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From: [e-mail] (Lani Teshima-Miller)
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ: Intro & Part 1/4: Getting a tattoo
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Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Summary: This posting contains the Frequently Asked Questions
    file about tattoos and other non-piercing bodyart. Anyone who
    wishes to read/post to the rec.arts.bodyart newsgroup should
    read this first.
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Organization: University of Hawaii
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1993 18:53:14 GMT
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Archive-name: tattoo-faq/part1
Last-modified: November 22, 1993
Posting-frequency: Monthly

This is Part 1 of the 'other' half of the rec.arts.bodyart 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 are a regular reader of r.a.b. and do not want to read
this monthly posting, you may want to set a KILL command in your file
for all four tattoo FAQ postings.

The rec.arts.bodyart tattoo FAQ is broken up into four parts:
   Part 1/4: Introduction, and getting a tattoo
   Part 2/4: Artist list
   Part 3/4: How to care for a new tattoo
   Part 4/4: Miscellaneous information

PURPOSE OF THIS FAQ:

This FAQ serves to disseminate information on the most frequently asked
questions about the basics of tattoos and tattooing (as well as other
non-pierce bodyart).

Tattooing and other forms of bodyart are currently experiencing a
peaking in their cycle of popularity; however bodyart has been around
for thousands of years in various forms. While their current popularity
is helping to shed some of the rebel/underground images and stereotypes,
most of the general population of developed countries still regard
tattooing with some disdain, especially against those who are heavily
inked. 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, whether they are considering getting one themselves
or not. Regardless of motive, tattooing is a very personal choice.
Access to information such as is available 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.

I have tried to attribute all personal comments and opinions in this
FAQ. You may disseminate parts 1, 3 and 4 of this FAQ in their entirety
through electronic means including diskettes, but *must* include this
introductory section. 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--email me and we'll
add it in together. You must obtain permission from me before
disseminating this r.a.b. tattoo FAQ via print, period. You need not
obtain special permission to quote parts of this FAQ for academic
research purposes (although you must give proper attributions to both
individual contributors [where noted] and to the FAQ itself); however
please email me (at [e-mail]) with your topic,
since the findings from your research may be something I might like to
add to the FAQ.

*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.*

                ***NEW POLICY***
You are NOT allowed to disseminate Part 2 (Artist List) to any
professional tattoo artists without my specific consent, period. Even
though the submissions are the personal opinions of the submitters and I
take no responsibility for their validity, I have been threatened with
law suits from artists with non-positive reviews (and you can expect
from now on that I am overly careful about this, guys!). Obviously, my
fears became true--there ARE artists who find offense in omissions or
negative reviews of their operation (unfortunately, some artists don't
have the health and well-being of the customer as their #1 priority).

If, on the other hand, artists are interested in discussing technique,
style, or the reasons they got into the field, I will gladly include
this in the FAQ, as this type of information is sorely missing in
general.

This FAQ was originally compiled by Paul Davies (Synthetic Man) at
[e-mail], with contributions from various
people. The rights and responsibilities to maintain this tat FAQ was
given to me by Paul Davies in Summer 1993. The compilation and revision
of this FAQ is an ongoing learning process. If you have any comments or
suggestions regarding this FAQ, please send them to
[e-mail].

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!"

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 Tattoo FAQ Part 1/4: Getting a tattoo
  0. Does it hurt?
  1. Where do I find a good tattoo artist?
  2. What should I look for in a tattoo artist?
     2.1. How to look around in the shop
     2.2. Asking to see their portfolio
     2.3. What to look for in their portfolio
     2.4. What kinds of questions to ask
     2.5. What sorts of things to look for in a shop
  3. How much does it cost to get a tattoo?
  4. Sanitation and Infections
     4.1 What to look for in a sanitary shop environment.
     4.2 Can I get AIDS from tattooing?
     4.1 Can my tattoos get infected?
     4.2 Are there any medical conditions that will preclude me from
         getting a tattoo?
  5. Tattoo Conventions: What are they all about?
     5.1 What types of conventions are available?
     5.2 Why would I want to attend?
     5.3 What's the format?
     5.4. What's the atmosphere?
     5.5. What kind of tattoo contests are there?
     5.6. Can I actually get a tattoo at a convention?
     5.7. What else can I find at these conventions?
     5.8. When and where are upcoming conventions?


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?
--Are there any movies, books or stories about tats?
--Where can I access GIF files of tats?
--Are there any tattoo organizations I can join, or museums I could
visit?
--How should I act and behave while I'm getting a tattoo?


Have fun and "think ink!"
--------------------------------------------------------------

GETTING A TATTOO

 0. Does it hurt? ----------

This is the first question in this FAQ because it's usually the first
question that people ask about tattooing. The answer is, quite simply,
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 really not nearly as bad as what you might imagine. Basically,
there is the pain of 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, or pain killers-
-so even if it hurts, the pain is dullened somewhat.

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, remember that you are volunteering for the experience. The
amount of pain will depend on your psychological attitude--so your
mileage will vary.

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.


 1.  How do I find a good tattoo artist? ----------

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):

--Reading r.a.b. and this FAQ is a good start. 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, too.

--Perusing tattoo magazines.  While not all tattoo magazines are of the
  National Geographic quality, the photos tend to 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*.

--Attending a tattoo convention. Read the following section on tattoo
  conventions for more information.


 2. What should I look for in a tattoo artist? ----------

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.


 2.1. 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.

 2.2. 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.

 2.3. 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.


 2.4. 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.

 2.5. 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.


 3. 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.

 4. 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.

* * * * * * * SPECIAL UPDATE ON SANITATION * * * * * * *

 4.1 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!

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 4.2 Can I get AIDS from tattooing?

This section on AIDS & Tattooing has been contributed by Nick
"Buccaneer" Baban ([e-mail]), 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.

        -------------------------------------------------

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. 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 ([e-mail]) 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.


 4.1 Can my tattoos get infected?

Not as long as you take care of your new tat. Part III of this FAQ
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.


 4.2 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.]

 5. 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. The following was
contributed by Jim Meyers ([e-mail]).

 5.1. What types of conventions are available?

Conventions and shows are international, national, regional and local in
scope 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 (Dennis
Dwyer and J.D. Crow), while regional and local shows are often sponsored
by tattoo shops.

 5.2. Why would I want to attend?

In a recent news article, distributed at the Tattoo Tour convention in
Chicago, Philadelphia Eddie said that "...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.

 5.3. 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 two days are generally reserved
for registrants with fees usually $35-$45. The last two days are open to
the public for a single-day admission of around $10.

 5.4. What's the atmosphere?

The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed and less hurried in the first
two days when they're closed to the public, allowing for more
interaction (the first 2 days at a recent Chicago convention had about
700 registrants). Expect a mob scene when the doors open to the public,
however. Fire marshals were called in during the March 1993 San Diego
convention, when the crowd swelled to about 4,000 and people had to be
turned away at the door!

The convention floor is a continuous parade of people who want to "see,
and be seen," which means many people dress (and undress) 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.

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!

 5.5. What kind of tattoo contests are there?

At the larger conventions, contests are held during the first two days
and are limited to official registrants, while at the smaller ones,
they're open to everyone. Categories may include: 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 either by a panel of artists and experts, or by audience
via 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.

 5.6. Can I actually get a tattoo at a convention?

Larger shows may have as many as 50 booths set up in the convention
hall, where artists and shops from all over the world tattoo clients and
sell trinkets, t-shirts, hats, post cards 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.

Meet and see the work of famous artists. For example, seen at a recent
Chicago convention were such notables as Dick Warsocki (Omaha), Kari
Barba (Anaheim), Patty Kelley (San Diego), Jack Rudy (Anaheim), Hanky
Panky (Amsterdam), Suzanne Fauser (Ann Arbor), Brian Everett
(Albuquerque), and Marty Holcomb (Columbus, OH). Even the Horikawas from
Tokyo were there, using the traditional Japanese tattooing method, where
the work is done entirely by hand, using groups of sewing needles
fastened to the end of an ebony or ivory handle.

 5.8. What else can I find at these conventions?

You can pick up books and magazines for your tattoo book library from
various booths. In fact, both Hardy-Marks Publications (Honolulu) and
Tattoo Archive (Berkeley), often have their own booths to disseminate
literature and sell books and magazines.

Photo studios are set up at larger conventions where people can have
their tats photographed for archiving and possible publication.

Convention sponsors may contract a video production group to produce a
tape of the show, in which case they might set up a booth where
registrants can have their work taped for possible inclusion.

Seminars geared towards artists are also held at larger conventions,
with topics such as "Creative Coloring", Care and Tuning your Machine",
"Spit-Shading - Watercolor", "Tribal Tattooing", "Preventing Disease
Transmission in Tattooing"

5.8. When and where are upcoming conventions?

--Dec. 2-5: Southern Comfort II Expo & Ball, New Orleans, Landmark
  Hotel, 2601 Severn Ave., Metarie, LA 1-800-277-7575. Info:  Aces &
  Eights Tattooing, PO Box 22501, Memphis, TN  38122, [phone]

--Dec. 10-12: 3rd Int'l German Skin Art Show, Berlin. Info: Tattoo
  Weber 030-251-4553 FAX [phone]

--*1994*

--January 15-16: 8th Am-Jam Tattoo Exposition 1994, Schenectady, NY,
  Schenectady Atmory, Washington Ave. Info: [phone]

--February 11-13: Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Portland, ME, Ramada Inn.
  Info: Mad Hatter Assn, [phone]

--February 18-20: Easyriders Bike and Tattoo Show, Columbus, OH.
  Info: [phone]

--March 10-13: 1994 Nat'l Tattoo Assn Convention, San Francisco. Info:
  Nat'l Tattoo Supply, 465 Business Park Ln, Allentown, PA 18103, (215)
  433-7191

--April 8-10: Down East Tattoo Show, Bangor, ME. Info: [phone]

--May 19-24 : 1994  Tattoo Tour, Philadelphia, PA - Hyatt Cherry Hill
  2349 W. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, 1-800-233-1234. Info:
  Tattoo Tour USA, 3210 S. Dodge Blvd. #10, Tucson, AZ 85713, (602)
  750-8081 or [phone]

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This ends the rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ: Intro & Part 1/4. This
section should be followed by rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo FAQ: Part 2/4



--
Lani Teshima-Miller ([e-mail]) "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 says: "Think Ink!"]       \_} \_}