Tattoo Inks and its effects on skin 0

They say wear your heart on your sleeve, but other people choose to wear it on their skin. For some, tattoos are a way of expressing a part of who they are. Aside from that, tattoo is a great form of art. Having a tattoo may not be everyone’s cup of tea because of the risks that come with it. With so much articles written online, it's pretty confusing which ones to take seriously. One of the commonly discussed factor that scares most people who haven't had a tattoo is the ink and the components used to create it.

Tattoo ink is a liquid that contains one or more colourants and other ingredients in the form of adjuvants, such as binding agents, additives and solvents. It is abundant of different chemicals. This is why every tattoo ink is different and might have different effects on the skin. If you get two tattoos in the exact shade, but get them at different times and from different artists who use different inks the chemical compositions probably won’t match. Tattoo inks include pigments, which can contain a variety of metallic salts, like oxides, selenides, sulfides, organic dyes, or plastics, and the carriers with which they are mixed to help provide an even application of the ink.

Inks are usually either alcohol-based or water-based. It may include ethanol, methanol, and glycerin products as mediums for transferring the pigments in the inks. Below are some of the benefits that these types of tattoo inks contain.

• Non- toxic inks 

Non- toxic inks are made from organic pigments. It has been developed recently, after certain chemicals previously used to make traditional tattoo inks were linked to cancer. This type of tattoo ink is different since their pigments are all made from ingredients that come straight from nature.

• Water based tattoo inks 

Water- based inks produce flexible, dynamic pigments in reliably bold, beautiful colours.

• Vegan tattoo ink 

Another type of tattoo ink that is now popular to the majority is the vegan tattoo ink. These inks don’t use any type animal by-products for colour or carrier solutions. Using a vegan tattoo ink is beneficial because it lasts longer compared to regular inks. The ink does not contain chemicals that are harmful for your skin, and for your tattoo artist's health. Research also shows that tattoos with vegan and non-toxic inks have faster healing time because of it's natural ingredients.

• Glow in the dark and backlight tattoo ink 

Both inks have been used for tattooing. Glow in the dark ink absorbs and retains light and glows in darkened conditions by the process called phosphorescence. Blacklight ink does not glow in the dark, but reacts to non-visible UV light, which produces a visible glow by fluorescence.

• Black henna 

Black henna is normally applied externally for temporary “Mehandi” tattoos, rather than being injected beneath the skin as a permanent tattoo. It is a temporary tattoo that has an ingredients that can also be found on hair dyes.

Recommended Tattoo Aftercare Tips 0

It is important for anyone to properly take care of their skin after getting a tattoo, to avoid infections and complications. Usually tattoo takes two full weeks to properly heal. The following recommended tips will help you take care and heal your fresh tattoo. By following these simple tips, your tattoo will heal at a quicker pace, look wonderful, and reduce the risks of having infections.

• What to do after getting a tattoo: After you get a tattoo, the tattoo artist will clean and bandage your tattoo. The bandage will be removed after at least 2-3 hours, or once you arrive home from the tattoo shop. The reason for this is to seal up the traumatised skin and to prevent the coming out of lymphatic fluid and blood. When it is already time for you to remove the bandage, gently wash your new tattoo by using an anti-bacterial and non-abrasive soap. Do this for at least two weeks. Using a wash cloth is prohibited unless your tattoo is already fully healed. Wash it using your hands and avoid scrubbing it. It would be better if you cover your tattoo with a loose-fitting, protective clothing, rather than having it redressed with a bandage.

• What to do during healing: 
• Bathing: Careful handling of your tattoo should be done in the first 2-3 days while taking a bath. Never soak yourself in a hot tub, take a hot shower, or go to steam and sauna rooms. The hot water will open your pores and take out the impurities in your skin, including the tattoo ink pigment. Just use lukewarm water and minimise your time in the shower. 
• Swimming: During the first week of your tattoo, avoid swimming, soaking yourself in a Jacuzzi or bath tub. These are possible sources of bacteria and other foreign substances that might infect your tattoo. The only time you can start swimming is when your tattoo has fully healed. Swimming while still scabbing can cause loss of pigment, which can make your tattoo look unattractive. 
• Tanning/Sunlight: Eventually, your tattoos will fade. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays, will make it fade faster. Avoid too much exposure from the sun and tanning beds. In order to make your tattoo look great throughout the years, limit your exposure to direct sunlight or if it really can’t be avoided, apply sunscreen to the tattoo. 
• If during the healing process your tattoo becomes irritated, red, itchy or secretes fluid, see your doctor immediately. 

• How about anti-bacterial ointments? Since a tattoo is an open wound, it is more prone to bacterial infection. Taking the fundamental preventative measures and practising good hygiene will significantly reduce the chances of having serious infections. For the first 2-3 days, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the tattoo. This must be done repeatedly throughout the day in order to make sure that the tattooed area of the skin does not dry up and be infected. Bacitracin, which can be found in the first aid section of your local drugstore, is a recommended medicine. Wear loose-fitting clothes in order to allow the tattoo to breathe. 

Choosing the Right Power Supply 0

A tattoo may represent a lot of things. It is not just the window to a person’s personality,  it also shows how the tattoo artist interpreted their client's design. Tattoo artists who care for their clients, and who make an effort to know the needs and wants of the customers will go a long way. 

A great tattoo artist gives only the best service to their clients. The make sure they have the right skills and the right equipment. This also includes the equipment used to power their machines. 

Here are some of the things you need to check off your "finding-the-perfect-power-supply" list. 

1. Determine the voltage required. Tattoo power supplies have a wide range of volt outputs. Some are capable of running as low as 3 and as high as 12 to 15. Some portable power supplies can run to as low as 1.5 volts and larger power supplies can run to as high as 20 volts. Obviously, the higher the voltage would mean more power will be supplied. 

2. Choose the type of power supply. Analogue and digital power supplies come in both regulated and unregulated models. Your confidence level and power output reading are factors in choosing the right power supply. It is very important to look at each type available. A digital power supply gives a more accurate reading. The power is easier to check and see, even while you’re working. However, digital power supplies are more expensive. Regulated machines are pricey, but it provides you with a constant voltage even if the tattoo machine isn't running. 

3. Consider the fluctuations. The amount of power required at any given time during a tattoo may change depending on the amount of pressure being applied as the tattoo needle pierces the skin. Many regulated machines will help compensate for these fluctuations. Other machines do not. Ask, research, and pick which power supply you feel most comfortable with. 

4. Take into consideration your regular tattoo machine. Some tattoo power supplies are only recommended for a coil operated tattoo machine, while others can be used for a rotary machine and still others can be used for both. 

5. Think of the number of machines you can hook up. Many tattoo artists prefer to set up a separate machine for lining and another for shading. It's convenient to have a power supply that allows you to plug in two machines at once and just flip a switch to change while the tattoo session is ongoing. 

6. Contemplate size, weight and portability. A small tattoo power supply doesn’t automatically mean the power is suppressed. A lot of manufacturers sell compact units for those who want to save space, or for the tattoo artists who travel often.

7. Factor in price. Before deciding if the price is right, carefully take into consideration all of the factors above. You may be able to find more than one reliable machine that meets or exceeds all of your needs. If this is the case, then you start eliminating based on price. 

5 Traits a Successful Tattoo Artist Should Have 0

Like any other business, running a tattoo shop or a tattoo parlour isn't easy. It is a very competitive industry to be in. To become successful in this industry, one must have passion, perseverance, and determination. But the main factor that will impact a tattoo business is its tattoo artists. 

Being a successful tattoo artist does not happen overnight, heck it doesn't even happen in a year! Skills should not only be learned but mastered. Artists should also familiarise themselves with the equipment, and other tools to be used before, during, and after the tattoo process.  

Here are 5 traits a tattoo artist should have to excel in this field. 

1. Artistic Ability 

Even if you're not a natural-born artist, certain skills, techniques and styles can be practised and mastered to improve your existing abilities. People who love tattooing and have passion for the art are most likely to succeed in this field. Like a painter with a canvas and paintbrush, a tattoo artist has a tattoo machine and the client's skin.

2. Attention To Detail 

This skill is one of the most important things a tattoo artist needs to master. Artists should learn to keep an eye on even the most minor details when working. Listen carefully to what your client wants and keep in mind all their requests.

3. Curiosity 

Nothing is constant except change, this is also applicable to the tattoo industry. New tools and techniques are developed year after year. Keeping up with new techniques, trends, and new tools is important to survive in the industry. This is where curiosity helps big time. Just because an artist knows a lot, doesn't mean they need to stop learning and finding out new things. Artists should be curious, read magazines, attend trade shows, learn other countries' tattoo culture, and speak with other experts. This will not only keep them up to date, this will also help them become a better artist than they were before. 

4. Work Ethic 

Every professional needs to follow proper work ethics, yes even tattoo artists. This will definitely help them earn respect in the industry. People will see them as someone who's reliable, trustworthy, and efficient in their craft.

5. Adaptability 

The road to becoming a successful tattoo artist requires being able to adapt to your environment. Tattoo artists should have the ability to work with all kinds of people.  Clients and other tattoo artists or tattoo owners will have different opinions, and ideas. You need to be able to relate to them, and communicate with them in a professional manner.  

As I have mentioned earlier, a lot of changes happen day after day. New tools and equipment are introduced by different manufacturers. Different inks are being developed, and trends change from time to time. As a tattoo artist, you have to be able to adapt to these changes or else you'll get left behind. 

5 Important Tips to Make A Perfect Tattoo 0

A perfect tattoo isn't that easy to achieve, but with the right elements and skills, you can definitely pull off a perfect tattoo.  

To accomplish this ultimate goal, keep these 5 important tips in mind. 

 1. Listen to your client 

Different clients have different tastes. Some want a detailed tattoo, while others choose simpler ones. Whatever your client prefers, listening to their wants and needs is very important. Communicating with your client is important before and during the tattoo process. Coming up with an actual design based on what they want will depend on your creativity and skills. Draft the design and show it to your client, be open to their comments. Don't hesitate to suggest an idea, if you think it will improve the design. If the design or the size is not feasible, explain it to your client, tell them the reasons why you don't recommend it, and offer them alternatives. 

2. Pay attention to placement

The design shouldn't be the only focus to achieve a perfect tattoo. Most of the time, clients already know the design and placement they want. As the expert, you should be able to tell whether the design and size will fit the placement they have chosen. If not, don't hesitate to tell them. You can suggest other better placements, or you can suggest adjusting the size of the design. Explain to them and show them the possible outcome if they insist the placement and size they want. 

3. Consider techniques in advance

Tattoo sessions are usually pre-booked, this gives you an opportunity to study and consider techniques you can use that will give you the best approach. You can even try sketching and using coloured pens to give you a better idea on how you can give justice to your client's chosen design. 

4. Get to know your equipment

Of course, if you're planning to make this a career you should know every equipment by heart. You should be comfortable with the equipment you will be using. Being uncomfortable with your equipment will affect the overall result of your work. Familiarise your self with all the equipment you will be using, and the brand of ink you choose to use. This will give you overall control during the tattoo process. 

5. Be realistic.

A good tattoo artist knows their limitations. Knowing is one thing, but admitting and accepting these limitations is different. But that shouldn't stop you from learning and practising new techniques. But if you're not ready, and you know you're not confident that you can achieve the client's desired design, say it to them directly. Accepting projects that are beyond your limitations might lead to a disastrous outcome. You don't want an unhappy client right? Be realistic and be honest. Keep in mind that customers worked hard to save money for their tattoos and they also endure the pain, so they don’t want to end up leaving your shop dissatisfied and traumatised. 

5 Important Tips to Make A Perfect Tattoo 0

A perfect tattoo isn't that easy to achieve, but with the right elements and skills, you can definitely pull off a perfect tattoo.  

To accomplish this ultimate goal, keep these 5 important tips in mind. 

1. Listen to your client 

Different clients have different tastes. Some want a detailed tattoo, while others choose simpler ones. Whatever your client prefers, listening to their wants and needs is very important. Communicating with your client is important before and during the tattoo process. Coming up with an actual design based on what they want will depend on your creativity and skills. Draft the design and show it to your client, be open to their comments. Don't hesitate to suggest an idea, if you think it will improve the design. If the design or the size is not feasible, explain it to your client, tell them the reasons why you don't recommend it, and offer them alternatives. 

2. Pay attention to placement

The design shouldn't be the only focus to achieve a perfect tattoo. Most of the time, clients already know the design and placement they want. As the expert, you should be able to tell whether the design and size will fit the placement they have chosen. If not, don't hesitate to tell them. You can suggest other better placements, or you can suggest adjusting the size of the design. Explain to them and show them the possible outcome if they insist the placement and size they want. 

3. Consider techniques in advance

Tattoo sessions are usually pre-booked, this gives you an opportunity to study and consider techniques you can use that will give you the best approach. You can even try sketching and using coloured pens to give you a better idea on how you can give justice to your client's chosen design. 

4. Get to know your equipment

Of course, if you're planning to make this a career you should know every equipment by heart. You should be comfortable with the equipment you will be using. Being uncomfortable with your equipment will affect the overall result of your work. Familiarise your self with all the equipment you will be using, and the brand of ink you choose to use. This will give you overall control during the tattoo process. 

5. Be realistic.

A good tattoo artist knows their limitations. Knowing is one thing, but admitting and accepting these limitations is different. But that shouldn't stop you from learning and practising new techniques. But if you're not ready, and you know you're not confident that you can achieve the client's desired design, say it to them directly. Accepting projects that are beyond your limitations might lead to a disastrous outcome. You don't want an unhappy client right? Be realistic and be honest. Keep in mind that customers worked hard to save money for their tattoos and they also endure the pain, so they don’t want to end up leaving your shop dissatisfied and traumatised.