TATTOOS

INTRODUCTION

A tattoo is a mark made by inserting pigment into the skin for decorative or
other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification,
while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of
Japan, wore facial tattoos, as do some Maori of New Zealand to this day.
Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal
groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America,
South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and
China. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be
popular in many parts of the world.

ETYMOLOGY

A Maori Chief with tattoos ( moko ) seen by Cook and his crew.

The word "tattoo" is a borrowing of the Samoan word tatau, meaning to mark or
strike twice (the latter referring to traditional methods of applying the designs.

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The first syllable "ta", meaning "hand", is repeated twice as an onomatopoeic
reference to the repetitive nature of the action, and the final syllable "U"
translates to "color".The instrument used to pierce the skin in Polynesian
tattooing is called a hahau, the syllable "ha" meaning to "strike or pierce".

The OED gives the etymology of tattoo as "In 18th c. tattaow, tattow. From
Polynesian (Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, etc.) tatau. In Marquesan, tatu." The first
closest known usage of the word in English was recorded in the diary of Captain
James Cook in 1769 during his voyage to the Marquesas Islands. The text reads,
“...they print signs on people’s body and call this tattaw”, are referring to the
Polynesian customs. Sailors on the voyage later introduced both the word and
reintroduced the concept of tattooing to Europe.

In Japanese the most common word used for traditional designs or those that are
applied using traditional methods is irezumi ("insertion of ink"), while "tattoo" is
used for non-Japanese designs.

Tattoo enthusiasts may refer to tattoos as "tats," "ink," "art," or "work," and to
tattooists as "artists." The latter usage is gaining greater support, with
mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of both traditional and custom tattoo
designs. Copyrighted tattoo designs that are mass-produced and sold to tattoo
artists are known as flash, a notable instance of industrial design. Flash sheets
are prominently displayed in many tattoo parlors for the purpose of providing
both inspiration and ready-made tattoo images to customers.

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HISTORY

The famous “Iceman". A 5,200-year-old frozen mummy.

The history of tattoos goes back to the times when the Egyptians were
constructing the great pyramids. When they expanded their empire, this art
spread too to the civilizations of Crete, Greece, Persia, and Arabia, and finally in
2000 BC it spread to China as well. However, it is argued that this art has been in
existence since 12,000 BC.

Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice at least since Neolithic times. Ötzi the
Iceman, dating from the fourth to fifth millennium BCE, was found in the Ötz
valley in the Alps and had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple
dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle.

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Other mummies bearing tattoos and dating from the end of the second
millennium BCE have been discovered at Pazyryk on the Ukok Plateau.
Tattooing in Japan is thought to go back to the Paleolithic era, some ten thousand
years ago. Various other cultures have had their own tattoo traditions, ranging
from rubbing cuts and other wounds with ashes, to hand-pricking the skin to
insert dyes.

Tattoos have been in existence for centuries, though each culture has used it
differently for different purposes and in varied styles. Some used them as
ornaments, others for religious icons and yet others for personal reasons.

The history of tattoos can be traced back to BC times when tattoos meant a sign
of power and were reserved for religious figures in their community. Until 787
AD, Christians used tattoos as symbols of acknowledgment, after which the
church banned them.

Historical records prove that tattoos have held an important place in different
societies in ritual and tradition. In Borneo, women marked their forearms with a
tattoo to show they were skilled in a particular area, such as weaving so that her
status in the marriage market was heightened. The Kayan women of Borneo were
tattooists who created designs relevant to one’s position in society. They had
delicate arm tattoos resembling lacy gloves.

If worn around the wrist and fingers, tattoos played the role of warding off
illness. They have also signified membership to a society or clan. The Greeks
used it to communicate among spies. By showing their tattoo they could identify
their rank. But the Romans used them to mark criminals and slaves.

To the Ainus of western Asia, tattoos showed social status. When a girl reached
puberty, she was immediately marked to show her status in society. The Ainus
introduced this art to the Japanese where it took a religious position in society.

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Since about 400 BC, the Japanese have been tattooing for ornamental purposes.
They also used it to mark criminals with for easy identification. Much later, in
the 1800s, European society took to it and turned it around as an icon of fashion.

In few groups or religions, tattoo is an integral part of their religion and each
person following the religion is required to have that tattoo mark on their body
symbolizing the person authority as a group member. Even modern day gangs are
seen to have a particular mark on their shoulders signifying their group name.

Toady, tattooing is popular and is accepted as a fad, giving tattooists the status of
a fine artist. Tattooists now combine their personal style with unique designs and
spread the beauty of tattoos across cultures and international borders. New inks
and technology have made it all the more pleasurable to create tattoos for spirited
people.

 IN I NDIA

Although India is one of the ten most industrialized counties in the world,
generating world wide desired scientists in nuclear energy, space flight and
information technologies, the
south Asian country belongs to
the few cultures in the world
who kept their traditional
rituals until today. The reason
for this is sort if a paradox.
India is one of the most
populated countries in the
world. Experts estimate it over
a billion which is about 16
percent of the world population, but economically one of the weakest. Three

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quarters of the population lives in the countryside. The people there hold more
on to the traditional culture than civilizing advancements which are only carried
on in the few congested areas. Therefore the traditional culture is the only luxury
they possess.

The Indian culture is penetrated by clerical symbolism. Colors, numbers and

designed or from nature adapted shapes are used for cultural coherence same as
for banal symbols. Scientists have observed the higher caste the social position
of the women the smaller and canny are the designs. As worshipers of Vishnu
and Shiva, the two big Hindu divinities, or follower of a teaching which places
the principle of the female energy above everything, Indians wear a tattooed or
sometimes burned in point on their forehead, the only place on the body not
bedraggled by any excrement, which coloration shows the wearers affiliation to
the different religious communities. The point called Bindi stands for the "Third
Eye", the connection between the earthly live and the divine beyond. The wearer
of this mark is hoping for the blessing of the god worshiped by him.

A big part in India is also played by the painting of the face. The eyes of babies
are bordered with grime by their mothers to protect them from the "Evil Gaze".
In many places women dye their apex red to show they are married. And let's not
forget about the complex and mythical Henna decorations on Indian brides. Their
faces contain a make up made from black and red color and also the palms of the
hands and the sole of the feet is painted. Also applied with Henna are complex
patterns, the so called Mehndi, on the back of the hands and feet. This temporary
skin decoration has found many admirers with the body art boom in the western
civilization whereas in India little attention is given to the symbolic powers of
the colors orange, yellow or ocher. The Indian assigns colors to certain numbers,
sounds, melodies and moods. Red is the color of blood and fire and represents
warmth, energy, mental and bodily activity and vitality. Blue is connected with
the mythical hero Rama, spirituality and erotic. To most Indian the body is not
strong, healthy and beautiful until it is painted because the unpainted body is
defenseless against diseases.

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Even Indian divinities carried tattoos. According to the legend Vishnu drew a
tattoo on the hand of his wife Laskhmi for protection. Tattoos were mostly more
of a female matter anyway and sometimes it was even a disgrace for a girl not to
be tattooed. In central India the mothers of the groups of the Muria and Maria
applied extensive tattoos on their daughters during puberty using sharp iron
needles and black charcoal dust. And very often traditional patterns also
decorated the faces of young girls. On the North West coast women also
beautified their faces, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs with tattooed patterns.

Before the ornaments, which also showed a sign of wealth, were punctuated into
the skin they were drawn onto the skin with touche. This touche was extracted
from petroleum grime that was mixed with a decoction from the kino tree which
contained a tanning agent and milk or urine. The tattooing process was very
painful but was bravely sustained by girls and women.

In country sides of northern India and Nepal suchlike body decorations are kept
up together with the traditional coherency although it is not naturally for every
family to have their children tattooed. In the Indian cities on the other hand this
traditional patterns, counted points, lines, moon like shapes, blossoms, leave and
twine patterns in the face, are considered old fashioned. At the same time in
modern and western influenced commercial studios tattoos like wristwatches,
airplanes or radios have become very popular with men. Religious and mythical
images are no priority for young Indians and faith also doesn't matter anymore.

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PURPOSE

Tattooing is a tradition amongst indigenous peoples around the world and its
purpose is as follows:

DECORATIVE AND SPIRITUAL USES

Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of
religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks
of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, amulets
and talismans, protection, and as the marks of
outcasts, slaves and convicts. The symbolism and
impact of tattoos varies in different places and
cultures, sometimes with unintended
consequences. Also, tattoos show how a person
feels about another person, or how they feel about
a relative, preferably mother/father or
daughter/son.

Some Māori still choose to wear intricate moko on their faces. In Laos,
Cambodia, and Thailand, the yantra tattoo is used for protection against evil and
increase luck. A memorial tattoo of a deceased loved one's initials.

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  IDENTIFICATION

People have also been forcibly tattooed for various reasons. The best known
example is the ka-tzetnik identification system for Jews in part of the
concentration camps during the Holocaust. However tattoos can be linked with
identification in more positive ways. For example, in the period of early contact
between Māori and Europeans, Māori chiefs sometimes drew their moko (facial
tattoo) on documents in place of a signature. Even today, tattoos are sometimes
used by forensic pathologists to help them identify burned, putrefied, or
mutilated bodies. Tattoo pigment is buried deep enough in the skin that even
severe burns will often not destroy a tattoo. Because of this, many members of
today's military will have their identification tags tattooed onto their ribs; these
are known as "meat tags".

Tattoos are also placed on animals, though very rarely for decorative reasons.
Pets, show animals, thoroughbred horses and livestock are sometimes tattooed
with identification and other marks. Pet dogs and cats are often tattooed with a
serial number (usually in the ear, or on the inner thigh) via which their owners
can be identified. Also, animals are occasionally tattooed to prevent sunburn (on
the nose, for example). Such tattoos are often performed by a veterinarian and in
most cases the animals are anesthetized during the process. Branding is used for
similar reasons and is often performed without anesthesia, but is different from
tattooing as no ink or dye is inserted during the process.

COSMETIC

When used as a form of cosmetics, tattooing includes permanent makeup, and

hiding or neutralizing skin discolorations. Permanent makeup are tattoos that
enhance eyebrows, lips (liner and/or lipstick), eyes (liner), and even moles,
usually with natural colors as the designs are intended to resemble makeup.

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PREVALENCE

Tattoos have experienced a resurgence in popularity in many parts of the world,

particularly in North America, Japan, and Europe. The growth in tattoo culture
has seen an influx of new artists into the industry, many of whom have technical
and fine art training. Coupled with advancements in tattoo pigments and the on
going refinement of the equipment used for tattooing, this has led to an
improvement in the quality of tattoos being produced.

Lower back tattoos are more common among young women.

In many traditional cultures tattooing has also enjoyed a resurgence, partially in

deference to cultural heritage. Historically, a decline in traditional tribal
tattooing in Europe occurred with the spread of Christianity. A decline often
occurred in other cultures following European efforts to convert aboriginal and
indigenous people to Western religious and cultural practices that held tattooing
to be a "pagan" or "heathen" activity. Within some traditional indigenous
cultures, tattooing takes place within the context of a rite of passage between
adolescence and adulthood.

A poll conducted online in July 2003 estimated that 16% of all adults in the
United States have at least one tattoo. The highest incidence of tattoos was found
among the gay, lesbian and bisexual population (31%) and among Americans
ages 25 to 29 years (36%) and 30 to 39 years (28%). Regionally, people living in
the West (20%) were more likely to have tattoos. Democrats were more likely to

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have tattoos (18%) than Republicans (14%) and Independents (12%);
approximately equal percentages of males (16%) and females (15%) have tattoos.

NEGATIVE ASSOCIATIONS

Conspicuous tattoos and other body modification can

make gainful employment difficult in many fields

In Japan, tatoos are strongly associated with the

Yakuza, particularly full body tatoos done the
traditional Japanese way ("irezumi"). Certain public
Japanese bathhouses (sentō) and gymnasiums often
openly ban those bearing large or graphic tattoos in an
attempt to prevent Yakuza from entering. Small tatoos
are gradually becoming more common amongst young
people.

In the United States many prisoners and criminal gangs use distinctive tattoos to
indicate facts about their criminal behavior, prison sentences, and organizational
affiliation."Tear tattoos," for example, can be symbolic of murder, with each tear
representing a death of a friend. Insofar as this cultural or subculture use of
tattoos predates the widespread popularity of tattoos in the general population,
tattoos are still associated with criminality. At the same time, members of the
U.S. military have an equally well established and longstanding history of
tattooing to indicate military units, battles, etc., an association which remains
widespread among older Americans. Tattooing is also common in the British
Armed Forces.

The relatively new prevalence of women in the tattoo industry itself, along with
larger numbers of women wearing tattoos, has somewhat changed these
perceptions.

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MECHANISM

Tattooing involves the placement of pigment into the skin's dermis, the layer of
connective tissue underlying the epidermis. After initial injection, pigment is
dispersed throughout a homogenized damaged layer down through the epidermis
and upper dermis, in both of which the presence of foreign material activates the
immune system's phagocytes to engulf the pigment particles. As healing
proceeds, the damaged epidermis flakes away (eliminating surface pigment)
while deeper in the skin granulation tissue forms, which is later converted to
connective tissue by collagen growth. This mends the upper dermis, where
pigment remains trapped within fibroblasts, ultimately concentrating in a layer
just below the dermis/epidermis boundary. Its presence there is very stable, but
in the long term (decades) the pigment tends to migrate deeper into the dermis,
accounting for the degraded detail of old tattoos.

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TATTOO MACHINE

A tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a

permanent marking of the skin with ink. Modern tattoo machines use alternating
electromagnetic coils to move a needle bar up and down, driving pigment into
the skin. Tattoo artists generally use the word "machine", or even "iron", to refer
to their equipment, while amateurs and collectors often use the term "gun".

Tattoo machines are those machines which are used for creating or designing a
tattoo. Tattoo machine is a gun shaped machine that marks skin with ink.
With the help of electromagnetic coils the needle bar of the tattoo machine
moves up and down in alternation, which drives the pigment or the ink into
the skin. In Europe, the tattoo machines are called as “tattoo guns” but
Americans usually call it tattoo machine. The use of the term "tattoo gun"
does not go favorably with the tattoo artists in America. Anyone using the
term tattoo gun is looked down upon.

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 U.S. Patent 196,747 , Stencil-Pens

The tattoo machine was invented by Thomas Edison and patented in the United
States in the year 1876. It is interesting to note that the machine was patented as
an autographic printer and it was only in 1891 that Samuel O'Reilly realized that
Edison's invention could be tailored to introduce ink into skin, and patented the
tube and needle system. This is the same old system which we use today. The
tattoo machines are designed to control the needle depth to almost any degree. It
is because of this control, tattooing has become a very accurate art form

 THE FIRST TATTOO MACHINE

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The basic machine was invented by Thomas Edison and patented in the United
States in 1876 U.S. Patent 196,747 , Stencil-Pens. It was originally intended to
be used as an engraving device, but in 1891, Samuel O'Reilly discovered that
Edison's machine could be modified and used to introduce ink into the skin, and
later patented a tube and needle system to provide an ink reservoir.

The technology used to make modern tattoo machines has come a long way,
however. While O'Reilly's machine was based on the rotary technology of
Edison's engraving device, modern tattoo machines use electromagnets. The first
machine based on this technology was a single coil machine patented by Thomas
Riley of London, just twenty days after O'Reilly filed the patent for his rotary
machine. For his machine, Riley placed a modified door bell assembly in a brass
box. The modern two coil configuration was patented by Alfred Charles South,
also of London. Because it was so heavy, a spring was often attached to the top
of the machine and the ceiling to take most of the weight off the operator's

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hand.Most modern tattoo machines can control needle depth, speed, and force of
application, which has allowed tattooing to become a very precise art form. Such
advancements in precision have also produced a style of facial tattooing that has
attained mainstream popularity in America called dermapigmentation or
"permanent cosmetics".

 MODERN TATTOO MACHINE

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The tattoo machine is really a basic doorbell circuit. It's a DC coil and spring
point(s) machine. Both doorbell and tattoo machine were invented before
household current was available. It is essentially in 3 sections: The base, the
mechanism, and the sanitary tube. The base really is the bulk of the metal; a
rabbit ear with a screw in it, bent at 90 degrees to hold coils. In the front there's a
round hole to hold the sanitary tube.

Some people think the base looks like the handle of a gun. The base houses the
mechanism, which consists of two coils of wire wrapped around an iron core. At
the top of the mechanism is a set of silver contact "points", one usually on a
spring mechanism, the other either the end, or on the end of a screw.

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The spring connects to the base and a bar, which is connected to the needle arm
(90 degrees offset). The needle arm is connected to the needles (which are
soldered onto the bar), and moves up and down inside the sanitary tube.

The coils connect to a DC power supply (between 6 – 12 VDC), via a spring

coiled U-cable. The U-cable is called a "clip cord," designed to move easily
between machines but also stay in place and not fall out and spark all over the
place. The springs hold the cable in/onto the machine.

One side of the coils is connected to the power supply, the other end to the point
on the screw on the bunny ear, which is insulated from the base. Through the
points, the current flows via the coils and the base of the machine. This causes
the coils to become electromagnetic. The electro-magnet pulls down the bar,
which does two things: pulls down the needles, and opens the points. The points
being open turn off the magnet. The spring assembly brings back the bar, which
causes the needles to move up and make contact with the points. This causes the
whole cycle to happen again making the needles go up and down.

Most machines have a large capacitor across the coils/points, which keep the
points from arcing and pitting, and wearing out so quickly. A capacitor is a
device that holds energy like a battery, but charges and discharges much faster
(parts of a second rather than 3 or 4 hours). The capacitor charges while the
points are open, so when they close, the difference in voltage across them is nil.
The points are really an automatic switch controlled by the spring to turn the
thing off and on quickly. In old cars where there were points there was a
condenser for the same reason.

The sanitary tube sucks up the ink in capillary fashion, and the needles load up
as long as there's ink in the small portion of the tube. It’s called "sanitary"
because of the cutout at the bottom of the tube, which can be rinsed out.

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There are three layers of skin: Scaly layer, epidermis, and dermis. Tattoo
machines are adjusted to penetrate into the dermis layer but not through it.

When the needles go into the sanitary tube they have a layer of ink on and
between them. The needles make little holes in the skin, and the ink is deposited
into the holes. This is why the skin has to be stretched so blobs of ink don't stay.
Otherwise, the skin will latch onto the needles, grab the ink from them and
generally make a mess.

Ink just put into the scaly layer would be replaced quickly and fade away. While
ink into the epidermis will stay, the dermis makes for more ink and perhaps a
more vivid image.

Machines are really of two types: Liners, and shaders. They are exactly the same,
but are set up differently. The gap for a liner is around the thickness of a dime,
and a shader is the thickness of a nickel.

Liner needles are usually arranged on the bar in a circular pattern. Shader
needles are usually straight (like a comb), although Spaulding & Rogers sells a
15-needle round shader. The needles are small sewing machine needles, usually
made of stainless steel. Liners are in 1, 3, 4, 5, & 7-needle combinations, set in a
round configuration.

Shader needles are in a straight row and usually are in groups of 4, 6, 7, 9

needles. The sanitary tubes are designed especially for the combination of
needles, so there's a special tube for each different number of needles in a needle
bar assembly.
O is a needle. It is a cut down needle (shorter & no point)

 Liners:

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Single needle 3-needle 5-needle
o o oo
oo o
oo
 Shaders:

4-needle 6-needle
oooo oooooo

8-needle shaders are grouped so that 7 needles form a circle with 1 in the middle.
There are also 14-needle shaders.

8-needle Magnums:
o 5-needle 7-needle
oo oo ooo
ooo ooo oooo
oo
o
Shaders are mounted on flat needle bars while liners are mounted on round bars.

TATTOO INKS

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Modern tattooing inks are carbon based pigments that have uses outside of
commercial tattoo applications. Although the United States Food and Drug
Administration technically require premarket approval of pigments it has not
actually approved the use of any ink or pigments for tattooing. As of 2004 the
FDA does perform studies to determine if the contents are possibly dangerous,
and follow up with legal action if they find them to have disallowed contents,
including traces of heavy metals (such as iron oxide) or other carcinogenic
materials. The first known study to characterize the composition of these
pigments was started in 2005 at Northern Arizona University by Finley-Jones and
Wagn. The FDA expects local authorities to legislate and test tattoo pigments
and inks made for the use of permanent cosmetics. In California, the state
prohibits certain ingredients and pursues companies who fail to notify the
consumer of the contents of tattoo pigments. Recently, the state of California
sued nine pigment and ink manufacturers, requiring them to more adequately
label their products.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) ground down to an average

diameter of slightly less than 1 micrometer is used as the colorant in the brighter

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tattoo pigments. The tattoo pigments that use ABS result in very vivid tattoos.
Many popular brands of tattoo pigment contain ABS as a colorant. ABS colorants
produce extremely vivid tattoos that are less likely to fade or blur than the
traditional pigments, but ABS tattoo pigment is also harder to remove because it
is so much less reactive to lasers.

There has been concern expressed about the interaction between magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) procedures and tattoo pigments, some of which contain
trace metals. Allegedly, the magnetic fields produced by MRI machines could
interact with these metal particles, potentially causing burns or distortions in the
image.

For the most part the same pigment base which is used in cosmetics is the same
base for modern tattooing pigments. People attempting to tattoo themselves or
others with "Homemade equipment will often use an office supply drawing ink
such as Higgins, Pelikan or India ink brands. These are not tattoo pigments and
these inks often contain impurities and toxins which may lead to illness or
infection.

THE LIQUID PART OF TATTOO INK

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Tattoo ink consists of pigment and a carrier. The carrier may be a single
substance or a mixture. The purpose of the carrier is to keep the pigment evenly
distributed in a fluid matrix, to inhibit the growth of pathogens, to prevent
clumping of pigment, and to aid in application to the skin. Among the safest and
most common ingredients used to make the liquid are:

• Ethyl Alcohol (ethanol)

• Purified Water
• Witch Hazel
• Listerine
• Propylene Glycol
• Glycerin (glycerol)

However, many other substances have been and may be used, including:

• Denatured alcohols (are toxic and can burn the skin)

• Other alcohols (methyl alcohol or methanol and isopropyl alcohol or rubbing
alcohol are commonly used, although they are toxic)
• Ethylene glycol (antifreeze, which is toxic)
• Aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and gluteraldehyde (highly toxic)
• Various surfactants or detergents

There are many other substances that could be found in an ink.

A tattooist has the choice of mixing his or her own ink or purchasing what are
called predisposed pigments. Many predisposed pigments are as safe as or safer
than inks mixed by the tattooist. However, the ingredient list need not be
disclosed, so any chemical could be present in the ink. The best advice is to
make sure the ink supplier and the particular ink has a long history of safety.

 PIGMENT CHEMISTRY

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The oldest pigments came from using ground up minerals and carbon black.
Today's pigments include the original mineral pigments, modern industrial
organic pigments, a few vegetable-based pigments, and some plastic-based
pigments. Allergic reactions, scarring, phototoxic reactions (i.e., reaction from
exposure to light, especially sunlight), and other adverse effects are possible with
many pigments. The plastic-based pigments are very intensely colored, but many
people have reported reactions to them. There are also pigments that glow in the
dark or in response to black (ultraviolet) light. These pigments are notoriously
risky -some may be safe, but others are radioactive or otherwise toxic.

 COMPOSITION OF TATTOO PIGMENTS

Colour Materials Observation

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  BLACK

Iron Oxide (Fe 3 O 4 )

Iron Oxide (FeO)

Carbon

Logwood

Natural black pigment is made from magnetite crystals, powdered jet, wustite,
bone black, and amorphous carbon from combustion (soot). Black pigment is
commonly made into India ink.

Logwood is a heartwood extract from Haematoxylon Campechisnum, found in

Central America and the West Indies.

 BROWN

Ochre
Ochre is composed of iron (ferric) oxides mixed with clay. Raw ochre is
yellowish. When dehydrated through heating, ochre changes to a reddish color.

 RED

Cinnabar (HgS)

Cadmium Red (CdSe)

Iron Oxide (Fe 2 O 3 )

Napthol-AS pigment

Iron oxide is also known as common rust. Cinnabar and cadmium pigments are
highly toxic. Naphthol reds are synthesized from Naphtha. Fewer reactions have

25
been reported with naphthol red than the other pigments, but all reds carry risks
of allergic or other reactions.

 ORANGE

Disazodiarylide and/or disazopyrazolone

Cadmium seleno-sulfide

The organics are formed from the condensation of 2 Monoazo pigment

molecules. They are large molecules with good thermal stability and
colorfastness.

 YELLOW

Chrome Yellow (PbCrO 4 , often mixed with PBS)

Disazodiarylide

Curcuma is derived from plants of the ginger family; aka turmeric or curcurmin.
Reactions are commonly associated with yellow pigments, in part because more
pigment is needed to achieve a bright color.

 GREEN

Chromium Oxide (Cr 2 O 3 ), called Casalis Green or Anadomis Green

Malachite [Cu 2 (CO 3 ) (OH) 2 ]

Ferro cyanides and Ferricyanides

Lead chromate

Monoazo pigment

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Cu/Al phthalocyanine

Cu phthalocyanine

The greens often include admixtures, such as potassium Ferro cyanide (yellow or
red) and ferric Ferro cyanide (Prussian blue)

 BLUE

Azure Blue

Cobalt Blue

Cu-phthalocyanine

Blue pigments from minerals include copper (II) carbonate (azurite), sodium
aluminum silicate (lapis lazuli), calcium copper silicate (Egyptian Blue), other
cobalt aluminum oxides and chromium oxides. The safest blues and greens are
copper salts, such as copper pthalocyanine. Copper pthalocyanine pigments have
FDA approval for use in infant furniture and toys and contact lenses. The copper-
based pigments are considerably safer or more stable than cobalt or ultramarine
pigments.

 VIOLET

Manganese Violet (manganese ammonium pyrophosphate)

Various aluminum salts

Quinacridone

Dioxazine / carbazole

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Some of the purples, especially the bright magentas, are photo reactive and lose
their color after prolonged exposure to light. Dioxazine and carbazole result in
the most stable purple pigments.

 WHITE

Lead White (Lead Carbonate)

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )

Barium Sulfate (BaSO 4 )

Zinc Oxide

Some white pigments are derived from anatase or rutile. White pigment may be
used alone or to dilute the intensity of other pigments. Titanium oxides are one
of the least reactive white pigments.

 HEALTH RISK OF TATTOO INK

28
Even if you have quality pigments and use the recommended carriers to mix the
ink, there are other, less obvious potential health hazards associated with tattoo
inks:

Alcohol makes skin more permeable. This means that when alcohol is used in the
ink or to disinfect the skin's surface, it allows more chemicals to cross into the
bloodstream than ordinarily would.

Another interesting factoid concerning alcohol is that it is known as a 'promoter'.

In biomedical parlance, this means alcohol works synergistically with mutagens,
teratogens, and carcinogens to make them more likely to cause harm than they
would by themselves.

If any hazardous substances are present in the ink, alcohol helps them into the
body and then increases the chance that they may cause mutation or disease, not
just at the site of the tattoo, but throughout the body.

Medical-grade chemicals are intended for medical uses, so any impurities within
them should be relatively safe. However, the trace amounts of contaminants in
high purity chemicals from a chemical supply house may be extremely toxic
substances. The person who mixes the ink needs to understand proper
sterilization techniques. This includes knowing how to perform heat-sterilization
and cold-sterilization and understanding the sterilization needs of different
materials. Dry or mixed pigments should never be heat sterilized, since the heat
can cause chemical changes in the pigment molecules, sometimes producing
toxic substances.

OTHER TATTOO INKS

29
GLOW IN THE DARK INK

Both blacklight and glow in the dark inks have been used for tattooing. Glow in
the dark ink absorbs and retains light, and then glows in darkened conditions;
blacklight ink does not glow in the dark, but reacts with UV light producing a
glow.

The safety of such inks for use on humans is widely debated in the tattoo
community, and the results are variable.The ingredients in Crazy Chameleon
Blacklight ink (one brand of blacklight ink) are listed as: (PMMA)
Polymethylmethacrylate 97.5% and microspheres of fluorescent dye 2.5%
suspended in UV sterilized, distilled water.

PROCEDURE

30
Modern tattoo machine in use: H ere outfitted with a 5-needle setup.

Some tribal cultures traditionally created tattoos by cutting designs into the skin
and rubbing the resulting wound with ink, ashes or other agents; some cultures
continue this practice, which may be an adjunct to scarification. Some cultures
create tattooed marks by hand-tapping the ink into the skin using sharpened
sticks or animal bones or, in modern times, needles. Traditional Japanese tattoos
(irezumi) are still "hand-poked," that is, the ink is inserted beneath the skin using
non-electrical, hand-made and hand held tools with needles of sharpened bamboo
or steel.The most common method of tattooing in modern times is the electric
tattoo machine, which inserts ink into the skin via a group of needles that are
soldered onto a bar, which is attached to an oscillating unit. The unit rapidly and
repeatedly drives the needles in and out of the skin, usually 80 to 150 times a
second. This modern procedure is ordinarily sanitary. The needles are single-use
needles that come packaged individually. The tattoo artist must wash not only his
or her hands, but they must also wash the area that will be tattooed. Gloves must
be worn at all times and the wound must be wiped frequently with a wet
disposable towel of some kind.

Prices for this service vary widely globally and locally, depending on the
complexity of the tattoo, the skill and expertise of the artist, the attitude of the
customer, the costs of running a business, the economics of supply and demand,
etc. The time it takes to get a tattoo is in proportion with its size and complexity.
A small one of simple design might take fifteen minutes, whereas an elaborate
sleeve tattoo or back piece requires multiple sessions of several hours each.

31
The modern electric tattoo machine is far removed from the machine invented by
Samuel O'Reilly in 1891. O'Reilly's machine was based on the rotary technology
of the electric engraving device invented by Thomas Edison. Modern tattoo
machines use electromagnetic coils. The first coil machine was patented by
Thomas Riley in London, 1891 using a single coil. The first twin coil machine,
the predecessor of the modern configuration, was invented by another
Englishman, Alfred Charles South of London, in 1899.

TYPES OF PROCEDURES

STICK AND POKE

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A technique often used for home-made
tattoos is "stick and poke": The tip of
a sewing needle is wrapped in ink-
soaked thread, leaving only the point
protruding, and keeping this simple
instrument saturated with ink as the
skin is pricked over and over, creating
a design. The purpose of the thread is to keep the point of the needle
coated in ink, increasing the quantity of ink that penetrates the skin. Inks
can be improvised from a number of sources such as coal, ashes or shoe
polish, but Higgins "Black Magic" waterproof ink is the brand most
commonly cited by collectors of so called "India ink" or "stick and poke"
tattoos in the US today. Sometimes called "prison tattoos" these tattoos
are also popular with gutterpunks, and others associated with the modern
hobo subculture, who frequently tattoos visible parts of their bodies,
including their hands and faces.

 HOMEMADE TATTOOS

Homemade tattoos are usually done with single needles that leave very small
dots and hundreds of punctures, each with a steady hand for a clear line. If a part
of your skin where the tattoo is being done gets infected during the healing time,
it leaves behind blotchy white areas where the ink heals. You will have to have
that area touched up later.

Once the ink is completely punched into the skin, the tattoo is complete. This
means that the ink is now permanently in the dermis layer of the skin, and will
stay with you for life. If you want to remove it at some stage, bear in mind that it
is about three to four times more expensive than getting a new one done, and
very often, this leaves behind some amount of scarring.

NATURAL TATTOOS

33
Coal miners could develop characteristic tattoos owing to coal dust getting into
wounds. This can also occur with substances like gunpowder. Similarly, a
traumatic tattoo occurs when a substance such as asphalt is rubbed into a wound
as the result of some kind of accident or trauma. These are particularly difficult
to remove as they tend to be spread across several different layers of skin, and
scarring or permanent discoloration is almost unavoidable depending on the
location. In addition, tattooing of the gingiva from implantation of amalgam
particles during dental filling placement and removal is possible and not
uncommon. A common example of such accidental tattoos is the result of a
deliberate or accidental stabbing with a pencil or pen, leaving graphite or ink
beneath the skin.

DYES AND PIGMENTS

Early tattoo inks were obtained directly from nature and were extremely limited
in pigment variety. Today, an almost unlimited number of colors and shades of
tattoo ink are mass-produced and sold to parlors worldwide. Tattoo artists
commonly mix these inks to create their own, unique pigments.

A wide range of dyes and pigments can be used in tattoos, from inorganic
materials like titanium dioxide and iron oxides to carbon black, azo dyes, and
acridine, quinoline, phthalocyanine and naphthol derivates, dyes made from ash,
and other mixtures. The current trend for tattoo pigment favors Acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) as seen by the widespread popularity of Intenze,
Millennium and other ABS pigmented brands.

Iron oxide pigments are used in greater extent in cosmetic tattooing. Many
pigments were found to be used in a survey of professional tattooists. Recently, a
blacklight-reactive tattoo ink using PMMA microcapsules has surfaced. The
technical name is BIOMETRIX System-1000, and is marketed under the name
"Chameleon Tattoo Ink".

34
THE TECHNIQUE OF TATTOOING AROUND
THE WORLD

35
Centuries and centuries ago, innovative men of those times realized that if there
were any breaks in our skin, they could be made into permanent marks by
introducing pigment in those areas. Over the centuries, this has been raised to the
level of a fine art in terms of depth, line control and shading. This discovery
spread to different cultures that practiced tattooing, each with different methods
for pushing pigments into the dermis layer of our skin.

Derived from the Tahitian word “tattau,” the word tattoo means to “mark” or
brand someone. It was first mentioned in 1769 by explorer James Cook’s after
his expedition to the South Pacific.

Western Tattoo: Here, a tattoo machine is used. This machine, originally

patented in England in the late 1800s, has barely changed much since its early
days. The tattooist moves a solid needle through a motor up and down in a metal
tube dipped into a cup of ink while feet pedal controls the machine’s on and off
positions. Outlining the pattern calls for just one needle, while groups of needles
are arranged into even numbered flat configurations for shading.

Japanese Tattoo: This is a hand based style of tattooing which works with
elaborate bamboo handles. These handles have bunches of needles and works as a
hand powered tattoo machine. Here, the artist stretches the skin with one hand
and dips the brush into black ink with his spread fingers.

Samoan Tattoo: Yet another Pacific culture, the Samoans use wooden hand
tools for tattooing. A group of assistants help to keep the skin taut as the tattooist
uses two tools—a bone-tipped rake and a striking stick. The former is dipped in
ink, and struck with the other stick to puncture the skin. This helps get some
fantastic geometric shapes. While the artist does the tattooing, drumming and
chanting continue.

Ancient Thai Tattoo: This ancient tattoo tool works just like the Western
machine. The tattoo tradition here is tied to Buddhism and designs are religious

36
symbols. It is made with a long brass tube, and a sliding pointed rod running
down the centre. The artist dips it in ink, keeping a steady hand against the
client’s skin while the other pierces the skin like the needle of a sewing machine.

Modern Tattoo: The autographic printer was patented by Thomas Edison in

1876. In 1891, Samuel O’Reilly modified this machine and what resulted was the
modern tattoo machine, as we know it today. This is a steel instrument with
needles to pierce the skin at the rate of 50-3,000 times a minute. It uses an up-
down direction to pierce the epidermis and inject ink particles between 0.6 and
2.2 mm, into the dermis.

Today, the tattoo machine is an electric, vertical, vibrating instrument which

injects ink into the dermis at a depth of 1/64 to 1/16 of an inch. Outlining of the
pattern is done with one needle while the details are filled in with the help of five
to seven needles in a needle bar.

Tattooing clearly has come a long way, and has perfected itself over the ages.
Today, it is a respected form of art and wins our admiration for even the smallest
piece design we see on cheeks, thighs, arms and navels.

GETTING A TATTOO – STEP BY STEP

PAPERWORK AND PAYMENT

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

37
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 artist was 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 chair.

Once you have decided on your tattoo design and your artist, you will be
required to show valid identification for proof of age. You may also be asked for
your address and phone number, so your artist can contact you in the future if
need be. In most studios, payment must be made before services are rendered. It
is up to each studio to decide which methods of payment they accept. Whatever
method you pay with, make sure they give you a receipt.

 SITTING IN THE CHAIR

After your paperwork is filled out, 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. If you are shy and don't want others to watch, you
can request a private room, but be sure you have done this in advance. A lot of
studios use dentist-style chairs, some use regular table chairs, and some use
benches. Your artist will do his or her best to make you comfortable for the
tattoo you have chosen.

 A CLEAN SHAVE

Now it is time for the preparation. The area of

your body you have chosen for your tattoo will
be cleaned, usually with rubbing alcohol. Then,

38
any hair will be removed from the area by shaving it with a new disposable razor
which will be discarded after being used. Even the finest of hairs can get in the
way and cause problems, so this is a crucial step, even if you can't see any hairs.
Then, the area will be cleaned again to make sure it is smooth and ready for the
transfer.

 MAKING AND APPLYING THE STENSIL TRANSFER

Most studios today use a wonderful

machine called a thermal-fax to make
their stencils. This saves on literally hours
of tracing time by simply inserting your
tattoo design into the machine, and it
transfers it onto a special thermal paper in
seconds. 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. This aids in making the
design transfer better and darker onto your skin. When the paper is pulled away
from your skin, it will leave you with a purple-ish blue likeness of your future
tattoo.

 PREPARING THE TATTOO MACHINE AND OTHER

EQUIPMENT

It is at this time that your 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

39
machine. Clean, distilled water will be poured into a cup for cleaning the needles
during the tattoo process and to change from one color to the next. Some A&D
ointment or Vaseline will be placed on a clean surface for your use only.

 STARTING THE LINE WORK

Now it is time to get down to serious

business. 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.
After the ointment is applied, it is time for the first line. If you're nervous, don't
hold your breath. Some people have passed out during a tattoo, and trust me - it
wasn't the pain, it was the panic. Take a nice, slow, deep breath and try to relax.
The first minute or so will be the roughest. After that, your skin will kind of get
used to it and the pain will begin to subside.

 SHADING AND COLORING

Once all the line work is done, your artist

can breathe a little bit easier knowing that
they won't have to worry about the transfer
anymore. Now it's time to get creative with
a little shading and possibly color.
Depending on the size of your tattoo, your
artist may switch to a different set of

40
needles called magnums which are designed for coloring and shading. They may
even switch tattoo machines altogether. The shading and coloring can go along
quite quickly, and before you know it you've got a complete tattoo.

 THE FINISHED TATTOO

Your artist may like a picture of your tattoo for

their portfolio. They'll clean it up real good,
and sometimes even apply a hot towel to it
first. Then they'll take a picture, and this is a
good time for you to get a shot, too, if you
brought a camera along. Taking a photo after
the protective ointment is applied causes a
glare, so it is best to do it now. If for any reason you do not want the artist to
take a photo, just say so. You are not under obligation to let them.

 DRESSING AND BANDAGING

Now that your tattoo is finished and clean,

it needs to be treated just like a wound. A
protective layer of ointment will be applied
to the tattoo to prevent invasion of airborne
bacteria that can cause infection. Then a
bandage will be applied, and it will be

41
taped up to make sure it is secure. It is important that you keep this bandage on
for the amount of time your artist instructs.

 RECEIVING AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Your artist will now give you aftercare instructions. These should be given both
verbally, and on a piece of paper for you to take home with you. It is important
that you listen and follow the instructions you are given. From this point on, it is
your responsibility to make sure your tattoo is well taken care of.

WHERE ON THE BODY SHOULD ONE GET A

TATTOO?

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).
Interestingly, 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, get them to show others, while women get them for the sake of decorating

42
their body--and often place them where they can't normally be seen, so that it
doesn't prompt comments about her "reputation."
The following is a short list of areas to get inked;

• 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.

• BACK OF NECK:
I've seen some tribal pieces, and tattoos done on the back of the neck. You'll
need to keep your hair short or tied up to keep it visible.

• FACE:
Facial tattoos could fall into the cosmetic or standard categories. Cosmetic
would include darkening of eyebrows, eye lining, lip lining, etc.Getting a tattoo
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.

• 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.

43
 • STOMACH/ABDOMEN:
Some people choose not to get work done on their stomachs for a couple of
reasons. 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 tattoo may
look horrible after your metabolism slows down and you develop a "beer gut."

• THIGHS/HIPS:
A popular area for women to get larger pieces. 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.

• CALVES:
Nice area to get a standard size tattoo. However if you have very hairy legs, it
may cut down on the visibility.

• ANKELS:
You can either get a spot piece on the inner or outer ankle, or get something that
goes around in a band.

• FEET:
I've seen some incredible footwork. Probably don't have as much wear and tear
as hands so you might get less blurring and color loss. This however, is the top
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.

44
 • UPPER ARMS:
It is one of the most common areas for men. If you decide to get a piece done on
your upper arm, consider how much sun it's going to get. If you want some
serious work done and you want to show it off, you may want to consider getting
a "half sleeve".

• INNER ARMS:
A more unusual location than the outer upper arm area, this area is often not
easily visible.

• FOREARMS:
Popeye sported his anchor on his forearm. You can have your upper arm "sleeve"
extend down for a full sleeve.

• WRISTS:
Janis Joplin had a dainty tattoo 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. Some people want to substitute their wedding bands with tattoo 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.

• 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 going to be
wearing 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.

45
 • 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.

• BUTTOCKS:
Again, beware of potential sagging in the area.

SOME ANSWERS REGARDING TATTOOS

 HOW DOES WEIGHT GAIN/LOSS AFFECT A TATTOO?

Tattoos can definitely be affected by stretch marks. Whether you will or won't
get stretch marks is apparently determined genetically, so placement is a
consideration if you are planning on getting pregnant. Stretch marks can ruin a
tattoo, because it will look more like a blob.

If your skin stretches from weight gain and then shrinks back up without losing
its elasticity, then I would expect that there wouldn't be much distortion of the

46
tattoo, maybe none at all. Its better you put the tattoo in someplace that won't get
stretched so much, like the chest area above the breasts.

 HOW DOES LIFTING WEIGHTS AFFECT A TATTOO?

For most people, the amount of muscle gain is nowhere near as quick or as
dramatic as what you would see with the stretching of skin on a pregnant person.
For this reason, you don't really have to worry about your tattoo changing shape
when you start lifting weights. I don't know what would happen though, if you
decide you want to be the next Mr. Universe and you currently weigh 90 pounds.

 WHAT ABOUT ANAESTHETICS?

Some people say that taking a couple of over-the-counter anesthetics before
tattooing can take the edge off the pain. Acetaminophen, commonly sold under
the brand name 'Tylenol' is generally recommended, but not aspirin, ibuprofen,
or other NSAIDs, as they tend to inhibit clotting.

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.

 HOW DOES PREGNANCY AFFECT A TATTOO NEAR

THE ABDOMEN?
If you are planning on getting pregnant, you should be very cautious about the
placement of any tattoo near the abdominal area. Not only will the tattoo stretch
during pregnancy--there is no guarantee that the tattoo will go back to its original
shape after the birth of your baby.

47
Be particularly wary of getting any tattoo where the shape is important, such as
with symmetrical tribal pieces, or Celtic knots. Even geometric patterns such as a
circle could end up looking like an irregular blob.

There are two options you might want to consider: a) Do not get any tattoos
around the abdominal area at all, but limit your ink to other parts of your torso;
b) Put off getting your abdominal tattoos until after you have had your children.

 CAN I GET AIDS FROM TATTOOING?

During tattooing there is some concern about AIDS because when you get a
tattoo, you bleed. But the mechanism of transmission needs to be better
understood. AIDS is transmitted by intimate contact with bodily fluids, blood
and semen. 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 syringe 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.

48
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 artist, because he is the only one coming in contact with someone else's
(potentially infected) blood. This is why reputable tattoo artist wears surgical
gloves while working.

Another source of infection is through the use of infected tools. This is why it is
very important 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. A pin prick almost
certainly won't do it. HIV is also a very fragile virus that cannot survive long
outside the human body, and is very easy to kill via autoclaving. If the tattoo
artist maintains sterile conditions and procedures, there is almost no risk of
infection.

TATTOO REMOVAL

While tattoos are considered permanent, it is possible to remove them. Complete

removal, however, may not be possible. Although many doctors and laser
practitioners make the claim that upwards of 95% removal is possible with the
newest lasers, especially with black and darker colored inks, and the expense and
pain of removing them typically will be greater than the expense and pain of
applying them. Some jurisdictions will pay for the voluntary removal of gang
tattoos. Gangs will often involuntarily remove gang tattoos, from a person who
leaves the gang. Pre-laser tattoo removal methods include dermabrasion,
salabrasion and excision which is sometimes still used along with skin grafts for
larger tattoos.

49
Tattoo removal is most commonly performed using lasers that react with the ink
in the tattoo, and break it down. The broken-down ink is then absorbed by the
body, mimicking the natural fading that time or sun exposure would create. This
technique often requires many repeated visits to remove even a small tattoo, and
may result in permanent scarring. The newer Q-switched lasers are said by the
National Institute of Health to result in scarring only rarely, however, and are
usually used only after a topical anesthetic has been applied. The NIH recognizes
five types of tattoo; amateur, professional, cosmetic, medical, and traumatic.
Areas with thin skin will be more likely to scar than thicker-skinned areas. There
are several types of Q-switched lasers, and each is effective at removing a
different range of the color spectrum. This laser effectively removes black, blue,
purple and red tattoo pigment. New lasers like the Versapulse & Medlite laser
treat these colors & yellow and green ink pigment, typically the hardest colors to
remove. Black is the easiest color to remove.

Also worth considering is the fact that some of the pigments used (especially
Yellow) are known to break down into toxic chemicals in the body when attacked
by light. This is especially a concern if these tattoos are exposed to UV light or
laser removal; the resulting degradation products end up migrating to the kidneys
and liver. Laser removal of traumatic tattoos may similarly be complicated
depending on the substance of the pigmenting material. In one reported instance,
the use of a laser resulted in the ignition of embedded particles of firework
debris.

Some wearers opt to cover an unwanted tattoo with a new tattoo. This is
commonly known as a cover-up. An artfully done cover-up may render the old
tattoo completely invisible, though this will depend largely on the size, style,
colors and techniques used on the old tattoo. Some shops and artists use laser
removal machines to break down and lighten undesired tattoos to make coverage
with a new tattoo easier. Since tattoo ink is translucent, covering up a previous
tattoo necessitates darker tones in the new tattoo to effectively hide the older,
unwanted piece.

50
  METHODS OF TATTOO REMOVAL

There are several excellent methods of tattoo removal available today. The
method that the physician chooses will depend upon the size of the tattoo and its
location as well as the length of time it has been on the skin. How the patient
heals may also be a factor in the decision.

 EXCISION
Another popular method of tattoo removal especially when the dyed area is small
is by excision. The advantage of this method is that the entire tattoo can be
removed. With larger tattoos, however, it may be necessary to excise in stages,
removing the center of it initially and the sides at a later date. Excision involves
an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is

51
removed surgically. The edges are then brought together and sutured. With this
procedure, there is minimal bleeding which is easily controlled with electrocute.
In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the
body may be necessary.

Excision

 DERMABRASION
Another method of tattoo removal is called dermabrasion in which a small
portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is
then "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because
some bleeding is likely to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.

52
 Dermabrasion

 LASER

In recent times, many physicians consider laser surgery one of the best methods
of tattoo removal. Today, the Q-
switched Alexandrite and the Q-
switched Ruby are among the most
frequently used lasers today for the
removal of unwanted tattoos. They are
all employed in a similar manner. If
necessary, a cream to numb the skin
can be applied prior to the treatment.
Pulses of light from the laser are directed onto the tattoo breaking up the tattoo
pigment. Over the next several weeks the body's scavenger cells remove the
treated pigmented areas. More then one treatment is usually necessary to remove
the entire tattoo.

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  SALABRASI
ON

Salabrasion, a
Salabrasion
procedure which
is centuries old,
is a method still
 COVER-UP
sometimes used
today to remove
If you have a tattoo you
tattoos. As with
just don’t like, there is an
the other
alternative to having it
methods, a local
removed – and it’s much
anesthetic is
less painful and a lot less
used on and
expensive. It’s called a
around the
cover-up, and that’s
tattooed area
exactly what it is. A cover-
after which a
up is simply having an old
solution of
tattoo covered up with a
ordinary tap
new tattoo. Many tattoo
water dipped in
artists are becoming quite
table salt is
skilled in doing cover-up
applied. An
jobs, and can help you
abrading
come up with a design that
apparatus such
you will be much happier
as the one used
to live with. The price is
with
usually just the price of a
dermabrasion,
regular tattoo, and when
or an even
done correctly your old
simpler device
tattoo will be completely
such as a
invisible, reduced to a
wooden block
memory. There are limits
wrapped in
to cover-ups. You can’t
gauze, is used to
cover something black
vigorously
with something yellow. A
abrade the area.
When the area
54
becomes deep
red in color, a
very dark tattoo will need to be covered with something dark. Areas with ink on
them obviously need to be covered.

 DOES TATTOO REMOVAL HURT AND WHAT

CAN ONE EXPECT?

The unfortunate thing about tattoos is that both getting them and having them
taken off can be uncomfortable. The impact of the energy from the laser's
powerful pulse of light has been described as similar to getting hot specks of
bacon grease on your skin or being snapped by a thin rubber band. Because black
pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, it's the easiest to remove. Other colors,
such as green, selectively absorb laser light and can only be treated by selected
lasers based on the pigment color.

In preparation for a laser procedure, doctors recommend that non-aspirin

products, like Tylenol, be used for minor aches and pains prior to the procedure,
because aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen can
produce pronounced bruising after treatment.

Further pre-treatment steps might include the application of a prescription

anesthetic cream two hours before the laser session. It is wiped off just before
laser surgery begins. Then pulses of light from the laser are directed onto the
tattoo, breaking up the pigment. Over the next few weeks, the body's scavenger
cells remove pigment residues.

More than one treatment, which actually only takes minutes, is usually needed to
remove an entire tattoo - the number of sessions depends on the amount and type
of ink used and how deeply it was injected. Three-week intervals between
sessions are required to allow pigment residue to be absorbed by the body.

Following treatment, the doctor will apply an antibacterial ointment and dressing
to the area, which should be kept clean with continued application of ointment as
directed by your doctor. A shower or bath the day after treatment is okay, but the

55
treatment area should not be scrubbed. Your skin might feel slightly sunburned
for a couple of days and the treated area may remain red for a few weeks. The
site might also form a scab, which should be handled gently. After healing, the
site will gradually and continually fade.

Side effects of laser procedures are generally few but may include
hyperpigmentation, or an abundance of color in the skin at the treatment site, and
hypopigmentation, where the treated area lacks normal skin color. Other possible
side effects include infection of the site, lack of complete pigment removal and a
5 percent chance of permanent scarring.

56
STUDIO HYGIENE

The properly equipped tattoo studio will use biohazard containers for objects that
have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids, sharps containers for old
needles, and an autoclave for sterilizing tools. Certain jurisdictions also require
studios by law to have a sink in the work area supplied with both hot and cold
water.

Autoclave sterilization machine

Proper hygiene requires a body modification artist to wash his or her hands
before starting to prepare a client for the stencil, between clients, and at any
other time where cross contamination can occur. The use of single use disposable
gloves is also mandatory. In some states and countries it is illegal to tattoo a
minor even with parental consent, and it is usually not allowed to tattoo impaired
persons, people with contraindicated skin conditions, those who are pregnant or
nursing, those incapable of consent due to mental incapacity or those under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.

Before the tattooing begins the client is asked to approve the position of the
applied stencil. After approval is given the artist will open new, sterile needle
packages in front of the client, and always use new, sterile or sterile disposable

57
instruments and supplies, and fresh ink for each session loaded into disposable
ink caps which are discarded after each client. Also, all areas which may be
touched with contaminated gloves will be wrapped in clear plastic to prevent
cross-contamination. Equipment that cannot be autoclaved such as counter tops,
machines, and furniture will be wiped with an approved disinfectant.

Membership in professional organizations, or certificates of appreciation

/achievement, generally helps artists to be aware of the latest trends. However,
many of the most notable tattooists do not belong to any association. While
specific requirements to become a tattooist vary between jurisdictions, many
mandate only formal training in bloodborne pathogens, and cross contamination.
The local department of health regulates tattoo studios in many jurisdictions.

For example, according to the health department in Oregon and Hawaii, tattoo
artists in these states are required to take and pass a test ascertaining their
knowledge of health and safety precautions, as well as the current state
regulations. Performing a tattoo in Oregon state without a proper and current
license or in an unlicensed facility is considered a felony offense.

AFTER CARE

58
Tattoo artists, and people with tattoos, vary widely in their preferred methods of
caring for new tattoos. Some artists recommend keeping a new tattoo wrapped
for the first twenty-four hours, while others suggest removing temporary
bandaging after two hours or less. Many tattooists advise against allowing too
much contact with hot tub or pool water, or soaking in a tub for the first two
weeks. This is to prevent the tattoo ink from washing out or fading due to over-
hydration and avoid infection from exposure to bacteria and chlorine. In contrast,
other artists suggest that a new tattoo be bathed in very hot water early and often.

General consensus for care advises against removing the scab that forms on a
new tattoo, and avoiding exposing one's tattoo to the sun for extended periods;
both of these can contribute to fading of the image. Furthermore, it is agreed that
a new tattoo needs to be kept clean. Various products may be recommended for
application to the skin, ranging from those intended for the treatment of cuts,
burns and scrapes, to cocoa butter, lanolin, A&D or Aquaphor. Oil based
ointments are almost always recommended to be used in very thin layers due to
their inability to evaporate and therefore over-hydrate the already perforated
skin. In recent years, specific commercial products have been developed for
tattoo aftercare. Although opinions about these products vary, there is near total
agreement that either alone or in addition to some other product, soap and warm
water work well to keep a tattoo clean and free from infection.

Ultimately, the amount of ink that remains in the skin throughout the healing
process determines, in large part, how robust the final tattoo will look. If a tattoo
becomes infected or if the scab falls off too soon, then the ink will not be
properly fixed in the skin and the final image will be negatively affected.

 TATTOO AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS

59
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. From day 4, apply the tiniest amount of lotion possible once a day to keep it
from drying out completely; gently work it in.

5. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy.

6. Do not permit sun on tattoo.

7. Scabbing may or may not occur. Scabbing is normal. Do not pick the scab.

HOW TO PROTECT TATTOOS

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  PROPERLY CARING FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO

The way you care for your tattoo during the first few weeks has a lot to do with
whether or not your tattoo fades. Scabbing might pull up some of the pigments.
That's why it's so important to continually apply ointments or moisturizers to
your tattoo for the first 2 to 4 weeks. If scabs do develop, never pull them off. If
you do, you risk pulling out some of the tattoo's pigment. Again, the less pigment
there is, the less vibrant the tattoo's color, which gives it the appearance of
fading. You've also got to keep your new tattoo clean to prevent it from
becoming infected; something else that can cause pigment loss.

 PROTECTING YOUR TATTOO FROM THE SUN

The sun's powerful ultraviolet rays can eventually break down your skin
and cause wrinkles they can also break down the pigments used to color
your tattoo.
Get into the habit of putting sunscreen on your tattoo every time you go
outside, even on cloudy days. You're supposed to do this anyway to help
protect your skin against premature aging. So protecting your tattoo is one
more good reason why you should develop this healthy habit. Here's
another way to look at this: Investing in sunscreen with a minimum SPF
(sun protection factor) of 30 is an investment in your tattoo's future. So
always apply a Liberal amount to completely cover your tattoo. Remember
also to reapply sunscreen often especially after swimming or sweating. If
you're always outside and applying sunscreen takes too much effort, you
can instead cover your tattoo with clothing or a bandage. No matter which
way you choose to protect your tattoo from the sun's damaging rays, just
do it! Just like what can happen to your car's paint or the curtains inside

61
 your home, too much exposure to the sun ultimately causes your tattoo to
fade.

 USING CERTAIN COLOURS

Blacks and blues are the most stable colors so they're the colours most resistant
to fading. Colors with red-based pigments such as yellow, orange, magenta and
purple are more difficult to maintain and that makes them more prone to fading.
Keep this in mind when choosing colours for your tattoo.

 DEVELOPING HEALTHY HABITS

As mentioned earlier, tattoo ink should penetrate the middle layer of skin. But
natural biological changes are continually taking place within this layer of skin.
New skin cells are always being regenerated while the effects of time, the
environment and bad habits cause collagen and elating, crucial components that
give skin its elasticity, to break down.

While you can't stop these changes you can slow them by developing healthier
habits. Eating better helps supply your skin with the vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants.
You can also stop smoking and drinking; two bad habits that irreversibly damage
healthy skin cells. Changes in your skin will affect the appearance of your tattoo.

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HEALTH RISK

Modern tattoo artist's latex gloves and sterilized equipment

Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing may carry health risks,
including infection and allergic reactions. In the United States, the Red Cross
prohibits a person who has received a tattoo from donating blood for 12 months
unless the procedure was done in a state-regulated and licensed studio, using
sterile technique. Not all states have a licensing program, meaning that people
who receive tattoos in those states are subject to the 12-month deferral regardless
of the hygienic standards of the studio. Similarly, the UK does not provide
certification for tattooists, and so there is a six month waiting period without
exception. Modern western tattooers reduce such risks by following universal
precautions, working with single-use items, and sterilizing their equipment after
each use. Many jurisdictions require that tattooists have bloodborne pathogen
training, such as is provided through the Red Cross and OSHA.

INFECTION

Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases
may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without
being sterilized. However, infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo
studios employing single-use needles is rare. In amateur tattoos, such as those
applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection. To address this

63
problem, a program was introduced in Canada as of the summer of 2005 that
provides legal tattooing in prisons, both to reduce health risks and to provide
inmates with a marketable skill. Inmates were to be trained to staff and operate
the tattoo parlors once six of them opened successfully.

Infections that could be transmitted via the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment
include surface infections of the skin, herpes simplex virus, tetanus, staph, fungal
infections, some forms of hepatitis, and HIV. No person in the United States is
reported to have contracted HIV via a commercially-applied tattooing process.
Washington State’s OSHA studies have suggested that since the needles used in
tattooing are not hollow, in the case of a needle stick injury the amount of fluids
transmitted may be small enough that HIV would be difficult to transmit. Tetanus
risk is prevented by having an up-to-date tetanus booster prior to being tattooed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that no data exist in the
United States indicating that persons with exposures to tattooing alone are at
increased risk for HCV infection. In 2006, the CDC reported 3 clusters with 44
cases of methicillin-resistant staph infection traced to unlicensed tattooists.

ALLERGIC REACTION

Perhaps due to the mechanism whereby the skin's immune system encapsulates
pigment particles in fibrous tissue, tattoo inks have been described as
"remarkably nonreactive histologically".

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are uncommon except for certain brands of
red and green. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to
pigments in the skin with swelling and/or itching, and/or oozing of clear fluid
called serum. Such reactions are quite rare, however, and some artists will
recommend performing a test patch.

For those who are allergic to latex, many artists are using non-latex or will use
non-latex gloves if asked.There is also a small risk of anaphylactic shock

64
(hypersensitive reaction) in those who are susceptible, but the chance of a health
risk is small.

Due to the fact that laser removal of tattoo ink causes a release of ink into the
bloodstream the risk of anaphylactic shock is also present during removal.

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MEANING OF SOME TATTOOS

AMEN TATTOO

Sometimes said at the end of a prayer or as an expression of approval or

agreement, the word "amen" appears in both Greek and Hebrew. But in either
context, it carries a sense of solemnity, rather than just affirmation. In a very
fundamental and yet nonliteral way, it is ultimately an expression of faith.
Typically this tattoo is done with a lettering style that expresses something
earnest, although it can be simple and cursive or ornate and Gothic.

ANCHOR TATTOO

The anchor is one of a handful of symbols in the tattoo world that has remained
both popular and true to its origins. The bearer of the anchor is likely a
seafarer of some type of traditionally military (Navy, Marines, or Coast
Guard) but sometimes recreational or commercial. In maritime lore, the
tattooed anchor showed that a seaman had sailed the Atlantic Ocean. In
ancient times among Mediterranean seafarers, the anchor symbolized the
sea gods. In early Christianity, the anchor (with horizontal tie bar under the
ring) was used as a covert symbol by virtue of its resemblance to a cross.
Many times the anchor is combined with other symbols that elaborate
something more specific—various creatures of the sea, ships, life
preservers, names of ports. In general, though, it guarantees stability and
security in the physical world and, by extension, steadfastness, hope, and
trust in the spiritual world.

ANGEL TATTOO

An angel, in virtually any culture or time period, represents benevolent

spirituality. Angel tattoos sometimes take the form of innocent or righteous
avengers, but most frequently they are illustrated as gentle guardians, guides, and

66
personal protectors. The word itself comes from the Greek word for "messenger,"
and angels are most frequently described as intermediaries between the
supernatural world and the world of mankind. In some religions, angels are
ranked, categorized by specific characteristics, and even personally named
(ARCH ANGEL, ST. MICHAEL). Indeed, much of what angels do, even in
tattoo symbolism, centers around their relationship to humans.

ANT TATTOO

The ant is associated with industriousness, both in the East and the West, but an
industriousness that can be extreme. While in the West the ant is sometimes seen
as selfishly greedy, in Tibetan Buddhism it is excessively attached to the good
things of this life. Even a casual observation of this busy insect reveals that,
although tiny, it is continuously working and lends itself to symbolize active and
diligent engagement in this world, energy, and teamwork.

ARROW TATTOO

The arrow is one of the oldest, simplest, and most common symbols. Like other
fundamental symbols, the range of meanings that it can take is very broad and
actually tends to be contradictory at times. It has come to be associated with the
male sex, lightning, weapons, swiftness, love, intuition, and sudden death. It is a
symbol that has also been usurped by numerous disciplines, signaling an
exponent in mathematics and a center of gravity in physics. Its appeal is direct in
the sense that it can be used alone or in connection with other symbols to
construct more complicated meanings. One well-known tattoo symbol -
PIERCED HEART - is a fine example of this type of usage

BARBWIRE TATTOO

Barbwire symbolizes more than just the control of space and land. Because of its
use in prison and war camp settings, it also carries a connotation of suffering,

67
confinement, and capture. Its popularity in modem tattoo can be directly
attributed to its use in armband styles and similarity to tribal styles.

 BAR CODE TATTOO

Bar code when used in tattoo, it is part of a symbolism that simultaneously

emphasizes the need for individuality and the human body as a commodity. Its
application on skin is ironic, where it presumably cannot be used for scanning
purposes (although real information might be encoded in the tattoo), and pokes
fun at the way we see ourselves and our bodies.

BAT TATTOO

The bat is an animal that is generally associated with negative symbolism in the
West and yet is a symbol of good luck and longevity in the Far East. Among the
ancient Maya of Central America the bat was revered as a type of guardian god.
Today, in the vast majority of tattoo iconography, the bat is synonymous with the
dark side of the supernatural, sometimes represented as a winged demon,
sometimes as a blood-sucking vampire. Sometimes simply associated with
witches or part of a dark and ominous scene. No doubt that their association
comes from its dual nature as a nocturnal, winged mammal, active at night and
able to make its way in the dark.

BEAR CLAW TATTOO

The bear claw is a symbol of literal and spiritual power in the cosmology of
some indigenous peoples in North America. Sometimes as-sociated with
particular clans or organizations, the bear and its footprint symbol are more
generally associated with the power of the animal itself and also the summoning
of spiritual power from supernatural realms.

BEE TATTOO

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Bees have a very long history in symbolism both as individuals and in terms of
the hive. Beekeeping has been documented in Egypt as far back as 2600 B.C.E.
and beeswax was even used in mummification. In numerous cultures around the
world, bees have taken on quite varied associations—from harbingers of death to
resuscitators of the dead, from symbols of kingship to bringers of wisdom. In
Western styles of tattoo imagery, the bee is a fairly popular insect, sometimes
shown by itself but more often in a group. They carry the meanings of being
industrious and busy, while working for the group. However, the appearance of a
bee on the skin, in reality or in a tattoo, also brings to mind their stinging ability.

BIRD TATTOO

In mythology, symbolism, and tattoo, birds traditionally have mostly positive

associations. The flight of birds leads them, naturally, to serve as symbols of the
link between heaven and earth and to symbolize spiritual and emotional states.
However, each bird, real or mythological, carries its own very specific
symbolism—the DOVE (peace), the STORK (newborns), and the CRANE (long
life) being just a few examples.

BUDDHA TATTOO

Buddha (literally "awakened one") is actually a title given to the founder of

Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama. Of all the figures in Buddhism, the Buddha
himself might be the most popular in tattoo imagery. Symbolic of all that his life
and enlightenment represented, he is frequently portrayed in tattoo much as he is
in Buddhist art with a serene and beautiful face, in cross-legged meditative
position, and with hands in a meaningful gesture (mudra). The Buddha represents
an escape from the grasp of worldly concerns, compassion for all others, and
wisdom. He was moved by the suffering of others and devoted his life to
teaching ways in which that suffering could be confronted and overcome.

BUTTERFLY TATTOO

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The butterfly is far and away the most-used insect image in all of tattoo. A
symbolic creature in many cultures, it sometimes represents beauty itself or
metamorphosis and other times the transitory nature of happiness and, indeed, all
of life. To the Aztecs, the butterfly symbolized the soul or the breath of life
exhaled by the dying. The same is true in classical antiquity, where it was a
common belief that the soul left the body in the shape of a butterfly. In Western
culture, butterflies are also seen as symbols of freedom. They lend themselves to
all manner of colorful and fanciful adaptations in tattoo imagery. Despite their
enormous variety with respect to color, shape, and size, their embellishments in
tattoo art may well rival those found in nature.

CELTIC CROSS TATTOO

The Celtic Cross, sometimes also known as the Wheel Cross or the Ring Cross,
which began to appear during the fifth century. Celtic Cross is a symbol of
Christianity today, even though it may have been derived from much earlier
pagan wheel symbols for the SUN. Although most commonly used to mark
gravestones in Ireland and Scotland, it was once used throughout Scandinavia,
where it was erected at sites of violence or accident, as well as in front of
farmhouses. It has, unfortunately, been adopted by neo-Nazi.

CHERRY BLOSSOM TATTOO

While the cherry fruit was a symbol used to represent the samurai warrior caste
of shogun-era Japan, it is the blossom of a tree that is quintessentially Japanese
and figures prominently in Japanese tattoo art. The brief and beautiful period of
flowering and the swift fading and subsequent scattering of petals in the wind
symbolize the fragility of human existence and also the perfect death, marked by
indifference to the world left behind. Combined with its association with purity,
it became the ultimate emblem of bushido, the warrior's code. The ideal samurai,
a combination warrior and sometime poet or artist, was ever ready to meet his
death, ever appreciative of the fleeting moment.

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CROSS TATTOO

The so-called crossed cross is a symbol of world evangelization. It is essentially

four LATIN CROSSES, all touching at their bases, forming a larger cross of
equal lengths overall. Here the compass aspect of the cross of equal lengths is
exploited, with the small crosses radiating out in the four directions.

CRUCIFIXION TATTOO

Apart from the individual CRUCIFIX, the crucifixion is an oft-invoked image in

Christian tattoo symbolism. From the moment that Christ is first made to carry
his cross through the streets of Jerusalem, to the moment of his death between
the two thieves, many different tableaux have been captured by artists, including
tattooists. Apart from depicting the different significant points of the story,
tattoos of the crucifixion are obviously symbols of Christian faith. In order to
show a complete scene, tattoos of crucifixion imagery are usually larger in size,
as in a back piece.

CUPID TATTOO

The Greek god Eros, also known as the Roman god Cupid, is the god of love, in
all of its aspects. He is usually portrayed as a naked, winged boy with a bow and
arrow, who shoots mortals (and also the gods) in the heart, enticing them to love.
Although sometimes mischievous as a matchmaker, even careless, he
nevertheless has been viewed in positive ways. It is a sudden and new love that
springs forth, merry and without a care, that Cupid particularly represents. In
tattoo art, Cupid often appears in flight, with arrow at the ready, sometimes in
combination with a heart or a pierced heart.

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DAGGER TATTOO

Like most weapons, the dagger is part and parcel of violent aggression. But more
than other types of weapons, it has also acquired some of its own specific
symbolism. Easier to conceal and draw, the dagger became favored over the
SWORD as a constant companion, and it became the favorite of assassins,
coming to symbolize betrayal and treachery. Daggers in some cultures are of
very specific shapes and carry special ritual meaning, such as the three-sided
Tibetan phurba, which symbolizes the submission of demons

DEVIL TATTOO

The devil, or Satan, comes in a wide variety of forms in tattoo art with batlike
wings and a tail; dressed as a fine gentleman in a suit; with cloven hooves; as a
prince but the most common is a horned, red demon. The devil is the opposite of
the divine and the antithesis of God, obviously associated with evil, but more
importantly for tattoo, also associated with temptation. His entire purpose is to
deprive humans of the grace of God by tempting them into sinful behavior and
causing them to give in to their base desires.

DOLPHIN TATTOO

The intelligent and friendly dolphin, which is a mammal, has long attracted
interest from mariners, perhaps nowhere more so than in the Mediterranean area.
For the ancient Greeks, dolphins were symbols of both the divine and of wisdom.
For mariners worldwide, the dolphin was seen as a protector and guide, again
likely owing to accounts of dolphins attacking sharks to protect sailors who had
fallen overboard, plus their tendency to play in the wake of the bow of ships. It is
also not uncommon to see dolphin tattoos that repeat, creating arm bands or
anklets.

EAGLE TATTOO

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The eagle is quite simply the king of the birds. In symbolism written or pictorial,
it is representative of the mightiest rulers, the highest gods, and the greatest
heroes. In many instances, the eagle embodies lofty aspirations and higher
spiritual achievement. In other cases, it symbolizes strength and glory and even
substitutes for the SUN in Arctic and some Native American mythology. It is
impossible to capture the multitude of meanings that eagles have acquired and
equally impossible to describe the great range of expression that eagles have
inspired in tattoo art.

FAIRY TATTOO

Fairies in tattoo art are sometimes akin to the pinup girl, but more often they
appear as the mystical and ephemeral winged creatures of the magical world that
they symbolize. In some sense, all these types of fantastical and mythical
creatures represent our power as thinking beings to imagine, create, or embellish
for a myriad of purposes.

GANESHA TATTOO

Ganesha has become more popular in the last century, especially in the West. He
is the Hindu god with an Elephant head known as the remover of obstacles. Like
many images in Hindu or Buddhist art, almost every feature of Ganesha has some
symbolic content and meaning. The number of arms that he has may vary from
one portrait to another, but typically one hand is held in a pose of protection and
refuge, the second holds a sweet food symbolic of the sweetness of the realized
inner self, the third holds an elephant goad with which to prod man to the path of
righteousness, and the fourth holds a noose to represent worldly attachments and
desires. His potbelly symbolizes the bounty of nature and also the idea that
Ganesha swallows the sorrows of the universe and protects the world. Tattoos of
Ganesha are many times as ornate as the religious artwork on which they are
based (portraits or statues), although occasionally they can also be simple
blackwork.

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HEART TATTOO

The depiction of the heart as an actual organ in the human body, in a naturalistic
way, is not its most common depiction in tattoo art. Reminiscent of the x-ray
style of rock art in western Arnhem Land in Australia, it is depicted as though
one could look through the skin and see into the chest. In some instances these
types of tattoos have been used by heart patients, symbolizing the surgery or
other treatment they have received and perhaps also their recovery.

HEART WITH DAGGER TATTOO

The HEART pierced by a DAGGER is a recurrent image in tattoo art, uniting two
favorite symbols for the skin. Although likely never used by practitioners of
voodoo for tattoos, the heart pierced by a dagger is the symbol of Erzulie Dantor,
the dark aspect of Erzulie, a spirit of cruel vengeance and jealousy. In just the
opposite sense, the heart pierced with a dagger has been taken as a variation of
the sacred heart tattoo by some Christians. More often than not, though, in tattoo
imagery the meaning is more literal it is the heart as the center of emotion, being,
and love that is in pain, damaged or wounded.

JESUS TATTOO

People who want to make a public statement about their private beliefs will
sometimes use tattoos to do it. Unlike the names of spouses or
friends,whose relationship to a person might change, religion often is seen
as more lasting and therefore more appropriate for tattoo. Other than a
cross, there is probably no other symbol more evocative of Christianity than
its founder, Jesus Christ, also called Jesus of Galilee or Jesus of Nazareth.
Although no actual portraits of him survive, nor are any purported to have
existed, many great artists have rendered him over the centuries. Naturally,
details vary widely, but expressions that convey compassion, suffering, and
holiness are universal.

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MARIJUANA TATTOO

A tattoo of the marijuana plant means precisely what one might expect it
identifies the wearer as a user or dealer of Cannabis sativa, or the Indian hemp
plant. In prison and medicinal uses of this drug have been known for thousands
of years, inducing states that range for the thirteenth letter of the alphabet (m), is
sometimes used instead of the jagged-edged palmate leaves.

PHOENIX TATTOO

Probably the most important of the mythological Birds and a favorite motif in
tattoo artwork, the phoenix was known in ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and the
Middle East. In the many stories that surround it, two aspects remain constant, its
matchless splendor and the immortality it derived from rising from its own ashes.
When the time of its death would draw near, it built a nest of aromatic twigs in
which it would burn, simply from the heat of its own body. From the pyre, a
reborn phoenix would rise. It is a symbol of the undying soul and ultimately one
of regeneration, resurrection, and immortal life.

R.I.P. TATTOO

Although it fits, the letters "R.I.P." used as an epitaph do not actually come from
the words "rest in peace." Instead, they are from the Latin phrase that means the
same thing, "requiescat in pace" or "may he (or she) rest in peace." In tattoo art,
the saying is used in two main ways: as part of ghoulish cemetery or death scenes
and IN MEMORIAM.

ROSE TATTOO

Like the Lotus in Asia, the rose is the preeminent floral symbol of the West.
With their deep red color, they have historically been associated with blood and
hence Christ in Christian iconography. Roses have been used in heraldry,
alchemy, and in festivals of ancient Rome and Greece. In modern iconography,

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they are part of love symbolism and are synonymous with that which is beautiful.
In tattoo art, roses are likely the most frequently appearing flower. Sometimes
complete with stem and thorns. As in other symbolism, their meanings in tattoo
vary widely with each use, though most uses are based on the beauty and
romantic symbolism for which they are so well known.

VIRGIN MARY TATTOO

The Virgin Mary is one of the preeminent symbols of the Catholic Church. The
revered and saintly Mother of God, she symbolizes purity, spirituality, and
compassion and is an archetype of both the mother and femininity. Her hands are
sometimes shown spread open as she welcomes the suffering, or held up in
blessing, or perhaps even clasped in prayer, but her expression tends to remain
one of quiet contemplation with perhaps a hint of sadness, with eyes cast
downward.

YIN-YANG TATTOO

The ancient Chinese symbol of cosmic duality is an immensely popular one.

Originally yin (the black side) and yang (the white) represented two sides of a
valley, one in shadow and the other in sun. Over time, it has come to encompass
all such contrasts by uniting to express completeness within the circle-dark and
light, male and female, positive and negative, active and passive, heaven and
earth. The small dots of opposite color in each field symbolize mutual
dependence, such that light and shadow are not in conflict but rather depend on
one another for completion. The yin-yang is a distillation of one of the deepest
philosophies of China, whose abstract conceptions of time and space, or cause
and harmony, have resonated with people of all backgrounds.

ZODIAC TATTOO

The zodiac is the chief organizational structure by which the cosmos is

understood in astrology. In Babylon, Judaea, ancient Egypt, Persia, India,Tibet,

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China, North and South America, and Scandinavia, astrologers utilized the
zodiac. The symbol is a circular shape with divisions around the rim that
correspond to the twelve constellations. The astrological aspects are dependent
on the angular relationships between planets and stars in the say and their
relationship to references based on the earth. Each constellation or zodiac sign
has biological and psychological significance in terms of interpretation. Taken as
a whole, the zodiac is an outstanding example of a complete cycle that still
reveals the interrelatedness of its parts.

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CULTURE
TO
FASHION

78
TATTOOS IN VARIOUS CULTURES

Tattoos have long been used to mark membership into some exclusive group.
Whether it is ancient Greeks who used tattoos to communicate with spies,
tribes in Borneo who used tattoos as a primitive form of ID, or modern-day
Hells Angels who use tattoos to represent status and how many people
they’ve killed. Tattoos have not only helped shape cultures but also helped
define what a culture is.

 CHINESE TATTOOS

Tattoo is called "Wen Shen" or "Ci Shen" in Chinese. The term means
literally "puncture the body".

Tattoo has been known and practiced in China for many years. But it was never
considered to be something artistic, desirable, or even acceptable. A commonly
held notion is that one's body is a precious gift from the parent and therefore
should never be abused or defaced by a tattoo.

Many years ago, when a court finds a person guilty of a severe crime, it may
order a tattoo be placed on his face, and banishes him to a far-way place for a
number of years. The tattoo on the face permanently marks the person as a
criminal. The two-prone punishment is called "ci pei" (tattoo/exile).

In the present, tattoos are more likely to be used by members of the underground
criminal society than ordinary citizens. Tattoos like Chinese symbol tattoos and
the Chinese Dragon tattoo are some of the most popular inks currently being
done. Some are Chinese experts trying to reconnect with their culture, but many
are non-Chinese who wish to embody certain elements of the east. Most of the
work done in this style is tattoos of Chinese characters a written language
intended to be both verbal and visually symbolic of Zen Buddhism.

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  IRISH TATTOOS

For much of the last 500 years the Irish people were considered to be the lowest
rung of society. Today everybody wants to be Irish—especially when it comes to
St. Patrick’s Day and tattoos. Be it Shamrock tattoos or tattoos of a Celtic cross,
these tattoos seem to represent all of the Irish qualities of sociability and
creativity that we all wish we had.

 JAPANESE TATTOOS

As the power of the common people of Japan grew in the latter half of the Edo
period (18th and 19th century CE) horimono, or traditional Japanese tattoos,
began to flourish as an art form. Based on images from watercolor paintings,
woodcuts and popular picture books of the time, the ultimate reward for the long
endurance of pain would be a tattoo of immense beauty.

The origins of horimono can be traced to the late Edo period. In 1603, the then
ruler of Japan Tokugawa Ieyasu centralized his shogunate government in Edo,
what is now Tokyo.

The artists who carried out the tattooing tended to be ukiyoe woodblock carvers,
who simply exchanged their wood-carving blades for long, sharp needles. Over
the years, some of these artists gave up ukiyoe, became devoted to tattooing, and
would become specialized tattoo artists. Thus the special, unique Japanese
traditional art form came to be known as horimono.

 AFRICAN TATTOOS

African tattoo may symbolize some type of artistic expression in rhythm. Like
other parts of the world, religion in Africa is diverse. As is the case with any
region, spirituality is an important part of life and is often displayed openly as a
sign of faith.

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A unique method of tattooing was practiced in Africa in the olden days, which is
known as 'cicatrisation' or 'scarification'. Under this method, small cuts would be
placed in the skin, using thorns or razors. Then, charcoal would be rubbed into
these cuts, which would cause scar tissue to develop in different patterns. These
marks would give an idea of the social status and religion of an individual. In
case of a woman, these marks would give an idea about her motherhood status.

 INUIT TATTOOS

In the Inuit community, men got a small cross tattooed on their cheeks or
shoulders for every whale that they killed. The tattoos would thus serve as an
account of the number of whales they killed and, consequently, of their bravery.
Among the Quebec Inuit, it was a tradition to get a special kind of tattoo on their
shoulders whenever they killed a bowhead whale or a white male.

Women belonging to the Netsilik group of Inuit would get tattoos done on their
skin, as it was believed necessary to gain entry into the other world after death.
Women belonging to other Inuit groups would get lines tattooed on their chin, as
an indication of the group they belonged to. It is believed that homosexual males
also had similar tattoos on their chin, and they were required to wear women's
clothes and do the daily chores that a woman did.

The Inuits also believed that tattooing was a form of worship, which would
appease their gods, who would help them in dealing with the harsh climatic
conditions in the areas where they were usually located. It was also believed that
tattooing would call upon spiritual entities to visit the material world, and would
thus act as a means for attracting spiritual forces into the human body.

 EGYPTIAN TATTOOS

Traditionally, the Egyptians have placed a lot of emphasis on the divine power.
The reasons for tattooing in Egypt in ancient times also related to the divine and
mystic powers. It was believed that tattooing one's skin would help them to

81
connect with the Supreme Being. Tattooing was undertaken as a form of worship
or tribute to a certain god or goddess. In some cases, tattooing was done to act as
a talisman and provide protection to the person from diseases and evil.

 ROMAN TATTOOS

Like the Greeks, the Romans also used tattooing to mark slaves and criminals.
References in literature have been found to suggest the use of tattooing for
punishment among Romans, a practice similar to the Greeks. Another purpose for
which the Romans used tattooing was to mark soldiers. The Roman army
included a large number of mercenaries, who were tattooed, so that they could be
easily identified if they ran away.

 SAMOAN TATTOOS

The inhabitants of the Samoan Islands, the Samoans, have been noted to tattoo
designs all over their body, so much so that it would appear from afar like
clothes, though most part of their body would be bare. Tattooing has always been
a highly respected and sacred practice for the Samoans, and it was never banned
here, as it was in several other parts of the world. The Samoans believed that
tattooing conveyed the transition of a male from adolescence to maturity. If a
man was not tattooed, he would be treated as an immature boy, who was not
allowed to speak in the presence of adults. Such a person was allowed to perform
only menial chores, and he was not allowed to marry.

The Samoans would tattoo the nose of a person, in case a serious crime had been
committed by him. This was considered as a grave punishment, comparable to
cutting an ear off. Samoan warriors would be tattooed from the waist down,
extending to just above the knees.

In case of Samoan females, the tattoos would be limited to delicate flower and
geometrical patterns on the hands and the lower part of the body. Traditionally,
Samoans preferred instruments made of human bone for tattooing. However, if

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human bones were not available, bones of oxen or horses would be used for
making tattoo instruments.

 EUROPEAN TATTOOS

In the 19 th century, European sailors who sailed abroad began to get exotic
tattoos on their bodies as souvenirs of their travels. This set off a tradition among
British sailors.

During this period, tattoos in circuses became highly popular in Europe and other
parts of the world. Circuses would employ a number of tattooed people. Tattoo
artists would exhibit their ware in circuses, which would serve as a big attraction .

 FRENCH TATTOOS

In the early 19 th century in France, tattoos were common among sailors, prisoners
and laborers. People belonging to the upper strata of the society considered
tattooing to be an undignified process. During this period, the French laborers
tattooed symbols of their craft or profession on their arms. For instance, barbers
would have a comb and a pair of scissors tattooed on their biceps, while
carpenters would have a plane and pliers. These laborers would travel from one
land to another in search of work, and these tattoos would make it easy for them
to find work.

 IRAQI TATTOOS

In Iraq, tattooing was traditionally done for two purposes for decoration and for
cure. The designs for tattoos done for beautification were elaborate and beautiful,
while the ones done for cure were rather simple. Tattooing was believed to act as
a cure in case of various ailments, such as rheumatism, headaches, sprains, and
skin and eye infections. Curative tattoos were done at the site of the ailment, for
instance, on the temple in case of a headache and near the eyes in case of an eye
infection.

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Tattooing was believed to have magical powers, and was undertaken in order to
cure problems such as infertility. In this case, a single dot or a cluster of dots
would be tattooed below the navel of the woman desiring to have a child. This
was believed to induce pregnancy. Similarly, it was believed that tattooing a dot
on the end of a child's nose would ensure that the child would lead a long life. A
triangle made up of dots would be tattooed on the palms of women, to ensure that
their husbands would always be faithful to them.

 INDIAN TATTOOS

In India, the tradition of temporarily tattooing the skin using Henna has been
prevalent since ages. The custom of applying elaborate designs on the palms of
the hands and on the feet during marriages has been the tradition in India since
long. Also of note are the motifs painted on the face of brides using black, white
and red ink.

According to references made in literature, even deities in India had tattoos on

their skin. It is believed that goddess Lakshmi had a tattoo drawn on her hand by
Lord Vishnu for the sake of her protection.

Generally, in India, tattooing is considered to be more popular among females than

males. Certain tribes in India have been undertaking tattooing since a long time. For
instance, in the central part of India, the Muria and Maria groups, tattooing is done on
young girls who attain puberty, to symbolize their maturity. This is done using charcoal
dust, and iron needles are used for the process.

TATTOOING IN INDIA
Body Art in India from Traditional to Modern

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There are two distinct tattoo cultures in India. The most prominent is from the
Hindu community which is based on a caste system even though this system is
declining. These tattoos usually signify the unique position of women from
within the social structure.

Certain tattoos on Indian women can also represent fertility or to ward off bad
spirits. Young women were often encouraged to be tattooed as it was believed to
add to their attractiveness.

There are many different tattoo symbols within the Hindu tradition such as:

Lotus blossoms - Associated with happiness, goddess Lakshmi and the symbol
of Vishnu.

Swastika - An ancient symbol which is opposite to the Nazi swastika, which

denoted prosperity.

Dots - These are quite common and are believed to ward off the evil eye.

Hindu men were generally tattooed less than women particularly if they were of a
higher caste. Tattoo designs such as the scorpion were done to attract good luck.
In the larger urban areas lower caste men were heavily tattooed with a mixture of
Western style tattoos alongside more traditional Indian tattoos.

85
India has experienced massive growth in the past few years particularly in the
information technology sector. This boom in technology and rapid modernization
has brought changes in the lifestyles of many Indian who not only want to retain
their Indian culture but also want to have modern Western culture. As a result
India is experiencing a surge of interest in Western tattoo culture.

TATTOOING AS A CULTURE

The tattoo, although a form of body art accepted by many, has long been seen by
mainstream society as a sign of rebellion. In the past it has often been seen as a

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way to stand out from the crowd, a way to separate you from the average.
However, in the recent years, tattoos have become wildly popular. Many athletes
and celebrities are known to have tattoos on their bodies. But the question
remains: have tattoos been accepted into mainstream society or are they still seen
as part of the more insubordinate culture?

Tattooing has been a practice in many cultures since the ancient days. Evidence
suggests that some of the earliest known uses of tattoos dates as far back as
12,0000 BC. Ancient civilizations, such as those in Greece, Rome, Egypt, Persia,
and Arabia, all used tattoos as a way to symbolize skill or status for many of the
more accomplished people in their societies.

In other tribal cultures, tattoos were akin to body paint, bestowing either
authority or mystical powers on the bearer. The rise of Christianity saw a decline
in tattooing as this practice was often seen as “heathen” or “pagan”. Although
tattooing was sometimes still done for rites of passage, the overall practice of
tattooing was looked down upon with the spread of the church into different parts
of the world.

Since the United States has been a predominantly Christian nation, tattooing has
long been seen in a negative light. The prominence of tattoos among criminals,
gang members, and juvenile delinquents further darkened society’s outlook on
tattoos. Following WWII, the art of tattooing was seen in such a negative light
that many places, such as New York, banned tattooing outright. However, this
began to change starting in the 1960s with a man named Lyle Tuttle. This
charismatic man made excellent use of the media to help tattoos is seen in a more
favorable light. Through the media, he tattooed many female (and male)
celebrities and brought this art form back into the limelight.

Newspapers, television studios, and magazines went to Lyle to get information

about this ancient, and to some, long lost art form. With the attention of the
media, Lyle’s work began to capture the imagination of the public and people

87
began to understand that tattoos did not have to be associated with gangs and
violence.

People started to get tattoos to symbolize who they are or to remind themselves
of something they overcame or accomplished. This rise in the popularity of
tattoos has continued on into the present day and tattooists have garnered more
respect than they ever have. Popular culture has adopted tattooing into the
mainstream as many movie stars and athletes have multiple tattoos on their body.
Shows such as Miami Ink have further helped popularize tattooing among the
masses and have shown people how tattooing can be used as a form of self
expression.

With recent studies showing that almost 20% of all Americans having at least
one tattoo on their body, it can be said that tattoos have been accepted into
mainstream culture. Although some types of tattooing, such as certain markings
on the head, as still negatively associated with gangs, tattooing as an art in
general is no longer frowned upon by society.

TATTOOS EVOLVING FROM CULTURE TO FASHION

STATEMENT

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Tattooing is one of the oldest art forms known to exist. The oldest preserved
human skin ever found is decorated with tattoos that were done during life. It is
used as a form of expression in the majority of the world's cultures, and has been
used for many purposes throughout history. In the
last century in the West, it has been less common
than in other parts of the world and in previous
times. Recently, there has been a recovery in its
popularity.

During the early twentieth century in the United

States, tattoos were difficult and sometimes
dangerous to apply. Inks were made of materials
that were reactive to sunlight and bodily fluids, and
were placed into the skin by bare hands with dull, dirty, and usually re-used
needles. During this time, even surgeons often used unwashed hands and
equipment, and death from bacterial infection was far more common due to the
lack of antibiotic therapy. This made getting a tattoo a risky behavior and getting
one became a way to express rebellion or anti-social beliefs. For many years,
circus sideshows, traveler camps, and port-of-call navy towns were the only
places where tattoos could be obtained. The perception of tattoos as seedy, self-
destructive, or rebellious acts became well-established in the American culture.
This enabled many heavily tattooed men and women to make a decent living in
sideshows by simply exposing their tattooed skin to shocked strangers.

The invention and growing popularity of the electric tattoo machine changed the
way tattoos were applied. A tattoo that would take hours to do by hand became a
fifteen-minute process. Tattoo art itself became less crude and rudimentary, and
tattoo shops began to open in which the new "sanitary, electric" tattoos were sold
from flash sets the artist had drawn and hung on the wall. During the Second
World War, many American servicemen, notably sailors in the US navy, came
home wearing Japanese tattoos. These were often done in full color, something

89
which had not been done in the US, and inspired many tattoo artists to begin
honing their artistic skills.

After the war, tattoo artists began to communicate with each other more fluently
about equipment and technique. This opened the field to many new artists, and
newly-opened supply companies began marketing "learn to tattoo" booklets and
offering supplies for sale to a wider public. During the late sixties, tattooist Lyle
Tuttle's work was even featured on the cover of "Rolling Stone" magazine, on the
singer Janis Joplin. As the counter-culture grew, so did the popularity of tattoo
art.

It is from this era that modern tattooing

comeback began. In 1976 the National Tattoo
Association was founded, and became a group
which encouraged members to share
information with each other. This helped a
whole generation of people who had become
involved in tattooing, many of whom came
from a fine art background.

As the years passed, tattoo art became more

refined. Non-reactive and hypoallergenic
pigments, more specific techniques in shading,
the introduction of one-use needles and
disposable equipment, modern hospital-grade disinfectants and surfactants, and
more proficiency in draftsmanship all contributed to a shift in the perception of
tattoos. As the artwork itself became more refined, tattoos became a style
accessory, a status symbol, or a personal artistic or spiritual statement. In the last
ten years tattoo conventions have become commonplace; the money to be made
by promoters has encouraged many smaller venues to host them. Television
shows have also dispelled many doubts and fears in the public's mind about the
safety of the modern tattooing procedure. With modern sterilization methods,

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disposable equipment, and health and safety training required by law in most
states, tattooing has become safer and therefore, less rebellious.

Many people now see tattoos as simply another means of expression or as a vital
addition to their personal style. Tattoos have always been used to commemorate
the dead, express rank and status, decorate and entice but their current popularity
takes away their threat and mute rebellion, and makes them another part of the
common currency of artistic expression.

INTERVIEW

NAME OF THE INTERVIEWEE: Mr. Vaibhav Malani.

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QUALIFICATION: Commerce Graduate.

ADDRESS: Body Canvas,

Shop-3, Plot-160b,
29 th road, Off Water field road,
Next to Sigdhi hotel.
Bandra [W]. Mr. Vaibhav Malani

QUESTIONAIRES:

Q. When did you start tattooing?

Ans: I have been making permanent tattoos since last 9 year and for 5 years
before that I used to make only temporary tattoos.

Q. What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?

Ans: I always wanted to leave a mark on people’s mind and body. By making
tattoos I am living my dreams. I never wanted to sit in an office and do
paperwork of any kind. I wanted to travel and meet new people from
different professions and countries. Being a tattoo artist I get opportunity to
meet different people and to travel.

Q. What does tattoo mean to you?

Ans: Tattoo for me is a mark of identification and it’s a personal affair. A
person can easily be related with his tattoos. It’s a good way of conveying
our feelings to others or to remember a close person.

Q. Where did you take your tattoo lessons from?

Ans: I took my first lesson from a tattoo artist named Ricardo in Spain for
around 4 years and then from my elder brother Mickey Malani.

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 Q. What kinds of customers approach the shop?
Ans: I have made tattoos on people belonging to various professions. I have
tattooed college students to executives, from people holding big position in
corporate world to the people sweeping on the street.

Q. Were there any odds, when you decided to become a tattoo artist?
Ans: Yes, there were. Firstly, there was no person to teach me. I didn’t find a
good teacher. Secondly, when I started tattooing, there was so much
competition to take care of.

Q. What do you think, Where tattoo was 5 – 10 Years ago?

Ans: 10 years back people were not aware of the tattoos. People were not willing
to put it on their body.

Q. Where do you think will the tattoo industry be 5 – 10 years from now
in India?
Ans: Tattoos will become more of an everyday thing. You will see it on all most
everybody.

Q. How is competition affecting your business?

Ans: Competition is seriously affecting the business. If even once, you are not
successful to deliver properly, the customer will definitely not come again
and will pass out their perception to others.

Q. How well did your family support you when you told them about your
decision?
Ans: My family did not react too much when I told them about my decision. My
family wanted me to be a successful man in other established professions

93
 for example, Engineer or a Doctor. But now they are happy to see me
earning well and have made a name in the town.

Q. What do you try to deliver to your customer?

Ans: I try to deliver the comfort level. I always try to create a custom made
design so that the customer is comfortable with the tattoo.

Q. What are the most common reasons for making tattoos that customers
have?
Ans: Customers come to make tattoos to remember their loved ones. They make
tattoos to remember their relatives those who have died. It’s also done to
remember any good moment in their life. Now days, college students make
tattoos just for fashion sake and to make their body attractive.

Q. Where do you recommend people to put a tattoo on the body?

Ans: I recommend the customers to put tattoos on back, shoulders and arms.

Q. Where do you bring your supplies from?

Ans: The supplies are brought from Technical Supplies in USA and Ireland.

Q. Are there any celebrities that are in your customer’s list?

Ans: I have not done any permanent tattoo on any of the celebrities but I have
made temporary tattoos on celebrities like Celina Jeitley, Hrithik Roshan
and a few more.

Q. How much do you charge for a tattoo and on what basis do you
charge?
Ans: I charge from Rs. 500 – 1000 per square inch. It depends upon how
complicated the design is.

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 Q. How many types of needles are present?
Ans: There are around 50 types of different needles available.

Q. How much voltage does the machine takes to work?

Ans: The machine takes around 4 – 15 volts.

Q. How many tattoo studios do you have?

Ans: I have 3 studios and one workshop.

Q. Do you teach new people?

Ans: Yes, I do.

Q. Do you have a workshop to teach the students? Where it is situated?

Ans: Yes, I have a workshop. It is situated at Andheri [E].

Q. How much do you charge for apprenticeship?

Ans: I charge 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs. It also depends on how much the student knows
about drawing and shading and how much has to be taught to the
student.

Q. What qualities would you like to see in your student?

Ans: I would like to have a student who is patient, dedicated, and eager to learn
new things and is creative.

FUTURE OF TATTOOS

In the past few years the Tattoo Art has grown up with a rapid speed. It has
proved that it will bring more and more opportunities to the creative people.
These days Tattoo Design is becoming popular day by day and everyone wants to

95
experience it on their body parts. As it is a human curiosity that what ever new
thing comes in the market everyone wants to try it at least once. Tattoo Design is
an art of drawing pictures on the body of humans.

Today when there are advancements in every other field there are also changes
taking place in Tattoo Designs.

In India Tattoo art is also getting importance

especially there is very much craze among
youngsters about Tattoos and most of them are
mad for them. These days Tattoos have become
a part of makeup for many women and they are
ready to pay anything for it which will add
beauty to them so that they can attract more
and more people towards themselves. Even
men are also very fond of Tattoo art, young
college going guys make different types of
Tattoo on their body. They think that by doing
so they will look more macho and attract more
and more girls towards themselves. On the
other hand some get this art of Tattoo done on their body to show people that
they are very strong to bear the pain of Tattoo design especially to impress girls
how hard they are.

In India Tattoo artists are also getting more and more importance and are
recognized by their work. Various Tattoo parlors are opening these days as this is
a new source of income. These days unemployment is a major problem in India
but with the arrival of Tattoo Art it has given a new hope to most of the
unemployed youth. Tattoo artists in India are getting huge amounts for drawing a
small Tattoo design and one can imagine how costly it to get a Tattoo of big size
is. Also there is no fixed price of these Tattoos and the artist can charge anything

96
from the concerned person. On the other hand these days’ people are ready to pay
anything to get this art of Tattoo done on their body.

These days various Tattoo stickers are also available and one can paste them on
their body or can paste them on anything like cars, walls etc. Now days Tattoo
Designs are also used on clothes. Big garment houses these days are making use
of Tattoos to create attractive designs on clothes. Such clothes are in very much
demand among kids and college guys.

We hope that in near future we can find some easy and painless way of getting
this art done on the body without causing any damage to the body of the
concerned person. And develop new techniques for safely removing these type of
designs from the body of a person.

In this world everything has some good and bad effects. It depends upon the
person who wants to make its good or bad use. We all should try to make best
use of everything. Thus hoping that Tattoo art will boom in future.

CONCLUSION

However, even though, tattooing is the latest fashion today and is a trend that
has come to stay. The practice of tattooing has its origin in Indian legends and

97
myths. Originally henna was used for body art and was later replaced by
indelible ink.

For centuries, tattoos have symbolized the membership in groups, families, but
for a few years, tattoos have become more popular. It is possible that many
people have them not only for decorative purpose. The choice of a tattoo today
can tell something about the soul of its owner; some believe that a tattoo is the
graffiti for the soul.

The emergence of specific symbols representing sounds, letters or words in a

spoken language occurred relatively recently and fundamentally changed
human society. Tattoos are a reflection of society and the times people live
through. The tattoos of today are more of an ‘anything goes’ style that is
original and at the same time reflects a traditionalist characteristic that is
intertwined with the past. The Internet is full of a wide range of tattoo designs
to suit all tastes. Thus tattoos today are a great way to express your creative
streak and get noticed too.

But, even when today tattoos are made for fashion purpose, people want to put
something on their body which has a meaning that is very close to them. This
behavior of the 21 st century man is exactly similar to the people from the past.
Those people also made tattoos that had a deep meaning which gave the
individuals a distinct identity.

This shows that, even though the perceptions of getting a tattoo have changed
in the minds of people, the intention more or less remains the same.

So we can’t say that tattoos have completely evolved from culture to a fashion
statement. It’s just the perception of new generation have changed.

BIBLOGRAPHY

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  PRIMARY DATA

INTERVIEW
- VIKAS MALANI

 SECONDARY DATA

INTERNET:

 www.tattooanswer.com
 www.tattoodesign.com
 www.tattoomenow.com
 www.youtube.com

MAGAZINE:

 me
- DNA

TELEVISION CHANNEL:

 TRAVEL & LIVING

 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

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