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.

tattoos and stretch marks?

Angelas Smith for Ezine Articles reports that people are finding themselves using tattoos to cover stretch marks vs. using "lotion or potions."

She gives a guideline of tattooing over stretch marks, including:

1. The age of the stretch marks. If your stretch marks are less than 1 year old, you should wait to have them tattooed. Usually, the color of stretch marks will fade from a pink or purple to a more silvery flesh tone after the first year.
2. Find a tattoo artist, who is experienced in tattooing over scars/stretch marks. As him/her how many of these types of tattooing he/she has done and if they have any pictures of the final design after it was finished. Maybe they have collected testimonials from them that you can read. Sometimes, your doctor may be able to refer you to someone.
3. Have your tattooist start out with a small design that, if the tattoo does not take well, you can live with. This is a test site, and you should be able to tell how well your scarred skin will take and hold the tattoo ink.

As with any scar, getting a tattoo over sensitive skin in that state can be more painful vs. a tattoo on clear skin. More on this story is also found at the BioCutis Blog

Just be careful in choices and remember, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! xoxo

Showing God some love, with ink!

Herald Sun reported a California church celebrated its first anniversary by getting a tattoo in honor of showing love and appreciation to God.

To celebrate its first anniversary, the church challenged its flock to tattoo themselves and Pastor Bonenberger led the festivities by getting inked with the logo, which features a red heart.

He told the congregation that God "tattooed your name on his heart."

About a dozen churchgoers have so far taken up the challenge and gotten a matching tattoo.

Churches aren't the first suggesting tattoos, which is why Pastor Bonenberger see's his church different from others.

The City Church in Anaheim, southeast of Los Angeles, is known for holding its Sunday services in a punk rock nightclub and using KFC buckets as collection tins, The Orange County Registersaid.

Lead pastor, Kyle Steven Bonenberger, 26, calls it "the church for the people who don't like church."

"It's the furthest thing from what people perceive church to be," he said.




The CNN Religion Blog reports on the story as well.

For more information on the church, visit City Church in Anahiem


Interesting story, tell us what you think! xoxo

ink on tv

Tattoos has become something everybody enjoys, whether it's on them or someone else. Shows about tattoos have become quite popular and people who star in them are now famous (like Kat Von D). Such shows have given an inside look of people whose lives consist around the world of tattoos. So if you like them, love them, want them, have them or just want to see that not all tattoo people are evil then below is a complete tv guide of the top shows on tv. showtimes may vary so always check ahead of time, or just tivo it!

LA Ink

Follow the ups and downs of life with Kat Von D and the talented artists at High Voltage Tattoo. Catch it Wednesdays @ 10/9 central on the TLC channel.

Missed any episodes? Don't sweat it, catch them all at http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/la-ink/

Miami Ink

Follow the reality show based in a tattoo shop in Miami Beach, Florida that's all about the art and drama of tattooing. Since it finished it's final season, catch episodes online or check for showtime at TLC's website  http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/miami-ink/miami-ink.html

Inked

The first season of INKED^TM captured Hart as he launched his new venture and dealt with an impetuous staff.  In this season, the shop inside the glamorous Palms Casino Resort is now a Vegas fixture, known for its celebrated artists and innovative designs.  And while Carey is psyched about the shop's success he wants more for H&H. Watch as Hart tries to take it to the next level while also managing an unpredictable mix of skin artists and shop helpers. There's no specific showtimes stated on their site, but episode recaps are found at http://www.aetv.com/inked/inked_episode_guide.jsp?episode=276344 or on the A&E channel.

Tattoo Highway

Tattoo Highway follows artist Thomas Pendelton as he travels the country in a mobile tattoo parlor of his own design, a converted 1970s Silver Eagle Tour Bus. On the outside, it's a moving metal canvas of Thomas' art; on the inside, it's a fully functional tattoo parlor.

Whether he's tattooing a Crown Dancer for an Apache Elder in New Mexico or a bat-winged heart on a mortician's chest in Sacramento, Thomas is on the road searching for the people and the stories that never made it to a tattoo shop.

With his wife and a slew of artists in tow, Thomas hit the road to find the stories that need to be told and tattooed.

No specific time is found, but a full episode guide is found at http://www.aetv.com/tattoo-highway/episode-guide/ or catch it on the A&E channel.

If there's any show you watch and didn't make the list, let us know! Leave a comment about the show and when its on and what channel! Thanks! xoxo

How to Minimize the Pain of Getting a Tattoo

Ever wanted to get a tattoo but not so sure of the pain? Well, we got a 2 minute 'how to' on minimizing pain. Be aware though that everyone is different, so not two people will feel the same way when getting a tattoo.

Just be cautious of your body, and know where your most painful at (fyi: on the bone is something for everybody).

credit for the video: http://www.howcast.com

Enjoy guys!

tattoos linked to hepatitis C?

word to the wise: GO TO A PROFESSIONAL, GET A BACKGROUND CHECK OF THE PLACE AND PERSON WHOSE GOING TO WORK ON YOU, CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND MAKE SURE ALL IS CLEAN AND THERE IS NO DIRTY NEEDLES OUT AND ABOUT.

SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST!

ABC News reported back on August 10 a story about the "growing risk of hepatitis c due to tattoos" with a supported report that "A systematic review of 124 published studies from 30 countries found that people with tattoos were almost three times as likely to have hepatitis C as those without tattoos, according to Dr. Jane Buxton of the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver and colleagues." (ABC News)


More information about this claim can be found at www.medpagetoday.com.

biggest tattoo show on earth

Tattoo Expo is the world's premier tattoo convention showcasing the latest trends, fashions and techniques in the tattoo industry. Seminars and training as well as demonstrations will be scheduled, plus lots of music, food and fun for the entire family."

Last year they had over 40,000 visitors and 1,200 participating tattoo artists and vendors. (according to the site)

The web site provides all the information for vendors with booth interest, those who plan to go can check out the travel, community and ticket links.

Event Schedule: 2010

Wednesday, September 29
Seminars schedule to be announced
Thursday, September 30
Seminars and Exhibitor Move InSeminars schedule to be announced
Friday, October 1
02:00PM - 10:00PM
Saturday, October 2
12:00PM - 10:00PM
Sunday, October 3
12:00PM - 08:00PM

Where: 

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89119

Phone: 702.632.7777 

lizard man and cat man!

I'm sure most people have come across them, but I found 2 interesting people who took tattoos to a whole new level.

Meet, the Lizard Man. Seen on TV shows like Ripley's Believe it or Not and on the History Channel in a tattoo segment, he has turned himself literally into a lizard.

Kim Acrylic from punkglobe.com was able to chat with him.

Kim:"Where was your first tattoo?"
Lizard Man: "A design on the back right shoulder."


Kim: "Let me guess you spend millions?"
Lizard Man: "Nope cause I haven't made millions."




Don't forget the Cat Man.

He's been on the same TV shows as Lizard Man and has also used tattoos to give him 'the cat look.'


Tattoos are something that people get to change or better their appearance. With these two people, they used tattoos to transform into something else. Should tattoos be used to add color or flair to a body, or should they be used to completely change your body? Tattoos already have a history of their own, mostly negative so these people raise the questions; "how much is too much?" and "are tattoos for adding or change to the human body?"

REMEMBER: we don't judge we just say what we see. And these two people are unique in their own way, just like everyone else in the world.

starting it off

tattoo: stain (skin) with indelible color (thanks to wordnet search for that easy one)

Tattoos are something that seem to have often a bad reputation. The point of this blog is simple, it's completely unbiased with nothing more than simple information both locally and un-locally (mostly local) in the world of tattoos.


On behalf of my assignment, the following is a local top 4 list of tattoo parlors in West Palm Beach, Florida.


1. Hellcat Tattoo
           4007 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33405-2601           (561) 659-2900
2. Ink Link           4738 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33417-4626           (561) 712-9009
3. Outrageous Tattoos           4551 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33415-3944           (561) 683-4134
4. Aces High           5946 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33417-4324           (561) 615-9444
If your parlor wasn't mentioned, then by all means PLEASE post a comment of where you go and who you see so everyone else can see and might give them a chance.
For the un-local part, I'll just post of what I see floating the web and any events or shop openings I'll post up too.
Other than that, here's my first post, enjoy!
xoxo