Top Tattoo Mistakes

The LA Ink posse is giving advice on the top tattoo mistakes people make. Since they have the most credentials in California, they are giving the most helpful advice to everyone outside of LA.

TV plug in: Don't forget to catch Kat Von D and the gang of LA Ink on TLC weekly!

credit: TLC Discovery


1) TOO SMALL!

Kim Says: "Be careful not to get something too small or where it doesn't fit that part of the body well."

This tat lover decided her tattoo was too small for her back, so she received a more colorful dolphin tattoo to cover-up the old one and the size is in better proportion for her back. 

2)CHEAP TATTOOS

Kat Says:"Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good. Far too many times, people choose an artist based on price. That should be the last priority on your list when it comes to getting a tattoo."

Kim Says:"Don't look for a bargain!"

3)ODE TO A LOVER

Hannah Says:"Don't be overly romantic. Sorry, that tattoo is going to out last most relationships - much as I hate to say it."

Pixie Says:"I don't think lovers' names are a good thing."

A new, intricate tattoo covers up the past.

4)BEING IMPULSIVE

Hannah Says:"Try not to be arbitrary or impulsive - you might regret getting Taz flipping the bird and drinking a beer later."

A small bear is later covered-up with a more vivid, detailed tattoo that has more meaning to its owner.

5)BEING DRUNK

Corey Says:"Biggest mistake ... being drunk." 

Hannah Says:"Being drunk leads to the other mistakes on the list." 

man tattoos his own eyes

Not with a design or anything, just color of course but it's just as dangerous, or is it?


WAFB.com, Louisiana's news channel did a story on a man in Oregon who had his 98% of his body covered in tattoos.

Matt Gone is a tattoo extremist whose birth defects prevented some of the muscles in his body from developing properly and inspired him to get his first tattoo nearly 22 years ago.

"The tattoos make me not hate my body, even though my body seems to be hating me," he said.

Gone had his eyes inked two different colors. His doctors have expressed concern with the ink in his eyes causing infection, but Gone is assured that the procedure is safe.

"I patch tested it and was successful," he recalled. "I had to take the risk. I've done that a lot of times before. I'm not crazy. I'm trained. I have a lot of experience."

Doctors still disagree and think he has gone too far.

"The risk of putting a needle near your eye is grave," said Dr. Douglas Meier, an ophthalmologist with the Portland Clinic.

With 98% of his body inked including his eyes, Gone thinks that just about enough.

"I never really knew how far I would ever go," he said. "And this is about as far as you can go."

temporary tattoos, for your pets!

Tattoos are now for more than just people! Pet-Ink has come out with totally safe temporary tattoos for animals!

"The Pet-Ink semi-permanent tattoo kit consists of a stencil (we used the bone), dye (we chose blue), gloves, cotton swabs for application, gloves, and a paper towel to blot the design once applied. It recommends spot testing your animal first to make sure it's skin doesn't become agitated or if it's allergic to the ink." (source: the teddy hilton site, co site of perez hilton)


Pretty amazing! But of course the tattoos do have their limitations. They can't really work on animals with long hair or scales and whatnot.

halloween tattoos! (for kids!)

That's right, the frightful day is coming up! As Halloween gets closer, its time to finish preparing the costumes and decorations!

Speaking of decorations, kids love anything fun and exciting right? Tattoo Manufactoring, an online site is selling fun temporary tattoos that are perfect for Halloween.

Parents can find cheap tattoos that can accompany any costume or be used just for fun. (Like passing them out instead of candy, awesome!)

The site ships free with purchases over $10, so pick a few favorites and have a happy and not so scary halloween! (Unless you like a scary and not so happy halloween!)

Tattoos and Breast Cancer Awareness

Globe Gazette reported on October 8th about a woman, Teri Elsbury who waited 20 years to get her first tattoo and did so on a certain friday for one reason. Her money, and all other tattoo proceedings went to the Breast Cancer Awareness Fund.

Elsbury lost her parents, three grandparents and her best friend to cancer. Her sister, Lori Diehl of Mason City, is a 10-year cancer survivor.

"This is something I've always wanted to do," Elsbury said. "And why not? What a great cause. It gave me a real good excuse, didn't it?"

The tattoo was done by Brad Duckert, owner of River City Tattoo Co. (where she got her tattoo in Mason City, Iowa)

Duckert was approached about a fundraiser by Amy Meinecke of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of North Iowa committee in Forest City.

"Anything for a good cause. Anything for the community," he said. "We're always about that."

Tattoos promoting a good cause, good way to step away from the negative stereotype!

tattoo magazine awareness

Magazines are printed or found online and can be on many topics like electronics, shoes, fashion, hair and much more. There's even a magazine on tattoos! Here's some of the best known publications on tattoos.

1) Inked Magazine

This magazine talks about tattoo celebrities, fashion, local events, shows, expos, and much more. The online site is full of photos, inked girls and so much more. 'culture.style.art' is what they stand for.




2) Tattoo Magazine

This publication had no online site available, but this magazine is still distributed. This magazine holds all the questions and answers about tattoos, has lot's of images, interviews with tattoo artists and much more.

3) Skin Art Magazine

This online publication is all about featuring new and popular tattoos. The magazine also features crazy tattoos, religious tattoos and much more.

There's many more magazines out there, but these are the first to come up either in stores or online. What's your favorite? If we failed to mention any publications, let us know!

south florida tattoo internship open!

To be a tattoo artist, you need to have experience. Having an internship at a tattoo parlor is usually the best place to start.


So if you live in south florida, Hollywood to be exact then theres a great job/internship opportunity for you!


The following ad was posted at Craigslist.org for the Silver on the Mount Tattoo parlor:

Hiring immediately for Full and Part Time Tattoo and Body Piercing. This is an apprenticeship. You will not need to pay for your training. 

You can earn your way with Hard Work, Trustworthyness and Dedication. I have taught many successful Body Art Professionals in my 35 years of experience in this industry. 

If you have a sincere desire to learn the trade, and are ready to make a commitment to becoming an expert in the feild, working in this Shop may be the begining you seek. 

Hiring immediately. I prefer folks with no prior training. We run a World Class Shop at the Highest in Industry Standards. 

.::No Booze::.::No Drugs::.::No Drama::. 

(954) 926-0645 


The parlor is located at 2422 Hollywood Blvd, good luck!

tattoo removal

Ever went a little crazy and tattooed that one name on you of that one person you no longer like or a design went totally wrong on you and you need a re-do?

Well for you South Florida locals out there, Tattoo Removal of South Florida is the place to go. Online, they have a free email analysis, which is like a free consultation which is much better than paying for an office visit. The free consultation sheet can be found at http://www.tattooremovalsouthflorida.com/free-tattoo-removal-consultation.html

Aside from that, they use the Q-switched Ruby, Nd:YAG and Alexandrite Lasers depending on your skin type and the color of your tattoo.

All tattoo removal procedures are performed by one of their Dermatology ARNP-C Nurse Practitioners, who have been performing tattoo removal procedures for over 9 years.

They also use the latest laser technology, highly trained dermatology nurse practitioners (not inexperienced laser techs) and have the best prices in South Florida for tattoo removal!

For all other information like the length of the procedure, risks and limitation and more inquiries, check the main web site out.

They can be reached at (954) 680-8330 and are located in the following areas: Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Plantation and Cooper City.

meaning of star tattoos

For every tattoo design, there's a meaning. These designs can range from symbols, shapes, numbers, animals or just about anything people ask for. Out of all the designs, one of the popular ones are stars. Stars can even get technical regarding type, size, structure and more. Alabama tattoo artist Jaymz from Hubpages.com found the top two star style tattoos and what they mean.

Shooting stars tend to be associated with a moment in time that left a lasting impression, whether a short romance, special event, a person, job, anything that may have changed the person's life.

Before modern navigation sailors navigated by using the stars- usually the North Star. They often got tattoos of nautical stars in a superstitious sense, hoping that the star would help them get home safely.

The nautical star is often a symbol of protection and guidance. Some see nautical stars as a means to create your own path.

Nautical stars are often referred to as compass stars, which were similar to the nautical star in that sailors used them to help guide their way in the night.

Where to Get a Star Tattoo/Common placement for a star tattoo

Women:

• Ankle
• Lower back
• Hips
• Shoulder
• Wrists
• Clavicle

Men:

• Upper arm
• Side
• Back shoulders
• Wrists

If you have any star tattoos, let us know! What does it mean to you?

tattoos vs. the workplace

Finding a job during today's economy is tough, finding a job while sporting tattoos is even more tough.


According to the online publication Business Smarts, a recent US poll reported that 36 per cent of 18-25-year-olds and 40 per cent of 26-40-year-olds have at least one tattoo.



The article goes on to talk about that tattoos have become more mainstream and the audience is over 50 years of age these days. Also, it states that "some employers encourage employee displays of body art as a form of self-expression, but many others worry that their employees' visible body piercings and tattoos may be off-putting or even offensive to customers, investors and the public at large,"


So what do you think? Should tattoos be allowed on the job or are they something personal yet visible but should stay personal and be un-visible? 


And if you do work and have tattoos, how is it for you? Tell us below!

tattoos, on cars?

Tattoos are something usually found on people. But what about cars? If people put designs on their own skin why not put designs on a car? Most people already design their car with stickers and modifications like flames and other designs, but what about a authentic looking tattoo? Check some of them out below!

artist spotlight

Hey locals of Florida! Ink Link's Melissa is a tattoo artist whose been chosen as 'artist of the day.' She works over at Ink Link at 4738 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. Check out the Ink Link Tattoo main site.

hobbies: drawing and painting
art background: Massachusetts College of Art
machines/inks used: next generation orions






Some of her work:

Hard Prison tattoos

Tattoos come from more than just the parlor. Check out the video below on how a prison inmate whose a tattoo artist talks about the importance of tattoos behind bars.

This is where the tattoos represent toughness and strength and this is where tattoos seem to get a bad name and reputation from.

Nonetheless, tattoos are meaningful to everyone in very different way!

video credit to: http://tattoogallery.horaciogago.com

on to canada!

Want to take a nice trip far away from ordinary? Well, get some plane tickets and head over to Canada to experience a very non-local tattoo convention. Tattoos are universal, and represent many things to and on many people. So escape from reality for a few days and dive into the 2010 Alberta Bound Tattoo and Arts festival.

The 2010 Alberta Bound Tattoo and Arts Festival runs from October 9-11 at the Shaw Conference Center located on 9797 Jasper Ave NW.

Many artists will be there, including the following. Check out the rest of the artists.

Don't forget to check out the contests too while your there checking out all the art and artists at work.

"Artists can go up against today’s best artists in the contest categories at both The Calgary and Edmonton editions of The Alberta Bound Tattoo & Arts Festival.  Contests are open to all finished tattoos regardless of whether your artist is at the show or not. All tattoo contest will be held throughout the day on Sunday with awards given out after each category. All categories have a $10 entry fee. Please remember... trophies won are customarily given to the tattoo artist for display at their studio."


Saturday
9:00 pm - Tattoo of the Day


Sunday
9:00 pm - Tattoo of the Day


Monday
12:30 pm - Small Color & Small Black & Grey
1:30 pm - Medium Color & Medium Black & Grey
3:00 pm - Large Color & Large Black & Grey
4:30 pm - Portrait/Realistic
6:00 pm - Back Piece & Sleeve
7:00 pm - Tattoo of The Day

So go have some fun and try to land yourself a tattoo of your own! And enjoy the experience!

tattoo stories

Tattoos can represent just about anything. On Cleveland.com a story came out that talks about a woman, Laurie Miller who celebrates her freedom from dangerous addictions with tattoos.

Laurie is a 49 year old assistant chemical dependency counselor who spent $800 dollars on two tattoos on her chest and back. Her work was done by artist Tattoo Man D.B (his location wasn't mentioned).

This is her story.

"I was addicted to drugs and alcohol for 29 years. I lost everything. My kids, my parents, my house, my car and my job. I hit bottom. I got counseling, and the woman saved my life. I've been clean and sober nine years. My tattoo reads 'Live Free or Die,' which is the motto of the state of New Hampshire. The woman who is blossoming out of a flower also represents my freedom from dependence on drugs and alcohol."


Such a strong story, and if you have anything to say or if you want to post your own inspirational story please leave a comment below or email me at hpchik@gmail.com

florida artist spotlight

artist: Jason Ackerman
parlor: Lucky 7 Tattoos
location: West Palm Beach
address: 2120 Okeechobee Blvd - West Palm Beach, FL 33409
credit: Prick Magazine

How did you get involved with tattoos?

 I was asked by a new tattoo shop owner to come and check out his shop, and when I did I felt so comfortable in that environment and with those surroundings, I asked for a piercing apprenticeship. After piercing there for a few years, I realized that my heart was not into that. To keep me at the shop the owner offered me a tattoo apprenticeship, so I took it! It's almost six years later, and here I am. 

How did you find Lucky 7 Tattoos?

After being in the shop I was at for seven years, I knew I wanted a shop of my own, so I came to Lucky 7 Tattoos and have since partnered in with Trevor Wilson. Since leaving Big Kahuna, I have been afforded the opportunities to do guest spots, conventions, basically whatever my heart desires! 

What is your inspiration?

I draw my inspirations from a multitude of places. I have always been inspired by artists like Jime Litwalk, Mark Ryden, Pooch, and Crayola. I am also influenced by everyday life and personal experiences. With my art, I try to convey life's emotions. I think that I am an extremely emotional person, and that transfers into my work. My art seems to connect with my clients on a personal level, for most. They can relate to it because I am taking their ideas and/or memories and creating a piece of art that will be with them their entire life. 

More on Jason Ackerman can be found at his site http://www.jasonackerman.net

To check out the rest of the artists and/or to visit Jason for your tattoo work check out the Lucky 7 tattoo shop site http://www.l7tattoos.com

be weary of florida tattoo artists

According to news4jax.com (Jacksonville News), artists in Florida don't need any credentials, schooling or even a license to be an artist.


The news report states:


"Big Dee" said he's worked as a tattoo artist as far out as New York and California, and out of all the states that he's has worked in, Florida, hands down, has the most relaxed industry standards.

"Some of the smallest things that Florida doesn't recognize are the most important," he said. "Taking sterilization, like Wavicide, Cavicide, something just simple, but little things like that, like it's not required."


The story also reports that stricter laws would include proof of a license, better sterilization and minors will be dismissed of getting a tattoo (16 and younger). These laws could pass and go into effect July 2011.


word to the wise: These reports must be taken with a grain of salt. Not every tattoo parlor in Florida, or the world even is the same. As always, FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND PROTECTION, go to an experienced artist, ask for his credentials, ask to see his license and check for a clean and well sterile area. 

florida tattoo laws

Yes, thats right. There's laws made about getting a tattoo. Be aware though that it's usually different in other states and countries, so this is a LOCAL post on FLORIDA tattoo laws. Any law can be researched and look up HERE!

According to everytattoo.com, the florida law states things such as

(1) The supervising physician, osteopathic physician, or dentist, initially upon assuming duties as the supervisor and semiannually thereafter, shall review and inspect the techniques, procedures, and equipment utilized by the tattooist in the performance of tattooing


(3) No body of a minor shall be <tattooed without the written notarized consent of the parent or legal guardian.


(2) The supervising physician, osteopathic physician, or dentist shall
provide semi-annual training for the tattooist in the areas of infection
control, sterilization, and emergency procedures.




Basically, you have to be 18 or older, the artist has to be certified and only clean tools allowed. Any other information on this law can be found at everytattoo.com and of course and .gov site on laws!

Local tattoo shop alert!

I came across a very interesting place one day, out in Fort Myers that offers tattoos and serves as a gallery. I found it interesting that tattoos are considered a 'work of art' and the same place is also an art gallery. It's such an interesting concept to come up with, so kudos to the owners Andy Howl and Alainna Zwiernik.

Tattoos are done by artists Andy Howl and Steve Bananas (yes thats his last name, no just kidding). They both have served with the company for years and have plenty of experience, so no worries on them messing up on you! Photos of their work are provided at the link which are their names, just click on their names up there ^^

As if that wasn't enough, they also do cosmetic tattooing by artist Lisa. She also has had plenty of experience and is only available by appointments, so book them early here or at (239) 332-0161.

Example of her work, permanent lip color

Howl Gallery/Tattoo is located in the Fort Myers Historic Downtown River District. The exact address is:


1514 Broadway #101

Fort Myers, FL 33901

For parking, they the parking garage on First Street across from Quiznos & Starbucks or using the on-street parallel parking (2 hour limit) on Broadway or First Street is highly recommended. Additional parking is also available under the bridge at 41 and near the City Pier building.

For events, photos, to request an appointment or for anything you need from Howl Gallery/Tattoo just click HERE for the web site.