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From design to application heres everything you need to know about the tattooing process
At Tattoo Temple it has been our experience that, irrespective of the amount of research previously completed, numerous technical and emotional questions regarding the tattooing process can remain. Knowing as much as you can will allow you to make informed, educated decisions. When chosen correctly, a tattoo can be a permanent work of art that you will carry with you for the rest
of your life. And the only way to make a decision you will be happy with for that length of time is with the right facts and a clear view. Even the most experienced artists were not born in tattoo studios. Everyone at some time or another has been in
your position asking the same questions. Like every person before you there are many facets, tools and systems of a tattoo studio to be learned. A veritable plethora of information about the tattooing process
exists and even the heavily tattooed might not fully understand them all. The following pages will address questions about the tattooing process as well as offer a brief introduction to the artists world. Firstly, Tattoo Temple believes that tattooing can and should be a passion. In the same way as your favorite painting, song or movie invokes an emotional response tattooing in its purest form can be the physical manifestation of this
highly personal interaction. If you have chosen a tattoo artist who is able to create a unique design then part of your body and by extension you, are essentially turned into a living work of art. The purpose of this introduction is to clarify the decisions, process and care needed when choosing and receiving a tattoo. The end goal is not only knowing what makes a hygienic studio but also the recognition of genuine tattoo art.
Does it hurt?
http://tattootemple.hk/beginners-guide[09/04/2014 05:13:33 a.m.]
This is perhaps the most common question for people interested in getting a tattoo who havent had
one before. The answer is yes. But pain is relative. At Tattoo Temple we have had manly weightlifters that start to cry after an hour. And we have had older women fall asleep when getting a tattoo at on the exact same place. There are three factors when considering the pain of a tattoo. The first is that most anticipated pain often seems to greater in ones mind than it actually turns out to be. Quite commonly the case has been that the expectation is more intense than the actual physical pain from the tattoo. This usually leaves most pleasantly surprised. Secondly you need to consider your motivation behind receiving the artwork. If you are nervous, have chosen
the wrong artist or otherwise unsure the pain for some can be close to intolerable. However if you are confident in your artist, excited for the design and cant wait to have the piece then you will be relaxed and the pain will be comparatively miniscule. Most often a
hugely influential factor regarding pain levels is basically the way one
views and chooses the tattoo. Thirdly, and this is the most fundamental, pain levels felt when getting a tattoo can be down to the skill of your artist. If the artist doesnt know the levels they should be pushing the needle to, is too rough or simply doesnt care then they can cause bleeding and scarring. The tattoo needle shouldnt cause you to bleed. Tattoo ink is placed on the second or middle layer of skin away from the blood vessels. If the artist doesnt know the various skin thicknesses, how to set the needle or how far to push then it can cause some serious problems. If the tattooist does not know the physiological variations then this will
cause unnecessary pain during the process.
you can pay a much smaller fee to someone who knows how to trace a picture. If you do not want to pay for quality do not get a tattoo. You are deciding on something you will wear and display for the rest of your life. This is the last place you want haggle for a cheaper price. And although there is not a 100% positive correlation between the
price and quality of the artwork the two usually match up. Meaning if you think youve found someone that is offering a great deal below the average price then the quality is highly likely to be below market standard. What tattoo would look good on me? Where should I
get it? When you are creating your piece a good artist will sit down and discuss these options with you. However you will need to bring some information to the table. Ask yourself what you personally find beautiful, appealing, powerful or inspirational. What do you want to be reminded of or carry with you the rest of your life? Your artist can guide and advise you for the style and direction but in the end you are the only person that can state your preferences. Irrespective of their skill level no artist can tell you what you think looks good.
Investigate
Any extra time spent researching artists and studios will pay off. Remember that like any other industry there are reputable studios and ones that you should stay well away from. Find an artist with a style that speaks to you. There is often an excitement that accompanies the prospect of getting inked right away. Instead of making quick decisions try and transfer that energy into the design itself. Quality must come before speed.
Research
A good tattoo studio will always take the time to answer your questions, schedule a free artist consultation and provide or point you in the direction of any tattoo related information. Artists portfolios should be readily available online. At any time if you feel the studio is not being forthcoming with any information or unable to answer your questions go to
another one.
Critique
No matter your level of experience bad tattoos are easy to spot. Are the lines of the tattoo straight and clean? Good work will retain the same shape and flow you find in any
other artwork. Is everything in proportion? There are natural bodily contours and curves that have to be accounted for in tattooing yet aside
from where the tattoo is placed on the body consider the tattooed image
or design itself. Does a hand look like a hand or are there some anatomical anomalies. Is a birds wing in the right place or does it look awkward. Does the piece look like it was drawn with unnatural angles? Common sense goes a long way. Does a face look like a face? Portraits are sometimes easier for most people when gauging the quality of a tattoo as the human mind is predisposed to recognize human faces. One can usually tell quite quickly if something about a human face is
not right. Is the shading smooth? Good artists can create a range of tones using just black ink. This is the smooth shading depth and effect found in grayscale works. And the list goes on. What about the complexity and positioning of colors? Good artists can, if they work with color, create
an amazing array of complex colors. There are various shading and alignment techniques but in general look for pieces that dont simply consist of large areas filled in with solid block colors.
Why this is important: Youve probably seen photos of rows of tiny white or clear caps on an tattoo artists work
station. Tattoo ink is placed into these caps because throughout the tattooing process the artist has to constantly dip the tattoo needle into the color of ink theyre using at the time. Like the old fountain pens, tattoo needles keep a very small amount of ink on the tips that have to be constantly replenished. There is no in needle ink well or ink delivery system. The needle vibrates too fast to allow the necessary hydraulics of internally stored ink to work in tattooing. If they were to keep dipping the tattoo needle into a central, main pot of ink it would then cross contaminate every client.
Ink, cream and other materials used throughout the tattooing process must be divided into separate containers for each client.
Introduction To Aftercare
The tattoo studio should explain the aftercare procedures when youve completed the tattoo application appointment. Remember the artists responsibility for the care and
condition of the tattoo ends as soon as you walk out the studio. You are in charge of caring for what is essentially, in regards to the condition of the skin and particularly for the first few days, an open wound. If you do not properly take care of the tattooed area it can lead
to infection. If a few simple guidelines are followed this will remain a
source of pride for all your years to come.
Protective Layer
A thin layer of moisturizer should be applied to the tattooed area ideally three to four times a day. The key healing time is the first few
days. However the tattoo will not completely heal until one full skin cycle or 28 days after the procedure. Keeping a light layer of moisturizer on the tattooed area throughout the first four weeks is highly recommended.
Flaking
You have a tattoo because ink was pushed through the top layers of skin and deposited on the second or middle layer. When the needle was pushing through some ink will have been temporarily retained by the top layers of skin. In the first few weeks the top layers of skin over the tattoo will start to flake and peel. This is completely natural. Your tattoo is not falling off. Do not pick or scratch the area. Instead, let
it flake naturally.
Say No ToTanning
The first 28 days are crucial and you should limit exposing the tattooed are to the sun as much as possible. Once the
tattooed has healed applying an SPF35+ suntan lotion is recommended prior to hitting the beach. Plenty of tattooed people also have sun tans. But staying out
of the sun for the first few weeks is critical. The reason that direct sun is bad for a tattooed area is that the sun will heat up the tattoo ink. This will cause the ink to move, just as when any element is heated. When this happens your body reacts and treats the ink as a foreign element. It will then attempt to digest the ink so as to flush the intruder. This is why tattoos exposed to sun will start to look faded. They are literally being absorbed.