Tatoos

The Skin

According to a study written in a body art magazine, about 60% of people who get tattooed regret their decision at a later stage of life. I also read an article written by a lady with multiple tattoos, that her regrets concerned her first tattoo, thus confirming my own observations about tattooing. I have a theory which may seem a bit conceited, but if I can prevent a single personfrom getting a tattoo which they are going to regret, and instead to help them realize a beautiful piece of art, which they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. I would be very happy!

The lady I mentioned above also wrote that she did not want to make the same mistake again, so she spent a lot more time selecting a design which she liked now, but tried to visualize liking the design in fiftyyears time. If you think about it, it’s picking the design that is one of the most important parts of the process of getting tattooed. Most people who get tattooed go to a tattooist and choose the design off the wall or out of a book. At that particular moment they think it’s a beautiful choice, but what about in the future? People change, your taste in almost everything changes. What I like nowor what I like in 4 or 5 years from now could be miles apart, so here I am stuck with a tattoo, which I regret!!! If you personalize your design the chance of future regrets will probably be brought to a minimum, and keep in mind that the decision to get tattooed is a permanent one. So take your time....

This is crucial. A tattoo application must be as clinical as a hospital, there are to manyrisks involved by ignoring the hygiene. Sterilization is the key issue in safe tattooing. To think that all new needles are sterile is a myth! All needles have to be Autoclave sterilized new or used, this is the only way to make sure that they are save. The tubes where the needle/bar rides in needs to be sterilized as well. • • • • • • Make sure the tattooist uses the next items for every newtattoo application! New sterilized needles New sterilized tubes. New ink and inkpads. Wears operating-gloves. Uses new salve and spatula It can’t be said enough, be careful with your health you only got one!!

A mark of a lifetime by Dee Dee Why did I want to get a tattoo? I wanted to get something that I would enjoy having for a long time, and something that symbolizes myself. The first thing I didwas research; I searched the web and used the yellow pages as my resources. Next to that I visited tattoo studios in the area, and spoke with some of the artists and viewed their portfolios. After that I asked about their sterilization procedures and the experience of the tattooist. I did my research for about 2 weeks and finally I made a decision to go to Red Dragon Tattoo, and have an artist atRed Dragon called Ed to do my tattoo, and made an appointment. The atmosphere at the studio was warm and inviting, and the staff was friendly and helpful. When I went in to get the tattoo done I had to fill out forms and talk with Ed. He asked what I wanted, and after I told him I brought in a couple of designs I wanted to have done. I showed him a black rose, and the Chinese symbol forcompassion. Since I am a teacher I wanted a design that symbolizes myself. Ed told me that he was going to

set up, and would be with me in ten minutes. I waited anxiously and after a while Ed called me to the back. He asked me if this was my first time and I told him it was. He smiled and showed me the package of needles, and explained to me all the needles were new and the instruments were autoclaved.After that he sterilized the area on my back shoulder and shaved it. He then told me that he was going to do a line to show me how it would feel, because there was going to be a lot of outlining. (It didn’t hurt at all.) After the test he began on my tattoo, and I was not in any pain at all it just felt like an annoying pinch and then just numbness. The total tattoo took about 30 minutes, Ed...