The Art Of Making a Tatto

INTRODUCTION

Not too long ago, most people associated tattoos with sailors, bikers and sideshow artists. But tattoos have become more popular in recent years, and the people who get them are as diverse as the styles and designs they choose. And some people who would never think of tattooing pictures or symbols onto their bodies use permanent makeup (a type of tattoo) to emphasize their eyesand lips.
Before You Get a Tattoo
A tattoo is forever. If you decide that you want a tattoo, know exactly what you want before you find a studio. After you have decided, you will need to find the right artist to do the work. Choose someone with a good reputation or someone whose work you have seen on your friends or other people.
Remember, just because a tattoo parlor is in business doesn't meanit is maintaining safety and sterility precautions. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that gangrene, syphilis, tuberculosis and HIV are just a few diseases you could contract from contaminated instruments. To avoid these risks, ask to see a state license and accreditation from The Alliance of Professional Tattooing (or a similar organization).
WHAT IS A TATOO?
A tattoo is apuncture wound, made deep in your skin, that's filled with ink. Artists create tattoos by injecting ink into a person's skin. To do this, they use an electrically powered tattoo machine that resembles (and sounds like) a dental drill.
What makes tattoos so long-lasting?
The ink is injected into the dermis, which is the second, deeper layer of skin. Dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo ispractically permanent.

Getting a tattoo. Step by Step Process

If you are thinking about getting your first tattoo, but are unfamiliar with the process, the thought might meet you with anticipation. Fear of the unknown can sometimes hold us back from doing things we really want to do. You might be concerned that it will hurt too much. You might be worried that you wouldn't know if the artistwas doing something wrong. 
The best thing you can do is educate yourself on the process of the tattoo application, and that way you will be prepared and know what to expect when you sit in the artist's chair.
1) Once you have decided on your tattoo design and your artist, you will be required to show valid identification for proof of age. In most studios, payment must be made before servicesare rendered. Make sure they give you a receipt. 
After you have decided your tattoo design, you will be seated in the tattoo chair. Sometimes this is in an open work area, and sometimes a private room depending on the location of your tattoo.

2) The area of your body you have chosen for your tattoo will be cleaned, usually with alcohol. Then, any hair will be removed from the area by shavingit with a new disposable razor which will be discarded after being used.
3) Now your tattoo artist will transfers it onto a special thermal paper your tattoo design. Once your stencil is ready, it's time to create the transfer onto your skin. Some artists will use soap or water to moisten the skin, and some will use stick deodorant. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave youwith a purple-ish blue likeness of your future tattoo! 
4) The artist will start preparing their tattoo machine. The inks will be placed in little tiny cups called "ink caps", and the needles and tubes will be removed from their sterile pouches and placed in the machine. Clean, distilled water will be poured into a cup for cleaning the needles during the tattoo process and to change from onecolor to the next. Some A&D ointment or Vaseline will be placed on a clean surface for your use only. 
5) A little ointment will be placed over your transfer design for a few reasons. One is that it helps keep the transfer on longer without accidentally rubbing it off, and it also helps the needle to slide along the skin more smoothly, which is certainly going to be more comfortable to you!...