Looking for Tattoo inspirations?
Celtic designs from incredible Pat Fish -www.luckyfish.com
more Celtic ideas from Jane Delyth - www.celticart.org.uk
and Courtney Davis - www.courtneydavisart.com/bodyart.html ( I do have 3 original tattoo books from him at the studio for you to view)
more Celtic - http://aon-celtic.com/index.html
Tibetan - http://www.tibetan-calligraphy.com/?forcerLangue=en
General tattoo ideas:
www.tattoojohnny.com
www.tattoosymbol.com
www.bullseyetattoos.com
Ambigrams: www.wowtattoos.com
Maori and Polynesian (and inspired)
http://www.tahititatou.com/customdesign.html
designs by Mark Storm - ready to purchase or you can order custom design www.tribalflashtattoos.blogspot.com
Chinese symbols click here
Japanese translations click here
Lettering ideas:
www.dafont.com
Coats of Arms click here
Me in Press....please forgive the picture (for some reason it will not open on mobile version) so here is a link:
http://www.gallowaygazette.co.uk/news/tattooist-warns-of-dangers-behind-home-inking-1-2779577
http://www.gallowaygazette.co.uk/news/tattooist-warns-of-dangers-behind-home-inking-1-2779577
and few other things I would like to mention....
Why I don't use cling wrap to "bandage" fresh tattoo.
Please read to the end: the first part is quotation of APT official statement (I am a member of APT), in the end I provide my personal opinion...
"...Plastic wrap is considered unacceptable for several reasons. First, plastic wrap does not breathe. This retards the healing process and creates the sort of warm, moist, airless environment that encourages bacterial growth. Second, but no less important, is the psychological impact. A tattoo wrapped in plastic looks nasty. A clean, white bandage conveys a subconscious message of cleanliness and sterility. Your client, especially a first-timer, will feel like they have had a procedure. Send them out the door in plastic wrap and they feel like meat..." Alliance Of Professional Tattoists
"What's the Problem?
The problem is that plastic wrap creates an occlusive seal meaning that no air gets in and no air gets out. This keeps all of the body fluids pooling on the skin surface. That surface builds up body temperatures to nearly 103 degrees which is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Your new tattoo has just been turned into a petri-dish for bacterial growth. Nice, huh?
That pooling of body fluids--all liquids must go somewhere and that is to the bottom of the plastic wrap. Body fluids leak out and run down the body where people will brush against other people or surfaces thus creating a multi-contaminated field. And putting a piece of paper towel at the bottom does nothing to stop the oozing and temperature buildup.
Care to Rub on Someone's Body Fluids?
I recently visited a neighboring studio and witnessed a plastic wrapped client sitting in their waiting room with body fluids running down his arm into the fabric sofa. Talk about a contaminated field! Ugh!If such an unfortunate individual enters our studio we ask them politely to leave, as we don’t want their body fluids on our chairs, racks, counters or floors. I also give them a copy of this article to take back to the tattooers who obviously aren’t educated in blood borne pathogens.
It's Not Only Gross, It May be Illegal
Most state tattoo regulations such as ours here in Hawaii specifically state the appropriate type of dressing to use. Hawaii Department of Health Regulation 11-17-10-H “the entire area covered with a piece of sterile dressing and secured with proper adhesive”. It’s even one of the questions on our tattoo licensing test!
Not only is the use of plastic wrap illegal in most regulated states but it is a cheap insult to a client who deserves a better start with their new tattoo. What price is proper bandaging? How do you put a dollar sign on contamination prevention?
Use of plastic wrap is forbidden in many quality tattoo conventions. National Tattoo Association and the Alliance of Professional Tattooists have outlawed its use in their shows. It’s time that all convention promoters educate themselves and make this ban an industry-wide policy. (...)"
Peggy Sucher
Skin Deep Tattoo Waikiki
Security Director, National Tattoo Assn
Member, Alliance of Professional Tattooists
Made a lot of sense to me although I do have a bit different approach to after care later on....
So here is my opinion:
I absolutely hate to see tattoo wrapped into cling wrap. Especially if it is leaking and dripping along someones body. This is why I will not apply this after I will finish a tattoo. I will apply Yayo Guard, Dry Loc absorbing pad or sterile bandage . The biggest problem usually is first night (or sometimes first 2 nights) especially big tattoos, when tattoo is still oozing. No one wants to leave half of ink on the bedsheets. So I think it will be better to secure even with plastic wrap (if non sticky pad is not available) then nothing. ( I don't do this on my tattoos. One of reasons is BPA presence and I try to avoid this at all costs.) Lately we discovered that...incontinence pads work fantastic as a dressing for the night and even next they when is risk of clothes rubbing or contamination. Yes, I tested on my own tattoos and I noticed they heal faster. I carry in the studio Yayo Guard sheets or rolls for bigger work for clients to take home if they want to and I always have a case of pads - perfect if you are getting big work. As many tattooist and collectors out there - everyone has own aftercare and own opinion. I am sharing mine here.
"How long my tattoo will take?"
Hard to say...for a small, medium pieces I can give an estimate time (and a flat price). If it a multi sitting tattoo, it is almost impossible to say as it depends on many factors...so here is a rough guide…
full colour sleeve may take 30-40 hours, full ribs 20-30 hours, full chest piece 20-30 hours, full back piece are more in the region of 60 + hours ... Black and grey takes about a third less time.
Quick quide to enquiries about price...
To help me to give you estimated price please specify:
1. What do you want to get? (I can not answer question like: "How much for a name/letter?" , "How much for a tattoo on my forearm?" etc)
2. Where do you want it? (placement matters - there are areas easier to tattoo - costs less - and difficult - costs more)
3. How big (approximately) you want you tattoo (inches or centimeters)
4. Do you want it Black and Grey or Color? (Color tattoos usually cost more)
5. If you want a name - price will depend on factors listed above and a style of lettering and (if any) special effects. I work often within a client budget. Still the minimum (to cover consumables and after care ointment) is 30 GBP
Please read to the end: the first part is quotation of APT official statement (I am a member of APT), in the end I provide my personal opinion...
"...Plastic wrap is considered unacceptable for several reasons. First, plastic wrap does not breathe. This retards the healing process and creates the sort of warm, moist, airless environment that encourages bacterial growth. Second, but no less important, is the psychological impact. A tattoo wrapped in plastic looks nasty. A clean, white bandage conveys a subconscious message of cleanliness and sterility. Your client, especially a first-timer, will feel like they have had a procedure. Send them out the door in plastic wrap and they feel like meat..." Alliance Of Professional Tattoists
"What's the Problem?
The problem is that plastic wrap creates an occlusive seal meaning that no air gets in and no air gets out. This keeps all of the body fluids pooling on the skin surface. That surface builds up body temperatures to nearly 103 degrees which is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Your new tattoo has just been turned into a petri-dish for bacterial growth. Nice, huh?
That pooling of body fluids--all liquids must go somewhere and that is to the bottom of the plastic wrap. Body fluids leak out and run down the body where people will brush against other people or surfaces thus creating a multi-contaminated field. And putting a piece of paper towel at the bottom does nothing to stop the oozing and temperature buildup.
Care to Rub on Someone's Body Fluids?
I recently visited a neighboring studio and witnessed a plastic wrapped client sitting in their waiting room with body fluids running down his arm into the fabric sofa. Talk about a contaminated field! Ugh!If such an unfortunate individual enters our studio we ask them politely to leave, as we don’t want their body fluids on our chairs, racks, counters or floors. I also give them a copy of this article to take back to the tattooers who obviously aren’t educated in blood borne pathogens.
It's Not Only Gross, It May be Illegal
Most state tattoo regulations such as ours here in Hawaii specifically state the appropriate type of dressing to use. Hawaii Department of Health Regulation 11-17-10-H “the entire area covered with a piece of sterile dressing and secured with proper adhesive”. It’s even one of the questions on our tattoo licensing test!
Not only is the use of plastic wrap illegal in most regulated states but it is a cheap insult to a client who deserves a better start with their new tattoo. What price is proper bandaging? How do you put a dollar sign on contamination prevention?
Use of plastic wrap is forbidden in many quality tattoo conventions. National Tattoo Association and the Alliance of Professional Tattooists have outlawed its use in their shows. It’s time that all convention promoters educate themselves and make this ban an industry-wide policy. (...)"
Peggy Sucher
Skin Deep Tattoo Waikiki
Security Director, National Tattoo Assn
Member, Alliance of Professional Tattooists
Made a lot of sense to me although I do have a bit different approach to after care later on....
So here is my opinion:
I absolutely hate to see tattoo wrapped into cling wrap. Especially if it is leaking and dripping along someones body. This is why I will not apply this after I will finish a tattoo. I will apply Yayo Guard, Dry Loc absorbing pad or sterile bandage . The biggest problem usually is first night (or sometimes first 2 nights) especially big tattoos, when tattoo is still oozing. No one wants to leave half of ink on the bedsheets. So I think it will be better to secure even with plastic wrap (if non sticky pad is not available) then nothing. ( I don't do this on my tattoos. One of reasons is BPA presence and I try to avoid this at all costs.) Lately we discovered that...incontinence pads work fantastic as a dressing for the night and even next they when is risk of clothes rubbing or contamination. Yes, I tested on my own tattoos and I noticed they heal faster. I carry in the studio Yayo Guard sheets or rolls for bigger work for clients to take home if they want to and I always have a case of pads - perfect if you are getting big work. As many tattooist and collectors out there - everyone has own aftercare and own opinion. I am sharing mine here.
"How long my tattoo will take?"
Hard to say...for a small, medium pieces I can give an estimate time (and a flat price). If it a multi sitting tattoo, it is almost impossible to say as it depends on many factors...so here is a rough guide…
full colour sleeve may take 30-40 hours, full ribs 20-30 hours, full chest piece 20-30 hours, full back piece are more in the region of 60 + hours ... Black and grey takes about a third less time.
Quick quide to enquiries about price...
To help me to give you estimated price please specify:
1. What do you want to get? (I can not answer question like: "How much for a name/letter?" , "How much for a tattoo on my forearm?" etc)
2. Where do you want it? (placement matters - there are areas easier to tattoo - costs less - and difficult - costs more)
3. How big (approximately) you want you tattoo (inches or centimeters)
4. Do you want it Black and Grey or Color? (Color tattoos usually cost more)
5. If you want a name - price will depend on factors listed above and a style of lettering and (if any) special effects. I work often within a client budget. Still the minimum (to cover consumables and after care ointment) is 30 GBP
Thank you Jaeson...
Holidays and tattoos
Some time ago I went on a short holiday . And of course wherever I go I always keep my eyes open for tattoo shops. What I saw made me to write this Note. I was shocked by the amount of tourists streaming in for the impulse 'holiday tattoo'. Shop was open usually late and most of clientele appeared to be under influence. One tattooist looked like he was under influence as well. No privacy, small room with a glass so everyone from the street could look through, two guys working in a hurry to make as much money as they could. Portfolio proudly displayed on the window looked not appealing at all. Poor hygiene could be clearly observed as well but nothing seemed to stop ink hungry tourists from getting their "holiday token" obtained.
Here's just a few of the reasons why getting a tattoo while you are on Holidays is terrible idea:
The most basic care for a new tattoo is that you keep it out of water. Meaning - No swimming, bathing, spas or saunas.. You need to keep your new tattoo clean and moisturized with a proper aftercare ointment for up to 6 weeks and keeping it out of the sun for at least the first 2 weeks, then always covering with sunscreen after that.
There is no quicker way to age a tattoo than getting it in the sun, or better still burning the skin on holidays. Doesn't sound like your going to have much fun on the rest of your holiday.. OR your going to ruin your new tattoo or worse - end up with a nasty tattoo infection which will most likely leave a scar for life if not worse. (Do you remember an article about woman from North Ayrshire who was facing leg amputation after getting a foot tattoo in Turkey? - if not you can still Google it and see photos). For most of "holiday tattoo shops" you are nothing more then "skin", "quick money" (and yes very often you pay 3 times more then you would pay back home for much better quality). Not only are these shops willing to tattoo you under a range of conditions but most of the artists themselves are poorly or self trained so not only are you going to get an ugly tattoo but the application of the tattoo may be totally wrong and you might even up having a nice scar.
In most cases holiday tattoos face cover ups and/or laser treatments (which is way more expensive).
Rules and regulations in holiday destinations may be different than at home (or may be no regulations at all). So even basic hygiene standards may not be followed which can put you at a massive risk of not only cross contamination from a previous customer, but also HIV / AIDS, Hepatitis A, B & C and STD's (like syphilis)
Now...it is totally possible to get an awesome tattoo while on holiday, but you need to plan it (keeping in mind all swimming, sandy beach and sun restrictions). First - find a good, reputable studio. Do your homework. Get in touch with tattoo artist in advance (as most likely they are booked weeks an months ahead). Choose right day. Be ready to pay deposit. Once all is arranged you and your future artist will have time to prepare something special what will be a sweet reminder of good holiday (well, even if everything will fail during your holiday - bad weather, awful food, crappy hotel) you still will have something cool to bring back home :D
Cheers
Jo
Here's just a few of the reasons why getting a tattoo while you are on Holidays is terrible idea:
The most basic care for a new tattoo is that you keep it out of water. Meaning - No swimming, bathing, spas or saunas.. You need to keep your new tattoo clean and moisturized with a proper aftercare ointment for up to 6 weeks and keeping it out of the sun for at least the first 2 weeks, then always covering with sunscreen after that.
There is no quicker way to age a tattoo than getting it in the sun, or better still burning the skin on holidays. Doesn't sound like your going to have much fun on the rest of your holiday.. OR your going to ruin your new tattoo or worse - end up with a nasty tattoo infection which will most likely leave a scar for life if not worse. (Do you remember an article about woman from North Ayrshire who was facing leg amputation after getting a foot tattoo in Turkey? - if not you can still Google it and see photos). For most of "holiday tattoo shops" you are nothing more then "skin", "quick money" (and yes very often you pay 3 times more then you would pay back home for much better quality). Not only are these shops willing to tattoo you under a range of conditions but most of the artists themselves are poorly or self trained so not only are you going to get an ugly tattoo but the application of the tattoo may be totally wrong and you might even up having a nice scar.
In most cases holiday tattoos face cover ups and/or laser treatments (which is way more expensive).
Rules and regulations in holiday destinations may be different than at home (or may be no regulations at all). So even basic hygiene standards may not be followed which can put you at a massive risk of not only cross contamination from a previous customer, but also HIV / AIDS, Hepatitis A, B & C and STD's (like syphilis)
Now...it is totally possible to get an awesome tattoo while on holiday, but you need to plan it (keeping in mind all swimming, sandy beach and sun restrictions). First - find a good, reputable studio. Do your homework. Get in touch with tattoo artist in advance (as most likely they are booked weeks an months ahead). Choose right day. Be ready to pay deposit. Once all is arranged you and your future artist will have time to prepare something special what will be a sweet reminder of good holiday (well, even if everything will fail during your holiday - bad weather, awful food, crappy hotel) you still will have something cool to bring back home :D
Cheers
Jo