAS been work done with tattooing a facsimile of a nipple onto
a breast in reconstructive surgery for those who have lost their nipples, tho--for aes-
thetic and self-esteem purposes.
Rib cage:
Can be rather painful because of all the ribs you work over. However it offers
a fairly large area, and can be incorporated into a major back piece, wrapping
around toward the front.
Stomach/Abdomen:
Some people choose not to get work done on their stomachs for a couple of rea-
sons. Area is difficult to work on because there’s no solid backing to hold the skin
down. It is a sensitive area that may feel uncomfortable. The tat may look horrible
after your metabolism slows down and you develop a - er-- “beer gut.” (Men: Less
than 5%, women: 14% )

Genitals:
Yes, some people do get inked in their genital area. The idea may sound very
painful, but it’s really not all that bad. However, do consider that, due the to the
stretchiness of the skin and the amount of movement the area experiences, it’s not
really possible to do anything with a lot of fine detail. And no, the penis does not
have to be erect during tattooing, although a tattoo artist I know who has done
several penis tattoos said that he did have one customer who had a full erection
the whole time. The only female genital tattoo I’ve seen (inner labia, I think) was
in _Modern Primitives_, and it looked rather blurry. Note: Some artists refuse to do
genitals. (Men: 0%; women: 5 %)
Thighs/hips:
A popular area for women to get larger pieces (often extending from the hip area).
Shows well with a bathing suit but easily concealable in modest shorts. The entire
area of skin around your thighs is bigger than your back, so you can get quite a bit
of work done. (Men: 3%; women: 10%)
Calves:
Nice area to get a standard size (2” x 2”). However if you have very hairy legs, it
may cut down on the visibility somewhat. (Men: 7%; women: 8%. Category sim-
ply listed as leg/foot)
Ankles:
Currently trendy. I think you have to have an ankle tat before you can go to the
Eileen Ford Agency with your modeling portfolio. :) You can either get a spot piece
on the inner or outer ankle, or get something that goes around in a band. Vines
and other vegetation seem popular (pumpkins, anyone?)
Feet:
I’ve seen some incredible footwork (pun intended) in some of the tat magazines.
Concealable with shoes. Probably don’t have as much wear and tear as hands so
you might get less blurring and color loss. This however, is the TOPS of your feet.
You will have trouble retaining a tattoo on the bottom of your feet.
Armpits:
Usually reserved for those who want to get full coverage around the arm and chest
area, & need the armpits filled. Probably not strongly recommended for the highly
ticklish.

Inner arms:
A more unusual location than the outer upper arm area, this area is often not easily
visible. Be careful if your genes are prone to “bat wing” flab, however.
Forearms:
Popeye sported his anchor on his forearm. Probably not as popular as the upper
arm but common just the same. You can have your upper arm “sleeve” extend
down for a full sleeve. For an example, check out the heavy metal veejay on MTV
(who has a nose pierce, BTW).
Wrists:
Janis Joplin had a dainty tat on her wrist...easily concealable with a watch.
Hands (fingers and palms):

Some artists don’t do hands because the ink will have a tendency to blur or fade
easily. Consider that you probably move your hands the most out of your entire
body. A friend of mine had a multi-colored tat on his finger by Ed Hardy (who
cringed upon hearing about where my friend wanted it), that is only several years
old and is now barely noticeable. Some people want to substitute their wedding
bands with tat bands. Your palm doesn’t retain ink well--if you can find an artist
who will do it, you can expect it to be a rather basic line, and that it will not last
too long. Perhaps just matching tats someplace else would be okay?
Shoulder blades:
The back shoulder blade area is another popular spot for women, who can show
off the work with a bathing suit or tank top, but cover it up with regular clothes. If
this is the case, be particularly careful with sun because you’re not gonna be wear-
ing that unless it’s warm & sunny. It’s a “safe” place--but may get in the way if you
decide to commit yourself to a large back piece. (Men: 15%, women: 15%. Catego-
ry listed as backs/shoulder)
Back:
You can get any part of your back done, or find yourself an artist you really like,
and save your money for a “back piece” that encompasses your entire back. Expect
to pay several thousand dollars for a full back piece (not to mention many tat ses-
sions).
Buttocks:
Again, beware of potential sagging in the area.

GOT INK? Section 2 Sanitation 23
Sanitation
1.1 Can I get infectious diseases from tattoo needles?
1.2 What to look for in a sanitary shop environment.
1.3 Can I get AIDS from tattooing?
1.4 Can my tattoos get infected?
1.5 How to look for sterilization
1.6 Are there any medical conditions that will preclude me from getting a
tattoo?
1.7 What is the Alliance of Professional Tattooists?
1.8 Should I get a vaccination shot against hepatitis?

1.1 Can I get infectious diseases from tattoo needles?

There has been some concern recently regarding transmittable diseases (particularly
Hepatitis-B and AIDS [HIV]) and tattoo shops. Just as in a dentist’s office, as long as
the area is strictly sanitized, your chances for infection will be greatly reduced.
Note: If you plan on getting lots of bodyart (pierces or tattoos), you should seri-
ously consider getting immunized against Hepatitis-B. Hep-B is a much more serious
concern than HIV as the virus is much more virulent and easier to catch.
1.2 What to look for in a sanitary shop environment.

The current popularity of tattooing and body piercing has also brought on an in-
crease in potentially hazardous conditions. For this reason, I am posting the follow-
ing guideline of what to look out for (in this situation, “artist” refers to both tattoo-
ists and piercers):
- Lighting: The area must be well-lit so the artist can see what s/he is doing.
- Counter and floor space should be lightly colored, preferably white so dirt shows
up easier.
- The spray bottle the artist uses on your skin should be disinfected between cus-
tomers, or some kind of protective film such as Saran Wrap should be used.
- Disposing needles: All needles must be either discarded after EACH use (or at least
with each new customer), or autoclaved. Many body piercers operate out of small
booths and may not have spent money for an autoclaver, in which they MUST
dispose of each needle. NO EXCEPTIONS. Reusing piercing needles is equivalent to
sharing IV drugs with strangers.
- Needles touching other things: The needles, once open from their sanitary pack-
ages, must not be placed on unsanitized surfaces. The piercer should NOT set
the needle down on the table, or, heaven forbid, DROP THE NEEDLE ON THE
FLOOR!!! If this happens, insist they open a new needle.
- Gloves: The artist must wash their hands prior to putting on their gloves, prefer-
ably with an antibacterial/antiseptic solution. Once they put their gloves on, they
should not touch anything other than your skin, the needle, and the jewelry. They
should not be filling out receipts beforehand, or answering the phone--unless these
have been wiped clean beforehand.

- Is there a sink separate from the bathroom sink? -Does the artist use a disposable
razor when shaving skin?
- The Speed Stick used as an ahesive for the tattoo pattern should not be directly
applied to the skin, but applied first to a tissue which can then be used on the skin.
-Autoclaves should be inspected regularly.
- Sterile materials should be stored in sealed containers away from things that could
cause body fluids or ink to splash on them -The palate that holds the ink caps should
be covered with Saran Wrap -After tattooing, the ink caps should be discarded and
the ink not reused or poured back into the bottles
Be particularly wary of “outdoor fair booths.” While many are run by caring, expe-
rienced artists, these booths allow fly-by-night operators to make some fast money
and disappear. If you don’t know the artist, spend time watching them work on
others first. Are they reusing needles? Do they use needles that have dropped on
the ground?
1.3 Can I get AIDS from tattooing?

IMPORTANT NOTE: This section refers to tattooing specifically, and not to other
forms of bodyart. Some, such as piercing and cutting, require the breaking of the
client’s skin to a deeper level than what is achieved with a modern tattoo machine.
This section on AIDS & Tattooing has been contributed by Nick “Buccaneer”
[email protected] Baban , who studied at the Univ. of Michigan School of Public
Health, Dept. of Epidemiology. He spent the summer researching AIDS and IV drug
use in NYC. “I’m not an expert, but I consider myself knowledgable. Any furthur
questions about AIDS can be e-mailed to me.”
Obviously there is some concern about AIDS and tattooing because when you get
a tattoo, you bleed. But the mechanism of transmission needs to be better under-
stood.
AIDS is transmitted by intimate contact with bodily fluids, blood and semen be-
ing the most comon. Intimate contact means that the fluid carrying the AIDS virus
(HIV) enters into your system.

Injection drug users (IDUs) use hollow medical syringes and needles to inject drugs
directly into their bloodstream. It is common practice to withdraw a little blood
back into the syringe to delay the onset of the high. When needles are passed from
IDU to IDU and reused without sterilization, some of that blood remains in the sy-
ringe and is passed on to the next user. If infected blood is passed, the recipient can
become infected with HIV, which leads to AIDS.
Tattooing is VERY different from injecting drugs. The needles used in tattooing are
not hollow. They do, however, travel back and forth through a hollow tube that
acts as an ink reservoir. The tip of the tube is dipped into the ink, which draws a
little into the tube. As the needle withdraws into the tube, it gets coated with ink.
When it comes forward, it pierces your skin and deposits the ink. You then bleed a
little through the needle hole. This happens several hundred times a second.
You are only at risk of infection if you come in contact with infected blood. Since it
is only *your* skin that is being pierced during the tattooing process, only *your*
blood is being exposed. This means that the only person at greater risk is the art-
ist, because s/he is the only one coming in contact with someone else’s (potentially
infected) blood. This is why reputable (and sane) tattoo artist wears surgical gloves
while working.
Another source of infection is through the use of infected tools. *This is why it is
IMPERATIVE that you make sure your tattoo artist uses sterile equipment.* Needles
and tubes need to be autoclaved before EACH AND EVERY time they are used. Ink
should come from separate cups and not directly from the bottle. Any leftover ink
should be disposed of and not reused under ANY circumstances.
The key to HIV transmission is *transfer of bodily fluids.* Evidence indicates that
infection may require a (relatively) substantial ammount of fluid to be passed. A pin
prick almost certainly won’t do it. HIV is also a very fragile virus that cannot sur-
vive long outside the human body, and is very easy to kill via autoclaving. (I have
heard of using bleach to sterilize needles. While bleach is an effective HIV killer, I’m
not sure of the procedures for cleaning the equipment after bleach cleaning. As I
personally have no desire to have bleach put under my skin, I go with autoclaving
as the proper way to sterilize).
If your tattooer maintains sterile conditions and proceedures, there is almost no risk
of infection. I say “almost” because any risk, no matter how miniscule, is still a risk
and must be recognized. That said, I am the proud owner of a Jolly Roger tattoo
on my right shoulder because I knew my tattooist and knew he had sterile condi-
tions.

1.4 Can my tattoos get infected?

Not as long as you take care of your new tat. There is a section in the FAQ that
covers healing methods in depth. Some people have trouble healing tattoos with
colors they are allergic to. If it gets infected and refuses to heal after a few days of
using a topical antibiotic, you may want to check with a doctor. Keep in mind this
assumes you are a healthy individual without any condition that suppresses your
immune system.
1.5 How to look for sterilization

Check out the shop thoroughly. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by a
clean look. If the needles are not disposed of after each person, then it MUST be
“autoclaved.” Autoclaving is a process that pressurizes the instruments and kills any
virus or bacteria that might transmit viruses or bacteria. My dentist has two auto-
clavers--one gas and one steam--both pressurizing down to 250fsw. He also has
spore samples that he autoclaves and sends to a pathology lab to make sure the
machines are working.
Ask the artist how they clean their needles. If they don’t say they autoclave, you are
taking your risks. If they say they do, ask to see their machine. Note that in some
states, autoclaving is required by law. Other common-sense types of things include
throwing out the ink after each customer. Make sure the artists have small wells for
each ink color that they dispense from a larger container, and that these are thrown
out after work on you is done. Compare the conditions of the shop to that of your
dentist--does the artist wear gloves? Are the areas sprayed clean?
According to the Navy Environmental Health Center Medical Corps in Norfolk, Vir-
ginia, each year, a few cases of Hep-B are reported in people who’ve gotten tattoos
within the last two months, but they have not been able to trace the disease back
to its source, nor attribute it directly to the tattoo.
Becky Fenton [email protected] says: “I spoke with a disease infection

specialist at Kaiser [Permanente--US West Coast health care system], and there have
not been any incidents (as of 1990) of HIV being spread *to* a recipient of a tat-
too. If you think about it, the tattooist is much more at risk, as s/he has to touch the
customer’s blood.

David Zinner [email protected] notes that a blanket statement regard-

ing the use of autoclaves could be misleading. While an autoclave will kill the HIV
virus, it is not because of the efficacy of the ‘clave, but because of the weakness of
that particular virus. Far more insidious is Hepatitis, which is more tenacious, and
which a ‘clave does not always kill. He has gotten all of his info from CDC, by the
way.
The irony, he says, is that now virtually anyone can afford a ‘clave, because many
hospitals are selling them secondhand for a very good price, and switching either
to disposables, or purchasing dry-heat or chemical sterilizers. Chemical is the best
rated, and he says that his friend’s business has increased because of the precautions
he takes.
In response to David’s well-founded concern, Dr. Milton Diamond

[email protected] from the UH School of Medicine who has been researching
sexuality for 30 years, says: Hepatitis is easier to transmit than HIV but all the bugs
will be killed IF the autoclave is run properly (i.e., set hot enough & long enough).
Some instruments can not, however, be autoclaved since they cant take the heat.
These have to be sterilized with viracides, “bug”acides and so forth. In any case,
here in the States, EVERYONE should be using disposable needles.
The chemical bath is only as effective as how fresh is it, how concentrated, what
chemicals, how “dirty” or contaminated the instruments, how long in the bath,
which particular bug is under attack, etc. It is not the device, autoclave or chemical
bath, that is as important as the operator. There are many different bugs out there.
HIV may be one of the most deadly and Hep among the more easily transmitted
but many others have to be considered (including Chlamydia, the infection rate of
which is 20%!) and “he who aims at one, hits one.” “Mo betta aim fo dem all.”
If the artist or piercer is conscientious, reliable and knowledgeable, either device
could serve. Again my general rule still stands: “EVERYONE should be using dispos-
able needles.”
Dr. Kai Kristensen [email protected] says: The needles that push the ink into the
skin (below the epidermis or outer covering and into the mid-dermis or support
structure under the epidermis) can transmit disease UNLESS STERILE TO BEGIN
WITH. When they have been used on you, whatever bugs you carry in your blood
can be transmitted to the next person. The most commonly transmitted disease by
needlestick is Hepatitis B (and C). Clearly AIDS could be transmitted even though
not documented yet to my knowledge.

The skin should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and water and scrubbing be-
fore the procedure to lessen the normal population of germs on the hide. Alcohol
doesn’t do much but tends to degrease and cool, so no harm but no substitute.
USE OF DISPOSABLE GLOVES: A conscientious, professional tattooist or piercer will

often go through A DOZEN DISPOSABLE GLOVES on one client. Gloves SHOULD
be changed every time they touch unsanitized items with their gloves. If you see
that the artist does not change gloves after answering the phone, they are not being
sanitary. Marginally acceptable is if they pick up the phone (or other objects, such
as pencil) with a tissue. Optimally, they should use a new pair of gloves after each
potential contamination.
1.6 Are there any medical conditions that will preclude me from getting a tattoo?
If you have hemophilia. There is even a case of a man who was HIV positive who
got a tattoo--if you are HIV+ however, you will want to inform the artist, since it’s
the artist that is at more risk than you. [In the case of the HIV+ man, he was John
Baldetta, a former nursing assistant at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, who
got a tat on his forearm that said “HIV Positive.” He was suspended for three days
without pay and told he could return if he covered up the tat. He refused and was
subsequently fired, although he was not an RN and was not doing anything that
would put patients at risk.]
However, it is best to let the artist know if you have ANY medical condition, such
as diabetes or epilepsy, in case of an emergency.
If you have multiple allergies, you can always have the artist do a “patch test” on
you with the colors you want prior to returning for a regular tattoo. This is simi-
lar to patch tests done for perms and hair coloring, and will help you determine if
your body will react to some of the pigments.
Also, it is generally not considered a good idea to tattoo pregnant women.
1.7 What is the Alliance of Professional Tattooists?

This section was contributed by Pat Sinatra, a professional tattoo artist and vice
president of the organization:
The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT), Inc. is a professional standards orga-

nization that was established in March 1992 and officially incorporated in June ‘92
as a non-profit organization (contributions, fees and educational materials are tax
deductible.

Their activities:
- Continuing education to artists
- Offers accurate, up-to-date information about communicable diseases through

seminars
- Is interested in preserving tattooing as an artform
- Monitors legislative activity to prevent over-regulation (controlled or banned)
- Believes in keeping the art of tattooing safe and legal through education, knowl-
edge and awareness
- Offers reliable information to tattoo lovers about safe tattoo practices to ensure
your health.
Headquartered in Maryland, its international membership has expanded from the
US to Canada, Europe and other countries. They are currently establishing state
chapters with state directors.
Their nine-hour seminar entitled, “Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing,” is

taught by APT secretary, Dr. Kris Sperry (Fulton County Medical Examiner, involved
with tattooing for over 10 years). Designed in 1988 to educate health care work-
ers (including tattooists) in the prevention of infection and the implementation of
professional standards,the program was specifically redesigned in 1991-1992 for the
needs of the tattooist and is the standard for APT members. Since the 1991 Blood-
borne Pathogens Rule, APT, Inc. has designed this manual for tattooists.
PDTT is presented in various locations throughout the country at a one time fee
of $125.00 (APT members) or $300.00 (non-members). This course is open to the
Professional and Associate levels only. Members are required to complete this semi-
nar within two years after initial application.
While we have noted that many individuals are promoting videos on this subject,
OSHA (the US Occupational Safety & Health Association that regulates work-envi-
ronment safety) says that an infection control program cannot be taught by video,
but by an on-site knowledgable individual on site.
OSHA believes that the in-person interaction between instructor and student is vital
to the education of this serious subject, and that individual questions regarding in-
fection control, universal precautions, disease transmission, pathology, etc., must be
answered by a knowledgeable, credible instructor such as Dr. Sperry.

1.8 Should I get a vaccination shot against hepatitis?

Without everyone worried about HIV transmission, it is easy to forget that hepatitis
(specifically hep-B) is a much stronger and virulent virus to worry about. Fortunate-
ly, you *can* get protection against both hepatitis A and B! Check with your health
insurance to see if it’s covered--otherwise, you might have to shell out $200 or so
for both. There are two shots (injected a month apart) for hep-A, and three shots
(injected over the course of six months) for hep-B. You are strongly urged to get
protected if you are planning to get tattoos *OR* pierces on a regular basis.
As a warning however, note that a very small percentage of individuals react nega-
tively to Hepatitis B vaccines, and could actually become ill from the vaccines them-
selves. If you are contemplating getting vaccinated for Hep B, talk to your health
care professional to weigh the risks against the benefits. Note: Not all health care
professionals are apprised of the most current statistics on the adverse effects of
Hep B vaccines.

GOT INK? Section 3 Care of new Tattoos 32
Care of new Tattoos

1.1 General Advice From A Medical Doctor
1.2 Common Misconceptions With No Basis In Reality
1.3 What Are Some Bad Things For My New Tattoo?
1.4 It Is True That Suntanning To A Considerable Extent Not Only

Damages Your Skin But Fades The Tattoos?
1.5 How Do I Care For My New Tattoo?
1.6 Minimal Moisturizer Method Ancient Art Tattoo, (Orlando, FLA)
1.7 Pat-With-Listerine Method From Tattoos Unlimited (London, Canada)
1.8 The Wait-24-Hours-To-Take-Off-Dressing Method From Joker’s Wild

(London, Canada)
1.9 The Coconut-Oil-Itch-Relief Method From Blue Dragon Tattoos

(London, Canada)
1.10 The Huck Spalding Method From Huck Spalding`s “Tattooing

A To Z”
1.11 The Noxzema Method From Lance Bailey

1.1 General Advice From A Medical Doctor

After the session, the best treatment is simply that which one would give a bad
sunburn. For the first few hours (or overnight) leave on the protective dressing sup-
plied. After removing that dressing, clean gently with soap and water and apply a
thin film of antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin or any of the triple antibiotic ointments
available over the counter). That can be repeated during the day for comfort and
sticky clothing. The process is repeated the second and third days. After that, keeing
the area clean on a daily basis and (if you wish) lightly lubricated with some vase-
line to minimize crusting also helps minimize the itch. Plastic surgeons keep wounds
clean and moist for least scar formation. Do not go swimming for the first day or
two after tattooing.
1.2 Common Misconceptions With No Basis In Reality:
1. “Vaseline makes a tattoo faded”. The ink is underneath the epidermis and the
outer layer of dermis. There’s NO WAY that vaseline can get down through the
epidermis to draw out any of the ink.
2. “Swimming makes a tattoo faded”. For the same reason as the above, pool
chlorine does not get to the ink to fade it. Common sense precautions include not
swimming in a public pool with a raw sore, such as a new tattoo while oozing or
completely raw. After the first 2 days, the surface over the tattoo is impervious and
(from personal experience as well as science background) it is OK to swim.
1.3 What Are Some Bad Things For My New Tattoo?

SAUNA OR STEAMROOM
Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception
is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvi-
ous).
SUNLIGHT
Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading but whatever
you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your tats will fade (over a life-
time, not over a week). Best to try and keep them out of bright sunlight. No one
wants to become a cave dweller just to keep their tats looking good, so just use
some common sense. Think of your tat as an investment--slather on that sunblock
so it doesn’t turn into a dark blob.
Our culture has erroneously labeled the tan as healthy. Did you know that your tan
is your skin’s way of dealing with the damage caused by the sun? It’s like the forma-
tion of a scab when you have a cut. You will pay for your years of sun exposure
when you are in your 40s and 50s.

Leathery, wrinkled, dry skin with freckles and liver spots. Melanoma. Skin cancer.
Regular visits to the dermatologist. Like I say, “There’s no such thing as a healthy
tan!” Take it from a Hawaii local! I’ve seen my share of melanoma here, and they’re
not even from surfers or beach bunnies!
Some people have gotten angry at me about this, telling me that they have a sea-
sonal disorder that requires them to get some sun. A little bit of sun is okay (and it
gives you a dose of Vitamin D). But all you need is a few minutes’ worth.
Tanning booths are not good for you! They are not regulated by the FDA, and the
staff that work at these salons have been known to give out patently false informa-
tion. Many salon operators will suggest dosages far exceeding industry recommen-
dations, and the FDA would actually prefer that these booths be banned altogether.
Do not believe the salon operators who tell you there is NO damage caused by
their UV rays. There are indications that tanning booths emit rays that cause the
type of damage that only shows up years later, when it is difficult to fault any one
operator. Their industry motto is “tan safe.” There is no such thing as a SAFE tan,
folks. Sorry.
1.4 It Is True That Suntanning To A Considerable Extent Not Only Damages Your
Skin But Fades The Tattoos?
The UV light rays that damage skin can get below the outermost surface of the skin
(that’s why skin cancers are promoted by excess suntanning).
The following is information about suncare and sunblock:
1.Try to use products that do not clog your pores. If your sunblock makes you break
out or feel itchy, this may be the cause.
2. Avoid sunblock containing PABA, apparently found to be carcinogenic.
3. “SPF” stands for Sun Protection Factor. If you can normally stay out for ten min-
utes without getting sunburnt, then an SPF 2 should protect you for 20 minutes, an
SPF 6 for an hour, and so on. HOWEVER, this does *NOT* mean an SPF 30 will let
you stay out for five hours with just one coat. Keep your exposure limited to the
minimum amounts, and always use an extra strong sunblock with at least SPF 30
for your tattoo.
4. “Waterproof” and “sweatproof” sunblocks protect you while in the water. How-
ever, reflections from the water add to your exposure. Make sure you use a high
SPF number, and always re-apply your sunblock when coming out of the water.

5. Sunblock is not just for the beach! Make it a habit to carry one with you during
the sunnier months so you can protect your tattoo always! The Watermelon Stick
from the Body Shop is nice and portable, but in a pinch, a tube of lip balm (Blistik,
etc.) will work, as long as it has an SPF. Dab a bit on your tattoo whenever you will
be outside.
1.5 How Do I Care For My New Tattoo?

The artist that did your tattoo will have something very definite to say about the
care of your new tattoo, and it is probably a good idea to listen to him/her. Many
shops will have an information sheet listing care instructions.
The information provided in this section may or may not be the same method your
artist offers. Regardless, there are three things to remember about caring for your
new tattoo:
- Moiturize it
- Don’t overmoisturize it
- And whatever you do, Don’t pick your onion peel scabs!
Basically, as long as you follow these three points, you will be okay. However as
people get more tattoos, they begin trying out slightly different methods. I have in-
cluded several examples, and not all of them will work on everybody. Some people
will find that they are allergic to some products. For example, I have always had a
problem with Noxzema skin cream, which makes me break out with water-filled
pimple-like things on my skin.
How do you know which method is best for you? It depends on the type of skin
you have, and how sensitive it is. I suggest you try a patch test on your skin for a
week or so to see if you react to the ingredients.
Having said that, I have personally discovered a very nice “new tattoo kit” that I
now use whenever I go to get a tattoo. And the added benefit was that I discov-
ered this “kit” in a sample size travel set, which I can easily pack in my travel bag.
The set that I now use is the Johnson’s baby product line. The kit includes baby
powder, baby shampoo, diaper rash ointment, baby lotion, baby bath, and a bo-
nus (in this case, a baby bib). I don’t need the baby bib, and the shampoo is just an
added bonus for me. However, this is how I use the kit, especially when I’m getting
the tattoo in another city:

Baby powder: I sprinkle a liberal amount on the hotel bed sheets to prevent my
skin from sticking to the sheet.
Baby bath: A fruity-smelling liquid soap, it’s very mild and has minimal lathering. I
pour a bit on my hand, rub into a light lather and wash the tattoo this way. It rinses
off very easily with non-pressurized water, minimizing the risk of losing scabs.
Baby lotion: The Johnson’s brand feels non-greasy. *MY* skin does not like a layer
of oily lotion, and until this, I used to pay lots of money for oil-free Oil of Olay (is
that a contradiction in terms?). Goes on very lightly but keeps the skin moist.
Diaper rash ointment: Zinc oxide-based, I use this thick, non- greasy ointment on
certain “contact spots” of my tattoo that may rub against clothes (i.e. bra strap,
waist band).
I’ve found this travel kit selling for $2-$3 (US), and the small sizes work out just
right for a smaller tattoo (no larger than 8”x8”. You *MIGHT* smell like a clean
baby, though!
Other people will recommend different ointments and lotions. Some people swear
by Tea Tree Oil (toner) from the Body Shop for its healing qualities. Others like
A&D Ointment (marketed for diaper rash, I find it somewhat greasy), and the
cheapest is probably regular Vaseline Intensive Care. If you live in a dry area and
you’re prone to use a lot of lotion anyway, the last one, in a large pump bottle,
may be your best bargain.
This section lists treatments to give you an idea of the breadth of suggestions of-
fered. These have been given “titles” using some unique facet of the method, and
is thus named only for the sake of convenience. These methods are NOT actually
called these. Each set of instructions is followed by commentary. Special thanks to
Lance Bailey for this section.
1.6 Minimal Moisturizer Method Ancient Art Tattoo, (Orlando, FLA)

Ancient Art puts a heap of vaseline on the new tattoo and then bandages up the
whole thing, they give you these instructions:

Tattoo Care Instructions:

1. Remove bandaid in 18 hrs.
2. Wash tattoo immediately, with soap and water When washing off the tattoo,
there should be old ink & some body fluids. At this state there is little that can harm
the tattoo. 3. When skin feels like normal wet skin, pat dry.
4. Put nothing on the tattoo for 3 days.
5. From the 4th day, apply the *tiniest* amount of lotion possible once a day to
keep it from drying out completely; gently work it in. (Mike suggests a drop for a
1”x4” piece).
6. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy.
7. Do not permit sun on tattoo.
9. Scabbing may or may not occur. Scabbing is normal. Do not pick scab.
His strongest advice: “MOISTURE IS THE TATTOO’S ENEMY”.

On using Vaseline: Neosporin is Vaseline-based, & doesn’t hurt.
On using Neosporin: Not really neccessary, but it doesn’t hurt. Strong warning:
Never let the shower directly hit the tattoo.
This procedure is how I healed the four I got at Ancient Art and they seem to be
the slowest to heal. After 2.5 weeks, they still have scabs. sigh.
Lance Bailey says: I used to go to great lengths to keep my tattoos moist while
healing. But now, looking at the ink I healed then, and other art which is not much
older but healed without all the moisture, I see that the ones where I kept it real
moist to prevent any scabs are a lot fainter--grey where the others are still black. I
quite literally drew a lot of the ink out of the piece. Yes, it is important to keep the
tattoo from drying out, but a scab is part of the normal healing process, and trying
to fool mother nature is risking trouble. Your mileage will of course vary.
1.7 Pat-With-Listerine Method From Tattoos Unlimited (London, Canada)

1. Change your bandage within two hours, wash hands before touching tattoo,
2. Clean tattoo with soap and water, pat w/ Listerine for a few minutes.
3. Apply Polysporin Ointment & bandage. Repeat this process 4 times a day until
tattoo is healed.

This is how I healed the first four or five tattoos. The theory is thatby keeping it
covered with ointment, you don’t form a scab -- and no scab means no scab prob-
lems. UNFORTUNATELY, this method also draws out a lot of the ink and can result
in a pretty pale tattoo. sigh. I would not recommend this method for a good final
result, although it can heal up a tattoo in as little as a four days if you use Vitamin E
and Polysporin.
1.8 The Wait-24-Hours-To-Take-Off-Dressing Method From Joker’s Wild (London,

Canada)
1. Remove bandage after 24 hours while you are showering.
2. Use a mild soap then pat dry
3. Allow tattoo to dry for 24 hours.
4. Apply supplied healing lotion 4 times a day. Do not use anything else on tattoo
then the supplied cream.
5. When using the healing cream, use it sparingly, you want to moisten your tattoo,
not soak it.
6. Do not soak your tattoo in the bath for 2 weeks.
7. Do not swim in chlorinated water for 2 weeks
8. Do not tan your tattoo for 2 weeks
9. If your tattoo does happen to scab, do not pick.
Roland at Joker’s Wild (no longer there) also recommended protecting the new tat-
too from the shower. Since all of mine are on the lower leg, he suggested putting a
bag over it which is a bit of a pain, but probably worth it.
This is how I healed the 3” X 6” piece on the front of my shin with theexception
that I washed it gently at least twice a day to clean off oldointment. I am very
pleased with the result.
1.9 The Coconut-Oil-Itch-Relief Method From Blue Dragon Tattoos

(London, Canada)
For effortless healing of your new tattoo please follow these directions carefully.
1. VERY IMPORTANT. Leave sterile dressing covering tattooed area for a minimum
of 2 hours.
2. If desired, dressing can remain on tattoo for a maximum of 24 hours.
3. After removing dressing (non-stick), gently wash tattooed area with soap, pat
dry with a clean towel.
4. Apply Polysporin twice daily until healed. Usually 3-6 days.
5. Refrain from picking or scratching tattoo during the healing process. Damaging
the light scab formation will result in poor colors in your tattoo. If tattoo irritates,
apply a slight smear of pure coconut oil.

I have never tried this method; the owner of Blue Dragon and I don’t seem to get
along. Pity because one of my favorite artists now works there.
1.10 The Huck Spalding Method From Huck Spalding`s “Tattooing A To Z”

1. Bandage(*) should stay on for at least two hours.
2. Remove bandage, rinse gently with cold water and blot dry.
3. Apply Bacitracin ointment 4 x a day and blot out the excess.
4. Keep tattoo fresh and open to the air. Do not bandage.
5. For the first week, avoid swimming or long soaking in the water.
6. For the first month, avoid too much exposure to the sun.
7. Do not pick or scratch scabs
8. Itching is relieved by slapping or alcohol.
9. Keep tattoo covered with loose clothing.
* Bandaging Summary 1. After tattooing clean whole area w/ green soap & white
paper towel. 2. Spray it with alcohol and hold a paper towel on it. 3. apply film of
Bacitracin ointment. 4. Cover with bandage or Handi-Wrap and securely tape it on.
I have yet to try this method, but have seen a few tattoos which have been ban-
daged with handi-wrap and they turned out just fine. (Huck writes that the handi-
wrap stops people from peeling off the bandage in the first few hours to show
friends.)
1.11 The Noxzema Method From Lance Bailey

This method is recommended by Suzanne at Creative Tattoo (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
1. Remove bandage after 4 - 5 hours.

2. Wash gently with soap or water.
3. Do *not* scrub or soak until completely healed (usually a week). Showering,
however, is OK.
4. Usually neccessary to re-bandage.
5. Keep tattoo OUT OF THE SUN or tanning booths while healing. Once healed,
ALWAYS use sunscreen on colors.
6. We reommend Noxema Medicated Skin Lotion twice a day to aid healing &
comfort. DO NOT USE Vaseline, oils, anything greasy, or anything with cortisone.
Oils block your skin from contact with air, inhibiting healing
7. Tattoo “peels” in 4-7 days. Do not pick or scratch!

“Your tattoo was applied with sterile equipment and procedure, and with non-toxic
colors. We guarantee the workmanship. Healing and caring of your tattoo is YOUR
responsibility.”
This is how I healed a 3-inch band around my right ankle. While the healing was
more like 2 weeks, I also protected it from the shower with a bag. For the last few
tattoos I noticed that after I stop covering it in the shower (after about 2 weeks),
the tattoo seems to speed up in healing. I suspect that this might be either timing
(it was ready to heal), or the action of the shower helps to knock of any dead skin
thus promoting better healing.
I only used a wee bit of Noxzema twice a day, leaving the art “moist and glisten-
ing” but with no “smears of white cream.” Am very happy with this method. The
cream really does help the itching and the final result is a good deep black.
Under the Berne Convention, this document is Copyright (c) 1997 by Lani Teshima-Miller, all rights re-
served. Permission is granted for it to be reproduced electronically on any system connected to the various
networks which make up the Internet, Usenet, and FidoNet so long as it is reproduced in its entirety, un-
edited, and with this copyright notice intact. Web sites are included. Individual copies may also be printed
for personal use.

Tattoo Designs
Disclaimer: All images in this ebook have been submitted for publication by individuals or
are believed to be in the public domain. If you own the copyrights to an image within
the ebook, please email [email protected] and we will remove the image.
GOT INK? Tattoo Designs Over 250 Ideas by Category 42
Tattoo Designs
Alien Tattoos Dragon Tattoos

Angel Tattoos Fairy Tattoos
Animal Tattoos Flower Tattoos
Asian Tattoos Monster Tattoos
Butterfly Tattoos Native American Tattoos
Cartoon Tattoos Pinup Tattoos
Celtic Tattoos Religious Tattoos
Clown Tattoos Skeleton Tattoos
Cross Tattoos Sun and Star Tattoos
Demon Tattoos Symbol Tattoos
Devil Tattoos

Alien Tattoos

Alien Tattoos

Alien Tattoos

Angel Tattoos

Angel Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Animal Tattoos

Asian Tattoos

Asian Tattoos

Butterfly Tattoos

Butterfly Tattoos

Butterfly Tattoos

Butterfly Tattoos

Cartoon Tattoos

Cartoon Tattoos

Cartoon Tattoos

Celtic Tattoos

Celtic Tattoos

Dragon Tattoos

Fairy Tattoos

Fairy Tattoos

Flower Tattoos

Flower Tattoos

Flower Tattoos

Flower Tattoos

Flower Tattoos

Flower Tattoos

Monster Tattoos

Monster Tattoos

Monster Tattoos

Native American Tattoos



Pinup Tattoos

Religious Tattoos

Skeleton Tattoos

Skeleton Tattoos

Skeleton Tattoos

Skeleton Tattoos

Skeleton Tattoos

Sun and Star Tattoos



Symbol Tattoos

Symbol Tattoos

Symbol Tattoos

Symbol Tattoos

110
Tribal Tattoo (Bonus #1)

Over 150 Tribal Tattoos, Tribal Rings & Tribal Dragons
GOT INK? Bonus 1 Tribal Tattoo 111
Stylized Living Beings Tattoos


















Ornamental & Decorative Tattoos














Rings

Rings

Rings

Tribal Dragons

Tribal Dragons

Tribal Dragons

Tribal Dragons

Tribal Dragons

Tribal Dragons

Tribal Dragons

Tribal Dragons

154
Japanese Characters (Bonus #2)

Over 90 of the most popular Kanji Symbols with meanings
All kanji characters have been provided by a third party and should be verified for authenticity before
tattooing. Accuracy of translation is the sole responsibility of the individual using this ebook.
GOT INK? Bonus 2 Japanese Characters 155
ability adomiration art attack attain
authority

bond
buddhism banzai brave

command charm
creativity

daughter
devil dignity discontent destruction
dragon dream
destiny dominant distinction

eternity excellence

faith friendship fulfillment future

god
geisha good-conduct good-luck
gambler
guts

happiness hope hero

immortal illusion intercept invincible
imagination

justice

king

loss loyalty lightning
lone-wolf
liberalism

mother
matchless

noble

power
pain passion
patriot
potential
patience
promise
patriotism

quest

riddle
regret rage revenge

sadness satisfaction serious shock slave
soul sword
strength submissive suffering

talent tattoo terror torture slave
truth

universe unknown

vitality virtue

wisdom

GotInk TattooeBook

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

GotInk TattooeBook

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GotInk TattooeBook

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1

GOT INK? Content 2

Tribal Tattoo Bonus #1

Japanese Characters Bonus #2

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

1.2 What about anaesthetics?

1.3 Should i get a tattoo in the first place?

1.4 *Why* do I want one?

1.5 Religious (christian) arguments

1.6 A temporary alternative?

1.8 What images do you think of when you think of a tattoo?

1.9 What kind of colors can i get?

1.10 How to look around in the shop?

1.11 Asking to see their portofolio

1.12 What to look for in their portofolio?

1.13 What kind of questions to ask?

1.14 What sorts of things to look for in shop

1.15 R-E-S-P-E-C-T: What to ask from artists?

1.16 Re tattoo shops insured?

1.17 How much does it cost to get a tattoo?

1.18 How should i act when i get in that chair?

1.19 Where on my body should i get a tattoo?

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

What about anaesthetics?

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

Should i get a tattoo in the first place?

*Why* do I want one?

You’re a headbanger (or a nose-smasher, ear-bopper or whatever) and you *RE-

*GETTING IT REMOVED* is *NOT* easy, and is *NOT* cheap. Expect to pay

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

...Maybe tattooing isn’t for you.

Religious (christian) arguments

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

“Temptu primarily develops semi-permanent body art. Current interests include

*Debunking of urban folklore* Someone asked to confirm a rumour about the

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

Some things to look for in magazines:

What images do you think of when you think of a tattoo?

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

A few of the major styles of tattooing:

What kind of colors can i get?

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

How to look around in the shop?

Asking to see their portofolio

What to look for in their portofolio?

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

What kind of questions to ask?

What is their favorite style?

Is there any one particular subject they like to do?

How long has the shop been here?

How long have they been at the shop?

Click here for more great Tattoo resources

How long have they been tattooing?

Do they get to do much custom work?

Do they use apprentices at the shop?

Remember however, that the artist is running a professional business! Be polite--

What sorts of things to look for in shop

1.4 Why do I want one?

Why do I want one?

GETTING IT REMOVED is NOT easy, and is NOT cheap. Expect to pay

Debunking of urban folklore Someone asked to confirm a rumour about the

A potential customer should NOT be made to feel out-of-place or ashamed for