Archive-name: bodyart/netiquette Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- Welcome to rec.arts.bodyart! We're glad you're here! Please take a moment to read this file, as it will help you (and other r.a.b. readers) understand the standard etiquette (netiquette) for this newsgroup. This file is posted twice a month in rec.arts.bodyart, and once a month in news.answers and rec.answers, usually in the latter part of the month. Information provided in this file: 1. What is rec.arts.bodyart? 2. What types of readers do we have on rec.arts.bodyart? 3. How popular is rec.arts.bodyart? 4. Is there a mailing list, archive site or listserv for this group? 5. Where can I get the FAQs? 6. Netiquette on rec.arts.bodyart 7. How to title your message 8. Acronyms and vocabulary 9. Trimming postings to save on bandwidth 10. Related newsgroups 11. Delurking (or "coming out of the cpu") 12. Posting binary files on r.a.b. 13. Posting anonymously on r.a.b. 14. Minors accessing r.a.b. 14a. A word of caution to minors 14b. Advice for concerned parents 14c. Suggestions for working with disapproving parents 15. Getting advice from r.a.b. 16. Selling things on r.a.b. 17. A brief history of r.a.b. 1. WHAT IS REC.ARTS.BODYART?------------------ Rec.arts.bodyart (r.a.b.) is an unmoderated Usenet newsgroup for discussing "bodyart." Bodyart here refers to tattoos, body pierces, brandings (on humans; not on animals) and cuttings, although other modifications that involve some *permanent* form of body alteration for decorative purposes also qualify. While temporary tattoos and standard jewelry may be discussed here, they would be discussed in the context of permanent bodyart. Most importantly, r.a.b. offers a community and sense of belonging for those interested in bodyart. There are many regulars on r.a.b. who, through their personalities, serve as jester, shaman, den mother, baby, etc. etc. Most of all, those on r.a.b. are living, breathing, ALIVE people who love to celebrate their bodies through decoration. Welcome! What makes r.a.b. unique, IMHO, is that it allows lay people to learn and discuss the topic of bodyart. While there are some readers who are professionals or shop apprentices, this is one of the very few open forums in the world where bodyart enthusiasts can speak openly about the subject. There are *NO* commercial interests or ulterior motives in r.a.b. If you would like to discuss bodypainting, please post to alt.sex.fetish.fashion. The exception to this is the discussion about henna, which stays on your skin for a long time. It is STRONGLY recommended to read the various FAQs prior to posting a query. Your question may already be in the FAQ--in which case you look like a novice just asking it again.Both the tattoo and piercing FAQs carry a list of (recommended) shops in different geographical areas. Check to see if your area is represented. 2. WHAT TYPES OF READERS DO WE HAVE ON REC.ARTS.BODYART?----- The majority of r.a.b.ers are related to university institutions, or to computer jobs or companies. This means that most of its readers do not fall under the standard old-fashioned stereotypes. There are very few "bikers" or "convicts," for example. Many of the readers are either in college or have already obtained their degrees. Many are white-collar professionals, including librarians (such as myself). While the r.a.b. reader may not represent the general bodyart population, it just shows that the old biases against tattooed or pierced people no longer really hold true. The next time you have your computer upgraded or check out a book, see if you can see a tattoo or nipple pierce under the person's starched white shirt. There are, however, some groups associated with certain types of bodyart. Some pierces (nose, cartilage) may be common among the younger "grunge" set. Navel pierces are the height of hip for the trendies. Cuttings have been popular among lesbians, while body piercing has been popular with the gay/les/bi population. For this reason, r.a.b. is *very* GLB-friendly. It is impossible to determine the average age of our readership. We do have some minors, while many are in college. However, there are quite a few readers who are in their 30s and 40s, and older. Basically, age is a non-issue on r.a.b. The fact that our traffic decreases significantly in the summers means that we probably have many students. As far as I am aware, there is currently no known professional tattoo artist (read: Works full-time and makes a living tattooing) who posts to r.a.b. regularly, although many have email access. We also have some tattoo shop apprentices. Remember that the purpose of this newsgroup is to provide a forum for the general public, and not specifically for artists. From what has filtered to me, many tattoo artists *are* aware of r.a.b.'s existence (many through the help of r.a.b.bits such as yourselves). 3. HOW POPULAR IS REC.ARTS.BODYART?---------- The following statistics are according to the news.lists newsgroup's post: USENET Readership report for Nov 93: Ranked #609 out of #2547 groups. Estimated # of people worldwide who read the group: .61,000 Actual # of readers in sampled population:..............783 How many sites receive this group at all:................69% Recent traffic (messages/month):......................1,038 Recent traffic (kilobytes per month):.................1,686.4 Crossposting percentage:..................................0% Cost ratio: $US/month/rdr:................................0.03 Share: % of newsrders who read this group:................1.5% Compared to November 1993 statistics: -In the past two months our subscription rate has grown by 100 in the sampled population, an increase of an estimated 10,000! -We saw an increase in postings of almost 8%. New feature: A comparison to other related newsgroups: +-- Estimated total number of people who read the group, worldwide. | +-- Actual number of readers in sampled population | | +-- Propagation: how many sites receive this group at all | | | +-- Recent traffic (messages per month) | | | | +-- Recent traffic (kilobytes per month) | | | | | +-- Crossposting percentage | | | | | | +-- Cost ratio: $US/month/rdr | | | | | | | +-- Share: % of newsrders | | | | | | | | who read this group. V V V V V V V V 12 230000 2815 64% 2568 6210.3 3% 0.03 5.5% alt.sex.bondage 609 61000 738 69% 1038 1686.4 0% 0.03 1.5% rec.arts.bodyart 1138 42000 512 26% 217 750.2 9% 0.01 1.0% alt.sex.fetish.fashion 4. IS THERE A MAILING LIST, ARCHIVE SITE OR LISTSERV FOR THIS GROUP? Aside from the FAQs that are archived (see below), there currently is no other way to access r.a.b. online. There is no bodyart listserv. Most news sites expire their articles after a week or two, although some are even shorter than that. If your site doesn't allow you access to the rec.* usenets, or you do not have a full Internet gateway, you will not be able to participate in the discussions. If this is the case, we suggest you look into private online companies that provide full 'net access. Currently, Delphi (plus some smaller regional services) and America Online are the only major national services that offer a full Internet gateway. If you have an account with GEnie, CompuServ or Prodigy, you can email Internet account holders--but you still won't be able to participate in r.a.b. 5. WHERE CAN I GET THE FAQS?------- This "What is r.a.b." netiquette file is posted semi-monthly (twice a month) on rec.arts.bodyart, rec.answers and news.answers. The tattoo FAQs and alternative bodyart FAQ are posted monthly in r.a.b., news.answers and rec.answers. If your system doesn't retain posts in r.a.b., check in news.answers or rec.answers. You can retrieve a copy of all 11 FAQs via anonymous ftp from "rtfm.mit.edu" in their "pub/usenet/news.answers/bodyart" directory. The monthly postings now have an expiration date on them that last a month; we hope your sysops will honor these dates and keep them in your system for the entire length, until it is replaced by the next month's posting. The 11 FAQs of the rec.arts.bodyart that are retrievable, and the information provided in each: o What is rec.arts.bodyart? o 1/9--Introduction o 2/9--Getting a tattoo o 3/9--Sanitation o 4/9--Conventions o 5/9--Artist list o 6/9--Care of new tattoos o 7/9--General care/removal o 8/9--Misc. info o 9/9--Bibliography o Alternative bodyart 6. NETIQUETTE ON REC.ARTS.BODYART------------- If you are new to usenet newsgroups in general, read news.newusers.announce for proper net behavior, or "netiquette" before you consider posting at all. Rec.arts.bodyart is generally "flame-free" and most "flames" tend to be aimed to specific people (usually r.a.b. regulars) and are more humorous in nature. Hate-ridden or ignorant "everyone with tattoos or body pierces will burn in hell" types of posts should be ignored. NEVER FORGET THE POWER OF SARCASM AND IRONY. These don't translate well in this bland world of ascii text--*many* things are said tongue-in- cheek. Be prepared to get some nasty email if you: -Post an empty message because you don't know what you're doing. -Post the same message more than once because you don't know what you're doing. -Post a message in all caps (because caps are usually reserved for use with acronyms and for emphasis, when you post with the CAPS LOCK key on, it looks like you're screaming). -Post a "classified ad" to pick up other people. -Post a question that is already answered in the FAQ (frequently asked questions) files. -Post private email to somebody over the entire newsgroup. -Flame someone else on r.a.b. without knowing who the other person is (e.g., there may be an inside joke you're not familiar with yet). -Post something nasty about somebody else who posted on r.a.b. (when private email would do just fine) Be prepared to be heavily flamed if you: -Post a commercial message from an .edu address (this violates some cardinal Internet rules so this isn't just with r.a.b.). -Post a commercial message that has very little relevance to r.a.b. -Post messages that contain various "isms" (i.e. sexism, racism, homophobism, religinism, and otherisms.) because of ignorance, stupidity, or malice. Roasted flamebait tastes the same regardless of purpose. There is a lot more useful information available on the usenet network which is not contained in this FAQ that are available in the news.announce.newusers newsgroup. If you have not already done so, you are strongly encouraged to read these postings before posting any messages. In particular, the following postings in news.announce.newusers are especially useful for new users: A Primer on How to Work With the Usenet Community Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Emily Postnews Answers Your Questions on Netiquette Hints on writing style for Usenet Rules for posting to Usenet What is Usenet? If you cannot find these topics in the newsgroup, you can get copies of them via email by sending a message to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu containing any or all of: send usenet/news.answers/usenet-primer/part1 send usenet/news.answers/usenet-faq/part1 send usenet/news.answers/emily-postnews/part1 send usenet/news.answers/usenet-writing-style/part1 send usenet/news.answers/posting-rules/part1 send usenet/news.answers/what-is-usenet/part1 Other good sources of information on the USENET network are the newsgroups news.newusers.questions (be sure to read its weekly FAQ before posting a question yourself), and news.newusers.announce. Also, news.answers contains most of the FAQ's posted to each newsgroup, including the rec.arts.bodyart FAQs. 7. HOW TO TITLE YOUR MESSAGE---------------- If you want to post a query (instead of replying to one), try to be as descriptive as possible in your subject heading. A subject like "Tattoos" or "Body pierce" don't help readers, since r.a.b. *is* mostly about tattoos and body pierces. A better heading might be something like "Need a piercer in Atlanta, Georgia" or "Infection with eyebrow pierce--help!" 8. ACRONYMS AND VOCABULARY------------------- People save bandwith by using acronyms for oft-used phrases. There are some terms you may encounter on r.a.b. that you may not see in the "real" world. :) The colon and close-parenthesis characters are used to show a smile (tilt your head to the left and read sideways. Other smileys include ;) :-) 8-) BH: Butt-Head or Better Half BTW: By the way FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. Most newsgroups have FAQ files to help lessen the amount of traffic. FWIW: For What It's Worth FYI: For Your Information ga: Short for "gauge", measurement of the thickness of jewelry. IDTS: I Don't Think So IMHO: In my humble opinion IMNSHO: In My Not So Humble Opinion JTYLTK: Just thought you'd like to know JTYMLTK: Just thought you might like to know MOTOS: Members of the opposite sex, as in soc.motos MOTSS: Members of the same sex, as in soc.motss Ob: Short for "obligatory." A person who posts something remotely related to a newsgroup topic may add "Ob..." at the end of their post so they put in an obligatory word about the pertinent subject. OTF: On The Floor OTFL: On The Floor Laughing OTOH: On the one hand; or, on the other hand. PA: Prince Albert. A pierce through the urethra of a penis. For more info on PAs, please refer to the body piercing FAQ. There are many terms specifically regarding body pierces but this one seems to come up most often. ROTFL: Rolling On The Floor Laughing RTFFAQ: Read the *friendly* FAQ. SO: Significant Other SSS: Stainless surgical steel. One of the more inert metals used for body pierce jewelry. TAFN: That's All For Now TTFN: Ta-Ta For Now TTYL: Talk To You Later YMMV: Your mileage may vary. Celtic: A style of tattooing that incorporates the delicate knotwork designs of the Celts (pronounced with a hard "K" and not a soft "S" as in the basketball team). Flash: Tattoo designs that you find stapled to the walls of tattoo studios. The opposite of this would be a custom design you bring in on your own. Gun: Either a tattoo gun (modern tattooing machine) or piercing gun. In r.a.b., tatoo guns are good, piercing guns are B-A-D and are used only for earlobes. Lurk: Lurking. Reader of r.a.b. who doesn't post. The act of "delurking" involves a reader who posts for the first time, or once in a great while. Niobium: A type of metal that is "electrified" to produce any number/combination of rainbow hues. Also an inert metal used for body pierce jewelry. Septum: The tissue between your nostrils. Site of a pierce. Squick: Verb: To gross out, feel revulsion. Example: "She got real squicked ooking at the circus freaks (i.e., "human pin cushion"). Tat: Short for "tattoo" Tragus: The knob in the front of your ear. Site of pierces. Tribal: A style of tattooing that is sometimes confused with Celtic. Sometimes called "blackwork," involves geometric primitive designs. 9. TRIMMING POSTINGS TO SAVE ON BANDWIDTH------ Some people pay for their online time. If you are posting a response to another person's posting, try to trim down their quote. This gets worse as people quote upon other people's quotes, and so on and so forth, until the quotes alone fill up a few screens. The reader can go back and read the original posting if s/he wants to. Posting a response to someone else's long posting, with just a short "I agree entirely!" is a waste of bandwidth. Refrain from posting something like this unless you have something more to contribute to the discussion. But if you MUST, then at least delete the bulk of the quote. Try to indicate that you are omitting parts of the post by using the mark of ellipses, etc. (i.e. [...], [extraneous stuff deleted], [snip snip]). Please delete other people's signatures. And keep yours to around four lines or less; this is standard netiquette. 10. RELATED NEWSGROUPS------------------------- alt.sex.bondage: The 12th highest rate of readers of ALL groups. alt.sex.fetish.fashion: Discusses topics including latex, rubber, high heels and corsets. Also a discussion site for temporary body painting. soc.bi, alt.sex.motss, and other gender orientation groups. As a result of these related newsgroups, we get some occasional cross-postings. If you are posting a response to such a cross- posted message, please make sure to delete cross-posted newsgroups should the discussion move to a more specific topic belonging in one group. When posting about an inquiry specific to a geographical area, please be aware of your distribution setting. The default for many sites is "world." If you want to know about a good artist in Arkansas, for example, at least limit your post to "usa." 11. DELURKING (OR "COMING OUT OF THE CPU")----- As the statistics indicate, there are apparently tens of thousands of readers of r.a.b. (and at least several hundred that were actually identified as subscribers). With only an average of 30 posts per day (many by the same people), the number of "lurkers" who read but don't post, is very high. If you are "delurking," you can either announce that you are (in which you might get some sort of unofficial welcome from a regular), or simply post a message. You don't have to be pierced, inked or otherwise poked to participate in r.a.b. If you wish to congratulate a delurker, *please* delete the majority of their file and trim down their quote. 12. POSTING BINARY FILES ON R.A.B.------------- *Do not post binary files in r.a.b.* This newsgroup is not set up for these large and unwieldy files, and could force a shut-down by the net authorities for abusing the system. If you would like to share graphics, please post the announcement on r.a.b. and either email directly, or have them available at an archive site. There is currently no archive site set specifically for r.a.b. Another rather bothersome concern with the distribution of bodyart gifs is that many of them contain explicit bodyparts. While the *purpose* of these gifs are not prurient or sexual, people DO worry about access by "perverts" or of posting gifs of nude minors (a BIG FAT no-no--can we say "child pornography"?) 13. POSTING ANONYMOUSLY ON R.A.B.-------------- Some people post anonymously to r.a.b. We would like to discourage the use of anonymous IDs, as we do not consider bodyart to be shameful or embarrassing. However, if you feel that the integrity of your personal or professional life would be in jeopardy should your participation in r.a.b. become known, then by all means remain anonymous. If you choose to post anonymously, you will be treated with respect if you are sincere. Those who abuse their anon IDs by posting undesired messages are not welcome on r.a.b. 14. MINORS ACCESSING R.A.B. ---------- While rec.arts.bodyart is not in the alt.sex.* hierarchy, there is a need to address this because of the subjects discussed here. First, note that in most areas (at least in the US), professional tattoo artists and body piercers will not allow serve minors. However, because there is no national law regarding this, each area has its own regulations. I've tried to add information about this, but it is still your responsibility to check the laws of your area. In addition, because of the subjects covered in r.a.b., we often discuss specific body parts *explicitly* (the majority of body pierces are done on the nipples or on the genitalia [of males and females]). The fact that we cannot control who reads r.a.b. makes it impossible to monitor which of our readers are minors who aren't yet of legal age in their community. In fact, we can't even tell who the minors are unless they announce this to the newsgroup. Since teenagers will often do what they want to do, regardless of what they are told, the general concensus on r.a.b. is that it is far better to help minors make an *informed* decision about what to do about their bodies (preferably after they turn 18), rather than deny information to them. 14A. A WORD OF CAUTION TO MINORS ------------- Unmoderated Internet usenets are completely open. We cannot control who participates. Just as you can participate in r.a.b., so can opportunistic adults who prey on minors. Although the numbers are very small, adult pedophiles and child molestors may be lurking in newsgroups waiting to develop budding friendships with you. Use some common sense in protecting yourself. -Do not give away your home phone number or home address. -Do not give people personal information that will help them track you down. -If the person wants to have a get-together with you, meet in a public place and do not go alone (The actual advice is "Go with your parent," but that's unrealistic for many). 14B. ADVICE FOR CONCERNED PARENTS -------------- If you are a parent, please not be alarmed that your child reads r.a.b.; it is a good arena in which your child can obtain some factual information about a subject not readily available. If you do not want your child to have access to r.a.b., please discuss this with your child's account system administrator. We cannot take responsibility for your child's actions. Please read 14a above about some of the dangers of going online. 14C. SUGGESTIONS FOR WORKING WITH DISAPPROVING PARENTS ---- If you are a minor interested in getting bodyart, and are living at home with your parents (or guardians), the general advice you will get from regulars on r.a.b. is as follows: --If your parents are open to the idea, have them take you to a good professional person to do the work. --If your parents are uncooperative due to lack of information, provide them with some articles currently available in the mainstream media. Remember--if your parents weren't hippies in the '60s or they are somewhat sheltered from today's youth and alternative culture, the idea of contemporary tattoos or body pierces is a very frightening thought. Just remember that until about 15 years ago, the concept of men piercing their ears or women getting two sets of pierces in their earlobes was considered radical. --If your parents are against your getting bodyart because they think you are going to suffer permanently from a passing fad, come up with a compromise with them. Make sure you pay for it with your own hard-earned money (not allowance), and wait a while (six months). While this may seem like an eternity, it may also be long enough to convince your parents that this is a serious desire on your part. --If your parents are dead-set against it, and counter you with threats (kicking you out of the house, losing financial support for school/college, being disowned, etc.), then the best thing to do is to wait until you are at least 18 and out of the house. Your parents either think you're too young, or consider bodyart so horrible, that doing it anyway (behind their back) will only cause more (and serious) problems in your family relationship. From those with personal experience on r.a.b., the advice is-- "it's not worth the grief--just wait a couple more years." 15. GETTING ADVICE FROM R.A.B.------------- While r.a.b. offers a forum for discussion, many of the posts are originated by people who have specific questions. Most on r.a.b. are not professional tattooists or piercers; their advice usually comes from personal experience or shared information. If you have a serious medical concern, you may want to see a medical professional. The advantage to posting on r.a.b. regarding a medical inquiry is that there are many here who have already gone through the same problem, and may be able to suggest a bodyart- friendly doctor in your area. Don't forget that professional, experienced tattooists and piercers are also good sources for queries regarding infections. If you need to do a school paper on bodyart, your most important step is to go to the various libraries in your community. I have done numerous bibliographic searches on tattoos and body pierces, and have retrieved so many citations from recent media articles that I can't even list them in the resources FAQ anymore (they number in the thousands). Basic questions about the history of tattooing, etc. should be done on your own at the library. Start with the major encyclopedias. 16. ADVERTISING ON R.A.B.----------- This is a rather touchy subject. Some things to note: A. If you have an .edu address, forget it. Don't try to run a business on r.a.b. You get your access privileges from an educational institution and you aren't supposed to be making money from your .edu account. Exceptions include if you want to get rid of something bodyart-related like your old magazines, or you want to announce a special art gallery exhibit on bodyart, etc. B. People don't mind if you post promos from a .com address, but it must be specific to bodyart. With over 6,000 newsgroups, there *will* be a more appropriate one to post to if yours is not bodyart specific. Do *NOT* advertise frequently. Buyer beware--We are not responsible for the legitimacy of any ad posted on r.a.b. 17. A BRIEF HISTORY OF R.A.B. [To conserving space, I have hacked Chris' original post, entitled "Reflections,"--and by doing so, have taken out much of the emotional impact it had on me initially.] "Reflections," from Chris Wayne (cwayne@unm.edu): RAB is now over three years old--I never thought it would last this long. In 1990, I got on a primitives mail-list, which a gay friend pointed me toward. I wondered why most on the list seemed to be gay (I am straight and a Christian). I wasn't really sure what "Modern Primitives" was. While I noticed the ritualistic aspects, my interests lay more in the actual art of tattooing (not yet piercing). I do have an open mind and being a tattoo enthusiast, I guess my friend thought I'd fit in. I was curious why the GLBs should have all the fun. Why was there no primitives newsgroup? Karl [MacRae] said there wasn't one because it would probably open people up to unwanted attacks and stupidity--but I thought I'd give it a try. Karl gave me his blessings. In November I called an RFD [Request For Discussion] (now a CFD [Call For Discussion]) on creating a new group. What came of the few responses was a name (rec.arts.bodyart). I wanted it to be apart from the primitives mail list, which included all the different permutations--with focus on the actual art and not necessarily the ritual, and general enough to have a wide appeal still fit into the philosophy of Modern Primitivism. I was looking for acceptance and education, to teach people that it's OK to accept those that are different, and that tattooing is not disgusting. The CFV produced a close vote, but in March 1991, RAB was created. At first, those on the prims list were cautious for fear of getting dumped on--but there hasn't been any of this bashing on r.a.b. Here's an open forum that doesn't care what your color or orientation is, or even if you're not tattooed and can share in a common passion on neutral ground and have no fear of being bashed. I wanted someplace to hear about all aspects of tattooing without having to worry about someone harassing the people. I think that this group is a beacon to the rest of the Internet, showing that there's nothing sinister or evil in tattooing and that criminals, queers and bikers aren't the only ones that get tattoos. Being tattooed does not make the person; getting tattooed reflects who the person is--good or bad. Karl, Jeff, Lance, Ray & Barb and many others no longer here, migrated over from the prims list and became the local experts. They were willing and capable of answering any question. Mostly, only those that had tattoos would post questions, but eventually as word of this group spread, those that were just curious were reading and posting questions. Interest grew. "Where can I get tattooed?" "Where can I get pierced?" "What should I look for?" "How much will it cost?" And of course "Does it hurt?" The Internet was being introduced to Modern Primitives and being educated that tattooing is not a fad or trend, but a commitment (a conscious decision) for life, the courage to be different--to stand out. Then came Lani and Ardvark and their FAQs, which are posted (or soon to be) on other important, mainstream groups. These FAQs even help some people along the three steps of acceptance in getting a tattoo :-) 1) I never want one! 2) It looks good on someone else, but I still don't want one. 3) I want one! There isn't a session that goes by that I don't see someone asking about getting their first tattoo or where the nearest shop is, what questions to ask and what to look for. There are also RAB socials, get togethers at conventions, and even a wedding invitation! There are discussions on why we get tattooed and how a tattooed person is perceived by the public. People are now getting tattooed because they're getting more familiar with this art form, and the fear of an unknown is removed. Their inhibitions and preconceptions are being changed. People are understanding what it means to be tattooed. I guess there are still those that think that getting a tattoo is a fad or kewl (cool), but that's their problem. If everybody is getting tattooed--that's not the reason to get tattooed. Everybody eats and makes love, but that's not the reason we do it. I don't think anybody would call sex a fad--I believe that getting tattooed fills a basic need. If you're a lurker out there that still aren't sure about taking the 'plunge,' just do it. If you've repressed the urge for years, just let go. Plan for it first, but do it. It is an experience not soon forgotten. Probably the best thing to do is to get one that can easily be covered up, so that you can get use to the idea of having a tattoo and you can show it off whenever you want. Then you can decide how to go from there. Many people will suggest going 'large & bold', but remember, you're the one that makes the final say. It's a decision that you will be living with for the rest of your life, hopefully, it won't be the only such decision you make for the rest of your life. Unlike most groups that are for just discussion, RAB is also a support group with a sense of community. Truly, one can find Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations in this group. Welcome to the wonderful world of rec.arts.bodyart. "Poke around and think ink!" --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends the "What is rec.arts.bodyart?" file. -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:10 Message # 13098 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 1/9--Introduction ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part1 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- This is Part 1 of the rec.arts.bodyart non-piercing FAQ file that is posted on a monthly basis (in the latter half of the month) and includes information about everything but piercing that might concern bodyart. If you would like to know what rec.arts.bodyart is as a newsgroup, read the separate posting entitled: "What is rec.arts.bodyart?", posted twice a month. The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography There is also a short, separate FAQ on alternative bodyart, which includes brandings and cuttings. PURPOSE OF THIS FAQ: This FAQ serves to disseminate information on the most frequently asked questions about the basics of tattoos and tattooing. If you are interested in learning more about the rec.arts.bodyart newsgroup itself, read the "What is rec.arts.bodyart" file that I post twice a month. While bodyart has been around for thousands of years, it is currently experiencing an almost unprecedented popularity in the US and in Europe. However, the general population of developed countries still regard it with some disdain, especially against those who have *ALOT* of any type bodyart. The purpose of this FAQ is *not* to raise these issues or to change such views, but to educate those who are interested in learning more about tattoos. Regardless of motive, tattooing is a very personal choice. Information in this FAQ should help you make a wiser decision about getting inked, since the reversing process is not easy. I have tried to include the contributor's name and email address where possible, both for accountability reasons and for obtaining further information. Contributions, while welcome, may not always be added depending on whether they fit into the purpose of this FAQ. Copyright and dissemination: You may freely copy and disseminate the entire set of FAQs through the following electronic means: diskettes and email, as well as sites that automatically mirror the ftp'able rtfm.mit.edu news.answers FAQ archive. You may also copy and disseminate the various parts of the FAQ electronically under the same conditions. If you must break up the sections, break them up in the format already separated for you. Do not create your own sections. Do not add your own information in the FAQ. However, any partial distribution must include this section on copyright and dissemination. However, you *MUST* obtain prior permission from me before you make the FAQs available commercially, even if it is for the minimal fee of covering your medium. but *must* include this introductory section. You need not obtain special permission to quote parts of this FAQ for academic research purposes (although you must cite this FAQ). If you are not sure how to cite electronic information, a must- have is _Electronic Style: A Guide to Citing Electronic Information_ by Xia Li and Nancy B. Crane (Westport, 1993). It will tell you how to properly cite FAQs, posts, private email as well as FTPs, etc. *IF YOU ARE A MEDIA REPORTER OR JOURNALIST, you are explicitly requested to email me prior to using material in, or quoting from this FAQ.* I will gladly accept submissions from artists interested in discussing technique, style, or the reasons they got into the field. This FAQ was originally compiled by Paul Davies (Synthetic Man) at pdavies@alchemy.chem.utoronto.ca, with contributions from various people. The rights and responsibilities to maintain this FAQ was passed on to me in Summer 1993, and has since grown in size by at least 300%. If you would like to offer suggestions, ideas or submissions, please email me at teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu. If I decide to use the information you provide, I will mail you a special r.a.b. Tattoo FAQ Contributor's bookmark! (what else do ya expect from a librarian?) If I have *any* advice for those who decide to get inked, it is: To shop around, to ask a lot of questions, to not fret about the cost too much, to always ask to look at the artists' sample photos, and to get something that's custom, significant and meaningful. That thing's gonna be with you for a looong time. Oh- -and "Think Ink!" Table of contents: The 9 parts of the Tattoo FAQ files of rec.arts.bodyart, and the information provided in each: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 1. Does it hurt? 2. Should I get one at all? 2.1. *WHY* do I want one? 2.2. Religious (Christian) arguments 2.3. A temporary alternative? 3. Where do I find a good artist, and what should I look for in a tattoo artist? 3.1. How to look around in the shop 3.2. Asking to see their portfolio 3.3. What to look for in their portfolio 3.4. What kinds of questions to ask 3.5. What sorts of things to look for in a shop 4. How much does it cost to get a tattoo? 3/9--Sanitation 1. Can I get infectious diseases from tattoo needles? 2. What to look for in a sanitary shop environment. 3. Can I get AIDS from tattooing? 4. Can my tattoos get infected? 4.1. How to look for sterilization 5. Are there any medical conditions that will preclude me from getting a tattoo? 6. What is the Alliance of Professional Tattooists? 4/9--Conventions 1. Tattoo Conventions: What are they all about? 2. What types of conventions are available? 3. Why would I want to attend? 4. What's the format? 5. What's the atmosphere? 6. What kind of tattoo contests are there? 7. Can I actually get a tattoo at a convention? 8. What else can I find at these conventions? 9. When and where are upcoming conventions? 5/9--Artist list 1. Who is a good/bad tattoo artist near me? 1.1 US West Coast: Washington, California 1.2 US Southwest: Arizona 1.3 US Midwest: Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois 1.4 US Southeast: Louisiana, Florida 1.5 US East Coast: Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island 1.6 Pacific: Hawaii (US) 1.7 Canada: British Columbia, London 1.8 EUROPE/UK: London 1.9 EUROPE/POLAND 2. Where on my body should I get a tattoo? 6/9--Care of new tattoos 1. Is using a sauna or steamroom bad for tattoos? 2. Is sunlight bad for tattoos? 3. How do I care for my new tattoo? 3.1 Suggested Method #1: The Minimal Moisturizer Method 3.2 Suggested Method #2: The Pat-with-Listerine Method 3.3 Suggested Method #3: The Wait-24-Hours-to-Take-Off- Dressing Method 3.4 Suggested Method #4: The Coconut-Oil-Itch-Relief Method 3.5 Suggested Method #5: The Huck Spalding Method 3.6 Suggested Method #6: The Noxzema Method (NEW) 7/9--General care/removal 1. How does weight gain/loss affect a tattoo? 2. How does lifting weights affect a tattoo? 3. Can a tattoo be removed? 3.1. Get it reworked--cover-up 3.2. Get it reworked--touch-up 3.3. Get it removed--Tissue Expansion 3.4. Get it removed--Sal Abration 3.5. Get it removed--Staged Excision 3.6. Get it removed--medical lasers 8/9--Misc. info 1. Are there glow-in-the-dark tattoos? 2. Where can I get a Japanese "irezumi" tattoo? 3. When did tattooing start? 4. How does a modern tattoo gun work? 5. How long do I have to wait before I can donate blood? 6. Tattoos and allergies 7. How do I become a tattoo artist? 9/9--Bibliography 1. Are there references about tattoos I could look up? 2. Tattoos in movies and videos 3. Newspaper articles about tattoos/bodyart 4. Magazine and journal articles about tattoos/bodyart 5. Books about tattoos/bodyart (reviews where available) 6. Tattoo organizations 7. Resource material for custom tattoo design ideas 8. Current tattoo magazines in print The one-part Alternative Bodyart FAQ has the following: 1. What is branding and how is it done? 2. What is scarring? 3. What are cuttings? WHAT TO EXPECT IN UPCOMING REVISIONS: --List of artists (ongoing) --What kind of different "styles" are there? --What kind of colors are available? What are the inks made of? What is it about red ink that causes allergic reactions in some? --Where can I get good ideas for designs? Part of a bibliography. --How is "traditional" tattooing done--without the tattoo gun? --What is the history behind Japanese tattoos? How is it done? --What Polynesian islands were into tattooing? --What tat magazines can I look at for examples of artists' works? --Where can I access GIF files of tats? --Are there any tattoo museums I could visit? --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 1/9--Introduction." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 2/9--Getting a tattoo." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:11 Message # 13099 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 2/9--Getting a tattoo ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part2 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 2/9: Getting a tattoo 1. Does it hurt? 2. Should I get one at all? 2.1. *WHY* do I want one? 3. Where do I find a good artist, and what should I look for in a tattoo artist? 3.1. How to look around in the shop 3.2. Asking to see their portfolio 3.3. What to look for in their portfolio 3.4. What kinds of questions to ask 3.5. What sorts of things to look for in a shop 4. How much does it cost to get a tattoo? 5. How should I act once I get in that chair? GETTING A TATTOO 1. DOES IT HURT? ---------- This is the first question in this FAQ because it's usually the first question that people ask. The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin *does* hurt. But what you *really* want to know is, "How MUCH does it hurt, and can I handle it?" It's not nearly as bad as what you might imagine. The pain comes from the cluster of needles on the tattoo gun piercing your skin very rapidly. This sensation, however, doesn't feel like the poking pain of an injection--it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins, (pain killers), which dullens the pain significantly. The pain will also vary according to where on your body you get worked on. Skin right above bones (collarbone, anklebone, etc.) tend to be more painful than other areas. Finally, you are volunteering for the experience. The amount of pain will depend on your psychological attitude. NOTE: Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain relief purposes prior to your tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding. In addition, artists do not appreciate dealing with drunks. 2. SHOULD I GET A TATTOO IN THE FIRST PLACE? ---------- Your reading this may mean you're already interested in getting a tattoo, or may know someone who is. In a survey of 163 tattooed men and women, a third of them had regretted their tattoos! While most of this FAQ discusses the process once you've decided to get one, let's pause for a moment. 2.1. *WHY* DO I WANT ONE? ---------- People get tattoos for different reasons. Is it to please your partner? Is it because you want to belong to a group that has tattoos? Do you identify with a certain subculture known for tattoos? Do you want to show your independence, individuality or uniqueness? These are all valid reasons, and are the reasons many people get tattooed. However, because of the permanency of your tattoo, try to look at yourself in five, 10, or even 20 years. What will you be doing at that time? You might be a free-spirited college student now, and a web of vines on your wrist would look really lovely. However, are you planning to work in a very conservative field after you graduate? Will others look at your tattoo in a bad way? Will you have to hide it with long sleeve shirts? Are you *willing* to wear long sleeve shirts if the environment is negative? Do you want a tattoo of a tiger because your partner's nickname is "Tiger," and you love the way s/he scratches your skin? Do you think you'll be with this person in five years? If not, how will you look at that tattoo? With fond memories, symbolizing a special period in your life? Or a shameful or painful reminder of somebody who hurt you and didn't care for you? You're a headbanger (or a nose-smasher, ear-bopper or whatever) and you *REALLY* want a tattoo all over your arms just like Axl Rose, but you can't afford a professional artist so you get your friend with the mail-order tattoo gun to do those designs for you? Or perhaps you get spider webs tattooed all over your hands (or your face, which has happened) because you want to be "different" in school. What if you decide to "straighten out" and get a real job; train as a chef or something, and then no restaurant hires you? *GETTING IT REMOVED* is *NOT* easy, and is *NOT* cheap. Expect to pay $1,000 to remove even a fairly small sized tattoo if you're looking at laser surgery. Expect to have a noticeable ugly scar if you go with a non-laser technique. Expect to pay for every penny out of your own pocket because health insurance companies will not pay for tattoo removal. There may not be a laser surgery specialist in your area. Then think of all those laser-surgery doctors who are going to get rich off of a person's foolishness or lack of careful thinking. ...Maybe tattooing isn't for you. ...Maybe you shouldn't get that $10 tattoo your friend's been telling you he'll give you, in his garage. ...Maybe you shouldn't let your buddies tattoo your hand with India Ink and a needle at this weekend's party. ...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your back instead of on your neck. ...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your left wrist so it can be covered by your watch if you have to... ...And maybe after reading this FAQ and reading r.a.b., you'll think carefully about it, and make some informed, wise decisions about what to do with your body. *Tattooing can be beautiful.* *Tattooing can be exhilarating.* *Tattooing can open a whole new world for you.* ...but make sure to do it *right*. 2.2. RELIGIOUS (CHRISTIAN) ARGUMENTS Written by: Chris Wayne (cwayne@unm.edu), originator of r.a.b. and a self-professed Christian. A word to the religious: In Leviticus 19:28, it says not to tattoo "I am the Lord" on you (i.e. don't take the name of the Lord in vain). It does NOT say you can't mark yourself at all, and it does NOT say there's anything wrong about piercing. What it DOES say is that it prohibits mutilating yourself for the dead, which was a senseless practice at that time. But for Christians, they are no longer bound by the Law. Remember that it's not what you do; it's what's in your heart when you do it. The Talmud even mentions that it's not the tattooing that is wrong, but what the tattoo is of (i.e. if the tattoo is an image of a 'false god' as opposed to just a 'design'). There are probably many 'prim & proper' Christians out there that have had the urge to be tattooed, but have repressed it because they believed it was a sin. Well, if you really believe that it is a sin, then it is. But is getting tattooed really a sin? If it draws you away from Christ or causes someone else to stumble, then yes. But tattooing isn't any more special than anything else we distract ourselves with. Take things in moderation at your speed. We are to deny ourselves of things if they cause us to lose sight of Jesus (for some, it could be driving a car, getting married, having children, going to work, smoking, abusing drugs & alcohol, disrespect, etc.). If you have good discernment, you know what distracts you from Christ and what doesn't. Tattooing isn't inherently evil; it got it's 'evil' status because GOD-less heathens from places like the South Pacific were tattooed. Do what pleases GOD; and one thing that pleases GOD is to be confident in oneself (not overly prideful, but confidence tempered with discernment, almost bordering on arrogance). Tattooing can bring out that confidence, because to be tattooed requires commitment. And that's a conquering power over fear and old ruts. GOD wants mature dynamic individuals that fear him to fellowship with, not people cowering in fear from some rigid set of laws. Note: fear of GOD is totally different from cowering in fear. Some Christians will claim that drinking any amount of alcohol is sinful, but the medical community is saying that 2-3 drinks a day is good for the heart. Drink responsibly. So, for those that have repressed getting a tattoo because of family or religious upbringing, just do it. If it's not for you, fine--but don't ruin it for the others. Tattooing in no way marks who's saved and who's not. If you've seen the trilogy "A Distant Thunder," the Mark of the Beast was tattooed on your right hand or forehead. The tattoo was 666 in binary '6's (i.e. 1 0 11 0 11 0 1 Sort of like a UPC code), but this doesn't mean that every tattoo is a Mark of the Beast. People have stated that the credit card and the computer were tools of the Devil. So what? Everybody depends on both today, even if the Anti-Christ is to use the computer to control the population, it doesn't mean that if you use a computer, you're a follower of the Devil. I believe that religion, when improperly used, is a dangerous thing. Christianity has wasted a lot of valuable time trying to influence people in believing that unimportant things are evil instead of spreading the word of GOD. Christianity (or those prideful, arrogant, self righteous leaders) has looked down on tattooing far too long. 2.3. A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE? For those who might not be ready for the plunge, but are seriously considering what it would look/feel like to have a tattoo, Julian (an54349@anon.penet.fi) recommends a particular type of temporary tattoo that uses very light Japanese rice paper. He says these are of very high quality, and last about two weeks WITH CARE. I have had the phone number confirmed recently so they are still in business. Note: This will the only time I'll discuss *temporary* tattoos. :) Don Ling's Removable Tattoos & Fantoos P O Box 309 Butterfield, MN 56120 or 102 2nd ST. South Butterfield, MN 56120 (507) 956-2024 3. WHERE CAN I FIND A GOOD ARTIST, AND WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A TATTOO ARTIST? ---------- The bane of the tattoo world is the shadowy, unprofessional person called the "scratcher." A scratcher is somebody who: --Does not have the proper training in either tattoo art or of running a professional operation; --Does not know and/or care to use responsible sterilization methods; --Promises to provide tattooing services for an incredibly low fee, for free, or in exchange for drugs (ack!); --Chooses not to apprentice through a legitimate tattoo shop because of one excuse or another (but lacks the knowledge one needs to work in or run a professional shop); --Will hurt you because they don't know what they're doing; --Will give you a permanent tattoo you will regret for the rest of your life; --You should stay away with a ten-foot pole. Never, never, never get work from a scratcher unless you are willing to accept all the hazards listed above. Of those in a study by Clinton Sanders who regretted their tattoos, more than two-thirds of them regretted their tattoo because of poor quality! Looking for an artist can be as easy as checking the Yellow Pages, or as complex as checking references, magazine photos, and reading r.a.b. There are a number of ways to find good artists, including (but certainly not limited to): --Perusing tattoo magazines. While not all tattoo magazines are of the National Geographic quality, the photos will speak for themselves. Some issues highlight specific artists' works; a good way see the type of work someone does. Use the photos in the magazines to compare with those of the artist you are interested in. These magazines have done a lot to show what is *possible*. Some things to look for in magazines: -Style (realistic, black & grey work, tribal, etc.) -Placement on your body -Ideas for images -Size in proportion to your body -Artists whose work you like. --Reading r.a.b. and this FAQ. It'll give you a base in which to start. If you live in an area where an artist is not listed in the FAQ, you might want to post a query. If you saw an artist whose work you liked in a magazine, see if they're listed in the FAQ. If not, post a query. Remember--the artist list FAQ is limited because we only take first-hand recommendations from people who read r.a.b. There are many artists who are excellent, who have not worked on r.a.b. participants. --Attending a tattoo convention. Read the FAQ section on tattoo conventions for more information. You can approach this one of two ways. You can either go to a shop because someone recommended the artist to you, or you can go in cold. For obvious reasons, you will have a little more information with you if you already know something about the artist. This may make you feel more at ease when going into a shop for the first time. Many of the top-notch artists recommended in this FAQ are very busy and work on an appointment-only basis. Visit their shop anyway--you will still learn about them even if it doesn't mean getting work done right then and there. Bodyart enthusiast Dr. Kai Kristensen (tattoodoc@aol.com), who is a pathologist and a recently retired lab director of an internationally prestigious medical center in La Jolla (California), says the most important aspects of a good result are to: A. Choose an experienced, knowledgeable performer who knows about sterilization and avoidance of infection. B. Avoid infection during the healing process. With both of those bases covered, healing of either should be non-eventful and the desired appearance should be guaranteed. 3.1. HOW TO LOOK AROUND IN THE SHOP------------- Don't let the shop intimidate you when you first walk in. You are after all, a potential customer. Consider it window shopping. The first thing you should do when you enter the shop, is to take a minute to look around. Chances are, you will encounter some flash (stock illustrations) stapled on the walls. These will most likely lean toward the traditional. Skull and crossbones, roses and the like. You might also see some signs ("No minors; we ID," "We have sanitary conditions" etc.). These signs will also be indicators of the personality of the shop owner. If the signs seem overly intimidating, patronizing or snobbish, they can be tip-offs of the shop's attitude. Note: There is no national law regarding the legal age for tattooing. Check with the shop to find out what the local statute regulates. 3.2. ASKING TO SEE THEIR PORTFOLIO-------------- Do not be impressed by the flash on the wall. These illustrations are usually purchased from other places and do not represent the work of your artist. Frankly, anyone with some experience can easily trace the outlines of these illustrations and fill in the colors. What you really need to look at is a book that contains a collection of photos of the artist's work. Go to the counter and ask to see one. If they tell you they don't have one, walk out immediately. You are visiting the shop to commission a piece of art to be permanently illustrated on your skin; for the artist to tell you s/he doesn't have samples in a portfolio is insulting. 3.3. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THEIR PORTFOLIO------------- When you do look in their portfolio, there are a few things to keep in mind. Do you see any photos of pieces that you recognize in the flash (on the wall, or in a flash book)? If so, how is it rendered in tattoo format? Before anything else, check to see that the lines are clean. Are they well-defined? Straight where they should be; not shaky or blurry? Do the colors seem true? Are they bright? Proportionately correct? Look at the people in the book. This can be an indicator of the clientele in the shop (besides looking at the ambiance of the shop). Is there a fair mix of women and men in the book? Are they all sporting "biker" tats, or any one particular genre/style? Again, keep in mind that anyone can stencil an outline of an illustration onto your skin. The skill in the artistry comes in the shading, use of colors and other subtle things that set an artist apart from a simple tattooist. Do you see anything in the portfolio that is not in the flash? These are the custom pieces that the artists have done, and they should be their crowning glory. How do they look? Do you like what you see? If there is more than one artist working in the shop, and you see some photos you like, make sure to find out which artist did the work. 3.4. WHAT KINDS OF QUESTIONS TO ASK------------- Whenever you ask to see their collection of photos, the person in the shop will hopefully immediately recognize you as someone who knows a little more about tattoos--at least enough not to be satisfied by looking at just the flash. If the shop is not too busy or if the artist is not in the middle of working, they might stand on the other side of the counter to have a conversation with you. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions of the artist. Some reasonable questions to ask in your conversation that shouldn't take too much time for the artist to answer: What is their favorite style? --If what *you* are looking to get done happens to be their specialty you are in luck; be it tribal, wildlife or whatever. Is there any one particular subject they like to do? --One artist, without hesitation, told me his favorite was skulls. I would've jumped for joy had that been what I wanted. How long has the shop been here? --This may be an indicator of the stability of their business. The tat industry in itself fluctuates, but continuity implies business acumen, responsible practices and that they are not a fly-by-night operation. How long have they been at the shop? --The shop may have been there for 20 years, but the artist may only have been there for a couple of months. If they have been there for what you consider a short period, ask them where they were before. How long have they been tattooing? --It might not matter so much that the artist has only been there for a short while, if they've been tattooing for several years. They might come from various backgrounds--anywhere from working on friends to having a fine arts degree. This type of information will give you more insight into the artist's attitude. Do they get to do much custom work? --This may depend on where the shop is located, but it also depends on how good of an artist they are, and whether they have their own style for which they are known for. Do they use apprentices at the shop? --It is often difficult for new artists to break into the business, and an apprenticeship is often a very good way to learn not only about tattooing itself, but also about the business of operating a shop. For an artist to take apprenticeships means they are interested in expanding the artform, in giving a new person a break (so to speak) and feeling confident enough about their own skills that they feel they can offer some insight and experience for the new person. This again goes back to the attitude of the artist and the shop. Don't let the looks of the artist intimidate you. Tattoo artists usually have a lot of tattoos themselves. The main thing is that you need to talk with them and get a feel for what they are like. As you talk with the artist and build a rapport, if you feel comfortable you may want to broach the subject of what you're interested in getting done. Bounce your idea off with the artist and see what they are willing to help you with. Remember however, that the artist is running a professional business. Be polite--don't linger and overspend your welcome if you don't plan on getting any work done at all. 3.5. WHAT SORTS OF THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A SHOP------------ Looking critically at the shop is as important as choosing your artist. Make sure the place is very clean, make sure the artist uses an autoclave or uses disposable needles (or both even). Don't be afraid to ask them, either. What does the shop look like? What is its ambiance? Does it look like a barber shop, a hair salon, dental office or an art gallery? If you are a nonsmoker, will cigarette smoke bother you? Look for used ashtrays as signs. Do the work areas offer you any privacy? Do they use shower curtains, private booths or shoulder- high room dividers? Try to go and visit and then come back some other day. Don't feel pressured into having to get one right then and there. Try and talk to some people that have experience with the artist (and not the groupies that you will find hanging around the shop). You should feel comfortable with the artist and you should like him/her. If you don't, then don't get a tattoo. Make sure the artist is willing to listen to you and respects what you want. Don't go to an artist that has an agenda of what he/she wants to do. The artist may make suggestions, but the final word is always yours. Finally, make sure you take their business card with you. If the artist you talk to does not have his/her own card, jot down the name on the back, and perhaps some notes to yourself about the shop and the artist. 4. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET A TATTOO? ---------- This is an age-old debate, so the following is just a very basic ballpark. You usually pay for work either by the piece, or by the hour. The smaller pieces in the artist's flash book are "standard stock" material that usually don't take the artist too long to do. For these, you might find prices listed right next to the artwork. The artist may have a "minimum" charge that might vary depending on the artist. Larger (or custom) pieces will usually be charged by the hour. If you get a "stock" piece (probably about 2" x 2" in size), you will probably not pay more than $100 and sit no longer than an hour in the chair. Your mileage may vary. If you bring your own design , the artist may charge anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars an hour, depending on the artist. However, you may want to work with someone who charges $100 or so an hour; after all, you DO get what you pay for. Also, some artists charge for illustration time prior to beginning tattoo work. If they do, this might increase your price by an extra hour. If they tell you that your piece will be charged by the hour, ask them how many hours they think it'll take. Price negotiation should be up front and straightforward, a part of your initial discussion before work begins. Some shops take credit cards; many don't. Out-of-towners may be asked to put down a deposit. Be particularly wary of people willing to work "for cheap" or "for free." They are often artists just starting out, who are still developing their skills. Caveat emptor. Warning: Once the artist quotes you a price, *DON'T DICKER WITH IT!* The best way to get on the artist's bad side is to try to bargain with the price. If you think the price is too high, renegotiate the scope of the artwork--NOT the price. If you are very pleased with their work and service, you are strongly encouraged to tip the artist, even if they own the shop. This can range from 10% to 20% of the piece, so be prepared with cash on hand. 5. HOW SHOULD I ACT WHEN I GET IN THAT CHAIR? Once you have settled on a design and a price that you and your artist agree on, the work will either begin right then, or you will be asked to come back for a later appointment (if s/he has another client coming in in 15 minutes, for example). Once you're in that chair, what can you expect? Most likely, the artist will begin the long process of preparing for your work. This is especially true if the artist is going to do a custom design that you brought in. First, the design will have to be worked on. Most artists will play around with the design on paper first, although some artists will do it freehand. "Freehand" means the artist takes an ink pen to hand and begins drawing a design on your skin without the use of a stencil (NOT where the artist begins work with the tattoo gun immediately--the artist, no matter how good, still needs to envision how the work will look on your skin--proportion, placement, etc.). When the artist seems happy with the design, s/he might outline the design with a piece of carbon paper, or use an old-fashioned copy machine to get a working copy of it. This would be when the artist would properly size the design. The artist will then clean your skin where the work will be done (probably an alcohol or antiseptic rub), and will swipe your skin with an "adhesive," which is usually Mennen Skin Bracer deodorant (for some reason *I* haven't seen any other brands). The artist will then put the carbon side of the design directly on your skin. When the paper is lifted, ta-da! A carbon line drawing of the design should appear on your skin! The artist will probably let you look in a mirror to make sure you are happy with the design and the placement. Once this is agreed upon, the artist will then begin putting the supplies out. At this point, your artist should be doing things like dispensing various colors of ink into little disposable wells, and rigging a new (or autoclaved) set of needles together. All the time, you will probably try to look cool by looking around the studio walls or occasionally looking to see what your artist is doing. Your artist might have a radio playing, which will help distract you a little, too. At this point, it is easiest to try to relax. You can ask the artists about some things, like the colors of the ink. Depending on the work you are getting, the artist will need to mix some colors, for example. You are probably somewhat nervous, but excited at the same time because you are actually gonna get a real tattoo! Whether you realize it or not, your body is probably going through quite an adrenalin rush. Try to remain calm and not too anxious. Because of your hyped-up condition and your anxiety about the anticipated pain of your experience, that in itself may trigger a fainting spell. Just relax and try to stay calm. For women, the experience of anxious anticipation is similar to a pelvic exam at an OB/GYN, where you are more nervous about it while waiting for the doctor as you lie prone on the examining table, feet in the stirrups. Just as most exams aren't painful or really all that bad, neither is tattooing. The most painful part of the process will pass in a couple of minutes, after which the area will feel abuzz with electricity and warmth. Just try to relax and breathe deeply--enjoy the one- of-a-kind experience that you are feeling. Oftentimes, you end up clenching your jaws, grinding your teeth or grasping the chair with your white-knuckled hands. But once you pass the first couple of minutes, you'll feel silly for having worried about it so much. Some people try to distract themselves by trying to talk with the artist. This is kind of like with hair stylists--some stylists just love to gab and gab (just ask them an open-ended question), while some stylists would rather concentrate and not screw up your hairdo. Same with tattoo artists. While some will like to "talk story" with you, others would rather concentrate on the work you're paying them to do. After all, their job, income, and reputation are on the line when they have the tattoo gun to your skin. Often, they'll talk during easy parts, and less during complex work. Just go with the flow and not worry about it. The only thing I don't particularly prefer is if there's a lot of traffic walking around in the studio and the artist has to keep talking to them (either potential clients or tattoo groupies). For this reason, a cubicle or dividing partition is a nice option for privacy. Most people can sit through over an hour of work, but if you get uncomfortable, just ask your artist if you can take a break. If you feel woozy, you might consider bringing some candy with you to give you a little lift, or some water to drink. --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 2/9--Getting a tattoo." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 3/9-- Sanitation." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:12 Message # 13101 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 3/9--Sanitation ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part3 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 3/9: Sanitation 1. Can I get infectious diseases from tattoo needles? 2. What to look for in a sanitary shop environment. 3. Can I get AIDS from tattooing? 4. Can my tattoos get infected? 4.1. How to look for sterilization 5. Are there any medical conditions that will preclude me from getting a tattoo? 6. What is the Alliance of Professional Tattooists? 1. CAN I GET INFECTIOUS DISEASES FROM TATTOO NEEDLES? ------- There has been some concern recently regarding transmittable diseases (particularly Hepatitis-B and AIDS [HIV]) and tattoo shops. Just as in a dentist's office, as long as the area is strictly sanitized, your chances for infection will be greatly reduced. 2. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SANITARY SHOP ENVIRONMENT. ---------- The current popularity of tattooing and body piercing has also brought on an increase in potentially hazardous conditions. R.a.b. regulars have begun posting information on unsanitary practices. For this reason, I am posting the following guideline of what to look out for (in this situation, "artist" refers to both tattooists and piercers): -Lighting: The area must be well-lit so the artist can see what s/he is doing. -Disposing needles: All needles must be either discarded after EACH use (or at least with each new customer), or autoclaved. Many body piercers operate out of small booths and may not have spent money for an autoclaver, in which they MUST dispose of each needle. NO EXCEPTIONS. Reusing piercing needles is equivalent to sharing IV drugs with strangers. -Needles touching other things: The needles, once open from their sanitary packages, must not be placed on unsanitized surfaces. The piercer should NOT set the needle down on the table, or, heaven forbid, DROP THE NEEDLE ON THE FLOOR!!! If this happens, insist they open a new needle. -Gloves: The artist must wash their hands prior to putting on their gloves, preferably with an antibacterial/antiseptic solution. Once they put their gloves on, they should not touch anything other than your skin, the needle, and the jewelry. They should not be filling out receipts beforehand, or answering the phone--unless these have been wiped clean beforehand. Be particularly wary of "outdoor fair booths." While many are run by caring, experienced artists, these booths allow fly-by-night operators to make some fast money and disappear. If you don't know the artist, spend time watching them work on others first. Are they reusing needles? Do they use needles that have dropped on the ground? If you see any unsanitary conditions that are particularly alarming, post them to r.a.b. (better yet--email me or Ardvark for the Piercing FAQ)! If you feel uncomfortable "naming names," then withhold the specifics for private email. It is each customer's right to guard against getting a contamination. Worse, If you have had more than one tattoo or pierce within several months, it will be difficult for you to prove WHICH artist was responsible! 3. CAN I GET AIDS FROM TATTOOING? ---------- IMPORTANT NOTE: This section refers to tattooing specifically, and not to other forms of bodyart. Some, such as piercing and cutting, require the breaking of the client's skin to a deeper level than what is achieved with a modern tattoo gun. This section on AIDS & Tattooing has been contributed by Nick "Buccaneer" Baban (Nicolas.Baban@um.cc.umich.edu), who is currently (as of '93) a student at the Univ. of Michigan School of Public Health, Dept. of Epidemiology. He spent the summer researching AIDS and IV drug use in NYC. "I'm not an expert, but I consider myself knowledgable. Any furthur questions about AIDS can be e-mailed to me." Obviously there is some concern about AIDS and tattooing 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 being the most comon. 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. 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 s/he is the only one coming in contact with someone else's (potentially infected) blood. This is why reputable (and sane) tattoo artist wears surgical gloves while working. Another source of infection is through the use of infected tools. *This is why it is IMPERATIVE 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.* Evidence indicates that infection may require a (relatively) substantial ammount of fluid to be passed. 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. (I have heard of using bleach to sterilize needles. While bleach is an effective HIV killer, I'm not sure of the procedures for cleaning the equipment after bleach cleaning. As I personally have no desire to have bleach put under my skin, I go with autoclaving as the proper way to sterilize). If your tattooer maintains sterile conditions and proceedures, there is almost no risk of infection. I say "almost" because any risk, no matter how miniscule, is still a risk and must be recognized. That said, I am the proud owner of a Jolly Roger tattoo on my right shoulder because I knew my tattooist and knew he had sterile conditions. 3.1. HOW TO LOOK FOR STERILIZATION ---------- Check out the shop thoroughly. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security by a clean look. If the needles are not disposed of after each person, then it MUST be "autoclaved." Autoclaving is a process that pressurizes the instruments and kills any virus or bacteria that might transmit viruses or bacteria. My dentist has two autoclavers--one gas and one steam--both pressurizing down to 250fsw. He also has spore samples that he autoclaves and sends to a pathology lab to make sure the machines are working. Ask the artist how they clean their needles. If they don't say they autoclave, you are taking your risks. If they say they do, ask to see their machine. Note that in some states, autoclaving is required by law. Other common-sense types of things include throwing out the ink after each customer. Make sure the artists have small wells for each ink color that they dispense from a larger container, and that these are thrown out after work on you is done. Compare the conditions of the shop to that of your dentist--does the artist wear gloves? Are the areas sprayed clean? Are they insured? According to the Navy Environmental Health Center Medical Corps in Norfolk, Virginia, each year, a few cases of Hep-B are reported in people who've gotten tattoos within the last two months, but they have not been able to trace the disease back to its source, nor attribute it directly to the tattoo. Becky Fenton (AS.RAF@forsythe.stanford.edu) says: "I spoke with a disease infection specialist at Kaiser [Permanente--US West Coast health care system], and there have not been any incidents (as of 1990) of HIV being spread *to* a recipient of a tattoo. If you think about it, the tattooist is much more at risk, as s/he has to touch the customer's blood. David Zinner (dzinner@desire.wright.edu) notes that a blanket statement regarding the use of autoclaves could be misleading. While an autoclave will kill the HIV virus, it is not because of the efficacy of the 'clave, but because of the weakness of that particular virus. Far more insidious is Hepatitis, which is more tenacious, and which a 'clave does not always kill. He has gotten all of his info from CDC, by the way. The irony, he says, is that now virtually anyone can afford a 'clave, because many hospitals are selling them secondhand for a very good price, and switching either to disposables, or purchasing dry-heat or chemical sterilizers. Chemical is the best rated, and this is what Craig has. He says that his business has increased because of the precautions he takes; and if I were to get tattooed, it would be by him, in part, because he is so careful (he is also a very good artist). In response to David's well-founded concern, Milton Diamond (diamond@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu--he is a professor here at the UH School of Medicine who has been researching sexuality for 30 years, and has numerous publications on AIDS to his credit) says: Hepatitis is easier to transmit than HIV but all the bugs will be killed IF the autoclave is run properly (i.e., set hot enough & long enough). Some instruments can not, however, be autoclaved since they cant take the heat. These have to be sterilized with viracides, "bug"acides and so forth. In any case, here in the States, EVERYONE should be using disposable needles. The chemical bath is only as effective as how fresh is it, how concentrated, what chemicals, how "dirty" or contaminated the instruments, how long in the bath, which particular bug is under attack, etc. It is not the device, autoclave or chemical bath,that is as important as the operator. There are many different bugs out there. HIV may be one of the most deadly and Hep among the more easily transmitted but many others have to be considered (including Chlamydia, the infection rate of which is 20%!) and "he who aims at one, hits one". "Mo betta aim fa dem all." If the artist or piercer is conscientious and reliable and knowledgeable either device could serve. Again my general rule still stands: "EVERYONE should be using disposable needles." Dr. Kai Kristensen (tattoodoc@aol.com) says: The needles that push the ink into the skin (below the epidermis or outer covering and into the mid-dermis or support structure under the epidermis) can transmit disease UNLESS STERILE TO BEGIN WITH. When they have been used on you, whatever bugs you carry in your blood can be transmitted to the next person. The most commonly transmitted disease by needlestick is hepatitis B (and C). Clearly AIDS could be transmitted even though not documented yet to my knowledge. The skin should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and water and scrubbing before the procedure to lessen the normal population of germs on the hide. Alcohol doesn't do much but tends to degrease and cool, so no harm but no substitute. 4. CAN MY TATTOOS GET INFECTED? ---------- Not as long as you take care of your new tat. There is a section in the FAQ that covers healing methods in depth. Some people have trouble healing tattoos with colors they are allergic to. If it gets infected and refuses to heal after a few days of using a topical antibiotic, you may want to check with a doctor. 5. ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT WILL PRECLUDE ME FROM GETTING A TATTOO? ---------- If you have hemophilia. There is even a case of a man who was HIV positive who got a tattoo--if you are HIV+ however, you will want to inform the artist, since it's the artist that is at more risk than you. [In the case of the HIV+ man, he was John Baldetta, a former nursing assistant at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, who got a tat on his forearm that said "HIV Positive." He was suspended for three days without pay and told he could return if he covered up the tat. He refused and was subsequently fired, although he was not an RN and was not doing anything that would put patients at risk.] 6. WHAT IS THE ALLIANCE OF PROFESSIONAL TATTOOISTS? This section was contributed by Pat Sinatra, a professional tattoo artist and vice president of the organization. Pat can be contacted at: patstats@aol.com: The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT), Inc. is a professional standards organization that was established in March 1992 and officially incorporated in June '92 as a non-profit organization (contributions, fees and educational materials are tax deductible. Their activities: -Continuing education to artists -Offers accurate, up-to-date information about communicable diseases through seminars -Is interested in preserving tattooing as an artform -Monitors legislative activity to prevent over-regulation (controlled or banned) -Believes in keeping the art of tattooing safe and legal through education, knowledge and awareness -Offers reliable information to tattoo lovers about safe tattoo practices to ensure your health. Headquartered in Maryland, its international membership has expanded from the US to Canada, Europe and other countries. They are currently establishing state chapters with state directors. Their nine-hour seminar entitled, "Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing," is taught by APT secretary, Dr. Kris Sperry (Fulton County Medical Examiner, involved with tattooing for over 10 years). Designed in 1988 to educate health care workers (including tattooists) in the prevention of infection and the implementation of professional standards,the program was specifically redesigned in 1991-1992 for the needs of the tattooist and is the standard for APT members. Since the 1991 Bloodborne Pathogens Rule, APT, Inc. has designed this manual for tattooists. PDTT is presented in various locations throughout the country at a one time fee of $125.00 (APT members) or $300.00 (non-members). This course is open to the Professional and Associate levels only. Members are required to complete this seminar within two years after initial application. While we have noted that many individuals are promoting videos on this subject, OSHA (the US Occupational Safety & Health Association that regulates work-environment safety) says that an infection control program cannot be taught by video, but by an on-site knowledgable individual on site. OSHA believes that the in-person interaction between instructor and student is vital to the education of this serious subject, and that individual questions regarding infection control, universal precautions, disease transmission, pathology, etc., must be answered by a knowledgeable, credible instructor such as Dr. Sperry. --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 3/0--Sanitation." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 4/0-- Conventions." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:12 Message # 13102 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 4/9--Conventions ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part4 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 4/9: Tattoo conventions 1. Tattoo Conventions: What are they all about? 2. What types of conventions are available? 3. Why would I want to attend? 4. What's the format? 5. What's the atmosphere? 6. What kind of tattoo contests are there? 7. Can I actually get a tattoo at a convention? 8. What else can I find at these conventions? 9. When and where are upcoming conventions? 1. TATTOO CONVENTIONS: WHAT ARE THEY ALL ABOUT? -------- If you want to meet others with tattoos, or would like to learn more about tattoos, tattoo conventions may be the quickest way to learn a *lot* and get exposed to things you normally wouldn't. 2. WHAT TYPES OF CONVENTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? --------- The size and scope of conventions vary, and are sponsored by different types of organizations. International and national gatherings are usually sponsored by groups such as National Tattoo Supply and the National Tattoo Tour, while regional and local shows are often sponsored by tattoo shops. 3. WHY WOULD I WANT TO ATTEND? --------- Philadelphia Eddie is quoted in a news article as saying, "...the hoopla, the roar of the crowd, the smell of the antiseptic, the blinking lights, the stories around the bars, the smiling faces of my colleagues and friend--that is why I go to tattoo conventions. "Some people go to enter their tattoos and maybe win a small prize. Some go to show off what they have accomplished in their never-ending drive to be better in their chosen profession. Some go to tattoo and earn a few dollars. Some go to sell trinkets. The curious come to see what is going on. Some go to get away from everyday stress. Some go looking for romance, and on and on." Artists attend to enhance professional reputations, do work on old clients and develop new ones, exchange ideas with other artists, and see what's new in the world of tattooing. 4. WHAT'S THE FORMAT? -------------- While local shows may be only for one day, regional events are 2 or 3 days long, and international and national conventions may last 4 days. For these larger conventions, the first 2 days are usually reserved for registrants (fees are $35-$45). The last two days are open to the public for a single-day admission of around $10. If you plan do more than just attend the booths, you may want to pay for the whole weekend. 5. WHAT'S THE ATMOSPHERE? ---------------- The first two days tend to be more relaxed and less hurried when they're closed to the public (the first 2 days at a recent San Francisco convention had about 850 registrants). Depending on the location of the convention and how it is advertised locally, you can expect a mob scene when the doors open to the public. Fire marshals were called in during the March 1993 San Diego convention, when the crowd swelled to about 4,000 and people were turned away at the door. The convention floor is something akin to attending a rock concert: A continuous parade of people who want to see, and be seen. Many people dress outrageously to show off their work. Expect to see LOTS of ink. Piercing has become a big part of the tattoo scene, so you'll also see a great variety of body pierces. Some conventions have booths where piercing supplies and services are available. Note however, that the National Tattoo Association has a strict code against body piercings and does not condone the display of facial or body piercings at their conventions (rather tough considering I saw many booth-workers with them!). Don't let looks fool you. At first you might just see a sea of bikers and leathers...but the atmosphere is very comfortable-- most people are very friendly, open-minded and accepting. Keep an open mind when you go; meet people, exchange stories and above all, have a great time. 6. WHAT KIND OF TATTOO CONTESTS ARE THERE? -------------- At the larger conventions, contests are held during the first two days and are limited to registrants, while at the smaller ones, they're open to everyone. Examples of categories: best black & gray, most unusual, best tribal, best portrait, most realistic, best overall-tattooed male, best overall-tattooed female, best chest-back piece, best traditional piece, and best small piece. Judging is done by a panel of artists and experts, or by audience ballot or applause. Artists and experts are better-equipped to base decisions on the rendering of the art, while audience-judged contests often turn into "popularity contests," heavily influenced by the name of the artist and the contestants' personality/physical attractiveness. In an effort to please everybody, some conventions hold contests by both popular vote as well as a panel of judges. 7. CAN I ACTUALLY GET A TATTOO AT A CONVENTION? ------------ Larger shows may have as many as 50 booths, where artists and shops from all over the world tattoo clients and sell trinkets, t-shirts, hats, postcards and tattoo memorabilia. Try to make arrangements with the artists several months ahead if you want them to work on you at the larger conventions, especially if they're well known. You should be able to get some work done even if you don't plan ahead, and some artists will also work out of their rooms to avoid the cost of renting booth space. Caveat emptor: An artist told me that some artists have been known to increase their prices during conventions to pay for their travel expenses and booth rental fees (which can run $500!). Your safest bet is to make prior arrangements with the artist so you and your artist don't feel rushed. Meet and see the work of famous artists. This will be your chance to see some artists whose work you have only seen in the magazines. 8. WHAT ELSE CAN I FIND AT THESE CONVENTIONS? --------------- You can pick up books and magazines for your tattoo book library from various booths (or be like me and collect business cards-- how Japanese of me!). Many booths have little freebies like pens and bumper stickers. Some have their own booths to disseminate literature, and sell books and magazines. Many of the major tattoo magazines (and there are quite a few these days) set up portable studios in and around the convention center for people to get themselves photographed (no residual). Convention sponsors may contract a video production group to produce a tape of the show. They might set up a booth where registrants can have their work taped. In recent years, seminars geared towards artists have been added at larger conventions, with topics such as "Creative Coloring", Care and Tuning your Machine", "Spit-Shading - Watercolor", "Tribal Tattooing", "Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing" 9. WHEN AND WHERE ARE UPCOMING CONVENTIONS? ------------- --*1994* --September 15-18: 3rd Annual Inkslinger's Ball @ the Hollywood Palladium. Info: Tattoo Mania's Inkslinger's Ball, PO Box 2208 Redondo Beach, CA 90278, 1-800-824-8046. --October 6-9: Tattoo Tour, San Diego, CA Town & Country Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108, 1-800-77-ATLAS. Info: Tattoo Tour USA (see above) --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ Part 4/9: Tattoo Conventions." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 5/9--Artist List." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:13 Message # 13103 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 5/9--Artist List ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part5 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 5/9: Tattoo artist list 1. Who is a good/bad tattoo artist near me? 1.1. US West Coast/Pacific: Washington, California 1.2. US Southwest: Arizona 1.3. US Midwest: Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois 1.4. US Southeast: Louisiana, Florida 1.5. US East Coast: Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island 1.6. Canada: British Columbia, London 1.7. EUROPE/UK: London 1.8. EUROPE/POLAND 1.9. ASIA/Japan 2. Where on my body should I get a tattoo? 1. WHO IS A GOOD/BAD TATTOO ARTIST NEAR ME? ---------- The following is a growing list of artists who are personally recommended by readers of r.a.b. Most of the non-attributed submissions came with the original FAQ compiled Paul Davies. In some cases, artists have been posted here as a warning against visiting them. IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS SECTION OF THE FAQ: A posting on this FAQ does *not* constitute approval, and is the personal opinion of the reviewer. It is YOUR responsibility to check out the artist and make sure s/he will do quality work. Because I only accept personal recommendations, this list is limited to those who are known to people who read r.a.b. There are many excellent artists who have not made it on this list yet. Just because an artist is not on this list doesn't mean they're not recommendable. Consider the reviews in this list along the lines of a restaurant or movie review--YMMV. You may submit names to: teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu. Include the artist's name, address, phone number, hours, general prices (or pricing scheme--per hour rate, etc.), specialization, and a short review. If they have email access, please provide their email address as well. Do not send me a review of a "mediocre" artist and proclaim him/her as excellent, or submit a bad review to bad-mouth someone. Be factual--gossip and rumors are discouraged. Good artists should have good business sense, a clean, sanitary environment, straightforward fees, etc. Submissions by those with self-interests (i.e. you have money invested in the business) are highly discouraged and may be grounds for deletion in later editions if the information you provide is grossly inflated. I have tried to list the name and email address of each contributor for accountability purposes, and for further inquiry. I will not accept submissions from anonymous IDs. You must be willing to put your name and email address behind your review. Note to artists: Contact me if you find errors about your shop. I will gladly accept a "rebuttal" from you if you get a negative review. Depending on the situation, I may pull the original review, or add your rebuttal into the review. However, note that these are the personal opinions of people who say they have received artwork from you or have some experience with you, and can vouch for their personal experience and impressions. Where available, I have included the information about the laws regarding tattooing for that state. Note that some states leave this up to the cities or municipalities. This information should only be used for unofficial information purposes, and may change by each legislative session--for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the laws of your area, contact a professional tattoo shop or the department of public health. GREAT NEWS: More and more artists are getting email accounts. I have posted these where available! 1.1 US WEST COAST & PACIFIC---------- **CALIFORNIA** California law states professional tattoo artists are not allowed to tattoo minors who are under the age of 18. BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA (SOUTH BAY): Berkeley -------- --Tattoo Archive Research Center, 2804 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702. (510) 548-5895 Run by C.W. (Chuck) Eldridge, archivist. Their primary mission is to study tattoo history. They have quite a bit of historical publications available, as well as interesting odds and ends like postcards and repros of business cards. The $1.00 catalog price is credited toward your first purchase. You can also become a member of their Friends organization for $35 a year. --Robert Roberts, Mad Dog (His name is Robert Roberts--Mad Dog is the name of his tattooing enterprise.) Inconsistent. While some of it is truly outstanding, others aren't that great: It really depends on what you're getting. Robert is great w/ all-black, but you might want to go elsewhere if you want color. --Tattoo City, 722 Columbus Ave, SF, CA 94133 (415) 433-9437 Contributed by Karl Elvis MacRae (batman@cisco.com) The best in shop in SF (Actually, without a doubt the best in the state; possibly the best in the country) "Tattoo City" on Columbus; the shop is owned by Ed Hardy; the guys who work there are simply great. You cannot go wrong with them. Artists: o Freddy Corbin: A hell of a nice guy--the single tattooist I totally trust to do a great job on anything I want to do. He's great at doing: People; traditional; shading (excellent, subtle); tribal (sharpest I've ever seen). I'd say he's the best tattooist who's work I've ever seen, and if I had to pick a 'world's best', as of now, it would be Freddy. o Eddie Deutsch: Does a few things really, really well. Apart from what he does really well, he's not really my *favorite* tattooist. He's got that psycho grafitti style down like no one else I've ever seen; he is great with chrome and metal; his biomechanicals are excellent. Can do great Japanese, but it comes out not quite looking like traditional Japanese. And he can do great traditional Sailor Jerry-style stuff. He also does excellent, inventive tribal and good Celtic. I don't (generally) like his people; he tends to do funny stuff with the faces I don't care for. However, I've seen a few that he's done a really good job on, so it's just a case of getting him to do it like you want. Which is the big problem with Eddie; if you want it different than he sees it, he's not easy to work with. So if you don't share a vision with him, don't try to get him to do it your way; he will, but it won't be as good a job. My advice with Eddie is; do it his way, and if you don't want it his way, do it with someone else. --Erno Tattoo 252 Fillmore, San Francisco, CA 94117 (415)861-9206 Hours: Noon to 9pm. Appointments recommended. Shop is clean, businesslike. Autoclaving used. Artists: o Nalla: Blackwork, celtic designs, excellent artist. Also knowledgeable about piercings. o Patrick: Good at black & celtic; specializes in high fantasy art. Excellent dragons, fairies, etc, also sci-fi art). o Jaime Trujillo: More traditional; good artist--ease & skill of a seasoned pro. San Jose -------- --Pin Up Parlour. 520 South Second St., San Jose CA Phone: (408) 279-3582. Contributor: J. Eric Townsend (jet@netcom.com) Artist: Klem I went to Klem on the advice of Karl MacRae. Klem helped figure out the right size of the piece I wanted (I'd brought several pages of pre-scaled designs); talked to me quite a bit about visual vs. physical balance of the placement of a tattoo on people; and answered all my questions about how everything worked, what he was doing, why he did it, etc. His speciality seems to be in the non-geometric, like Asian fish designs (he's got some beautiful drawings of koi in his booth). --Steve Cameron at Zap Illustrations. 1385 W. San Carlos, #202 (408) 287-4011 Mostly custom; not for beginners. May try to talk you out of a tat, if he doesn't think it appropriate to the rest of your body-scheme. Very good free-hand work; likes bold, aggressive designs. He'll put in vast amounts of design work for free, if the design excites him. --Pinky Yuen, Dragon Tattoo, San Jose. Contributed by Karl Elvis MacRae (batman@cisco.com) o Pinky Yuen (Or Yun; seen it both ways): Pinky used to be one of the best around, and was one of the first (maybe THE first) Hong Kong tattooist to come over here and start a shop, so I consider it something of an honor to be wearing his work. However in his advanced age (70s?), he's not the same he was in his younger days. When he tattooed me (twice, the first about 10 years ago, the second more like 7), he was still doing OK work if he liked you, so I got some decent stuff. Sacramento ---------- --Ken Cameron, California Tattoo Company. 7946 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento-Citrus Heights CA 95610. (916)723-3559 Contributor: Tim Lu (tlu@sunstroke.sdsu.edu) This is in Sacramento not San Jose, they are kind of close together. Maybe Ken/Steve are the same person, but maybe not. Santa Clara ----------- --Eddie Lum, Eddie's Skin Works, 1207 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 554-8520 I highly recommend Pinky's brother, Eddie Lum. His forte, not surprisingly, is Oriental stuff. Very good w/ flowing lines, dragons,tigers, flowers. I have 2 pieces from him & am very pleased. Warning: For custom designs, there's a language barrier, you may have to explain it several times. Redwood City ------------ --Redwood Tattoo, 846-M Jefferson Ave., Redwood City, CA (415) 369-6365, walk-ins welcome, but appts have priority. Closed Sun. & Mon, appts required for custom work. Cash only. Contributor: Rebecca Fenton (AS.RAF@Forsythe.Stanford.EDU). Artists: o Paco Dietz: Was at Picture Machine in San Francisco; specializes in fantasy art, custom designs. New shop w/ lots of new flash. Beautiful tribal and celtic designs, as well as some unusual Native American designs. Darker style o Karl: Apprentice, past experiences have been scratching out of his home. Specializes in Neo-Japanese. Does very nice custom work (my favorite of his is a butterfly with a tiger face peering out at you through the wing designs), experience in blackwork and fine line. Piercer: o Fashia Fontaine: Trained under Fakir Musafar *WARNING*: I have received some disconcerting info from r.a.b. regular Barbara MacRae regarding the quality and sanitary conditions of this piercer's operations. Until I am notified by Bay Area r.a.b.ers of improvements, this warning will remain. Santa Barbara ------------- --Pat Fish, Tattoo Santa Barbara Bar-none! I've seen some of her Celtic work (her specialty), and she's *really good*. (I read an interview where she said she thinks it's a genetic race-memory or something, and went into tattooing specifically to get into Celtic work.) Greater Los Angeles (Orange County, LA) --------------------------------------- --Skin Works, 313 East Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach CA, 92661, ph. 714-675-8905 (in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles) Contributor: Tim Lu (tlu@sunstroke.sdsu.edu). Artists: o Ardee Allen (owner): Excellent, always very professional. I feel it's important to support women in business--been going to her for about 5 years and she's done my entire chest & about 3/4 of my back. Periodically attends conventions, work has appeared in a number of tattoo magazines. Specialties: Custom work, coverups, colorwork, sumi (Japanese calligraphy) style grey work. o Lynda Tobbin: Talented artist who does very nice custom work. Piercer: o Val: Specialize in body piercing. --Kari Barba's Twilight Fantasy Tattoo. 3024 W Ball Rd (@ Beach), Anaheim, CA 92804. (714) 761-8288. Contributor: Tim Lu (tlu@sunstroke.sdsu.edu). Artist: Kari Barba (her hours: usually 11-5pm, off Wed--shop is open 11-10) Extremely well-known for her work w/ nature & wildlife. Style reminiscent of a watercolor-like quality, which sets her apart from many other artists. Her shop wall is covered with awards. Nice front reception area; work area behind reception counter. Not too much privacy--individual work areas not divided. They also have a second shop in Riverside, although Kari Barba works primarily out of the Anaheim shop. Contributor: Jonathan Ward (drdrums@csld.ucr.edu): --Twilight Fantasy Tattoo of Riverside, 5517 Van Buren Bl (Sylvan & Van Buren), Riverside, CA. (909)688-8282 M-Th 11-10 FSS 11-11 MC VS AM Disc, cash no checks San Diego --------- --Avalon Gallery, 1035 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109 (in Pacific Beach) (619) 274-7635. *EMAIL ACCESSIBLE!* Patty Kelley: kelley@aol.com. Needles autoclaved, new ink for each new client. Hours: Noon to 8pm. Appts preferred--walk-ins on Sat. only. Cash only. Each artist has a studio booth so privacy ensured. Artists: o Patti Kelley: Specializes in bright color work. Award winner, booked a few months ahead. o Fip Buchanan (her husband): Graffiti art. o Steve Barjonas: Likes all styles but particularly enjoys Native American gray work. o Randy: Comic book art-style. o Mike Strobbe: **OREGON** Oregon House Bill 2569: Deals with the licensing and training of artists, who are required to pass an exam and pay an annual fee to the Advisory Council to the Health Division for Electrolysis (and tattoos). They are also required to continue their education through workshops and classes. **WASHINGTON (State)** Seattle ------- --Dermagraphics of Seattle, 1516 Western Ave., Seattle, WA (206) 622 1535, by appointment only. This is Vyvyn Lazonga's shop. Specializes in combining bold primitive lines with colorful, flowing abstract geometrics-- lines, bubbles, etc. "A fusion of primitive & modern tattooing" according to her card. The whole effect is very pleasing, and rather unique, & would work well for both men and women, I think. Also works out of San Francisco. (P.S. According to her card, her name is spelled "Vyvyn," not "VyVynn.") --Seattle Tattoo Emporium, 1106 East Pike St., Seattle. (206) 622 6895 Hostess (twinkie@u.washington.edu) says: I had a decent (if not average) small rose tattooed by a guy named Hubba at the Seattle Tattoo Emporium. But soon after, a girl I worked with (who has 14-15 tattoos) told me that she and her friends had had bad experiences from them in the past, stemming primarily from their unprofessional behavior in trying to "hit on them" in what they perceived as rather unflattering ways. Please note that this did not happen to me when *I* went, although they did not provide very good aftercare instructions. Kat O'Bryan (kat@eskimo.com) says: Okay, I beg to differ on this one. I got my (very beautiful) tattoo at Seattle Tattoo Emporium. Jim Hillary was the artist. I have seen other work he has done, and I thought it was beautiful. I don't know if I would have gotten any of the other guys there to do it, but I liked what I saw in his book. Plus he is a nice guy. I get constant compliments on my tattoo (whenever I wear a shirt that is low enough in back). I guess any place can have its mistakes. [Kat tells me she didn't have any trouble with the male artists there.] Spokane ------- --Artistic Impressions, 4901 North Market, Spokane, WA 99207 (509) 483-6545 Contributor: Victor Swan (swanv@Wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu) ["2 pieces on biceps & a large chest piece for a total of about 13 hours."] Artist: Duffy Moon Review: Clean, well lit, open feeling shop. Atmosphere is business-like, professional and congenial for both males and females (sometimes has a female apprentice). Clientele are both young and old; shop does not have a biker image, although bikers do come in from time to time. Has alot of original flash, much of it not priced. He prices this original flash after he does a piece once. Buys original tattoo artwork from local artists. Duffy is well worth his custom rate of $75/hour (1993) which is the top rate in this area.He charges you less than the original quote if it takes less time than he estimates; he never charges more than the originally quoted price. Technique, skill, craftsmanship are excellent. Does incredible fine work. Seems to like the opportunity to be creative--adds to/alters designs on the fly. I encourage this. His personal, almost full-sleeve tattoos were full-page pictured in _Skin & Ink_, Feb. '94, p. 61. He and his "Most Unusual" award winning tattoo from the Chicago Tattoo Tour '93 are in a full-page picture in _Tattoo Ink_, Jan. '94, p. 64. *HAWAII* Oahu ---- --China Sea Tattoo, 1033 Smith, Honolulu, Hawaii, (808) 553-1603 The oldest tattoo studio in the US with a grand tradition. In Chinatown area near Downtown Honolulu. Suggest going during the day (hours: Noon-11pm) to avoid seedy nightlife scene. Artists: Mike Malone, Scotty and Kandi Everett. All excellent. Mike very active in the tat world, and attends Kandi Everett (who is very famous) only works there on Tues, (also works at Dragon Tattoo in Wahiawa on Mondays), specializes in Hawaiian-style designs and has 10 years' experience. --Skin Deep Tattooing, 2128 Kalakaua Ave, Hon. (808) 924-7460. If in Waikiki, you may want to stop by; right on the main strip. Place is run by Winona Martin & several of her workers. Advertises heavily; may be pricy due to Waikiki location. 1.2 Southwest -------- *ARIZONA* --Jil, Skin Alive Tattoos, Prescott, Arizona. (602) 772-2387. Formerly of Bodygraphics, Reno. By appointment only. My *favorite* tattoo artist. Forte is wildlife, but good with just about everything--would be very successful wildlife artist in another medium. Her tattoos have an incredible amount of life, & her detailing is incredible. 20 years' experience. She's a custom fineline specialist, & has won awards. Style is what I think of as "fineline steel engraving" (as opposed to Kari Barba, who does incredible animals, but primarily with striking colorwork). Found her by pouncing on a total stranger & demanding to know who did his *incredible* tats. 1.3 MIDWEST -------- *INDIANA* --Jeannie Fritch, Personal Art Tattoos, 3453 Central Ave., Lake Station, IN, (219) 962-3600 --Roy Boy's Badlands, 3849 Broadway, Gary, IN 46409, (219) 884-4965. Needles autoclaved. I got an all-black, tribal piece (a very even dark gray)--Design was reproduced on my skin quite accurately. Flash is stereotypical and old-looking, though some nice Celtic designs. Felt vaguely sleazy--badly painted signs in the front, water-damaged ceiling panels inside. Actual work areas were spotless, but the building doesn't inspire confidence. Good enough, but not really anything special, what with Guy Aitchison a few miles away. *ILLINOIS* Illinois Compiled Statutes Annotated @ 16-5-71 (1993): Professional tattoo artists are not allowed to tattoo minors under the age of *21*. Violations are considered a Class C misdemeanor. --Guy Aitchison, Guilty + Innocent Productions, 3105 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60657, (312) 404-6955 tattoos, 404-6963 merchandise $1 catalog available by mail. *EMAIL ACCESSIBLE!* Dawn Grace Russell: dawngr@rci.ripco.com Contributor: Phredd Groves (phredd@casbah.acns.nwu.edu) and Dawn Grace Russell (see above) One of the most popular & well-known artists in the country. Rates:$150.00/hr, includes consultation/drawing time. Guy is booked a year and a half in advance--deposit required,call for details. Award winning artist,highly skilled,very adept at translating your wishes into reality,hot stuff! Well worth the price and longish waiting period. Also at GIP are Rob Koss (see Milios shop below) and Deborah, great talents! Merchandise is available---many t-shirts,posters and flash-for a catalog, send a buck to cover the cost of postage to the shop. Note 1: Dawn is Guy's apprentice. While she cannot help you move your schedule up, she will be more than happy to help you with information, etc. Note 2: *GUY DOES FRACTAL WORK*! Dawn writes: Guy's been doing quite a bit of fractal work lately. Guy says "you have to forget everything you've ever learned about drawing, because it's a completely different thing." Apparently the difficulty of rendering a fractal was quite a challenge! He's mastered it now, but it's always comforting to know that such a great talent can get stumped! If you can't get in to see Guy, I'd HIGHLY reccommend the guys at PRIMAL URGE in San Francisco, particularly Timothy Hoyer and Marcus Pacheco-those guys do VERY high quality work and really know how to lay the color in! --Body Basics Precision Tattooing & Body Piercing, 613 W Briar, Chicago, IL 60657. (312) 404-5838. This is Mad Jack's place. I don't know much about his work but I do know he's been in the business for quite a while, and that Guy used to work there. --Milios Hair & Skin Studio, 3205 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 (312) 549-1461. *EMAIL ACCESSIBLE!* Adam Rybaczuk: aryba@casbah.acns.nwu.edu Contributor: Adam Rybaczuk (aryba@casbah.acns.nwu.edu) To my knowledge the only tattoo shop in the country set in a full service hair salon & clothing boutique! Shop also has a pool table & a very relaxed, non-traditional atmosphere. Flash available, but custom pieces preferred. Referenced in the Nov. '93 issue of _Allure_ magazine. Cash only, $100/hour (custom), deposit required. All equipment autoclaved; needles used once & discarded. Chicago Health Dept inspected & approved, proper licenses present. Artists: o Robert Koss: Main artist, works at Guy Aitchison's Guilty + Innocent Prod 2x/week. Does mostly custom work & does fine, fine work. o Adam: Apprenticing under Rob. [Note: Adam the contributor is also Adam the apprentice. While you can email him about the shop, his account is through his "day job," so please use some common sense as far as taking time out from his job to reply to you. If you're in the area, it's probably better to phone.] --Tatu Tattoo, 1754 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL, (312) 772-TATU Contributor: Phredd Groves (phredd@casbah.acns.nwu.edu) --Body Basics Precision Tattooing and Body Piercings 613 W. Briar, Chicago, IL, 60657. (312) 404-5838, (a block south of Belmont, west of Broadway), Tues.-Sat. 2 to 10pm Contributor: Phredd Groves (phredd@casbah.acns.nwu.edu) Run by Mad Jack and Anna, Jack does the tattoos and both do piercings (appointment only). Can personally recommend these guys as far as piercing & professionalism goes. --I'm No Angel Production, 2606 W. Farmington Rd., Peoria, IL 61604. (309) 673-4930. Contributor Steven Parks (nudnik@bucs1.bradley.edu) Wanda Harper is the owner/artist. Open Noon to 8pm everyday. New needles and ink for each new customer. Appointment required. Specializes in Celtic and Native American designs, as well as piercings. Learned from Jim Hawk (Galesburg), who occasionally stops by for a visit, and people in town who know him may come in for a special tat. Wanda looks out for her customers and won't do work that won't turn out--It's all in the reputation. *IOWA* The Code of Iowa @ 135.37 (1992): Professional tattoo artists must obtain permits through the Department of Public Health. They are not allowed to tattoo an minor, which they define as "an unmarried person who is under 18 years of age." Violators are guilty of a "serious misdemeanor." *MICHIGAN* --Suzanne, Creative Tattoos, 307 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 Contributor: Jean-Luc Reutter (reutter@igd.fhg.de) Needles autoclaved but I don't know about new ink for every customer. Artist: o Suzanne: BS, MA of Fine Art. Great custom designs, preferably black only or celtic. Skilled artist but sometimes lacks motivation w/ smaller pieces; results may vary in quality. Cash only, usually no receipt. Usually by appt only, very rarely walk-ins. Sometimes guest artists. Nice friendly atmosphere. Piercer: -Barbara Lance "Zaphod" Bailey (lrb@ctrg.rri.uwo.ca) says: "She really doesn't specialize in Celtic stuff. Used to, but doesn't any more--says her old eyes aren't good enough for it. Was in her shop yesterday and she seemed pretty disinterested in doing Celtic stuff on me. Maybe Celtic-inspired, but it's going to take some work from me to get a design she's willing to do, & I'm willing to wear...sigh. But she does specialize in being good :) I saw a wizard she did yesterday and it was so very nice. *MINNESOTA* --Acme Tattoo Co., 1045 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN, (612) 771-0471 *Good* but expensive. Pre-designed tats are costly & other work is $200/hour (as of '92). --Steve Butterfield, Tattoos by Yerkew, 3127 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, (612) 825-6161 Steve is real good, but the shop's owner, Dave "the fat guy" Yerkew leaves quite a bit to be desired. Steve around after about 6:00 pm *OHIO* --Marty Holcomb, Marty's Artistic Tattooing, 3160 West Broad St., Columbus, Ohio Marty won several national "Best Tattoo Artist" awards in the 1991. --Dana Brunson, Designs by Dana, 4167 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH (513) 681-8871 --Tattoos by Woody. Toledo Tattoo, 2068 Airport Hwy, Toledo, Ohio 43609, (419) 382 8805. Contributor: Jean-Luc Reutter (reutter@igd.fhg.de) Needles autoclaved but I don't know about new ink for every customer. Good custom designs, by appointment only, very reasonable prices. Refuses to do swastika sh*t. Clean & friendly atmosphere. *SOUTH DAKOTA* South Dakota Codified Laws @ 9.34-17 (193) allows each municipality to regulate individually. However, @26-10-19 also states that minors may obtain tattoos with the signing of a consent form by parents. Violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor. *WISCONSIN* Wisconsin Statute @ 948-70 (1991-1992) prohibits tattoo artists from tattooing "children" (age not specified--assume 18). Violators are guilty of a Class D forfeiture. 1.4 SOUTHEAST -------- *ARKANSAS* Arkansas State Annotated @ 5-27-228 (1993) allows the tattooing of minors with the written consent of the minor's parent, legal guardian or legal custodian. *FLORIDA* Florida Statute @877.04 (1992) states that tattooing is illegal, and violators are guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Do NOT ask me why this shop exists--perhaps there are other laws regarding municipalities or a grandfather clause I'm not aware of. --Ancient Art, (407) 855-TATU Lance Bailey (lrb@ctrg.rri.uwo.ca) says he was happy w/ Mike. Caroline Emmons (cemmons@garnet.acns.fsu.edu) says: "Ancient Art" inked several of my friends, who were all quite satisfied. I think the main guy is supposed to be kind of an asshole, but he has a new assistant who I hear has less of an attitude *GEORGIA* Official Code of Georgia Annotated @ 16-5-71 (1993) states that it is illegal to tattoo a person under the age of 16. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor. Also, OCGA @ 16-12-5 states that it is illegal to tattoo within one inch of an eye socket. *KENTUCKY* Tattooing is legal with a $20 annual permit. *LOUISIANA* Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:93.2 (1992) states that tattooing minors under 18 is legal only with the consent of a parent. Violators are fined $100 to $500. New Orleans ----------- --Electric Expressions, 2327 Veterans Blvd. Ste B, Kenner, LA 70062. (504) 464-0053. Appointments preferred Artists: -Henri: Considered one of the better artists in N'Awlins area, personally recommended by Elayne Binnie (Rings of Desire below). We visited this shop looking to get some work done, was told Henri lived next door to the shop. We never got any work because Henri, knowing we were there, made us wait for over an hour while he "took a shower" (according to his apprentice). I looked at his flash--the work was good--however I personally am not willing to patronize businesses that think they can keep potential customers waiting in the lobby (he could've easily let his apprentice tell us to come back in 2 hours). Take a pillow and a good book to read with you. --Rings of Desire, 1128 Decatur St. 2nd fl, New Orleans, LA 70116 Above "Boomerang" (leather shop), (504) 524-6147 This is a body piercing shop--tattoos are *NOT* done here. However the shop owner, Elayne "Angel" Binnie, is the subject of a poster that shows a tattoo of wings on her back--she also has her entire legs covered with multi-hued fish scales, done by Juli Moon, that is a true marvel to behold. If you're down in the French Quarter, visit her shop just to gawk at her tattoos. She's off Mondays & Tuesdays. *NORTH CAROLINA* Carrboro -------- --Choice Peach Tattoo, 304-E W. Weaver St. Carrboro, NC 27516. (919) 932-9888 is excellent. They do 100% original work, NO flash. By appointment only. Review by Scott Jacobs (sjacobs@phoenix.cs.uga.edu): I have nothing but positive recommendations on the ability of the (as of August 1993) two artists there. They do all custom work, no flash at all. Both artists (I wish I could remember if it is Tom and Marshall who are the artists or if Tom Marshall is the one who did my work and he has a partner whose name I forget. Anyway...) have extensive photo albums of their work and clippings from publications that have featured their work. The shop is small and very friendly. They have an autoclave on the premises that I jokingly quizzed Tom on. The blackwork tribal that I recieved from Tom has some of the sharpest edges I've ever seen on a tat, much sharper than some prievious blackwork I've gotten. Tom's rates are reasonable, especially considering the amount of consultations and drawings he did. They are not limited to one style however. *OKLAHOMA* Oklahoma 21 OKI. St. @ 841 (1992) BANS all tattooing across the state. *SOUTH CAROLINA* South Carolina Code Annotated @ 16-17-700 (1991) states that tattooing is illegal, and violation of this is a misdemeanor. *TENNESSEE* One of a handful of states with extensive tattooing legislation, perhaps to assist in the large number of military personnel there. Tennessee Code Annotated @ 39-14-403 (1993) states that minors under 18 are not allowed to obtain tattoos. Violations are a Class A misdemeanor. TCA @ 62-38-102 through -176 deals specifically with various concerns regarding professional tattooing. Of interest to the reader include: Training required; permit & fee for artist; semi-annual inspections of shops; operating room must be separate from waiting room; sterilization required; autoclave required on site; needle sterilization legislated (including how many minutes at what temperature); skin care information required. Memphis ------- --Rocky's. 604 South Highland St., Memphis, TN 38111 (910) 323- 8288. Hours: 3pm to Midnight. Walk-ins only. Place owned by Rocky, but I only know about Kevin, who did 2 chest pieces on my husband. Kevin is trained as a scientific illustrator, so his wildlife is *incredible*! His stippling method makes for a very realistic rendering. Warning: My husband said he saw a poster of Hitler in the back room, & that Rocky wore a "W.A.R." (White Aryan Nation?) tat on his knuckles--but that he thought Kevin just worked there and wasn't part of "all that." *TEXAS* Texas Health & Safety Code @ 161.072 (1993) states that minors under *21* may not obtain tattoos. A misdemeanor with a fine of $10 to $200 and up to six months in jail. House Bill 1217 specifies licensing, fees, instrument sterility and specifics on autoclaving procedures, keeping of permanent client records, notification of any spread of infectious diseases (HIV, Hep), as well as laws against tattooing customers who are on drugs or alcohol. A violation of any of these are a Class C misdemeanor. 1.5 EAST COAST -------- *CONNECTICUT* Connecticut General Statutes 53-41 (1991) makes it illegal to tattoo minors under the age of 18 without parental consent. *MAINE* 32 Maine Revised Statutes @ 4202 makes it illegal to tattoo minors under 18. *MARYLAND* --Main Street Tattoo Studio, Starlite Plaza, Rt 40, Pulaski Hwy, Edgewood, MD, (410) 676-TAT2 (8282). Also in Elkton: 398-1202. He's done some very spectacular work & just completed an excellent cover-up of 2 small pieces (which were quite dark; red, green, blue, purple) I had for over 10 years. The cover- up is a tiger lily (magenta, black, pink w/ yellow tipped petals) w/ delicate curving tribal thru the lily that is quite breathtaking & required his exceptional artistic talent. --Great Southern Tattoo Co. 9403 Baltimore Blvd. (Rt. 1), College Park, MD 20740. (301) 474-8820. Right off the Washington Beltway (495), right up the street from the Univ. of Maryland College Park Campus. Contributor: Kristen Herzog (kherzog@skidmore.edu) Operated by a family (Charley, Sandy, and Dee Parsons); very relaxed atmosphere. Also done some of the best work I've seen in the area. -Not everyone agrees with Kristen. Andy "Ozric Tentacles" (adwyer@mason1.gmu.edu) was not satisfied: "Charley estimated one price, & upped it halfway through. I'd only gotten from the cash machine what he quoted, and didn't intend to pay more than the original quote, so the work stopped unfinished. I suppose it might have been my fault for not getting pissed about it then. In talking to people about their experiences, they seem to divide along gender lines. Those who were happy w/ the work were women, while those unhappy were men. I've heard more than one of them give the impression that the difference in service might be attributed to being the only close option in a college town, and not needing to do a high quality job for the typical frat guy client." *MASSACHUSETTS* Tattooing is illegal. Violators are fined with up to $300 and one year in jail. *NEW HAMPSHIRE* Tattooing of minors is illegal (considered "endangering the welfare of a child"). --The Tattoo Shop, 109 Daniel Street, Portsmouth NH 03801 (603)436-0805. Contributor: Fred Jewell (fredj@ksr.com ) Artists: Hobo, Tattoo George Prices start at $40; ave $100. In business since '76; clean, use sterile instruments 7 do good solid work. --Sign of the Wolf, Wiers Beach NH, (603)366-2557 Contributor: Fred Jewell (fredj@ksr.com ) Artists: Dave Sr., Dave Jr., several apprentices. Friendly, laid back, would make you feel comfortable if anxious. So clean you can eat off the floor. Dave Jr. has won a few awards. Range: $100 to $350; average $260 for a fairly large piece. Specialize in wildlife & American Indian art. --Juli Moon Designs Inc., Route 1, PO Box 1403, Seabrook NH 03874 (603)474-2250. Contributor: Fred Jewell (fredj@ksr.com ) What can you say about Juli Moon except, "When?" She is booked a month in advance, and is truly award winning. --Brothers Too, South Broadway, Salem NH, Exit 1 Off Rt. 93 Licensed & Board of Health Approved. Contributor: Fred Jewell (fredj@ksr.com ) Tattoo Frank scared me. Asked if he'd been vaccinated for Hep A & B he said, "I only got hepatitis once and that was from a customer." His brother, "Bennies Tattoos" is just down the street and has the same kind of attitude. --Bill's Tattoo Palace, Broadway , Derry NH, (603)437-8813 Contributor: Fred Jewell (fredj@ksr.com ) Nice guy, but I set up an appointment & he didn't show! I called back, and got someone who thought he was doing me a favor by talking to me. Some of the work is really good but there seems to be a lot of new people in the shop trying out the profession. *NEW JERSEY* --Ernie White, Tattoo Factory, 94 Main Street, Butler, NJ., (201) 838-7828 *NEW YORK* --Pat's Tats, 102 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498. (914) 679- 4429. *EMAIL ACCESSIBLE!* Pat Sinatra: patstats@aol.com Pat Sinatra is the owner--she is also VP of the Alliance of National Tattooists, whose primary concern is information dissemination on disease transmission and sterilization. Note: Pat only checks her email on Fridays. --Last Rites Tattoo (201) 402-2380 "Dark Images by Paul Booth" You may be familiar with Paul Booth's black & grey work depicting gory images of sacriligious objects. Although he's only been in the business a few years, he seems to have exploded in infamy for his striking images, aided in part by the incredible work he's done on his rather photogenic girlfriend, Barbara Valverde. --Bruce Bart Tattooing. Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485. (518) 589-5069. Second shop at: 274 Lark St., Albany, NY 12210 (518) 432-1905. Hours: M-F Noon-8pm, S/Su 11am-6pm. Cost: $120/hr. $5 disposable (& autoclaved) needles, new ink for each customer. Contributor: Kirsten Herzog (kherzog@skidmore.edu) Artists: Bruce Bart and Bruce Kaplan Specializes in Japanese, modern primitive, colorwork, Celtic. Prefers appts, but will take walk-ins if not busy. Lark St. shop looked like a dentist's office. Very friendly, totally receptive. Impressed by the ready art & sketches in the waiting room. Seemed very professional. --Spaulding & Rodgers Sells tattoo guns, needles & ink. The few artists that have worked on me (Cliff Raven, Kevin Brady, Phil Payton) usually do a lot of custom work on their needles if not the gun itself. Needles continually dull from use or sterilizing & have to be resharpened and soldered into the appropriate groups & configurations. --C&C Tattoo, 307 Congress St., Troy, NY 12180, (518)272-0576 Ask for Sue Daves (apprentice)--did my full back piece, & it came out awesome! *PENNSYLVANIA* 18 Pennsylvania C. S. @ 6311 makes it illegal to tattoo minors under 18 without parental consent. Violations are considered a third degree misdemeanor. *RHODE ISLAND* Rhode Island General Laws @ 23-1-39 makes it illegal to tattoo minors under 18. Violators can be fined up to $300 and one year in jail. --Electric Ink Tattoo, 153 Waterman Ave, E. Providence, RI (401)435 3393. From: Jesse Leigh Parent (jesster@WPI.EDU) Needles autoclaved (required by RI law). New needles/ink for every customer. Cash only; walk-ins welcome. Artists: o Chris Borge: All-around great tattoo artist. Specializes in tribal; probably the best in the shop. *Chris is online!* You can feel free to email him at: chris.borge@enest.com o Skott Greene: Great for custom to a greater extent. Doing them since Dec '92, already very adept; the one to see about great custom designs. (Trained as an airbrush artist) Note: Don L. no longer works out of Electric Ink as of 11/93. --Artistic Tattooing, 405 Atwell Ave., Providence RI, 02909 (401)861-7373 All needles are brand new & autoclaved, artists wear gloves, and ink is individual. Artists: Rusty, Dean II Pricing done by the piece, but may be hourly for large pieces. I found pricing to be very reasonable and am very happy with my tats (backpiece by Rusty, earpiece by Dean II). They do everything from tribal to coverup. They do not participate in any tat conventions. *VIRGINIA* Virginia Code Annotated @ 15.1-28.3 defines what a professional tattoo parlor should be. I assume this makes tattooing legal in Virginia. *WEST VIRGINIA* Another state with extensive legislation, 30-33-3 through -7 specifies, among other things: Minors obtaining tattooing legally with parental consent; procedures of sterilization and aftercare; waste disposal, permits, fees, and the keeping of client records for five years. 1.7 CANADA -------- *BRITISH COLUMBIA* --Sailor Cam, the Dutchman Tattoos, 630 12th St, New Westminster, BC, Canada, (604)522-5156 *LONDON (Canada)* --Blue Dragon Tattoo, 253 Wellington London, 519-434-4706 Busiest shop in town, does a lot of flash work. Found them either pretty grumpy/opinionated or at times friendly. --Tattoos Unlimited, 847 Dufferrin, 519-672-8025 Al Newcombe has been tattooing in London for a looong time. His work is mostly flash, can create stencils from your artwork. His work tends to have a '50s feel--the stuff you see on ex-seamen. --Tattoos by Gypsy , 519-453-0822 Tony is pretty young & is a design artist. I've created some really nice work w/ him starting w/ my rough sketches. but his work is pretty uneven; can be really good or really bad. --George Lewis, Tattoo Art (est. 1980), 244 King St. S., Waterloo, Ont. N2J 1R4, (519) 576-8054 Artists: George Lewis, Ken Lewis, Todd Evans (I have experience only with George--cannot commend on the other two). "Sterile conditions", "lifetime guarantee" (which I assume means I can return to touch up color fades, etc.) by appt only. Does exotic piercings. Visa/Mastercard accepted. Mine are very well done--lines are even & seem to connect properly & all of my friends are amazed at the fine detail & how bright the colors are! *ONTARIO* --Tattoo Art by George Lewis. 244 King St. S., Waterloo, Ont. N2J 1R4 (519) 576-8054. Visa/Mastercard accepted. According to their card: Ultra modern; sterile conditions; modern designs--fine line; cover-up work; custom work; lifetime guarantee. Appts only. Also does pierces. Contributor: Judy Carr (jcarr4@mach1.wlu.ca) -Artists: George Lewis, Ken Lewis, Todd Evans. Tho' I don't know much about 'good' or 'bad' tattoos, believe mine are very well done! 1.8 EUROPE/UK -------- London ------ --Lal Hardy, 157 Sydney Road, Muswell Hill, London N10 2NL. Tel: 081-444 8779 Gifs of a thunderbird back piece available from 141.214.4.135. --Dennis Cockel, Walkers' Court London W1 (a small side street in Soho). Tattooed myself and a girlfriend about four years ago and we are both very satisfied. ---Mark and Andy, Kensington Market, London W8. Their designs were drawn by several artists over many years, claim to do award winning custom work & my opinion is they are good. The parlor is on the basement of the market building; doesn't have anyname (as I remember); not listed on yellow pages. --Saint's Parlor, Portobello Road, London Warning: He had some photos of tattoos he had done that at first looked ordinary, but if you look more closely, you can see he has *redrawn* parts of the design on the photo afterwards by pen. At least I wouldn't trust on a tattooist who does that! --Terry's Tattoo Studio, 23 Ghisholm Street, Glasgow G1 5HA, U.K. Tel (041) 552 5740. Three artists in 1992: Terry, Stuart, & Steven--Quite popular. The ready-made designs were nice & my boyfriend is very satisfied w/ his tattoo. A first-timer can feel comfortable, since it looks like an ordinary shop w/ show window & quite large, light waiting room for customers. --Into You, 144 St Johns Street, London EC1, 071 253 5085 Contributor: Dan Chalmers (etldlcs@etlxd30.ericsson.se) Artist: o Alex Binnie (tribal/abstract): Alex may be known to those in the US as he has traveled to various shops here. He does mostly tribal and abstract stuff. Piercer: o Teena Marie 1.9 EUROPE/POLAND -------- --(Acid Shop) Studio Tattoo. ul. Ogrodowa 20, 61-820 Poznan, Poland Phone: 522-851. Hours: 11:00am-9:00pm. Needles sterilized via pressurized steamer (120C) Contributor: Ulf Nagel (ulfn@dhhalden.no) Artist: Slawek Slavomir Slawek has been tattooing since 1990, when Poland & Russia were introduced to a free market economy. The only other person in Poland who has been tattooing longer (6 years) is in Gdansk. Slawek is yet to refine a specialization. He recently won an award at a German tattoo convention. 1.10 ASIA ------------- Japan ----- --Tattooing by Hori Waka, Green Haitsu (sic--"Heights") Asakusa 601, 2-19-9, Nishiasakusa, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 111, Japan. 38-3844-6002 Horiwaka uses both traditional Japanese , as well as the gun. 2. WHERE ON MY BODY SHOULD I GET A TATTOO? ---------- Duh--This may seem VERY trivial, since the answer can be "anywhere you please!" 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, he says, get them to show others, while women get them for the sake of decorating their body--and often place them where they can't normally be seen, so that it doesn't prompt comments about her "reputation." However for the sake of this FAQ, the following is a short list of areas to get inked. I am included the statistics from Clinton Sanders' study on the body location of the first tattoo for men and women as well (there were 111 men in his survey group and 52 women) --Head: The "head" in this case 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. --Sides of neck (nape): --Back of neck: I've seen some tribal pieces, and bats done on the back of the neck. You'll need to keep your hair short or tied up to keep it visible. --Face: Various areas possible. Facial tattoos could fall into the cosmetic, prison, or standard categories. Cosmetic would include darkening of eyebrows, eyelining, liplining, etc. Prison tattoos (which are actually in their own category) often include tat of a single tear near the eye to signify time served. Getting a tat on the face is serious business and crosses a portal because people will never look at you the same way. Can we say "Circus," boys & girls? --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. (Men: 5%, women: 35%--chest & breast combined) --Breasts (women): Used to be trendy to get a tiny tat on the breast. Women (particularly larger breasted ones) need to be careful about eventual sagging of the skin in the area. Don't get a tat that will look silly when it starts to stretch. --Nipples: Usually the artist leaves the nipples alone--the omission of ink tends not to be so noticeable. There HAS been work done with tattooing a facsimile of a nipple onto a breast in reconstructive surgery for those who have lost their nipples, tho--for aesthetic and self-esteem purposes. --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. --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 tat may look horrible after your metabolism slows down and you develop a --er- - "beer gut." (Men: Less than 5%, women: 14%) --Genitals: The matron nurse: "Did you see the patient in #409? His penis has a tattoo that says 'SWAN' on it!" "Oh no it didn't," says the younger nurse. "It said "SASKACHEWAN'!" All kidding aside, people DO get inked in their genital area. The idea may sound very painful, but a friend of mine said it wasn't any worse than any other spot. However, do consider that there *will* probably be some blurring in the area because of --er-- shall we say, the amount of movement the skin experiences (kind of like hands)? A thread in r.a.b. discussed whether penises are flaccid or erect during tattooing--some are, some aren't (how one can *maintain* one during the process is a wonder to me). The only female genital tattoo I've seen (inner labia, I think) was in _Modern Primitives_, and it looked rather blurry. Note: Many artists refuse to do genitals. (Men: 0%; women: 5 %) --Thighs/hips: A popular area for women to get larger pieces (often extending from the hip area). 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. (Men: 3%; women: 10%) --Calves: Nice area to get a standard size (2" x 2"). However if you have very hairy legs, it may cut down on the visibility somewhat. (Men: 7%; women: 8%. Category simply listed as leg/foot) --Ankles: Currently trendy. I think you have to have an ankle tat before you can go to the Eileen Ford Agency with your modeling portfolio. :) You can either get a spot piece on the inner or outer ankle, or get something that goes around in a band. Vines and other vegetation seem popular (pumpkins, anyone?) --Feet: I've seen some incredible footwork (pun intended) in some of the tat magazines. Concealable with shoes. Probably don't have as much wear and tear as hands so you might get less blurring and color loss. This however, is the TOPS 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. --Upper arms: One of the most common areas for men, although I have seen some nice work on women as well. If you decide to get a piece done on your upper arm, consider how much sun it's going to get. Will you be able to put sunblock on it regularly? Otherwise, expect some color loss and blurring. If you want some serious work done, and you want to show it off, you may want to consider getting a "sleeve"--full tat coverage throughout your upper arm. (Men: 70%; women: 18%. Category simply states arm/hand) --Inner arms: A more unusual location than the outer upper arm area, this area is often not easily visible. Be careful if your genes are prone to "bat wing" flab, however. --Forearms: Popeye sported his anchor on his forearm. Probably not as popular as the upper arm but common just the same. You can have your upper arm "sleeve" extend down for the long sleeve effect. For an example, check out the heavy metal video disc jockey on MTV (who also has a nose pierce, BTW). --Wrists: Janis Joplin had a dainty tat on her wrist...easily concealable with a watch. --Hands (fingers and palms): This usenet receives frequent queries about fingers, palms and hands in general. 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. A friend of mine had a multi-colored tat on his finger by Ed Hardy (who cringed upon hearing about where my friend wanted it), that is only several years old and is now barely noticeable. Some people want to substitute their wedding bands with tat 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. Perhaps just matching tats someplace else would be okay? There *IS* a photo of a tattoo on a palm in Sandi Feldman's book on Japanese tattooing. This seems to be an exception. --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 gonna 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. (Men: 15%, women: 15%. Category listed as backs/shoulder) --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 (not to mention many tat sessions). --Buttocks: Again, beware of potential sagging in the area. Rumor is that George Schultz has a tiger on his, and Cher has a bunch of flowers on hers (I wish she'd stop getting the silly small things & get some serious big custom pieces done on her bod! Has anyone seen that "necklace with three charms" that she has on her arm? Yeeech!) --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 5/9--Artist List." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 6/9--Care of new tattoos." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:13 Message # 13107 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 6/9--Care of new tattoos ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part6 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 6/9: Care of your new tattoo: 1. General advice from a medical doctor 2. What are some bad things for your new tattoo? 2.1 Sauna or steamroom 2.2 Sunlight 3. How do I care for my new tattoo? 3.1 Suggested Method #1: The Minimal Moisturizer Method 3.2 Suggested Method #2: The Pat-with-Listerine Method 3.3 Suggested Method #3: The Wait-24-Hours-to-Take-Off- Dressing Method 3.4 Suggested Method #4: The Coconut-Oil-Itch-Relief Method 3.5 Suggested Method #5: The Huck Spalding Method 3.6 Suggested Method #6: The Noxzema Method (NEW) 1. GENERAL ADVICE FROM A MEDICAL DOCTOR------- The contributor for this question is Dr. Kai Kristensen (tattoodoc@aol.com), a pathologist recently retired lab director (after almost 30 years) of an internationally reknown medical center in La Jolla, California. While his professional expertise is not specifically in bodyart, Kai is a bodyart enthusiast: After the session, the best treatment is simply that which one would give a bad sunburn. For the first few hours (or overnight) leave on the protective dressing supplied. After removing that dressing, clean gently with soap and water and apply a thin film of antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin or any of the triple antibiotic ointments available over the counter). That can be repeated during the day for comfort and sticky clothing. The process is repeated the second and third days. After that, keeing the area clean on a daily basis and (if you wish) lightly lubricated with some vaseline to minimize crusting also helps minimize the itch. Plastic surgeons keep wounds clean and moist for least scar formation. Do not go swimming for the first day or two after tattooing. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS WITH NO BASIS IN REALITY: 1. " Vaseline makes a tattoo faded". The ink is underneath the epidermis and the outer layer of dermis. There's NO WAY that vaseline can get down through the epidermis to draw out any of the ink. 2. "Swimming makes a tattoo faded". For the same reason as the above, pool chlorine does not get to the ink to fade it. Common sense precautions include not swimming in a public pool with a raw sore, such as a new tattoo while oozing or completely raw. After the first 2 days, the surface over the tatoo is impervious and (from personal experience as well as science background) it is OK to swim. 2. WHAT ARE SOME BAD THINGS FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO? 2.1 SAUNA OR STEAMROOM Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvious). 2.2 IS SUNLIGHT BAD FOR TATTOOS? ---------- Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your tats will fade (over a lifetime not over a week). The best is to try and keep them out of bright sunlight. No one wants to become a cave dweller just to keep their tats looking good, just use your common sense.{Think of your tat as an investment--slather on that sunblock so it doesn't turn into a dark blob. Like I say, "There's no such thing as a healthy tan!" Take it from a Hawaii local! I've seen my share of melanoma here, and they're not even from surfers or beach bunnies!} Kai says: IT IS TRUE THAT SUNTANNING TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT NOT ONLY DAMAGES YOUR SKIN BUT FADES THE TATTOOS. The UV light rays that damage skin can get below the outermost surface of the skin (that's why skin cancers are promoted by excess suntanning). 3. HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO? ---------- The artist that did your tattoo will have something very definite to say about the care of your new tattoo, and it is probably a good idea to listen to him/her. Many shops will actually have an information sheet listing care instructions. This section lists a series of treatments to give you an idea of the breadth of suggestions being offered. The suggestions have been given "titles" using some unique facet of the method, and is thus named only for the sake of convenience. These methods are NOT actually called these. Each set of instructions is followed by commentary. Special thanks to Lance Bailey (zaphod@ctrg.rri.uwo.ca) for this section. 3.1 SUGGESTED METHOD #1: THE MINIMAL MOISTURIZER METHOD ------ FROM ANCIENT ART TATTOO, (ORLANDO, FLA) Ancient Art puts a heap of vaseline on the new tattoo and then bandages up the whole thing, they give you these instructions: Tattoo Care Instructions: 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. Put nothing on the tattoo for 3 days. 5. From the 4th day, apply the *tiniest* amount of lotion possible once a day to keep it from drying out completely; gently work it in. (Mike suggests a drop for a 1"x4" piece). 6. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy. 7. Do not permit sun on tattoo. 8. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy. 9. Scabbing may or may not occur. Scabbing is normal. Do not pick scab. 10. Do not get the tattoo wet; moisture is your enemy. His strongest advice: "MOISTURE IS THE TATTOO'S ENEMY". On using Vaseline: Neosporin is Vaseline-based, & doesn't hurt. On using Neosporin: Not really neccessary, but it doesn't hurt. Strong warning: Never let the shower directly hit the tattoo. This procedure is how I healed the four I got at Ancient Art and they seem to be the slowest to heal. After 2.5 weeks, they still have scabs. sigh. Lance Bailey says: I used to go to great lengths to keep my tattoos moist while healing. But now, looking at the ink I healed then, and other art which is not much older but healed without all the moisture, I see that the ones where I kept it real moist to prevent any scabs are a lot fainter--grey where the others are still black. I quite literally drew a lot of the ink out of the piece. Yes, it is important to keep the tattoo from drying out, but a scab is part of the normal healing process, and trying to fool mother nature is risking trouble. Your mileage will of course vary. 3.2 SUGGESTED METHOD #2: THE PAT-WITH-LISTERINE METHOD -------- FROM TATTOOS UNLIMITED (LONDON, CANADA) 1. Change your bandage within two hours, wash hands before touching tattoo, 2. Clean tattoo with soap and water, pat w/ Listerine for a few minutes. 3. Apply Polysporin Ointment & bandage. Repeat this process 4 times a day until tattoo is healed. This is how I healed the first four or five tattoos. The theory is thatby keeping it covered with ointment, you don't form a scab -- and no scab means no scab problems. UNFORTUNATELY, this method also draws out a lot of the ink and can result in a pretty pale tattoo. sigh. I would not recommend this method for a good final result, although it can heal up a tattoo in as little as a four days if you use Vitamin E and Polysporin. 3.3 Suggested Method #3: The Wait-24-Hours-to-Take-Off-Dressing Method. From Joker's Wild (London, Canada) -------- 1. Remove bandage after 24 hours while you are showering. 2. Use a mild soap then pat dry 3. Allow tattoo to dry for 24 hours. 4. Apply supplied healing lotion 4 times a day. Do not use anything else on tattoo then the supplied cream. 5. When using the healing cream, use it sparingly, you want to moisten your tattoo, not soak it. 6. Do not soak your tattoo in the bath for 2 weeks. 7. Do not swim in chlorinated water for 2 weeks 8. Do not tan your tattoo for 2 weeks 9. If your tattoo does happen to scab, do not pick. Roland at Joker's Wild (no longer there) also recommended protecting the new tattoo from the shower. Since all of mine are on the lower leg, he suggested putting a bag over it which is a bit of a pain, but probably worth it. This is how I healed the 3" X 6" piece on the front of my shin with theexception that I washed it gently at least twice a day to clean off oldointment. I am very pleased with the result. 3.4 SUGGESTED METHOD #4: THE COCONUT-OIL-ITCH-RELIEF METHOD FROM BLUE DRAGON TATTOOS (LONDON, CANADA) -------- For effortless healing of your new tattoo please follow these directions carefully. 1. VERY IMPORTANT. Leave sterile dressing covering tattooed area for a minimum of 2 hours. 2. If desired, dressing can remain on tattoo for a maximum of 24 hours. 3. After removing dressing (non-stick), gently wash tattooed area with soap, pat dry with a clean towel. 4. Apply Polysporin twice daily until healed. Usually 3-6 days. 5. Refrain from picking or scratching tattoo during the healing process. Damaging the light scab formation will result in poor colors in your tattoo. If tattoo irritates, apply a slight smear of pure coconut oil. I have never tried this method; the owner of Blue Dragon and I don't seem to get along. Pity because one of my favorite artists now works there. 3.5 SUGGESTED METHOD #5: THE HUCK SPALDING METHOD -------- FROM HUCK SPALDING'S "TATTOOING A TO Z" 1. Bandage(*) should stay on for at least two hours. 2. Remove bandage, rinse gently with cold weather and blot dry. 3. Apply Bacitracin ointment 4 x a day and blot out the excess. 4. Keep tattoo fresh and open to the air. Do not bandage. 5. For the first week, avoid swimming or long soaking in the water. 6. For the first month, avoid too much exposure to the sun. 7. Do not pick or scratch scabs 8. Itching is relieved by slapping or alcohol. 9. Keep tattoo covered with loose clothing. * Bandaging Summary 1. After tattooing clean whole area w/ green soap & white paper towel. 2. Spray it with alcohol and hold a paper towel on it. 3. apply film of Bacitracin ointment. 4. Cover with bandage or Handi-Wrap and securely tape it on. I have yet to try this method, but have seen a few tattoos which have been bandaged with handi-wrap and they turned out just fine. (Huck writes that the handi-wrap stops people from peeling off the bandage in the first few hours to show friends.) 3.6 SUGGESTED METHOD #6*: THE NOXZEMA METHOD -------- *NEW AS OF 11/93, AGAIN FROM LANCE BAILEY (ZAPHOD@CTRG.RRI.UWO.CA) This method is recommended by Suzanne at Creative Tattoo (Ann Arbor, Michigan) 1. Remove bandage after 4 - 5 hours. 2. Wash gently with soap or water. 3. Do *not* scrub or soak until completely healed (usually a week). Showering, however, is OK. 4. Usually neccessary to re-bandage. 5. Keep tattoo OUT OF THE SUN or tanning booths while healing. Once healed, ALWAYS use sunscreen on colors. 6. We reommend Noxema Medicated Skin Lotion twice a day to aid healing & comfort. DO NOT USE Vaseline, oils, anything greasy, or anything with cortisone. Oils block your skin from contact with air, inhibiting healing 7. Tattoo "peels" in 4-7 days. Do not pick or scratch! "Your tattoo was applied with sterile equipment and procedure, and with non-toxic colors. We guarantee the workmanship. Healing and caring of your tattoo is YOUR responsibility." This is how I healed a 3-inch band around my right ankle. While the healing was more like 2 weeks, I also protected it from the shower with a bag. For the last few tattoos I noticed that after I stop covering it in the shower (after about 2 weeks), the tattoo seems to speed up in healing. I suspect that this might be either timing (it was ready to heal), or the action of the shower helps to knock of any dead skin thus promoting better healing. I only used a wee bit of Noxzema twice a day, leaving the art "moist and glistening" but with no "smears of white cream." Am very happy with this method. The cream really does help the itching and the final result is a good deep black. --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 6/9--Care of new tattoos." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 7/9--General care/removal." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:14 Message # 13108 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 7/9--General care/removal ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part7 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal <--YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 7/9: Old tattoos--care/removal 1. How does weight gain/loss affect a tattoo? 2. How does lifting weights affect a tattoo? 3. Can a tattoo be removed? 3.1. Get it reworked--cover-up 3.2. Get it reworked--touch-up 3.3. Get it removed--Tissue Expansion 3.4. Get it removed--Sal Abration 3.5. Get it removed--Staged Excision 3.6. Get it removed--medical lasers 1. 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.I know for a fact that stretch marks can ruin a tattoo, because I have a very small tattoo that now looks more like a blob because of a large stretch mark running through the middle of it. Luckily, this was a home-brewed job (the kind done with India ink and a pin wrapped in thread) so I was never particularly attached to the artwork. :-} If your skin stretches from weight gain and then shrinks back up without losing its elasticity (the loss of elasticity is what results in stretch marks), then I would expect that there wouldn't be much distortion of the tattoo, maybe none at all. Or, put the tattoo someplace that won't get stretched so much, like the chest area above the breasts. My upper stomach didn't stretch much, either, but the lower abdominal skin did stretch quite a lot. (I've seen stretch marks on hips, thighs and arms as well--probably related to muscle gain from weight lifting as well as general fattening/thinning.) 2. 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. 3. CAN A TATTOO BE REMOVED? ---------- There are several methods for "removing" a tattoo, listed below. However with all of these methods, you either still end up with a tattoo (albeit a better-looking one), a scar, or a skinnier wallet. In other words, it is much easier to *get* a tattoo in the first place than to get rid of one. If you are considering getting a new tattoo, think carefully before you do--or you may end up re-reading this section. *IMPORTANT* Most health insurance companies do not cover tattoo removal in their coverage. The removal of a small tattoo (2-inch square) could end up costing you over $1,000--and there are "hidden costs" to the concept of tattoo removal. The bottom line is, TATTOO REMOVAL IS VERY EXPENSIVE. This means that it is extra-important for you to consider CAREFULLY and spend a long time considering getting one in the first place. 3.1. GET IT REWORKED--COVER-UP -------- There are different ways to get cover-up work, depending on the situation. A name can be tastefully camouflaged with a small design,making the name impossible to read. If it's the entire thing you want covered, it could be covered with another design. It is easier to cover a lighter color with a darker color, although oftentimes the original work is done in a dark color. This means not just a good tattooist, but a really good artist; what they'll have to do is find a way to work the existing tattoo into a new design that will cover and disguise what's there. I have seen some brilliant coverup; there's a lot of it in one or two issues of'Tattootime'. --Patti Kelley from Avalon (see entry under 5.1 US West Coast: California: San Diego) has won some awards for cover-up work. The main idea is to check with the individual artist. If they've done significant cover-up work, they should have before and after photos of it in their book. --The people at Tattoo City can do it (see their entry under 5.1 US West Coast: California: San Francisco). 3.2. GET IT REWORKED--TOUCH-UP -------- With the advances in technology, technique and the availability of new, brighter colors in the past few years, faded or blurred tattoos can look brighter and sharper than when they were new. 3.3. Get it removed--Tissue Expansion -------- The tissue expansion method is where a balloon is inserted and inflated under the skin to slowly stretch the flesh. The tattoo is then cut out and the newly stretched skin covers its place. This is a popular method for removing smaller tattoos and leaves only a straight-line surgical scar. 3.4. GET IT REMOVED--SAL ABRASION -------- Sal abrasion involves rubbing the image with salt and "sanding" it out. 3.5. GET IT REMOVED--STAGED EXCISION -------- The staged excision method actually cuts the image out, a small portion at a time. Both the sal abration and staged excision methods result in more scarring. Also, homemade tattoos can be more difficult to remove because while the concentration of ink may not be as great as in a professional tattoo, it often goes deeper into the skin (you may want to consider cover-up work in this case). Monese Christensen (lynx@codon.nih.gov) recounts a rather sad story about her sister, who, on a whim without finding a good artist, got a tattoo she regretted enough to try to get it removed. "The saline expansion took about 4 months. The insertion of the saline bag was major surgery. They put her out. And put her out again to remove the tattoo and bag. The surgery was not covered under insurance for cosmetic reasons and it came to $5,000." Note that for six months Monese's sister had a big lump of extra skin growing on her back and she looked like Quasimodo. This, I believe, for a tattoo about 2" x 2". 3.6. GET IT REMOVED--MEDICAL LASERS -------- There are a number of new laser methods for tattoo removal, although they tend to be costly and are usually not covered by medical insurance plans. Of the three forms of medical lasers currently available (the CO2 laser, the Q-stitched ruby laser and the Tatulazr), the new Tatulazr has been deemed one of the most effective ways to remove blue-black tattoos. According to Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick of Dermatology Associates of San Diego County (who is the clinical investigator for the Tatulazr), the Tatulazr delivers pulses of energy that are selectively absorbed by the pigment granules of the tattoo. He says that the Tatulazr's wavelength causes less absorption of the laser light by the normal skin, resulting in less risk of scarring. The longer wavelength allows more energy to reach the target tattoo pigment, resulting in greater removal success. In addition, the wavelength allows for deeper penetration into the skin, which means fewer treatments may be required for complete tattoo removal. For the name of a physicial in your area who uses the Tatulazr, call the Candela Laser Corp. at 1-800-733-8550 Ext. 444 (or write to them at 530 Boston Post Rd., Wayland, MA 01778). --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 7/9--General care/removal." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 8/9--Miscellaneous info." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:15 Message # 13109 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 8/9--Misc. info ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part8 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE 9/9--Bibliography WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 8/9: Misc. tattoo info: 1. Are there glow-in-the-dark tattoos? 2. Where can I get a Japanese "irezumi" tattoo? 3. When did tattooing start? 4. How does a modern tattoo gun work? 5. How long do I have to wait before I can donate blood? 6. Tattoos and allergies 7. How do I become a tattoo artist? 1. ARE THERE GLOW IN THE DARK TATTOOS? -------- Quite simply, yes. --You generally get a quick test to see if you react to it. If you are not allergic, it is not a problem. --It does not always become invisible. Freddy (Corbin) tells the story of a woman who got a 6-inch spurting penis with the words "love it" on her forearm. The pigment never became invisible (oops.) --It sometimes does not take well. It comes out fairly regularly. Because of all of this, it is recommended that you use it to highlight an existing tattoo, but you should not do it as the only pigment. You can get it at Lyle Tuttle's studio, Tattoo City, and the Blue Buddha. If you go to the BB, ask for Bill. 2. WHERE CAN I GET JAPANESE "IREZUMI" TATTOOS? ---------- Japanese "irezumi" tattoos are often associated with laborers (primarily fire fighters and carpenters) and yakuza members, who stereotypically also lack the tips of one or two digits on their hands (to signify a failed order and to show loyalty--see the movie, _Black Rain_ with Michael Douglas for an example). An excellent book to to see examples of traditional Japanese bodysuits is _The Japanese tattoo_ by Sandi Fellman (New York : Abbeville Press, 1986. 112 p.). For those interested in getting work of this magnitude done however, the general answer is "ya can't gets one." This is not only because of the time or costs involved--there is a sense of the spiritual and of propriety with the artists, who do not advertise their services in the Yellow Pages. Your best bet as a "gaijin" (foreigner) is to find a Western artist who specializes in oriental artwork. As trends go, the young Japanese are now interested in tattoos of Elvis and Chevies, anyway--the grass is greener on the other side, I guess. 2. KANJI CHARACTERS -------- One word of warning about getting Japanese or Chinese characters- -make sure that the artist who does this understands the importance of the shape and form of the letters. Unlike the roman alphabet, the essence of the Oriental characters is in the proper execution of form. The artist will have to know where the "brush strokes" of the calligraphy starts and ends (as stroke order also counts), as well as how angular some corners should be, etc. The worst thing would be to sport a Japanese kanji character that looks like some zygotes. How to tell if the characters are formed properly? It would help if you know how to read kanji or if you have Oriental friends--otherwise, go with a reputable artist who is known for it. 3. WHEN DID TATTOOING START? ---------- Paraphrased from the Globe and Mail (Toronto's National Newpaper): "A 4,000 year old man has been found in Italy near the Austrian border, (originally it was reported he was in Austria, but both countries now agree he is in Italy.) Carbon dating will take a few months, but artifacts found near him strongly suggest that he is over 4,000 years old...He is also tattooed...a small cross is behind one knee and above his kidneys there are a series of lines, about 15 cm long." Now I knew that the Egyptians tattooed each other, but that was only 3,000 years ago. I wonder how much further back this custom goes? From "Tattoo You" by Steve Wind (Off Duty Hawaii Magazine, October '92): "The first Western references to tattoos didn't come until 1771, when Captain cook brought the word to Europe after Seeing the artform in Tahiti. Tattoos were associated with the lower class and criminal elements in Britain and America until the early 1900s when, drawn by a sense of freedom, decadence and sexual liberation, upper classes began wearing them as well." The word "tattoo" apparently comes from the Tahitian word "tatau," which was onomonopoetic for the sound their tattooing instrument made. The word was brought back by Captain Cook. 4. HOW DOES A MODERN TATTOO GUN WORK? -------- I'd like to thank Fred Jewell (fredj@ksr.com), who did this entire section, except the diagram [which took me some time], and the needle arrangements, which is by Jesster. The tattoo machine (gun, as a misnomer) is really a basic doorbell circuit (you know--you push a button and somewhere in the kitchen this little arm bangs the hell out of a bell thingie). For you techies out there it's a DC coil and spring point(s) machine. Both doorbell and tat machine were invented before household current was available. __ / \ \ / <--rabbit ear w/ a screw in it _/ /____ / /_/ \ | ( )---\ \ | --- ---\\ \ \/ /_____ \\ \ __ __ ( ) \ \\ \ / \ / \ <--mecha- ============================= nism ^ ------------ | | | <-contact armature (| |________________|---\___| points bar -> | | _/ \_||_/ \_ / <-This | | [XXXX]||[XXXX]__ __ \ whole coils (X)-> | | |XXXX|--|XXXX| \ / \ \ thing is | | |XXXX|--|XXXX| / \__/ | the base | | |XXXX|--|XXXX| / || / =========================== <-rubber =========================== bands ___| |___|__|__|__|__/ |___((_// / //\ |\- | // | ___________________| \// /___/ --- | |___| /XXXXX\ |XXXXX| |XXXXX| |XXXXX| <--sanitary tube |XXXXX| |XXXXX| |_____| \ / | | | | | | \_| <---needles 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" (like the end of a wire); one usually on a spring mechanism, the other either the end, or on the end of a screw. 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 - 12VDC), 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 keeps the points from arcing and pitting, and wearing out so quickly. A capacitor is a device that holds energy kind of 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 nill. 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 (aka capacitor) 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. My understanding is that 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 (below it is the fat layer of the body). 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, my conjecture is thatthe dermis makes for more ink and perhaps a more vivid image. Machines are really of two types: Liners, and shaders. They areexactly the same, but are set up differently. The gap for a liner isaround 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. Note: There can really be any number of them but these seem to be most common. 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 The following needle diagrams are from Jesse "Jesster" Parent (jesster@WPI.EDU). o is a needle . is a cut down needle (shorter & no point) Liners: Single needle 3-needle 5-needle o o o o . . o o o o o 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 o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o Shaders are mounted on flat needle bars while liners are mounted on round bars There are two other types of machines. Spaulding & Rogers revolution (don't know of an artist that uses this one), which is a DC motor that turns a cam that raises and lowers the needle bar assembly through a sanitary tube. The other is something that I have never seen (even in pictures) but they are used in prison and are made of tape recorder motors, and for the life of me I don't know how they work. 5. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE I CAN DONATE BLOOD? ----- The standard question they always ask at blood banks is whether you've had a piercing or tattoo within the last 12 months. A lot of discussion has been made over r.a.b. about some centers allowing for exceptions and whatnot, but it looks like the general concensus is that you have to wait 12 months. I assume this is to wait out any incidence of hepatitis or HIV. Jonathan Allan (news@rchland.ibm.com) says the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN won't take you if you have had: 1. Sex w/ another male since 1977 (male to male); 2. Sex w/ someone from the subtropic islands or sub-Saharan Africa since 1977; 3. Sex for money or drugs EVER; 4. Sex w/ someone who had sex w/ one of the above EVER; 5. ANY piercing or tattoo in the last 12 months. 6. TATTOOS AND ALLERGIES? ----- Josephine Valencia (jv22+@andrew.cmu.edu), on allergies to certain inks: The red reaction affects approximately 1 in every 100,000 to 300,000 people. It is characcterized by itching and sometimes swelling depending on how severe the case. This usually happens 3 to 5 years after the tattoo, although cases have been reported as early as a few months and as late as 20 years. Remedies usually involve OTC lotion or in more severe cases, medication prescribed by a dermotoligist. No one seems to know what causes it and is associated usually only with the color red. About 20 (?) years ago most red pigments contained mercury and the red reaction was much more common. It was widely believed that mercury was the cause. Mercury is no longer used in tattoo inks. Red reaction incidences decreased dramaticlly but were not eliminated. Dr. Kai Kristensen (tattoodoc@aol.com), on other causes for allergic reactions: Anything that the needles must go through to drive the ink into the dermis can be carried with the ink into the skin--and some people are blessed with a high degree of reaction to foreign material. Most tattoo artists use a petroleum jelly based ointment as a lubricant on the surface of the skin and tattoo through that layer. In some persons, driving any of that into the skin sets up a foreign body reaction with lumps and itching (me, for one). If that is the case, persuade your artist to tattoo "dry" without the ointment. It is perfectly satisfactory and no harder on the tattooer or tattooee. I personally cannot see the need for the "grease" layer as an added possibility for forein body reactions. [Ed.-Note that some artists use plain petroleum jelly, while others use vitamin-enhanced products.] 7. HOW DO I BECOME A TATTOO ARTIST? ----- This question, when posted to r.a.b., probably receives the most amount of flames, depending on how it's asked. The general concensus is that there is only "one way" to do it, and that is to apprentice, period. The following is from Dawn Grace Russell (dawngr@rci.ripco.com), who gives a personal account of her current apprenticeship with Guy Aitchison, one of the best artists in the country: ...I have no money to spend on such personal luxury, because all funds go to rent and tattoo equipment. I am disturbed when people complain about the cost of equipment, it's just bad news to learn tattooing on your own, and you REALLY have to serve an apprenticeship under a reputable artist for at least two years to get ANY kind of respect in this field. Without an apprenticeship, you don't learn about important things like sterilization techniques. Maybe I'm just annoyed that people think you don't have to work your ass off (and completely love what you're doing) to be a tattoo artist. --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 8/9--Misc. info." This should be followed by "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 9/9-- Bibliography." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:15 Message # 13111 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 9/9--Bibliography ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/tattoo-faq/part9 Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- The rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ is broken up into 9 parts: 1/9--Introduction 2/9--Getting a tattoo 3/9--Sanitation 4/9--Conventions 5/9--Artist list 6/9--Care of new tattoos 7/9--General care/removal 8/9--Misc. info 9/9--Bibliography<---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart FAQ Part 9/9: Bibliography 1. Are there references about tattoos I could look up? 2. Tattoos in movies and videos 3. Newspaper articles about tattoos/bodyart 4. Magazine and journal articles about tattoos/bodyart 5. Books about tattoos/bodyart (reviews where available) 6. Tattoo organizations 7. Resource material for custom tattoo design ideas 1. ARE THERE REFERENCES ABOUT TATTOOS I COULD LOOK UP?------ When I first started looking around for references about tattoos, all I found were scholarly journal articles about how juvenile delinquents and prisoners had tattoos, or how tattoos were an indicator for psychosis. I *knew* there had to be more stuff out there. However, a quick look through the Lexis/Nexis online (fee- based) database revealed *thousands* of RECENT citations on bodyart. When a mainstream comic strip like "Cathy" mentions a navel ring, you are apt to get a lot of forgettable articles. I eventually plan to pare this list down to a quality annotated bibliography. I also plan to include in this bibliography a listing of sources that you could use for ideas on various designs. 2. TATTOOS IN MOVIES/VIDEOS------------------ This is not a comprehensive list, and does not include videos that are produced for tattoo conventions; but rather, easily accessible movies and videos where tattoos are used in some significant form. This wonderful movie bibliography was compiled by Carl Shapiro (carl@lvsun.COM) unless otherwise noted: Tattoos play minor, but sometimes interesting, roles in these movies: "Blues Brothers". John Belushi, Dan Akroyd Contributor: Ray Hamel (hamel@primate.wisc.edu) -The brothers have their names tatooed on their knuckles. "Cape Fear" (1991). Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte. -A tattooed psychopath preys on a Southern lawyer and his family. "Double Exposure" (1987). Mark Hennessy, Scott King. -2 photographers turn sleuth after taking a picture of a tattooed blonde. "Lethal Weapon" Mel Gibson Contributor: A.D.C.Elly (A.D.C.Elly@bnr.co.uk) -The cops recognise that one of the men they're after is a "Special Forces" man because a little boy saw his tattoo (which matches the one Riggs got when he was Special Forces). "Man Against the Mob: The Chinatown Murders" (1989). George Peppard, Ursula Andress. -Odd tattoos on corpses lead a detective to a Los Angeles nightclub. "Night of the Hunter" (1991). Richard Chamberlain, Diana Scarwid. -A crook's family is prey to a preacher who has "LOVE" and "HATE" knuckle tattoos. "Night of the Hunter" (1955). Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters -Original (and much better) version of above. Mitchum is fantastic; very scary. "Poison Ivy" has a scene about it Contributor: Abu (jdaley@scf.usc.edu) "Raising Arizona". Nicholas Cage. Contributor: Todd Liebenow (squonk@camelot.bradley.edu) -Cage's character has a tatoo of a Woody Woodpecker head on his arm. At the end of the movie when he's fighting the lone biker of the apoclypse we find out that the biker has the same tatoo. However, we never find out what all this means. "Romper Stomper" (1993). Distributed by Seon Films, made by Film Victoria. Contributor: Pierre Honeyman (pierre@amisk.cs.ualberta.ca) A love story among tattooed skinheads, there are some very good tattoos in this movies, although the racist content may offend some viewers. The movie is not about racism. "Sonny Boy" * (1990). David Carradine, Paul L. Smith. -A demented brute and his hairy tattooed wife lose control of their wild child, bred to kill. "Tales from the Crypt" Contributor: Abu (jdaley@scf.usc.edu) -There's an episode with Tia Carrera about a guy whose tattoo gets...under his skin. "Tattoo Chase" (1989). F. Richards Ford, Michael Gregory. -An heir has 60 days to find the treasure-map tattoo on one of his father's global girlfriends. "The Jigsaw Murders" (1989). Chad Everett, Michelle Johnson. -A police detective and a doctor solve a gruesome mystery with a puzzle and tattoo as clues. "The Phoenix" (1992). Jamie Summers, E.Z. Rider. -Tattoo master seeks perfect canvas. "The Tattooed Stranger" (1950). John Miles, Patricia White. -A New York police detective tracks down a killer using a tattoo clue. They play major roles in these two movies: "Charles Gatewood's Tattoo San Francisco" (1988). San Francisco, CA : Flash Video. 60 min. Review: Short segments on tattoo enthusiasts and artists in the Bay Area. Vyvyn Lazonga and Dick Tome are interviewed, as well as others. If you liked the cover of _Modern Primitives_, its model is interviewed in here as well. Production quality (lighting, editing, etc.) will not win any Academy Awards, but the information contained is interesting. Definitely worth renting, though probably not worth buying. "The Illustrated Man" (1969). Rod Steiger, Claire Bloom. -Wonderful adaptation of Ray Bradbury's novel about a man whose body tattoos depict actual events, all shown in flashback and flash-forward. "Irezumi" (Spirit of Tattoo) (1985). Masayo Utsonomiya, Tomisaburo Wakayama, Yuhsuke Takita, Masaki Kyomoto, Harue Kyo, Naomi Shiraishi, Taiji, Tonoyama. -In this exquisitely beautiful Japanese film, a young woman consents to her lover's wish to have her tattooed, and fulfills the cycle of the tattoo master's life. Notes from Lani: I got quite a bit more out of this movie because I didn't need the subtitles. Some of the Japanese nuances and symbolism is lost to a Western audience. Some of the more important points to note while watching this film: -Both the master's ex-wife and son had names that started with "Haru." In Japanese, this means "Spring." The importance of this is obvious--he had both of them earlier in life, when he was still in his spring (seasons are one of the major themes in Japanese literature, much like the concept of life/death in Western literature). -On the other hand, the first scene in the movie, of the snow storm, and of his telling the main character that "snowflakes would look good on your back," as well as the symbol of the Japanese snow flake that leads to the unraveling of his life, all come at the end of his life (also the snowflake books). -Harutsune, the son, serves as a perfect combination of the parents--his backpiece is done by his mother, while his full front piece is done by the father. -The theme of empowerment and independence is once again present here, as in Tanizaki Jun'ichiro's _Shiseo_, the short story about the young woman who gets a large spider on her back. -The theme of the complete cycle is repeated throughout: --The change of the seasons (reminiscent of _Charlotte's Web_) --The woman is urged to get a tattoo by the master's wife. --The cycle after death is complete upon the last prick. "Signatures of the soul, tattooing" (1984). Peter Fonda. Producer Geoff Steven. New York, NY : Filmakers Library -Peter Fonda explores the social history of tattooing, both primitive and modern, discussing its use as ornament, badge, and personal statement. Practitioners of the art from the Pacific Islands, California, and Japan discuss the aesthetics of the art. "Tattoo" Maude Adams, Bruce Dern -A tattoo artist obsessed with a professional model abducts her and tattoos her entire body. 3. NEWSPAPER ARTICLES (THESE CITATIONS OBTAINED PRIMARILY FROM THE NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS CD-ROM DATABASE) -------- Because of the amazing proliferation of newspaper articles on tattoos, I have deleted this section for now, until I can come up with an annotated bibliography. 4. MAGAZINES AND JOURNAL ARTICLES ---------------- Publications Ltd (who produce Body Art magazine, and supply jewelery) moved (ages ago) to: PO Box 32 Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR29 5RD "Career-oriented Women with Tattoos" by Armstrong, Myrna L. _Image--the journal of nursing scholarship_. Wint '91 v 23 n 4 p 215 "Memorial Decoration: Women, Tattooing, and the Meanings of Body Alteration" by Sanders, Clinton. _Michigan quarterly review_. Wint 1991 v 30 n 1 p 146 Summary: Sanders is one of a very few academicians writing about body modifications. This article is the only one I've encountered that deals specifically with the psychology of women tattoo enthusiasts, whose reasons for getting inked differ from those of their male counterparts. "Trends: Tattoos go mainstream." _Newsweek_. Jan 07 91 v 117 n 1 p 60 Summary: A short article focusing on a couple of tattoo enthusiasts who do not fit the stereotype, including a French man working on his full back piece. Good introduction to the change in "Nonmainstream body modification: genital piercing, burning, and cutting" by Myers, James. _Journal of contemporary ethnography_. Oct 01 1992 v 21 n 3 p 267. Summary: One of the few papers that is both academic and informational. Begins with a definition of "body modification" and discusses various non-tattooing bodmods. Key players including Fakir, Jim Ward & Raellyn are mentioned. Gauntlet illustration of genital pierces available. Some sense of "outsider peeking in;" author specifies the fact that he is a heterosexual male anthropologist (he is an anthro prof at Cal State Chico). 5. BOOKS & MAGAZINES ------------- Some books may no longer be in print--check your library for a copy, or request an InterLibrary Loan. Not all tattoo magazines are reviewed here (a serials cataloger's nightmare--new titles cropping up all the time, issues ceasing publication for no reason, etc.) Carson, Richard D. Never Get a Tattoo. Rogers, Novle, illustrator. (Illus.). 144p. 08/1990. Paper. $8.95. (ISBN 0-06- 096509-6, PL). HarperCollins Publishers, Incorporated. Cline, Robert F. The Tattooed Innocent & the Raunchy Grandmother: An Adult Fairy Tale, Quite Grim. LC 81-69430. 192p. (Orig.). 1983. Paper. $7.95. (ISBN 0-9607082-0-0). Argos House. DeMichele, William. The Illustrated Woman: Photographs by William DeMichele. Pref. by Gorman, Shotsie. (Illus.). 128p. 09/1992. $65.00. (ISBN 0-9631708-0-5); Paper. $34.95. (ISBN 0-9631708-1- 3). Proteus Press, Incorporated. Review: This 11"x13" book is a unique photo collection of tattooed women. In the International tattoo community this book is already a collector's item, it's a valuable addition to anyone who buys fine photographic books. THE FIRST PRINTING SOLD OUT IN 18 WEEKS! THE SECOND PRINTING INCLUDES A SOFT COVER VERSION printed to the same deluxe specifications with a laminated cover & end flaps. Photographer Bill DeMichele traveled the US & Europe for 5 years, photographing women who fit no sterotype but share a passion for individuality & a commitment to self-expression. The book surprises everyone who picks it up. They are shocked by the honesty & beauty of the over 130 color photographs. And, they praise the quality of the color printing & binding. Includes preface by tattooist Shotsie Gorman, & introduction by William DeMichele. "...even if the women weren't tattooed, the pictures would stand up...the faces all show emotion...none of that empty Playboy mannequin stuff."--Chris Pfouts, International Tattoo Art Magazine. "After perusing THE ILLUSTRATED WOMAN one could feel one's preconceptions about...tattooing take a dive into a mire of primordial goo...we are given photographs of bold clarity that bridges art & documentation."--Mark Mofett, Metroland Magazine. (Publisher supplied) Proteus Press, Incorporated (not to be confused with Proteus Pr. in College Park, MD Proteus Press, Incorporated 40 Broadway, Albany, NY ,12202. Telephone: 518-436-4927 ISBN Prefix: 0-9631708 Additional Contact: Distributed by: Publishers Group West 4065 Hollis St., Emeryville, CA 94608. Telephone: 510-658- 3453, Toll Free Number: 800-788-3123 Fellman, Sandi. The Japanese Tattoo. (Illus.). 120p. 04/1988. Paper. $24.95. (ISBN 0-89659-798-9). Abbeville Press, Incorporated. Abbeville Press, Incorporated ISBN Prefix: 0-89659 ISBN Prefix: 1-55859 488 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022 Telephone: 212-888-1969 Toll Free Number: 800-227-7210 Gell, Alfred. Wrapping in Images: Tattooing in Polynesia. (Oxford Studies in the Anthropology of Cultural Forms). (Illus.). 364p. 09/1993. $95.00. (ISBN 0-19-827869-1, 14144). Oxford University Press, Incorporated. Handy, Willowdean C. Tattooing in the Marquesas. (BMB). 1974. Repr. of 1922 ed. $15.00. (ISBN 0-527-02104-0). Kraus Reprint. Hardy, Donald E. Art from the Heart. (Tattootime Ser.: No. 5). 04/1993. Paper. $20.00. (ISBN 0-945367-09-0). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy Marks Publications ISBN Prefix: 0-945367 P.O. Box 90520, Honolulu HI 96835, Telephone: 808-737-7033 Hardy, Donald E. Dragon Tattoo Design. (Illus.). 96p. 03/1988. $50.00. (ISBN 0-945367-01-5). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy, Donald E. Eye Tattooed America. 116p. 06/1993. Paper. $20.00. (ISBN 0-945367-12-0). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy, Donald E., editor. Life & Death Tattoos. rev. ed. (Tattootime Ser.). (Illus.). 96p. 1989. Paperback text edition. $15.00. (ISBN 0-945367-05-8). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy, Donald E., editor. Music & Sea Tattoos. rev. ed. (Tattootime Ser.). (Illus.). 96p. (Orig.). 10/1988. Paperback text edition. $15.00. (ISBN 0-945367-04-X). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy, Donald E., editor. New Tribalism. rev. ed. Hardy, Donald. (Tattootime Ser.). (Illus.). 64p. (Orig.). 10/1988. Paperback text edition. $10.00. (ISBN 0-945367-02-3). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy, Donald E. Sailor Jerry Collins: American Tattoo Master. 03/1994. Paper. $30.00. (ISBN 0-945367-11-2). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy, Donald E. The Tattoo Coloring Book, Vol. 1. (Illus.). 36p. (Orig.). 08/1990. Paperback text edition. $14.95. (ISBN 0-685- 44854-1). T C B Imprints, Unlimited. Hardy, Donald E. Tattoo Flash. (Illus.). 74p. (Orig.). 1990. Paperback text edition. $80.00. (ISBN 0-945367-06-6). Hardy Marks Publications. Hardy, Donald E., editor. Tattoo Magic. rev. ed. (Tattootime Ser.). (Illus.). 64p. (Orig.). 10/1988. Paperback text edition. $10.00. (ISBN 0-945367-03-1). Hardy Marks Publications. Krakow, Amy. The Total Tattoo Book. (Orig.). 06/1994. Paper. write for info. (ISBN 0-446-67001-4). Warner Books, Incorporated. Mascia-Lees, Frances E. & Sharpe, Patricia., editors. Tattoo, Torture, Mutilation & Adornment: The Denaturalization of the Body in Culture & Text. LC 91-21296. (SUNY Series, The Body in Culture, History, & Religion). 172p. 09/1992. $44.50x. (ISBN 0- 7914-1065-X); Paper. $14.95x. (ISBN 0-7914-1066-8). State University of New York Press. Maginnes, Al. Outside a Tattoo Booth. Zarucchi, Roy, editor. Page, Carolyn, editor. Page, Carolyn, illustrator. (Chapbook Ser.). (Illus.). 28p. (Orig.). 07/1991. Paper. $5.00. (ISBN 1- 879205-16-5). Nightshade Press. Morse, Albert L. The Tattooists. Walsh, John A., editor. (Illus.). 03/1977. $79.95x. (ISBN 0-918320-01-1). Morse, Albert L. Richie, Donald. The Japanese Tattoo. Buruma, Ian, photographer. LC 79-26738. (Illus.). 120p. 07/1990. $22.50. (ISBN 0-8348-0228- 7). Weatherhill, Incorporated. Review: Among traditional Japanese arts & crafts, the Japanese tattoo, with its unique beauty & fascinating social implications, is one of the most intriguing. This richly illustrated & well- researched book offers us a definitive treatment of the subject, including discussion of the history, symbolism, & social function of tattooing in Japan. A visually & intellectually stimulating celebration of a disappearing art. (Publisher supplied) Weatherhill, Incorporated ISBN Prefix: 0-8348 420 Madison Ave., 15th Flr., New York NY 10017-1107 Telephone: 212-223-3008 Toll Free Number: 800-437-7840 (orders) Rosen, Jerry. Tattoo Interview. 11/1992. $14.95. (ISBN 0-86719- 387-5). Last Gasp Eco-Funnies, Incorporated. Sanders, Clinton R. Customizing the Body: The Art & Culture of Tattooing. LC 88-9406. (Illus.). 224p. 01/1989. $29.95. (ISBN 0- 87722-575-3). Temple University Press. Schwartz, Paul. The Tattoo Buyer's Guide: A Complete & Candid Guide to Getting a Great Tattoo. (Illus.). 57p. (Orig.). 05/1993. Paper. $6.95. (ISBN 0-9635778-0-8). Alter Ego Press. Alter Ego Press ISBN Prefix: 0-9635778 P.O. Box 69, Beebe Plain, VT 05823 or 34 Main St., Newport, VT 05855, Telephone: 514-270-4148 Spaulding, Huck. Tattooing A to Z: A Guide to Successful Tattooing. Naydan, Ted, illustrator. (Illus.). 141p. 08/1988. $45.00. (ISBN 0-929719-00-X). Spaulding & Rogers Manufacturing, Incorporated. Stine, Megan. Tattoo Mania: The Newest Craze in Wearable Art. Juv (gr. 1-3) 09/1993. Paper. $5.99. (ISBN 0-553-48144-4). Bantam Books, Incorporated. Thompson, Earl. Tattoo. 704p. 04/1991. Paper. $6.95. (ISBN 0- 88184-727-5). Carroll & Graf Publishers. Wood, Steven. The Tattooed Cat: Where Cats & Tattoos Meet. Mamikunian, Dawn, photographer. (Illus.). 96p. (Orig.). 02/1993. Paper. $12.95. (ISBN 0-9610330-6-1). Tabler, Joseph, Books. Wroblewski, Chris. Skin Shows: The Art of Tattoo. (Illus.). 118p. 05/1991. Paper. $19.95. (ISBN 0-86369-272-9, W H Allen UK). Carol Publishing Group. Carol Publishing Group Name Cross Reference: Stuart, Lyle, Incorporated ISBN Prefix: 0-8184 600 Madison Ave., 11th Flr., New York, NY 10022 Telephone: 212-486-2200 Additional Contact: O, 120 Enterprise Ave., Secaucus, NJ 07094 Telephone: 201-866-8159 Wroblewski, Chris. Skin Shows II: The Art of Tattoo. (Illus.). 130p. Paper. $19.95. (ISBN 0-86369-517-5, W H Allen UK). Carol Publishing Group. Wroblewski, Chris. Tattooed Women. (Illus.). 128p. 07/1992. Paper. $19.95. (ISBN 0-86369-524-8, W H Allen UK). Carol Publishing Group. _Marks of civilization : artistic transformations of the human body_ Arnold Rubin, editor. Los Angeles, Calif. : Museum of Cultural History, University of California, Los Angeles, c1988. 279 p. : ill. ; 29 cm. Bibliography: p. 265-276. LCCN#: GT2343 .M37 1988 _Modern Primitives_. V. Vale and Andrea Juno, editors. Re/Search Publications, San Francisco, CA, c1989. [216] p. : ill. ; 28 cm. Index. #12 in the Re/Search series. If you are interested in bodyart as a whole beyond tattoos, this is the one book that you should have in your reference collection. The book is a collection of interviews and write-ups about a very wide spectrum, including the opener on Fakir Musafar (he is THE bodyart god, IMHO), sword swallowing, Polynesian tattoos, pierces, cuttings, etc. The section on body piercing complements Ardvark's FAQ, and has illustrations on exactly WHERE those darned genital pierces are supposed to go. Important note: This book is not for the faint-at-heart. Some of the information and text contained are very graphic--an assumption can be made that those wanting to read the book are already USED to small tattoos and nipple pierces. There is a graphic photo of a bifurcated penis, for example. You have been duly warned. [If you (ahem) have trouble finding this book in your local bookstore, , send an SASE to Re/Search Publications, 20 Romolo #B, San Francisco, CA 94133.] Richter, Stefan, 1952-. _Tattoo_. London : Quartet, 1985. 158 p. : chiefly col. ill. ; 36 cm. Ill. on lining papers. "An art as old as humanity: a short history of tattooing in the Western world" / Stephan Oettermann: p. 11-17. Bibliography: p. 17. LCCN#: GN419.3 .R53 1985 Richie, Donald, 1924-. The Japanese tattoo / Donald Richie, text; Ian Buruma, photos. 1st ed. New York : Weatherhill, 1980. 115, [1] p. : ill. (some col.) ; 27 cm. Bibliography: p. 115- [116] LCCN#: GT2345 .R52 Robley, Horatio Gordon, 1840-. _Moko; or, Maori tattooing_. With 180 illustrations from drawings by the author and from photographs. [Auckland] : Southern Reprints, 1987. xxi, 216 p. ; ill. ; 27 cm. "Authorities consulted": p. [209]-212. LCCN#: GN667.N9 R7 1987 _Tattoo, torture, mutilation, and adornment : the denaturalization of the body in culture and text_ Frances E. Mascia-Lees and Patricia Sharpe, editors. Albany : State University of New York Press, c1992. vii, 172 p. ; 24 cm. SUNY series, the body in culture, history, and religion. Includes bibliographical references. LCCN#: GT495 .T38 1992 Stewart, Samuel. _Bad Boys and Tough Tattoos: A Social History of the Tattoo with Gangs, Sailors, and Street-Corner Punks_. (1950- 1965). Review by Lance Bailey (zaphod@ctrg.rri.uwo.ca): Instead of a well-written mature examination of tattoos and society, we instead find Steward's aimless wandering full of misconceptions, incorrect facts and a dedication to link tattoos and gay sex. Presented as a formal study, Stewart pretentiously claims that "it is perhaps the only volume on tattooing not dependent on tattoo photographs to boost sales." He however commits one of the writer's worst crimes by talking down to the reader. The book is sprinkled liberally with street slang instead of the language of a serious study. Worse, however is the gross inaccuracies in the book. Two examples: 1: Through out the book Steward presents himself, or rather his pseudonym Phil Sparrow, as the best tattooist in Chicago whilst he practised there. His comments on tattoos become amusing in this light and on "Famous tattoos" he comments: "The second of the legendary tattoos is a 'pack of hounds chasing a fox down across a person's back,' with the fox disapearing in the a convenient burrow...At any rate, although thousands of persons have said they have seen such a tattoo, it is hardly reasonable that I should never have seen one in 18 years and over a hundred persons." Well, Mr Sparrow should pick up a copy of "Art, sex, and symbol: the mystery of tatooing (1986)" which has several pictures of tattoos on that very theme. 2: In his section on tattooing the drunk, he says he did not mind working on someone who'd had a few drinks for courage, but the truly intoxicated should not be tattooed because "a drunk cannot sit still...he is very likely to get sick suddenly... [and] the choice of design selected was regretted as soon as they became sober. Steward seems to be completely ignorant of the fact that alcohol is an anti-coagulant and a single beer can make someone bleed like a stuck pig. But the book isn't all bad -- it is fairly short, and the bibliography contains this wonderful description of a book near to all r.a.b.'ers hearts. "An extaordinarily bizarre book entitled _Modern Primitives_ contains many examples of modern tattooing and the practices of multiple piercings and ritual scarification. Its most valuable sections are those devoted to Don Ed Hardy and one or tow other tattoo artists, but most of the work is anecdotal and reminiscent of many of the old-fashioned fads and fancies of the 1960s. Its scholarship is extremely suspect and its presented oddities quite dangerous for the novice to imitate." VanStone, James W. An early archaeological example of tattooing from northwestern Alaska / James W. VanStone and Charles V. Lucier. [Chicago] : Field Museum of Natural History, 1974. 9 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. Fieldiana. Anthropology ; v. 66. no. 1 0071-4739. Publication - Field Museum of Natural History ; 1193. Caption title. Bibliography: p. 8-9. LCCN#: GN2 .F4 v.66 no.1 _Tatmag_. PO Box 24058, Postal Outlet, 900 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario M6H 4H6 Canada (email peter@nexus.yorku.ca). This quarterly journal is a good example of the type of small press 'zine I've found in our local music and used bookstores. A one- person operation, Tatmag lacks the high-gloss of the bigger magazines (in fact, the pages are photocopied and stapled in booklet form), but carries a hodge podge of little quirky nicknacks like film reviews, poems, and comic strips that add to its feel as a "little treasure." Probably carries more text than your average tattoo magazine (which are often photo-laden). Each issue is $4.00. Edited by A. Roosen-Runge. 6. TATTOO ORGANIZATIONS -------- Alliance of Professional Tattooists ----------------------------------- 5 levels of membership: 1. Patron: $20.00 Open to anyone who supports goals of A.P.T. 2. Supporting: $50.00 A collector of tattoos or a member in an academic research field. 3. Associate/Non-Artist: $125.00 Closely allied with the tattoo community (publishers, photographers, suppliers or managers, office staff of tattoo studios. [Attending Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing (PDTT) course recommended.] 4. Associate/Artist: $125.00 Currently apprenticing with a professional tattooist or self taught with a professional sponsor. [Attending PDTT course required.] 5. Professional: $150.00 Full time occupation as a tattooist with three (3) years minimum experience in an established location. Must provide trade and business references. Self-supporting APT does not initiate legislation, nor does it accept fees or grants from government agencies. Officers: -Mick Michieli-Beasley (MD) President -Patricia Sinatra-Della Ruffa (NY) Vice President -Dr. Kris Sperry (GA) Secretary -Tom Beasley (MD) Treasurer Board of Directors -Kari Barba (CA), Brian Everett (NM), SuzAnne Fauser (MI), Jeanne Fritch (IN), Paul Jeffries (CAN), Juli Knight-Williams (NH), Robert Montagna (NJ), Jack Rudy (CA), Rusty Savage (OR) APT, Inc. P.O. Box 1735 Glen Burnie, MD 21060 (410) 768-1963 TAD/FAX 24 Hours Empire State Tattoo Club of America (ESTCA) ----------------------------------- PO Box 1374, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550, New-York 10550. PH: (914) 664-9894, Fax, (914) 668-5200. Founded: 1974, membership: 1000 International organization of tattoo artists and individuals with tattoos. Works to increase public awareness of tattoo art. Sponsors competitions and bestows awards. List of tattoo artists. Affiliated with Professional Tattoo Artists Guild. National Tattoo Association (NTA) --------------------------- 465 Business Park Ln., Allentown, PA 18103-9120, Pennsylvania 18103. (215) 433-7261 Fax, (215) 433-7294 Officer: Florence Makofske, Sec.-Treas. Founded: 1974, membership: 1000, budget: $46,000 AKA: National Tattoo Club of the World (changed 1984) Tattoo artists and enthusiasts. Promotes tattooing as a viable contemporary art form; seeks to upgrade standards and practices of tattooing. Offers advice on selecting a tattoo artist and studio. Holds seminars for tattoo artists to improve skills and learn better hygienic practices. Sponsors competitions and bestows awards; maintains charitable program for children; operates museum and biographical archives. Lists of members and tattoo studios. Publications: National Tattoo Association--Newsletter, bimonthly. Price included in membership dues. Circulation: 1000. Conventions: Annual (with exhibits). Professional Tattoo Artists Guild (PTAG) --------------------------------- 27 Mt. Vernon Ave., PO Box 1374, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550. (914) 668- 2300 Fax, (914) 668-5200. Officer: Joe Kaplan, Pres. Membership: 2000 Professional tattoo artists. Tattoo Club of America (TCA) ---------------------- c/o Spider Webb's Studio, Captains Cove Seaport, 1 Bastwick Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605. PH: (203) 335-3992 Officer: Joe O'Sullivan, Sec. Founded: 1970, membership: 45,000, budget: $25,000 Tattoo artists and individuals worldwide who have been tattooed. Seeks to promote the art of tattooing and make it more acceptable to the public. Bestows annual Mr. and Miss Tattoo awards; sponsors speakers' bureau; maintains hall of fame. Maintains library and museum of antique tattoo designs and memorabilia. Publications: Newsletter, quarterly. Conventions: Annual conference and symposium (with exhibits) - always March, New York City. 7. RESOURCE MATERIAL FOR CUSTOM TATTOO DESIGN IDEAS. ------- [Currently under construction: Pardon the inconvenience.] Celtic tattoos: _The Book of Kells_. This is the original. 8. CURRENT TATTOO MAGAZINES IN PRINT. -------- [Currently under construction: Pardon the inconvenience.] --==*-<*>-*==-- This ends "rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 9:/9--Bibliography." -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area # 2120 news.answers 05-26-94 19:16 Message # 13113 From : Lani Teshima-Miller To : ALL Subj : rec.arts.bodyart: Altern ÿ@FROM :TESHIMA@UHUNIX3.UHCC.HAWAII.EDU ÿ@SUBJECT:rec.arts.bodyart: Alternative Bodyart FAQ ÿ@PACKOUT:05-27-94 Message-ID: Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers Organization: University of Hawaii Archive-name: bodyart/alternative-faq Last-modified: May 26, 1994 Posting-frequency: Monthly --==*-< >-*==-- WHAT THIS FILE CONTAINS: This file is structured as a traditional FAQ in the form of questions and answers. Questions answered in this file: Rec.arts.bodyart Alternative Bodyart FAQ: 1. What is branding and how is it done? 2. What is scarring? 3. What are cuttings? 1. WHAT IS BRANDING AND HOW IS IT DONE? ---------- Branding is the process where you take something white hot (usually some piece of metal in some particular shape) and press it into your flesh so that it makes a serious burn and (later) a permanent scar. Branding is dangerous (all burns are prone to infection), but so is driving a car. Most of the branding I've read about fall into one of two categories: --Rite of passage --Punishment. Most of the rites of passage involved branding someone with a design on entry into puberty. A lot of tribal people have puberty initiation that involve something like scarification/tattooing. Most of the branding in Western cultures was done as a means of marking criminals. The French would brand a fleur de lis into the shoulder of the offender, and the mark was supposed to make the wearer into one of essentially an "untouchable" class. However, they also did this to Protestants, after a while, and with so many French Huguenots wearing fleur de lis brands, it lost a lot of its former meaning. The English branded people with marks, in different locations, depending on what they were accused of. Cutpurses and pickpockets were accorded the punishment of an "S" brand on the cheek, indicating "slave" and sent into a lifetime of indentured servitude. This punishment came into the laws in the reign of Henry VIII, and was abolished in the 18th Century, when they started getting heavily into transporting folks to the colonies. Based on my experience with burning my fingerprints off on an antique stove, and the fact that the pain lasted for weeks, you might not want to get into that. (Well, if you're into constant pain and self-generated endorphins, I don't know.) In full-scale branding, the iron is heated hot enough, and applied long enough, that the resulting wound is a third-degree burn, which destroys the nerve endings and doesn't hurt as much as more minor burns. However, areas that have been third-degree burned *never* regain sensitivity. It will make a silver scarred area, in the shape of the third-degree burn, due to destruction of the entire dermis layer of the skin (through to the underlying tissue). The surrounding skin, with years, will eventually fill in areas that haven't been too badly damaged. Warning: Second and third degree burns are notorious for getting majorly infected. Third degree is slightly better, due to cauterization. Where it gets you is if the scab cracks. [Just remember that your skin is your first line of defense against infection.] The following is a synopsis of modern branding from the article, "Strike up the Brand, a Scar is Born, New Fad leaves its Mark on the Valley" from the Phoenix New Times: The article is on Steve Haworth, of HTC Body Piercing in Phoenix, who was interviewed at a branding demonstration at "El Rancho de los Muertos". Haworth said human branding is very different from cattle branding (which would just leave a big blob-scar with no definition) because the human body has more curves and fewer flat planes. To fit the topography, he uses small irons of stainless steel 1/16 to 1/32 inch thick. Brands tend to spread 2-3 times the width of the iron. The length of steel is rarely more than an inch long. Heated with a propane torch until red hot, it's tested on a piece of cardboard (1,800F is the preferred temp.) and held on the skin no longer than a second or two--and apparently produces quite a stench. Haworth said the keys to successful branding are: --The brander's skill at judging correct temperature --How long the steel is held to the skin, --Proper pressure --Placement --People's skin types (which differ greatly). While a local doctor didn't recommend getting brands, he did say, "On a more optomistic note, they can be removed by laser," although even the laser leaves a scar (why not do the brand with a laser in the first place? Star Wars branding!) Some history: Among Fakir's more painful discoveries were that wood burners, soldering irons, red-hot coat hangers and paper clips were far more apt to produce unsightly blisters and/or uneven scars than the small stainless steel strips used today. BTW the most famous brands that people remember were of the forehead brands that the followers of Charles Manson wore during the Helter Skelter trials. An example of a brand in recent movies is found in a scene in _The Three Musketeers_ with Keifer Sutherland. The fleur de lis brand is a prominent part of the plot, and is shown on the character played by Rebecca DeMornay. Stephen Wesson (swesson@acpub.duke.edu) says: Many African-American fraternities have a long tradition of branding new pledges as an initiation rite. The brand is usually in the shape of one of the fraternity's greek letters, and is meant to be visible for life. The Rev. Jesse Jackson has such a brand, as does Emmit Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. Smith's brand (an Sigma on his left bicep) is visible in most photographs of him in uniform. The cover of the 25 January 1993 issue of Sports Illustrated shows his brand. Steve suggests some citations: Pulley, Brett. "House Brands." _The Chicago Tribune_ 12 April 1989: 27. Sort of a general overview. Marriott, Michael. "Making His Own Mark." _The New York Times_ 12 May 1991: Section 6, 20. A author's personal account of his decision not to be branded. Todd, William and Bolgiano, Edward, "Human Branding in College Fraternities: Round-up Time at 'Animal House'." _The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation_, May 1, 1993 v 14 n 3 p 399 Also, the first issue of the hip-hop magazine Vibe (I don't know the date--it was a couple of years back) has a bodyart pictorial that includes photos of rappers Treach and Me Phi Me showing off their brands. (Me Phi Me has an especially impressive keloid, if I recall correctly.) In Spike Lee's School Daze, members of the fictitious Gamma Phi Gamma fraternity wear (probably fictitious) brands. 2. WHAT IS SCARRING? ---------- Scarring is the making of marks on the body through the use of making cuts. The most famous use of such techniques can be seen in Africa. Small cuts are made in the skin and ash is rubbed into the cuts to make a raised bump scar. This can look really great. The unfortunate thing is that people with white skin can't really get these types of scars because they are formed by a substance called keloid. Races with dark skin have keliod and races with light skin do not. Often, these scars and the process is part of a religious or social ritual. Scarring can also be the result of self-mutilation due to psychological problems, although that is too deep and serious a subject we won't delve into it here. 3. WHAT ARE CUTTINGS? -------- Cuttings are made by a razor blade or other very sharp instrument onto the skin. These are usually made in shapes of particular objects, and sometimes rubbed in with ink so that the scar of the cutting shows up like in tattooed lined. The person most known for this procedure at this time is Raelyn Gallina, a "San Francisco Bay Area jewelry maker and piercer whose specialty is women." The phenomenon of cutting seems to have grown out of the SM gay (particularly lesbian) community. Raelyn prefers that clients bring the particularly illustration they want done--she does not make random patternless cuts. For more information on Raelyn's personal philosophy on cuttings, please read _Modern Primitives_. ---------------------------------------------------------- This ends rec.arts.bodyart: Alternative Bodyart FAQ. -- Lani Teshima-Miller (teshima@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.edu) "Sea Hare" o/ /_/_/ UH School of Library & Info Studies. "Whatever the cost of our o|<0_0>------* libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant \=^-| |_| | nation." -Walter Cronkite [R.a.b.bit--FAQ Maintainer: "Think Ink!"] \_B}\_B} -------------------------------------------------------------------------------